without.you.i'm.NOTHING [mircea]

[Elena Dracul]

he Transylvanian princess murmured in her sleep as sunlight peeked through the curtain to shine in her eyes. She rolled to the side, arms reaching out, fingers expecting to touch the warm skin of her husband. In stead she found cold sheets. Dark brown eyes parted slightly, she sighed, then pulled Mircea's pillow close to her naked chest. Sleep took her for another hour, the smell of her beloved lulling her into content unconsciousness.

Elena's sleep was however interrupted when two of her maids came into the room and began shuffling about. One of them pulled apart the thick velvet curtains while the other started humming under her breath as she opened the door to Elena and Mircea's large closet chamber. The princess groaned and pulled the thick, feather stuffed covers over her head, face pressed into her husbands pillow.

The maids would't have it. Within ten minutes she'd gotten her out of bed and into her petticoats. Elena's lips were pressed together, and her eyes narrowed in disapproval. She wished nothing else but to crawl back under the warm covers. Elena reached up and rubbed at her eyelids as the maids asked which dress she would prefer on this day. Elena frowned at them, and walked to the closet herself. She would allow them to only do so much for her. Elena was a very independent woman, and marriage, along with the added wealth had not changed that.

Slender fingers ran over the numerous materials, her dresses hanging from the wall. She stopped before a royal blue gown. Elena went to take it off the wall and put it on herself, but her hands were swatted away by the maids. The princess huffed and let them do as they wished, still too asleep for it to matter over much. When the bodice clung to her breasts and hips, the rest of the dress flowing down to touch the floor, Elena was ready brought her breakfast. She ate little, rarely hungry in the morning, then dismissed her maids and left her and Mircea's chambers.

Elena considered how cool Mircea's side of the bed had been, and came to the conclusion that he'd left their bed about an hour before she'd woken the first time. She sighed, missing him already, wondering where he'd gone off to. Dark brown eyes had a far off look as she imagined her husband astride a horse, riding through the countryside, or on his feet, sword gripped in one strong hand as he swung it at his opponent...

The princess was glad for the furs she's draped over her shoulders as she hurried down the steps, out of the castle and into the courtyard. Quick steps took her to the royal stables. This was always the first place she looked for her husband.

[Mircea Dracul II]

The dawn had just been breaking when Mircea stirred from his bed. His gaze had landed on Elena, sleeping so soundly at his side that he was almost tempted to remain in his place, to curl up against her bare form and keep her warm, her satin skin against his own. Yet…his body was itching to move, to get up and do something. With a reluctance, he had kissed her cheek sweetly, and moved from the bed without so much as a sound, covered her up again, and went to dress himself. He wore his black breeches this morning, his black boots, black blouse and gray vest, and of course, his black longcoat. He buttoned the coat up some ways, yet left some room for the neck. Once he had left the massive closet his wife and he shared, he smiled at her form once more, and couldn’t resist the temptation to move to her again, he pressed his lips to her temple, then her shoulder before he covered her up again, and left their bedchamber.

He found his hound, Lucius sleeping soundly by the dimming fireplace downstairs, and after waking the dog up, led him outside. Lucius yawned, wagging his tail as he trotted at Mircea’s side, his big brown eyes looking up at his master every now and again, as if waiting for something. Mircea didn’t move however, but simply tucked his hands in his long coat pockets, and made his way to the all familiar place he visited in the morning. The stables. The horses were still sleeping, soundly of course, and Mircea moved quietly among them, grinning at Keska, who always slept with his head against the wall. He was tempted to wake him up, take him outside, but figured he could let his stallion sleep a bit, and instead, headed into the back of the stable, where some of his weaponry was stored.

As he reached the back he heard a distinct snort, and turned around. One of the other mares was staring at him, her big eyes wide, ears curious as she watched him. With a half smirk, Mircea moved away from the weapons closet, and made his way to her. Her cream coat was smooth, milky looking, and her white mane was as pristine as snow. “Your up early.” Mircea grinned, and opened the stall door for her. Hooking the rope on her lead, he led her outside into the corral, and took her off the rope. The horse took some steps forward, walking out into the foggy morning, Mircea followed her slowly, watching as Lucius began to wander around sniffing the ground.

