I did not actually expect a true blood ceremony like the olden days, however, my expectations were surpassed by none other than Princess Eleanor herself.

If Rose was someone who agreed to stay here and spewed out the words that were in her head without any sort of hindrance—just so she could stay with me. Or use me as her Master and protect her, but Eleanor herself had other plans.

"Open your eyes," she quietly called out.

Resting on the sofa—and not my coffin out of spite for the particular human self, I woke up, or opened my eyes to the sight of the Princess. She had disregarded her maid robes and was back in a far more ceremonial white dress, her light hair cascading slightly over her shoulders.

A small part of me couldn't help but compare her to a Muse, or those old movies—yes, a movie rekindled in my head as I was presented with someone who looked like Helen of Troy. Her vibes were that way, a solemn look on her face... to which I merely responded to with a yawn.

"What are you doing here? Rose is going to freak out if she knew that you snuck here."

"Rose wouldn't freak because she's doing us a favor and doing all the work." Eleanor said and brushed a hair behind her ear. "I feel apologetic—but she continues to insist... Well, just come out and see for yourself. I presume someone from your station will appreciate this ritual. Although, I have not much of an idea if I am doing it correctly. I did find a grimoire in the library—"

"Please don't tell me that you've accidentally summoned an Old One—"

"No." Eleanor said in a slightly crossed tone. "You said something about wanting an official blood ceremony and since there was an available room that contained old books, freely given access—I suggested Rose to peruse and prepare something beyond her sudden confession."

My gaze lingered up and down her body—it hadn't been obvious when Rose and Eleanor first arrived, dressing in hoods and cloaks fit for runaways and then a far more traditional maid outfit, but this time? I was given full access to her physique and it made sense that she was called a princess.

"Please stop staring at my chest."

"How did you know?"

"Your silence is telling." Eleanor's lips twitched into an amused smile. "You'll see Rose's, but you'll find that I'm more endowed in this... aspect."

Hah. I stifled a smirk and pulled up to my feet, my cape flowing behind me.

"Well, let's just see this ceremony that you've planned for me as a surprise then." It had been such a long time since I attended or paid much attention to things like this one, but if they were focused on formalities... it was rude to dismiss their efforts.

I glanced momentarily into the window... and noticed my reflection. Most human mirrors failed to encapsulate our images, perhaps as a way to identify a Vampire amongst their kind—but within my circle, we were as vain as any Succubus who happened to find themselves stranded in the mortal plane. But I really did look good didn't I?

"Master?" Eleanor called out from the door.

"You know, you really don't sound genuine when you call me that." I sauntered after her. "But perhaps next time, I'll make you mean it. In the mean time, you can call me Lord."

"Very well then, Lord Blackwell," Eleanor said. "I did presume that you'd much prefer that title coming not from my lips."

I paused and chose not to comment on it, only snorting as an answer. Never did I expect that she'd be so bold to simply banter with me, and though she sometimes got on my nerves, this was rather not entirely pleasure. However, one of these days, I was absolutely going to make her swallow her tongue.

But first, the Blood Servant Ceremony.

—-

It was by mere happenstance that it was a full moon that night, its beautiful pale light spilling all over the courtyard. A crisp air which took in the fragrance of dew and flowers swept around us as Eleanor and I stepped out of the main door.

The ceremony area took place outside of the manor, simply by the grass and in one of the restored gazebos, which made me feel like commissioning it to be built was a good decision all those years ago.

In the distance, you could see Rose with her back turned to us—fussing over some item.

Her dark brown hair, unlike that of Eleanor's placed down, was simply pinned up, revealing much of her back in the silver dress that sparkled across her skin. My eyes flickered to the princess beside me.

"You know, I can't help but wonder why you and your servant has these—"

"These are from your wardrobe." Eleanor explained as we stepped through the pavement, a smile on her face.

Rose glanced over her shoulder at the sound of the princess' voice, and despite her current get-up, her face held the same rosy expression she always wore. Same Rose as always. She truly was more refreshing than her friend, not that I'd admit that aloud around Eleanor's presence.

"A more formal and fine occasion, isn't it?" I glanced coolly over at the grimoire in the pillar beside her—one of the books that I've stored in my library and then back up to her face.

"Y-yes... the princess planned it," Rose said. "I—well, she thought it would suit you more."

"I can't say I'm opposed to this," I said and finally plucked the chalice away from her hands. "Something like this only happens once between a Master and their Servant, so we might as well celebrate it and do it right."

The transformation of turning someone into a Vampire often involved its Progenitor to bite them and drain them of their blood—bringing them to the place between life and death. Those weak-willed often died. However, since I did not think that this was where our relationship was heading at the moment—it was more of a bond between a human and their Vampire Master, I merely procured a blade from my Inventory ring.

"While I appreciate the kitchen knife," I told Rose and Eleanor as they stood in front of me. "Rose just happens to be right. You do need a little bit of silver for it to actually cut through me more easily."

For a moment, I lingered and wondered what would happen if I took the weapon out—would both Rose and Eleanor attempt to stab me?

That wouldn't be much of an issue, but my trust issues might spike up. Regardless, I simply took the dagger out of the ring and swiped it across my hand, a searing sensation welcoming me as blood spilled out and flowed into the chalice.

Pain was something I've avoided and been able to numb before due to my strength, but now it affected me, and yet I did not let it show and addressed them.

"My blood to be given to my servants, to strengthen and bind you to mine," My eyes sparkled with mischief as I gauged their expressions. Rose who seemed determined when she confessed her feelings before, suddenly wavered now that this was actually presented. Eleanor herself listened patiently, not a hint of emotions escaping from her face as I explained. "If you drink from this cup and fill yourself, then you forfeit your lives in my name and freely choose to dedicate yourselves to me. The choice lies entirely with you, and so let the two of you drink now or depart into the night and find yourselves consumed."