Elizabeth walked outside his room like a ghost, very still, quiet and fast like a shadow. She can't be caught it'll dishonor her, her father and the Dukes name.

She has been trained too by her father for her own protection or escaping some dangers. She arrived at her room and lock it. Removing her cloak and dace the mirror, all the bruise, marks or hickeys we're gone.

She sighed and took off her clothes slipping into her night gown.

It was still early that's why no one saw her or even hear her walking from the Dukes room. She called in her friend what she calls not a servant nor hand maiden.

"Lucy I need a bath can you help me? " she smiled as her friend walked inside the room, bowing her head.

Lucy had black hair, and brown eyes young and sweet apparently still thirteen but she was sold off by her parents along her siblings.

Elizabeth did took her in along her other three more siblings but one was bought out by another noble.

"Of course young mistress."

"Lucy? "

"I mean Elizabeth... "

"Good no ones here now we can proceed our own ways."

"Indeed... "

Lucy fill up the tub and pour in some essentials for scent, moisture and rose petals. She walked inside the room still clutching her nightgown.

"Lucy can I take my bath alone today? Please feel free to have some chats with your brother. I heard he's here too."

"Of course madame excuse me and thank you Elizabeth! You're like the best mother I had! "

"I'm quite young to be your mother so I see you as my little sister. I always wanted siblings but my mother died in an early age."

"Goodbye milady... And thank you again. "

With Lucy gone she could finally enough bath but it was always lively with the girl then she has to know about her appearance. Her hair was all over, while her discomfort between her legs.

The pain was going away now thanks to his medicine also maybe her weird healing powers. She dip her toe then herself afterwards.

Washing her hair and put in some treatment over it. She loved her long long hair, it reminded it of her mother since the woman always braided her daughters hair when she was little.

Washing every inch of her body she find dirty or was it pleasure?

She sighed and creep her fingers down below and rubbed herself. She moaned and shivered in amazement.

God she prayed to be with him again then stuck her finger inside her. She opened her legs and went a little deeper biting her lip.

It felt good and she was pleased with herself but she immediately removed herself within her and slapped herself.

What the hell was she doing?!

She felt very dirty to herself and scrub off more harsh against her delicate skin but his scent was there always haunting her to go back to his room.

This can't be happening if George finds out about this he'll surely kill her in their wedding night. She can come up with a lie that she lose it already since she always rode horses. That's a supporting fact and trivia. She was still not engaged but likely arranged now. Her father was away and still back in London with trading ships to deal with.

She patted herself dry and wore a simple white dress the style and design was all english with laces and gloves. She always likes gloves but sometimes there's a meaning why she always wore them.

Thank God she didn't kill the Duke last night. He would have been a popsicle now but he was already cold. Her powers were supernatural. She can use elemental not on purpose it depends on what state she's in. Her father doesn't know any of it only her mother.

She was afraid they'll call her a witch or sorceress. Her mother always reminded her to be cautious. She knew she told Duke last night about her healing ones. How she hated herself opening up her secrets to him. He could easily point her out and make her dead by calling her witch. She wore her hat and stroll off the gardens. Marie was there with her first child Alice.

Marie was wearing a French dress all white with a hat while Alice's was pink. Marie is now married for six years so Alice is five. The two are taking tours with the other guests but she knew all the secrets and pathways in her Uncle's Mansion.

She walk in a different path and went to a secret compartment in the gardens. It was the secret rose garden in there.

She enjoyed her time there as always probably because this was her runaway or hiding spot from her aunts teachings. She smells the flowers and touch each little bud.

"I knew I smell something sweet! "

A voice came out from nowhere and was surprise no one has ever out pass or out smart her. Her defense was down. She knew that voice that alluring and English accent tone.

"Good morning my Duke. Excuse me.. "

She walked pass him, bowing her face in shame when he grabbed her arm and looked at head down. She wanted to cry and forget everything but she couldn't.

"Elizabeth let's talk... We can talk in here, I believe this is the most private part in the Chaplain resident."

She nodded her head and sat down beside him only a couple inches in the bench.

"I believe I'm not forgiven also I don't need your mercy. I know you can never forget my behaviour towards you last night. I don't regret anything but I want to know more about you Elizabeth. More than meets the eye... "

She looked at him in droopy wet eyes as he swiped down her tears. He winked at her then she laughed a bit after that. He carefully make her head rest at his chest as she calm off from her tears. He needs to know more about the mortal. This game has his full attention.

"Elizabeth did you take breakfast yet? "

"No I did not. I was afraid you'll see me." She wiped down her tears and sat straight again.

