Chapter 2: The Morning After

Sunlight peered through the curtains of a large bedroom, waking Diana from her deep slumber. “Mmmm~” She stretched her arms and legs while she lay on her side. A sense of peace and satisfaction radiated through her. She closed her eyes and let a dreamy smile form on her lips.

Confusion and panic quickly replaced her peaceful morning mood. She was in the largest and most comfortable bed she had ever seen. The sheets and blanket were definitely worthy of nobility, and not a commoner like her.

Diana was alarmed when a hand moved its way along her bare waist beneath the blanket. Someone moved closer behind her. It was definitely a woman, judging by the soft feeling that pressed against her back. Then, the perfume she smelled from the vampire she fought last night reached her.

She turned herself as much as she could to confirm that it was Rosaline cuddling her from behind. Diana blushed and screamed in her mind. I’m in bed with the vampire! She confirmed that they were both naked, which all but confirmed her worst fears. My first time was with a woman! A vampire woman! A married vampire woman! Ugh, I’ve brought shame to my entire family!

Rosaline awoke and chuckled. “I’m not married, dear,” she assured her guest. She opened her eyes and smiled. “Good morning, Diana.”

Diana pulled away and covered her chest with the blanket. “Y-you can read minds?” she quickly asked.

Rosaline propped her head up on her hand. “Yes,” she confirmed the hunter’s fears. “However, you screamed so loud that I could not help but listen. It’s similar to screaming in a hallway and wondering if the people in their rooms heard you.”

Diana grit her teeth. “You definitely used your magic to bring me to your bedchambers.”

Rosaline raised an eyebrow and sat up. She let the blanket spill down her lap and made no effort to cover her chest. “I most certainly did not. Affection gained through magic isn’t real, and I derive no pleasure from it.” She grinned and crawled toward Diana like a predator stalking her prey. “Come now, think a moment. If you can’t remember what happened last night, I would be more than happy to remind you.”

Diana’s eyes widened. She blushed, looked away from the woman before her, and remembered their duel. Rosaline was much too strong and fast for her. She threw a bomb at the vampire, a concoction that mixed silver dust, garlic, and holy water.

Rosaline used magic to catch it midair and gently set it aside. “Please don’t make a mess. This would be quite inconvenient to clean, even for the maids here.” She disarmed Diana with a single swing and pushed her against the wall.

Diana covered her face with the blanket as she recalled the sweet words Rosaline had spoken to her and how she had melted in the vampire’s embrace. Rosaline took her first kiss along with just about everything else. The vampire’s hands explored every inch of her body, leaving her feeling both bliss and shame.

Her hands flew to her neck to check for bites. Then she looked at her wrists and found nothing. She watched Rosaline leave the bed and summon a thin robe that highlighted her figure. The vampire didn’t seem to have an ounce of shame, flaunting her body in front of a perfect stranger.

“I may have nibbled you here and there, but nothing that would give you your own set of fangs, my dear,” Rosaline assured her, humor evident in her voice. She watched a shade of pink cover Diana’s cheeks.

Diana sighed in relief and took the blanket with her as she left the bed. She scanned the large bed chamber for her clothes and equipment. “Where are my belongings?”

“My knights confiscated your weapons, and my maids took your clothes to be properly washed. Naturally, your weapons will be returned on my order,” the vampire lady replied.

Diana expected as much. She lowered her guard and could only blame herself for being disarmed…and disrobed. “And…when will you give this order?” She was wary, no matter how enamored she was.

“After we talk,” Rosaline said as she strode over to Diana, her hips swaying side to side with each step. “We can talk about that later. For now, would you join me for a bath? Your clothes will be waiting for you in my bath chamber.”

“Uh…” Diana was at a loss for words. Rosaline rested her hand on Diana’s hip and held her close. Another robe flew into her hand as though the hunter had already answered. Rosaline’s eyes peered into her soul, making her tremble. “W-well….” She remembered how Rosaline pressed her against the wall last night, their lips a mere breath apart, and how she melted on the spot.

Diana’s heart raced as she struggled not to look away. “Fine, just don’t act inappropriately again.”

Rosaline giggled and stepped away. “As you wish, my dear. I wouldn’t want to make my guest feel uncomfortable.” She handed the spare robe to Diana and turned away so the hunter could wear something other than a large blanket.

Diana took deep breaths to steady her heart. She quickly put the robe on and tied it closed. It was almost a moot point; the vampire had not only seen everything, but she had definitely touched everything if those embarrassing memories that flashed through her mind were anything to go by.

Rosaline turned back to face her and flashed a brilliant smile. Her silver hair seemed almost divine as it reflected the sun’s rays. Diana couldn’t help but smile back. The vampire’s smile was almost as bright as the sun that shone through the window.

“Wait! The sun!” Diana pointed at the window behind Rosaline.

The vampire looked behind her, then back to Diana. “Yes? It’s a lovely day today.”

“Y-you’re not burning…? I thought vampires died to the sun’s light.”

Rosaline briefly chuckled. “Weaker vampires, like half-bloods, will burn. I’m a natural-born vampire and a member of nobility. I bask in the sun, same as you.” She stepped closer to Diana and gently stroked her cheek, earning another cute blush from her guest. “But I appreciate your concern.” Her heart fluttered as much as Diana’s, a sensation she never expected to feel again. “Come, I’ll show you the way.” She took her guest’s hand and led her out of the bed chamber.