He wasn’t completely sure what brought him down here every morning, instead of staying in bed with his wife. It was the peace of the morning air he supposed, to be out with the animals, quiet time to think. He usually would train with his sword, or find a partner to spar with, but it was early…early enough that he didn’t want to wake anyone else. As he reached the middle of the field, he took a seat on a large bail of hay, his hand still tucked in his pockets. Lucius barked softly, then came trotting over with a stick in his mouth, tail wagging. Mircea grinned at him, petting his head and taking the stick.

“Alright you…” The Prince grinned, tossing the stick far off into the field, watching as the mare followed it with her eyes, only to follow Lucius’s form as he darted after it. The cream horse snorted, flicking her tail, then walking back towards Mircea.

It was a typical morning for him…and soon, either his sparring partner would show up, the stable boy would show up, a maid would come calling for him…or…perhaps his wife would be awake… Glancing towards the east he smiled, she very well may be up by now, If he knew the maids well enough.

[Elena Dracul]

er soft, well worn leather boots made hardly a sound as she opened the stable doors and stepped inside. Elena disregarded the piles of hay and manure, making her way over to the stable of her husband's stallion, Keska. The horse was still in his stable, only now waking from a deep sleep. Elena frowned, trying to think of where else to look for her love. The stallion stepped closer to her, pushing his head out over the top of the stall door. Elena smiled, petted the horse's neck then stepped away, sighing.

She supposed that she would have to wait for her husband to just show himself. Elena couldn't help but sigh again, feeling her heart give a slight clench. Even after two years of marriage, she would miss him after mere hours, and her heart threatened to beat out of her chest whenever she caught sight of her. Hopeless. She was hopelessly and unconditionally in love with the man. Soft rosy lips curved into a smile as she pushed the stall doors open once more and stepped out into the cool morning air.

The gray winter clouds had parted enough to let the sun peek through. Elena smiled, closed her eyes and tilted her head back, enjoying the warmth on her face, the fresh clean air filling her lungs.

Suddenly her eyes snapped open and she turned her head to look back at the stables. How could she have forgotten?! She'd failed to visit Sonja, her mare. The palomino was presently pregnant, and they were expecting a small foal to be frolicking around within two months time. Elena hurried back inside, hurried to Sonja's stall and petted the beautiful horse's nose. She then fastened a lead rope on the mare and led her outside to the corral.

Once she closed the gate, Elena removed Sonja's rope and smiled, petting her neck. From the corner of her eye she caught movement, and instinctively turned toward it. Lucius was running after what appeared to be a stick, his tail wagging vigorously. A bright smile spread over her lips. If Lucius was here, Mircea couldn't be too far off. And sure enough her gaze was drawn to the man, standing a few steps away from light coloured mare.

Elena patted Sonja's neck one last time then began making her way over to her husband, "So, this is where you've hidden from me." Her tone held amusement as she tried to frown, her hands on her hips.

[Mircea Dracul II]

Mircea’s hand moved on its own. Reaching out to brush along the Mare’s long neck as she stood near him. She leaned her head down, brushing her velvet nose down his arm and nudging his elbow. Mircea turned his head towards the horse, grinning as he ran his hand along her head and ears, rubbing them gently. He then turned his gaze over towards Lucius, who came galloping back with a stick flailing in his mouth. Taking the twig, Mircea threw it again, and watched the nearly mirrored ballet of the dog running after it, and picking it up, and coming back.

The game continued on, boring and repetitious for Mircea, but oh so much fun for Lucius. After a while, Mircea stood, stretching his legs as he began to walk around the corral a bit. The mare followed him calmly, her nose often reaching forward to nudge his back if he slowed down. Lucius continued to bring the stick back, and beg his master to throw it, so of course, Mircea did, finding no reason to deny the large hound from his morning enjoyment. Pausing in the field to feel the sun touch his back he sighed, enjoying the warmth. He was about to keep moving until he heard a voice. A voice he knew very well.

Elena’s words tingled down his spine as he smiled, turning around to look at her. She looked stunning as always, in her gowns, pulled tight around her body, her full lips in what appeared to be an attempted frown, but Mircea could see the smile hiding on the edge. Her hair, shimmered in the sunlight, and he felt a slight elation fill his chest as he looked at her, hands firmly placed on her hips, If Mircea wasn’t the man he was, he would take her in the field right there, instead…he smiled wide, and began to move towards her.

