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Author: Guede Mazaka
Rating: PG
Pairing: Gabriel/Dracula.
Disclaimer: Not mine.
Notes: For elefwin in return for the song. Pre-movie.
Summary: He never meant to do it, but princes are princes.
***
The land is rocky and harsh, all narrow cliffs and low-hanging storms. In the valleys is war and high in the mountains is death. It is difficult to find time and space apart from those.
A lightning-blasted tree shelters this little nook, its dead trunk twisting close to the rock and over the delicate flowers that now cradle their heads. The hunt was good and the weather briefly pleasant, so they rest on their bellies to ease aching backs and they talk. Once, leaping from discussion of the tangled loyalties that bind man to country, nobles to king, king to people, Vladislaus loses his caution. His knife is out and his palm slashed with red before Gabriel can stop him. “It’s a truer vow than words, than any substitute payment men may declare for it.” His eyes glitter. “Take it with me.”
Gabriel knows more lies here than a vow between men. He is uncertain, but the red drops fascinate him, draw high the nausea in his throat and forward his fingers to the other man’s hand. And before he knows it, Vladislaus’ dagger has slid over his palm and their hands are pressed together, sealing the future.
***