"Why are you afraid off? I don't bite." He chuckled and kissed her cheek which made her blush.

"You almost bit my ear off last night."

"Cause you were tempting! "

"That's not an excuse my Duke."

"Perhaps this is... "

He leaned down then cupped her cheek and kiss her. She wrapped her around him as they opened they're mouths in estacy again. That pleasure of tongues fighting who'll be in domain.

This is a game and she knows that but she was bored out from her life that she wanted to play and be a bad girl for a change. He stopped and kissed her neck how much he wanted to taste that blood again.

"Come let's have you take your breakfast."

"I can manage myself Duke."

"We have a long schedule for us to know about each other so I'll take chances then I'm starving."

"You didn't take your breakfast? "

"I waited for you but you didn't came."

"I'm sorry... "

"Don't be consider it you punishing me for last night."

"Alright... "

She enjoyed the meal of croissants and eggs while he ate steak and a glass of wine.

"Wine in early morning Duke? It's not healthy you know."

"My dear I'm perfectly fine. In fact I have something in mind today."

He can eat like humans and sleep but not too often and since he just drank all her blood last night he wasn't that hungry but he was observing her. She was a bit weak like vampires are if not feed with blood not human food but he believe she was half. He added a bit of fresh blood at her black tea and didn't tell her.

He was wondering what would be her reaction with blood. Surprisedly nothing happen like she's going to devour him or the servants outside. After they're breakfast they walk off near the small pond at the mansion and watched the guest from afar playing and having fun. She did changed her clothes into a more simpler one.

He didn't mind and love it. It was white just white like how pure her soul was. How much he wanted to stain that purity within her.

"Duke aren't you missing out the activities? It'll be better than walking around with me."

She was holding his arm while they walk. He was the first one she ever held hands with. She had never touched her father's hands before. She always thought it'll be warm but Duke's hands or arms we're cold. It was weird but she didn't bother to ask it'll be rude then she like it that way. She always felt drain or exhausted from too much heat.

"No I like silence better. It makes me felt like I belong. "

"Why would the Duke belong you fit in every party or events well." She smirked.

"Yes but not by blood nor heart." He answered and looked at her eyes.

"Elizabeth can I paint you? " he asked.

"Why?... I'm not that pretty." She looked away from his eyes and looked at the path.

"What? You don't think so... I always admired you. Your the most loveliest girl I have ever gaze upon." His whispering voice has send her chilled and shivering with his lips near her ear.

She felt like dying in with him being close like she was held captive over a man she barely knew. He chuckled and dragged her back to the rose garden. She was surprise he had the canvas, palette and paints ready.

"How did you?... "

"I wanted to paint you the moment I first saw you."

"Do you paint every girl you slept with? "

She gave him a snickered as he chuckled then cross his arms.

"No... You're the first I want to paint you every moment I'll be with you."

He brushed off the hair in her forehead near her brow then removed her hat while she looked deeply as his eyes. Before she knew what she was doing she pulled him close and kissed him. He kissed her back and pulled her even closer as she tiptoed to meet his lips.

The lips they both craved since after breakfast. She was attracted to him in every way. He was the first guy she found charming and she wants to be with. She knew she was a doll but she hopes she could change that. He gently removed the pins in her hair as he kissed her. Later her hair was all down and she stopped.

"I'm sorry... I didn't mean too." She blushed up pink while he remained in his white pale skin like snow.

"Why would you be? You're just being curious." He took one more small peak at her lips then let her sat on the bench along the flowers. Brushing her hair with his hands, the first time he had brush a woman's hair that compassionate and gave her a book.

"What's the book for? " she asked, it didn't have any titles.

"Props and something to fill out your luscious desires for awhile as I paint you. "

"A normal book would be fine Duke."

He kissed her temple before leaving, walking towards his canvas.

"Elizabeth I want you look at me first then you can read later after I'm done sketching."

"I find you more interesting to read than a book." She giggled while he smiled at her hungrily.

"How bout we'll chat as I paint? "

"That's a wonderful idea so you go first."

After a long time of conversation between the two. He used up a bit of his skills as a vampire to finish up quickly. She wouldn't know cause his movement we're faster than light and he was done about minutes ago just pretending as he waited for the paint to dry and learn more about her.

He learned she was a writer, then mostly do men stuff than for ladies then she has a white cat with little brown spots named Snow. She likes winter season than any other. For lunch they just have a picnic while he stop painting. Then back to his finished wet canvas while she read the book but he was adding more details.

"I'm all done Elizabeth and the paint is almost completely dry too."