“Hide from you? Never.” He put his hands in his pocket as Lucius came running back to him, then ran past him to skid to a sitting position at Elena’s feet, tail thumping the ground, begging for attention. The mare that had followed Mircea around for some time walked on past him, moving towards Sonja, nickering lowly to Elena’s mare in greeting. However, Mircea didn’t mind the horse one bit, and instead made his way to Elena. One he reached her he placed one hand on her neck, thumb resting against her jaw as he leaned down, kissing the false frown on her lips.

“Good morning my goddess.” His hazel eyes were bright and glittering as he looked at her. Every time he saw her he could swear that he had died, gone to heaven and been blessed with the love of an angel. She was perfect, and to him that didn’t even define her well enough. Her loving and affectionate ways towards him made him feel good, wanted, even though he was now simply the Prince of Transylvania…not it’s king. That didn’t seem to bother her…it seemed…all that mattered to Elena was his love…which she would always have…undying amounts of.

[Elena Dracul]

he felt as if she could stand there and watch him all day. Everything about him appealed to her. From the first time she'd laid eyes on him Elena had been captivated. And once she'd had the time to know him, inside and out, she was head over heels in love. He was almost in front of her, and she continued trying to frown, though she found it difficult to hold.

Then Mircea was right in front of her and his hand was on her neck. She felt as if she could melt into his touch. The name "tamed lioness" fit her perfectly when she was around him. His lips touched her own and her frown fell away; it took all of her self control to keep from shivering.

When he broke away, she absently reached down, fingers running over the hounds head as her eyes stayed on Mircea. The dogs tail thumped down on one of her boots at one point and she smiled and glanced down at him before turning her attention back to her husband. "Good morning lover."

Her eyes held amusement again, a bright smile on her lips. Impulsively she slipped her arms over his strong shoulders to interlock behind his neck. Elena's body was pressed gently to Mircea's and she could feel the strong muscles beneath his clothes. It took every ounce of common sense for her to keep from tearing the annoying materials off in order for her to feel his warm skin.

Elena gently shook her head as if to clear it, eyes focusing once again on Mircea's, "Kiss me again..." This probably wouldn't help the wanderings of her mind, but she simply couldn't resist him when they were so close together.


{ooc: sorry it's smaller than the others XD}

[Mircea Dracul II]

Good morning lover. The words had a tingle go down his spine as he watched her, his body close to hers. Yet it didn’t take long before her arms were around his shoulders, locking behind his head as her body pressed against his own. A familiar feeling that he craved nearly every moment he was near her. With her slim, lithe frame against his own, her lush body pressing into his made him nearly mad in the head, but he simply smiled, taking every ounce of his own mental control and using it to restrain himself.

He gave a gentile laugh as she looked up at him, her dark eyes illuminating some desire already. He held in a grin as he heard her speak, telling him to kiss her again. He obliged happily, leaning down to catch her lips in his, this time a bit firmer, more than just the gentile love…now he put a bit more passion into it, though he didn’t hold the kiss for long, instead he let go, teasing her with a smile as he did. “How did you sleep?” His words were gentile as he turned, his arm holding her waist snugly as he reached down, petting Lucius who was still sitting at their legs. The dog stood after he was pet by Mircea, and went to retrieve his stick, trotting back into the stables with it. Mircea decided to follow his hound, and kept his arm around Elena, willing her to join him as they headed back into the stables. A stable boy was already inside, opening the stalls and leading the horses into the corral, the young lad bowed to the two, and Mircea waved him on.

“What shall we do today my dear?” Mircea leaned down, lips brushing by her temple as he glanced over her head to the other horse corrals. “A ride in the woods or countryside? Cozy up and read by our fireplace…” He smiled deviously, leaning down as he stepped in front of her, hands holding her waist. “…An adventure between the soft clouds that our blankets hold.” He grinned, lips quirking into a smile. He wouldn’t deny that Elena was everything and more that he desired. She was the perfect wife, and she would’ve made a perfect queen. Yet even still, she advised Mircea as Mircea advised Vlad, and she did so with such a passion and eloquence that showed how well she would’ve been at the task had it been before her. At the same point, Mircea was glad he had her completely to himself, he didn’t have to send her off to court for queenly duties. More often than not, if he entered a room where her and other court ladies were gathered, he could easily draw her out, by the sheer stunned silence that cast over most women.

