Greetings reader. I've been planning this story in my head for some time, so I decided to finally put it down somewhere, as a fan of Stoker, Hellsing and Vlad Dracula himself. I wanted to combine historical fiction with the story of our favourite vampire, so the events will take place chronologically, progressing from 15th century Romanian (Wallachia and Transylvania) to the present. The story follows the plotline of Hellsing Ultimate, and I have also added some aspects of Vlad Dracula's (real) history.

I will use some Romanian terms now and again and will include their translation. Please note I do not speak the language myself, so if there's anything incorrect please feel free to correct me.

Târgoviște, Wallachia, 1441

The young girl ran through the courtyard, ducking quickly behind the large stack of hay. She crouched on her knees, obscuring her small form with ease. Her mother would surely scold her for getting her dress dirty again, but she pushed the thought aside. 'I won't let them catch me this time' she thought to herself confidently.

The princely court of Târgoviște seemed to glow in the bright summer afternoon sun, its high towers and walls looming over the town. The girl squinted as she looked into the sky, watching as small birds flew overhead. She pushed her dark waved her over her shoulders, lifting a delicate hand to shield her eyes from the sun.

Since her father, a close confidant of the prince, had moved their family from her birthplace of Transylvania five years ago when lord Dracul was crowned, she had never stepped foot outside the fortress. Of course, the girl only being now at the age of only seven years old, barely remembered this journey. She closed her eyes, feeling the heat of the sun on her, and imagined what it would feel like to fly away from the palace, soaring far above the walls.

"Caught you!"

Her eyes flew open to see her older brother, Nicolae, grinning as he stood over the haystack she hid behind. His deep brown hair and large, almond-shaped eyes matched hers. She frowned as she stood from her hiding spot, attempting to smooth out her gown.

"Ilona, your dress is so dirty! Mother will be upset when she sees you!" he laughed, earning a dejected sigh from his little sister.

Just then the sound of galloping approached. The horse, dark and tall, stopped in between the siblings, making the older brother take a step back. The boy who sat upon the animal was barely ten years old but carried with him a sense of pride that made him seem far older.

"I forbid you from capturing this fair maiden," the boy spoke, his voice loud and clear.

"No fair, Vlad!" her older brother cried in protest.

Vlad turned to her, his mouth curling upwards into a grin. He dismounted the horse with ease and stood so that he was in front of her, his frame towering over her small one. His dark, ebony locks were messy, falling into his green eyes.

"Thank you, my lord," she smiled back at him, as he took her hand and placed a gentle kiss on it, just as he had seen his older brother Mircea do when entertaining ladies in court.

"Vlad Dracula!" a sharp rang out suddenly. He dropped her hand and turned to see the princess, storming towards the children hurriedly, her skirts flowing beneath her.

"What are you doing out here with your steed?! I have been searching for you everywhere!" she huffed. Ilona noted her reddened eyes and distraught expression, remaining silent as she curtsied to the older woman.

"I'm sorry lady mother, we were playing," Vlad apologised. Ilona noted his expression was confused also.

"Come with me this instant. Your lord father is awaiting us." The princess took hold of her son's hand, pulling him away quickly. The siblings watched in silence as they disappeared from view.

"This is a bad sign," her brother spoke suddenly. Dread hovered above the court. The sunlight no longer felt warm upon their skin.

Târgoviște, Wallachia, 1442 (one year later)

She pushed her ear closer to the heavy wooden door and tried her hardest to breathe without a sound. The place was empty at this late hour, its halls darkened and lit only by the occasional torch and the moonlight.

"Is there no other way?" she heard her father's voice through the door.

"No, my friend. The Sultan demands my attendance at the meeting, and you know as well as I do what would happen if I were to refuse," the prince sighed. "Young Vlad and Radu will go with me. It will do them good to see life outside these walls."

She heard the sound of chairs being pushed back as the two men stood.

"We depart for Adrianople in three days," the prince announced. "Mircea will oversee my duties in my absence."

She heard her father begin to speak, but the prince cut him off. "My decision is made," he asserted, then paused. "Please, my dearest friend, do not worry. This will be difficult enough to explain to my wife," his voice softened.

"Yes, my lord. I support you, as always," her father replied.

The men bid each other good night, providing her signal to leave before she was discovered. She slipped around the corner into darkness, making her way back quietly along the halls.

Her mind raced. As children of the princely court, she had grown up with sons of the dragon and had come to love them as if they were her kin. She had overheard tales of the Sultan from the servants who spoke of terrible deeds. She bit her lower lip, worried for their safety.

A force crashed into her suddenly. She closed her eyes, expecting to come in contact with the hard stone floor, but instead two strong arms wrapped around her. She opened her eyes to see two bright green ones staring at her. She noticed how the light from the full moon, streaming in through the window, seemed to illuminate them in the dark, and for a moment it took her breath away.

"Ilona," Vlad breathed, quietly. He let go of her and stepped back, allowing her to breathe. What was this queer sensation she was feeling? Nerves? Her eyes went wide as she remembered the news she had just heard.

"Vlad! I just heard our fathers talking and-" the words tumbled out of her in a jumble.

"I know," he murmured. His gaze dropped to the floor for sadly for a moment, but his expression changed quickly into one of determination that she now knew so well. "I must go with my father," he told her. "Mircea says the long journey will shape me into the man I am to become."

She nodded quietly, unsure of what to say.

"Come," he grabbed her hand quickly, leading her away and up a set of stone stairs. As they ascended their surroundings grew darker. Ilona gripped his hand tighter, suddenly feeling more afraid. Vlad noticed, and stopped to carefully grab one of the flaming torches from its holder on the wall, never letting go of her hand.

"Better?" he asked, smiling softly at her. She nodded, her cheeks turning pink with embarrassment.

Vlad led her further up the stairs, coming at last to the tower's top. Two small windows provided a view of the city. Vlad placed the torch in an empty holder on the wall, illuminating the room's small space. It was cramped, and she felt far too close to him as he led her over to one of the windows.

"Isn't it beautiful? A perfect night," he grinned. She gazed out the window and was amazed to see the town below. It was peaceful so late at night, with not a soul in sight. The moon hung overhead in the distance, seeming larger from their view at the tower's height.

"Ilona," the boy turned to her quietly. She looked into his eyes once more.

"Close your eyes," he commanded.

She silently did so. There was nothing but the sound of their breathing for a moment. And then suddenly, she felt his lips on hers. The kiss was gentle, soft. She felt his arms again wrapping around her, and she wondered if Vlad had some experience with this. Unsure of what to do, she pressed back eagerly.

After a moment they separated. Vlad took her hand carefully in his and looked deep into her eyes, his gaze hypnotising her.

"One day I will be prince," he told her. "And you shall be my princess."

Three days later Ilona gathered in the farewell party, watching Vlad ride away with his father, brother and a small troop of soldiers. She fought back tears as his figure grew smaller and smaller in the distance. It would be a long time before they were reunited again.

Thanks for reading. If you have time to let me know what you think of the story so far that would be most helpful! Stay tuned for chapter two.