"That was fast the last time I have myself being paint was with my mother and it took a week."

She scurriedly rose up from the bench and made way beside him. To see his work.

She was amazed at his talent. In surprise she hung her jaws out as he chuckled and kissed her cheek. Then she blushed.

"How did you do that! "

"When you're busy you need to learn to adjust your time. It's not a big deal, well it's not that well detailed."

"I'm serious this is beautiful! You made me look beautiful!"

"Elizabeth you are beautiful..."

"Thank you Duke."

"Please you earn my trust just call me Thomas... "He said with a hopeful tone.

"Thomas? "

"With you speaking my name it's like angels voice calling out... "

"Flattering with your tongue again." She smiled.

"It's my nature of course the model did a great job. It takes patience to wait that long."

"I wish it was you we're a painter. I still didn't have my portrait done."

"A beauty like yours should be commemorated. How bout I paint you tomorrow, your portrait." He complimented.

"Oh no please don't you have some things to do than waste your time on me Thomas? "

"Trust me my time is worth spending it with you."

"Alright... It's getting dark.. Thomas I need to go know or Josephine will release the hounds to find me."

"Of course... Goodbye Elizabeth I have a great time all day with you."

He kissed her hand then hands over her hat and her pins.

"Thank you Thomas I have an amazing time too."

She left and gather up her hair all loose in her back then twist it into a bun and pin it immediately before walking outside the garden. She wore her hat back and walk towards the back door of the mansion. She was startled when Josephine have the hounds prepared.

"Where have you've been? " her cousin hugged her and teared up.

"In the market... I can be independent you know plus I have a couple of friends in here."

"Just leave a note or something! " said her cousin.

"Alright geez stop crying you won't be pretty anymore." She shrugged.

"I'm pretty in every angle remember that."

"I know... "

Her cousin held her shoulder and was surprise to see her all primp up for the night in a lovely gown when she back normally she would force her to join her in the party.

With Lucy helping her doing braids. It was a turquoise dress with her shoulders all bare and hair all braided. Wearing simple jewelry and her face shines with her natural fair skin and rosy cheeks. Her lips we're tainted with a bit of color red and a smile greeted her.

"Someone's in love!... " Josephine screamed at the door then close it.

"Quiet down! " she turned and hushed her cousin all giggling.

"No I'm not just being pretty tonight!... "

"You're blushing! It's a guy!"

She tried to cover her face but failed miserably. Lucy was now laughing along with Josephine.

"No wonder why mistress choose a lovely dress."

"Lucy! " her friend smiled and covered her giggles over her mistress red blushing face.

"May I be excuse mistress... "

"Yes you may.. "

Lucy left the two women at the room and Josephine wasn't helping she was pushing up her buttons for details but she gave only quite a few. Josephine was finally out her line since the woman's husband dance her through the room. The party was massive and wide, there we're chattering, murmuring, drinking, eating and dancing even a small group of performers were there from the circus.

The last time she's been in the circus was when she was five with her parents. How she missed her mother terribly. She buried herself in the corner while her cousin spin and spin across the room. Well she's entertained and happy now while she was sulking in the darkness. She never saw the Duke probably dancing with other women.

She sighed and let her head rest at her hands in the table.

When cold hands covered her eyes and only one person she knows has hands like that.

"Thomas, You're here! " he was behind her in his usual smile of mischief.

"Did you miss me? "He chuckled.

"No.... A little.. " a blushed creep into her face and he looked around.

"Why aren't you dancing? Are you waiting for me? " he asked with curiosity.

"I'm much more better in fencing than dancing. "

"Well if you can fight then you can dance as well. Fighting and dancing are a like it's both arts and needs practice. How bout we warm up first then join them later? "

"Are you sure I'm worth your time? "

"If I am worth in yours too? " he wink his eye as be lend them in the balcony.

"Very well... " she smiled and held his offering hand.

"We'll start it slow... " he grabbed her waist and hold her hand as she let's her left hand rest at his left. They both look at each others eyes and started a slow pave of steps then beginning to catch up with the beat of the music inside the dance floor.

"You're flawless why hide it? " he said and still remain in eye contact.

"You're just flattering."

"Am not... Really you're a fast learner. "

"And you're a great teacher. "

They both smiled as he lend them inside the room to join in the others turning and spinning. He thought she was a natural, she did mention that her aunt was persistent she should learn how to dance than fencing.

He twirled her around like she was a flower and he was the frame in the picture.