Then again, Elena never protested when he pulled her away, sometimes…well sometimes she was like water…like air. He just needed to have her, or he felt he would suffocate, be lost in a sea and drown. She was a lifeline, and if he lost her…he’d be broken. Even now as he stood before her in the field between their home and the stables, he wasn’t close enough. Her dresses and his tunic kept him at bay…and what he would give, like her…to remove them and feel the warm skin the clothes so confined.

[Elena Dracul]

he knew that he could not deny her. Though this confidence had nothing to do with vanity, though she had a share of that, but had everything to do with how well she knew her husband. Two years sharing a life, sharing a bed had not put out the fire, in either of them. Even know, Elena could feel his want for her as his lips pressed to her own. Her self control nearly snapped she returned the kiss, a soft moan caught in her throat. No other man would be able to bring this reaction from her, of that she was sure.

He pulled away, a smile on his face. Elena nearly huffed in annoyance but then gave in and returned his smile. She was quite aware that he was teasing, and he would pay for it later.

'How did you sleep?'Elena watched as her husband turned and petted the large hound at their feet, "I slept very well. That is until I turned to my husband and found cold bedsheets in stead." She let out a small, melodious love. Elena often teased Mircea about his rising early and leaving her to sleep alone in their large bed. "It was a lonely sight to wake to..." Her voice still held amusement, her eyes twinkling in amusement.

They were now walking toward the stables and she gave a slight nod to the stable boy. She hadn't broken the habit yet, even after years of being married to royalty. Mircea was the only one who kept from reminding her. He was absolutely perfect, he could make her heart gallop with a simple look...and he just knew how to handle her. Something no other man had ever, or will ever, master.

Elene smiled as her husband listed all of the possibilities their day could hold. She went very still however at his last suggestion, eyes sliding up to meet his gaze again. Instinctively she moved closer to him before murmuring back, "Oh my love, that last idea sounds delightful. But..." She lowered her lashes, feigning embarassment, "I do not think I could make it all the way to our bedchamber..." She laughed yet again, though this time her tone was considerably lower, her voice like silk.

[Mircea Dracul II]

She was teasing him again, for leaving her when he woke early. She always did, and began to feel worse about it. He had tried to stay laying in bed with her, but his body just wanted to move, needed to get up and get out, needed to feel air and movement again. He was like that as a child, waking and moving right away, and even now as an adult, in the morning he would have debates weather to stay in bed with his beautiful wife, or to go out and see the morning. If it wasn’t for the ache in his legs, he’d always stay in bed with his beautiful wife, even to just watch her sleep in some more. He could kiss her shoulders, he could comb his fingers through her silk hair, or he could just watch her, realizing each passing moment just how much he loved her…and how much he would always love her. Two years, and they were still newlyweds.

She moved closer to him, agreeing that the last idea sounded the best, he smiled at her, his heart beating just a little faster at her falsetto display of shyness and timid gazes. Yet when she spoke again, her tone was low and rich, silkier than when she first spoke, and it had his mind wandering into all sorts of dangerous places it shouldn’t for this hour of the morning. He grinned at her, his hands around her waist holding her body close. It was an unfortunate situation that the bedchamber was so far away, but at this rate, Mircea could carry her for all he cared. He leaned down slowly, his lips brushing her cheek, then her near, pressing a warm kiss against the lobe before he moved them down her neck, now and then, his teeth gently nipping at her skin. He smiled against her neck, his hand resting on her waist, holding her tight to his body, and the other resting on the nape of her neck, fingers laced into her satin hair. “I can carry you..” His voice was a low husky tone, smooth as silk, but rich as cream.

And he would’ve taken up that offer before she could even agree or disagree, that is, of course, until he heard the too familiar sound of one of the servants call his name. “Lord and Lady Dracul?” The tone was a nervous call, nearly a squeak, and Mircea nearly groaned as he lifted his head from his wife’s neck, glancing over to the servant with both hostile, and annoyed eyes. “Yes?” ”Food…sir…the breakfast is ready for you and the Princess.” Mircea forced a smile and nodded briskly. The servant hurried off, and Mircea took a moment to breathe before he looked down to his wife. He smiled, a coy, devious smile that meant he was thinking nothing good, and everything wonderful. His hazel eyes were glittering with something dark in them, and his tone was low, like it was before they were interrupted. “You decide my love…Breakfast…or Bed?” His smile was a quirk of the edge of his lip as he watched her, one brow raising in seductive curiosity.

