Chapter Six: Name

"Is everything okay on the outside?" I asked, trying my hardest to keep the dirty thoughts that were beginning to roam through my head at bay. "It wasn't that serious?"

Elias frowned. "Didn't I already tell you that it wasn't any of your concern?"

I nodded. "However, I have to live here, and I would rather not have to worry about being killed just yet."

"You really think the enemy would be able to make it past the gates with their lives?" Elias asked, his gaze darkening. "Are you doubting my men's ability?"

When he put it like that, it did sound like that was what I was doing; however, I just wanted to live, and that was it. Hell, I had gone as far as becoming this ridiculous vampire's slave in order to do so.

"Of course I'm not." I said trying to look pitiful. "I'm just afraid."

"If you are to be afraid, you should be afraid of me." Elias said, flashing a smile. "I am capable of so much worse than those damned holy knights are."

"So sorry," I said. "I will not doubt you ever again." There was no reason to argue with this stubborn vampire.

It was pretty amazing just how cocky this man standing before me was. Then again, should I be expecting anything less from a prince?

"Now, since I am no longer in the mood, you should get out of bed." Elias said, narrowing his gaze at me. "You don't expect to stay here all night, do you?"

"No, of course not." I said quickly, getting up, looking around, and trying to locate my clothes. "I was simply waiting for your command."

It was partially true; I was waiting for him to say that I was free to leave, although I didn't know if he expected me to stay here all night or not. In one way, I was relieved he wasn't; in another, I found myself disappointed.

"Where will I be staying?" I asked as I pulled my shirt over my head, hiding my torso from view.

"Wilson is outside the door; he will show you to the servant's wing." Elias responded, making his way over to me. "Also, we need to come up with a name for you."

Come up with a name for me. Oh yes, I needed a name. It wasn't like I could possibly go around having people address me as a human and a woman, or actually, if they absolutely wanted to, they could, I suppose. But at the mention of getting a name, I couldn't bring myself to feel happy.

"You truly have no recollection of what your name is?" Elias asked, eyeing me.

I couldn't understand why he was asking this of me; he had already invaded my mind and learned for himself that I remembered absolutely nothing.

"No, nothing." I confirmed quietly.

"Hhhhmmmmm." Elias watched me as I stood waiting.

It looked like he was giving serious thought to what he would call me. I wondered if I should feel honored since a great soon-to-be king was going through trouble. With what I had seen from him so far, if I didn't show the proper amount of appreciation, he would definitely not let me live it down.

"Cassandra." Elias said, smiling to himself. "What do you think?"

I considered. "I don't quite feel it fits."

Even if I couldn't remember my own name, I didn't feel like a Cassandra.

"Arissa?" Elias continued. "Erabella?"

"No and no." I responded; those didn't sound right either.

"Are you really going to be difficult?" Elias demanded huffing. "I could simply deem you woman and be done with it."

"I'm aware; they just don't sound right. I apologize." I said.

Even though I knew I should be watching my tone, I just couldn't help but bristle.

"Valerie," Elias said, suddenly smiling proudly. "I think it is quite a fitting name."

Valerie?  It didn't sound half bad, and for some reason it resonated within me. I couldn't help but wonder if maybe that was my name before.

"I can live with that." I beamed. "It sounds nice."

"Now Valerie," Elias announced, standing up. "You shouldn't keep my steward waiting much longer."

Flushing I nodded. With the talk of a name, I had forgotten that I was to be shown to the servants quarters so I could finally be free of Elias for a while.

"I will call for you when I need you." Elias called as I exited the room to find the old man from earlier waiting on me.

"Hello." He greeted me smiling. "The master has said that I am to show you to the servants quarters."

I nodded. "Lead the way, please."

Continuing to smile Wilson turned and began making his way down the long corridor that led away from Elias' room and into the main portion of the castle. He didn't bother turning to see if I was following.

Looking around, I couldn't help but be in awe as we moved. The castle was magnificent, with its golden walls and red rugs and jewel-covered picture frames that held what I could only assume to be past royalty.

"The old kings and queens." Wilson spoke as if taking in my line of sight.

"But if they were vampires, how did they..." I trailed off, not sure how to go about asking my question.

"The people of this land weren't always vampires." Wilson responded quietly.

Frowning I tried to determine if I had heard him correctly. Had he just said that people weren't always vampires? Did that mean that once upon a time, they were normal humans? If that was the case, then what exactly happened?

"This land is cursed." Wilson continued slowly.

I was really beginning to wonder if the old man could read my thoughts. His accuracy was impeccable.

"What do you mean cursed?" I asked, stopping in my tracks.

Turning to face me, Wilson examined my face to see if I was genuinely curious or if I had ulterior motives. Determining that I could be trusted, he let out a long breath.

"It is a long story." He began locking his gaze with mine. "Do you mind listening to me tell it?"