Heirot

Tenele shook her head. "You're not a monster," she told him quickly, reaching out and placing her hand on his arm. "I'm sorry I treated you like that. I should have never asked you to do such a thing."

Vlad closed his eyes. "I do not deserve you. I don't deserve him, either. I belong in the square with that crowd. Not in your arms. I...tried to give up the blood I took. I feel like I'm losing my mind."

Tenele frowned, her hand sliding from his shoulder to his face. She moved in closer to him. "Please don't say that. You deserve me." she whispered. "Why would you want to give up my blood? I don't understand."

"You nearly died because of me. And to save you, I nearly killed Atul. To gain strength from hurting the people I should care about...it's too twisted. I shouldn't be capable of it. Perhaps I should have taken Attara's offer. I should not have chosen this path. It proves my vanity. There is nothing big and bad left to protect you from, except me."

Tenele took his face in both her hands, forcing him to look at her. "I nearly died because I was nearly burned to death. It was sickness born from my own stupidity; from traveling days across desert sands and heat and poking at things I shouldn't. Atul is strong, Vlad. He's okay. Please, don't doubt who or what you are. I fell in love with you, with the you that you are now. I know the risks."

Vlad's red eyes rose to hers. He wanted to look at her forever. He cupped his hands over the backs of hers, his eyes dry but flared bright with torn emotions. "Do you really believe a person such as I could father a child?" he asked her quietly. It was clear from his expression that her answer meant everything.

Tenele's eyes sparkled. She looked his face over. "I believe that you are a strong, fierce, man. That you have spent so many years ignoring human emotions that when you are pushed into a corner you lash out because you have forgotten how to deal with them. But, that doesn't make you a bad person, Vlad. You are immensely protective, you love deeply, and are profoundly loyal. And while the world around us may think I'm crazy for marrying you, or for loving you, or for having a child with you... I know the truth. I know that, while you are not the most conventional father... it does not mean you would love or protect our child any less. If anything I think they will be more loved and more protected by you because you see humanity from a different perspective than the rest of the mortal world. You are eternal and understand the beauty of mortality. Yes, I believe you will be a good father." She smiled at him. "And I'm not just saying that because I want to have a child with you. I really believe it."

The dead king blinked, and the horror faded from his expression. Her words were spoken so honestly that they were convincing even to him, despite himself. She really did believe it. And her belief made him feel worthy. Not just worthy, but obligated to be earn the right to that confidence. "Thank you," he said, his fingers curling around hers. He'd messed up, and she loved him anyway. If his pride could bear to let her forgive him, then forgiving himself could not be so impossible. He kissed her fingers. "I want to rest with you."

"I want you to rest with me," she murmured to him, pressing her lips gently to his. She then led him from the bathroom and back to bed. Atul was snoring, a little louder than he normally did. That was a testament to how tired he really was. She snickered at the King, crawling between the covers until she could snuggle back against him. She faced Vlad and smiled up at him, lying on her side. "Let's sleep. Tomorrow is a new day."

"Are you definitely well?" Vlad asked as he glided into the bed next to her. The cool fabric felt good on his bare skin, his body just drained enough to appreciate the softness of the mattress.

Tenele smiled. "Very well," she admitted. "Atul's blood has made me strong... and energetic. Though, I'm not so energetic that I can't sleep." Remembering what he'd said about trying to get rid of her blood, Tenele reached out and brushed her fingers across his cheek. "Are you well?"

Vlad smirked at her. "I am well enough. Though if you have such energy, perhaps I should be entertaining you instead of luring you to bed." He looked at Atul over her shoulder. "I've worn him out."

Tenele glanced over her shoulder at the King. "He's allowed to be worn out every now and then..." Tenele scooted closer to her husband so that her body brushed his. "Well, if you were to entertain me, what do you suggest?"

"Yes, he smirked at Atul's form over his shoulder. "I suppose he is." He reached out and combed his fingers through her silver hair. "Well, I am naturally entertaining. But I suppose I could embellish by taking you for a walk. Or I could give you a massage. I am rather skilled at massage," he winked.

Tenele smiled. "I'm not dressed for a walk... Neither are you. I wouldn't be opposed to being spoiled by a massage." Tenele sat up, pushing the covers off onto Atul so they covered his head. He didn't seemed phased by the extra weight, but it did muffle his snoring. She sat with her back to her husband, drawing her silver hair over one shoulder.