He could honestly say he wasn’t hungry in the least, and in fact, would do just about anything to get back to their bedchamber with the goddess before him, but he would let her choose. After all…food was important…but intimacy…was ten times better.

[Elena Dracul]

ircea was her whole world. She had no doubt about that. The only reason she supported the coming alliance between Transylvania and the Ottomans was that her husband could stay safely at home, in stead of going out and risking his life in battle. A shiver ran down her spine at the mere thought of him leaving her then dying at war.

Elena shook her head slightly, bringing her mind back to the present. Mirea was standing right before her, he hadn't gone anywhere. Her body relaxed, her heart beginning to beat at a normal rate again. And it kept its rhythm until her husband touched his lips to her cheek, moving to her ear, and then to the extremely sensitive skin of her neck. Elena shivered, one hand gripping onto his coat, right above his shoulder, her eyes threatening to flutter shut. Then he used his teeth and she was glad that he had a hand on her hip, holding her, for she was almost certain her knees would have given right then. 'I can carry you...'

She no longer cared for embarrassment, or un-lady-like behavour. Her lips parted, ready to beg him to take her into the nearest room with a lock on it's door. The words however caught in her throat at the sound of the servant trying to get their attention. Elena's eyes snapped open and she turned her head, her gaze set afire with annoyance. The servant cringed at both her expression and Mircea's tone. Elena kept her hold on Mircea's coat, her body staying close. All of the castle staff had to have become accustomed to the couple's intimacy by now. If they hadn't, Elena didn't much care.

The princess smiled as her lover turned to her again, dark chocolate eyes locking on him. So it was to be her decision then? Elena was quite thankful to her maids now, and she would thank them later. They had fed her already. She gave him a coy smile, one hand reaching up to caress the back of his neck, "I have already eaten, my love. Are you hungry? I will join you..."

Elena would much rather they spent their time in bed, but her husband's well-being came before her own needs. Her expression had gone serious, the teasing pushed under the surface for the time being.

[Mircea Dracul II]

She already ate, a slight frown crossed Mircea’s lip at that, but he pushed it aside as her own smile and teasing ways seemed to fade into a more serious gaze. He sighed gently, moving back just a fraction from her. Before he could speak, his stomach let out a low growl, clearly, unfed. Mircea grinned, one of those…damn, got caught grins. “I haven’t eaten since I’ve been awake…I probably should.” He smiled down at her, his fingers taking her hand and lacing between her own. “Come sit with me.” He smiled, tugging her back towards the manor, and back into the dining room. Lucius, of course, was trotting at their heels.

Once he had pushed open the dark oak doors to the large dining hall he sighed, but then smiled. An array of foods was laying out on the table for them, two places set at the head of the table, one at the head, the other at the left of the head seat. Mircea had made a point that Elena was never to sit at the end of the table opposite of him, he disliked her so far away, it felt as if people were trying to separate them, which, if their earlier ways in the morning was any evidence, they weren’t easily separated, and they didn’t like the idea at all. Plus, most of the house staff had become very aware that Mircea and Elena were not people to be shy of their love, affection and passion for one another.

Lucius trotted past them as Mircea paused in the doorway a moment, surveying the food for the morning. The hound made his way to the back door in the Dining hall, pushing his nose through the doorway, trotting down the narrow hallway and into the kitchen, to get his own breakfast. Mircea moved his hand from Elena’s hand to around her waist, his fingers pressing across her back as he clasped onto her opposite waist, pulling her close. Mircea grinned, leaning his head over and pushing a kiss into her temple. “Have a little something?” He smiled, pulling her towards the place settings that were ready for them.

Once they had sat down, and at least Mircea had some decent amount of food he smiled, sitting back in his high back chair. Taking another drink of his fresh cider he gave a gentile sigh. Turning his hazel eyes on Elena he gave her a grin, a pleased, full, content, mischievous grin. “Thank you for sitting with me my love.” He set his napkin upon his plate and stood from the chair, moving behind Elena to pull her own back for her when she stood. Once both were up, he put his arm around her waist again, and pulled her tightly against him, face to face. “Now…since were inside the manor…we have less distance to go.” With a grin he leaned down, pressing his lips into hers with a firm passion. His hands moving from her waist up her sides, moving across her chest and up her neck, to firmly hold her neck and jaw, his fingers tangled into her hair as his lips took hers with unbridled love.

Even if they were in the dining room.