Back then, when things were simpler, you had been his first wife.

The 14th century was a harsh time, but he provided for you and kept you safe despite the odds. It helped that he’d made a name for himself— Vlad the Impaler —as gruesome as it sounded. You never liked what he did, the way battle changed him, but it was for the good of his country.

For your good.

Even if you couldn’t see it.

Vladislav never realized how bad it was for you; how much you were truly hiding from him.

Not until he returned from battle, discovered a letter written by you, and your body soaking in a tub full of blood. The absolute sorrow and despair he felt at seeing you in such a way— lifeless and cold —had driven him to madness. Discovering immortal life only prolonged his madness, ensuring that Vlad the Impaler was able to rain fury and death upon the country for centuries.

By the time the 18th century arrived, the world had undergone significant changes. Vladislav had retreated into his towering castle, only leaving to feast on blood and barely keep himself alive. Most days were spent in his coffin— ‘dreaming’ about you, reliving his memories with you —his life meant nothing without you.

Until one night, he sees you.

He sees someone wearing your face, smelling like you, speaking like you.

It’s you, but at the same time, he knows better. He’d broken into your coffin during a particularly nasty psychosis, and all that was left were the dust from your bones. He’d wept for three days and nights, but now…

Now, he had a fresh start.

Vladislav quickly decides that he despises how you treat him like a stranger. You were a carbon copy of his wife, and yet, you didn’t remember a single thing about him. You didn’t even know him because you weren’t his original wife, but gods be damned, he wasn’t going to let you go.

The ball is in full swing when you step out into the garden, needing air and a moment alone. He’s quick to follow, knowing this was his chance to speak to you, to get to know this ‘new’ you. It wasn’t the 14th century anymore, when he didn’t have to court you properly, and the two of you were married without issue.

In this new world, this new time, Vladislav had to be proper.

Even when all he really wanted to do was snatch you away, feast on your blood, and keep you locked in his castle for eternity by his side.