How exciting it was to dance with her. He was starting to be attracted to her not his lust but more on her attitude and personality. The last he did this all women we're just spending off his cash and the benefits in bed but she never pulled him nor we he will now. For the time being he wanted to stick close on this woman until he's finish and bored he'll leave her like the others.

In the vampire society he was in second power as the cousin of the supreme dark lord Dracula if others call him he has many names and titles too. As second in power he is mostly pushed around to ascend the throne but he didn't like politics in there all corrupted and mind controlling than humans.

True humans kill each other for power but vampires we're far more worst. No one has challenge him they ate scared of him and he was very powerful in the roof of the clan he is second in reign and known as the White Shadow, one of his titles then it's Duke of Whites in the human world.

He like to spend his time with humans as a rich lord and watch how they involved. Each puny little humans have a story it was entertaining his immortal and boring life. He has meet a lot of women and not we're like her all pure and shy perhaps he find someone go entertain him a little longer than normal.

He did order someone to spy on her father but non have return yet then her mother has no image nor portrait even evidence she existed. Almost her daughter and husband only knows her.

"Thomas I'm curious what are you thinking? Seems like a deep thought? " she looked worried over his strong gaze over her.

"Oh.. I'm sorry I forgot we were dancing." He return to his smile and kissed her cheek. She was okay and fine with him kissing her, she wanted to feel like finally someone liked her.

"It's alright are you tired? You did painted almost half day. "

"Trust me not even a slightest."

They rested off in the dessert section she was tired and wanted go have sugar rush to fill up her weak body. She wanted to just stick with him all night but it feels like she was dying in her heels.

"Elizabeth I think we should call it a night. I want you to look beautiful tomorrow."

"Perhaps..."

"Come on I'll lead you to your room."

"Please just me. I'm fine. Thank you Thomas... "

"Okay goodnight."

He kissed her hand and turned around. Then she surprise him with him unnoticing she kiss his cheek. He couldn't believe it a mortal just evade his line of defense. It's bad luck to have his guard down. But she meant no harm. He turned around to find her smiling.

He push her in the side of the pillar outside the room. Then kissed her fiercely he was controlling himself not to hurt her but he couldn't contain himself anymore. He kissed her neck and began to lift her skirt. She moaned over his touches.

No one was there to watch or listen to them. He carried her to his room with kisses and lock the door after arriving. She lay down his bed as he chuckled in delight crawling over the young girl. Another toy he admitted but was she? He removed her dress and ripped out her tight corset. As she push him in bed removing his cravat and kisses his neck then he licks hers too. He licked his lips as she removed his clothes and garments like he was her prey ready to be devoured. She kisses everything that is attached to her. He craved over her innocence and silken skin.

Her warmth and delighted smile always makes him feel he has found something new. She was different a child growing up and he was the tool that bring out all her wild fantasy and desires of becoming a woman.

"Tell me your mine Elizabeth! "

"I'm yours! yours! Thomas! " she moans out his name.

"Good, I'm yours too! "

She can't help it but she was desperate for him to be close. She can do anything for him, be his forever if she offer. All she wants was love and attention she was willing to play his game.

She was lonely very lonely most her times we're spent on books and her cat then help around the household.

They tangled their naked bodies, slamming each others core and releasing all their mad fantasy all night until she was succumb by her aching and tired body. She fell asleep in his thin cold chest and was happy.

She likes cold things, winter was her favorite, she knows she was strange almost different and called a freak sometimes but no ones dares to challenge or face her father.

He was a Count and well respected. He wanted to suck her blood but he couldn't and wondered why he cant. He was not resisting but he find himself just staring at the sleeping mortal at his bed. He couldn't sleep and didn't care. He knew she was tired and he was a vampire so sleeping is not his middle name.

He was so fascinated by her features that he wanted to paint her image again. He was desperate now and wants her to be his. He carefully slipped down a silken night gown and place her back gently. Then added flowers.

She looked beautiful his doll. Just helpless and asleep in his bed. He started painting her. With his night vision a common gift he has, he has no problem painting her. The moonlight and candles lid up the room enough to paint it into his canvas.

He was thinking she is going to be surprise about this one. She asked if he asked if all his women he slept with are painted but he was telling the truth. He was enchanted by and only her enough to make him get a hold of himself. She was the Aphrodite in his life and little star if he may call her.

He'll definitely never show this to her. She'll be embarrassed then he'll mostly hid it off until he'll place it in his home until then it's in the trunk you'll go. He didn't want to cause her humiliation in the society. Human desolation and section can be harsh, he didn't want her to suffer.

He wanted her to feel like a Queen until she die.

Before that she is his.....