The Vampire King's mercy

Transformation

Hours later, she slowly woke up, her vision still blurry, but she was able to see nearby objects.

"I see you are awake," a deep voice said. She weakly turned her head to the side to see a man with pale skin, black hair, and a black scruffy beard.

"Tell me, how do you feel?" He asked.

"...Tired..." The girl breathed out shakily. Ivan could tell she was in pain.

"You will feel like that for the next few days until the transformation is complete," he explained.

"Huh...? Trans... for... ma... tion?" She said slowly.

"I'll explain it to you once you are in a better state," He said.

"What is your name?" He asked. The girl didn't say anything.

"Do you not remember?" The king asked, tilting his head slightly.

"No…" She admitted. Ivan thought about it, it is tradition for someone to change their name once becoming a vampire. Of course, that is optional, if you had a name. He glanced over to the window to find that it was snowing.

"How about Natalya?" He suggested. The name means Christmas, it would be fitting not only because it is winter and the holiday is close, but because Ivan gave her a gift of life, a second chance to live.

"Natalya..." She slowly repeated. The name flowed off her tongue.

"I like it..." Natalya replied. Ivan smiled in response.

"Sir, I have returned with the elixir you requested," Sebastian walked in with a bottle of red liquid.

"Spasibo, Sebastian." Ivan took the bottle, uncorking it. He sat by the bed and held Natalya up, and put the bottle to her lips. The liquid has a bittersweet, tangy taste to it. She did spill some on her lips while drinking it. Once she finished. Ivan gently laid her back on the bed. Her vision slowly went from blurry to crystal clear. Natalya could see Ivan's appearance and had to admit he was extremely handsome. His hair was spiky, short side swept, and he also had a scruffy beard that complemented his looks. Ivan slightly giggled, watching Natalya's pale face turn red. It's not uncommon for girls to turn into a tomato upon taking sight of him.

"Shall I get some tea and appetizers?" Sebastian suggested.

"That would be splendid," Ivan replied. The butler left the room, giving Ivan a chance to learn more about Natalya.

"Do you remember anything about your life before today?" He asked. Natalya looked down, thinking about it. All she remembered was being pushed and getting severely injured.

"Nyet..." She sighed, a bit sad. Natalya feels like an empty shell, like her life has no meaning. Who is she really? Where did she come from? How did she get here? Natalya knew nothing about her past life. Ivan's face softened; he could see that sad look on Natalya's face. It's not uncommon for people to lose memories after transforming; many times, it's because they were on the brink of death. Perhaps it's best if Natalya didn't remember her life before becoming a vampire. After all, if there are no happy memories, then what's the point in remembering?

"Don't be sad," Ivan said, putting his hand on her back.

"You'll create new memories, happy memories," He told her. Natalya looked at Ivan with her mahogany red eyes. The color would change once the transformation is complete, but for the first few days, they will be a dark shade of red.

On day two, Natalya woke up with extreme stomach pain. The girl turned to her side, cradling herself in response. She felt extremely nauseous and was in between wanting to eat or not wanting to. Ivan walked in shortly with his butler by his side. He saw Natalya cradling herself and knew what was going on. The vampire king took a seat by the bed.

"Natalya, how do you feel?" Ivan asked, slightly touching the girl.

"Hurts..." She whimpered. He nodded.

"Sebastian, prepare the elixir and some medication." He ordered the butler.

"Yes, Your Majesty," Sebastian bowed. Ivan sat by the bed, putting a hand on Natalya.

"It'll be over soon," He reassured. Sebastian came back in no time, handing the king the red elixir. Ivan had Natalya lie on her back and held her up. Sebastian handed him the bottle and he put it to Natalya's lips, making it easier for her to drink it. Once it was empty, Ivan laid the girl back down. Her stomach stopped hurting so much, but there were still occasional cramps.

"Do you feel better?" He asked.

"A little. My stomach feels like a knot," She admitted, holding back a wince. Ivan pulled up his sleeve, biting down on his wrist to puncture the skin. He held Natalya up a little and put his wrist near her mouth.

"Here, just suck until you feel better," The king told her. Natalya was hesitant, not wanting to hurt him.

"Don't worry about it," he reassured, looking at Natalya. She slowly opened her mouth, putting it on the king's wrist, and bit down. Natalya started sucking his blood at a slow pace. She was about to pull back, but Ivan kept his arm in place.

"Keep sucking, I'll be fine," He insisted. The girl continued until her stomach stopped cramping, then Ivan allowed her to pull back.

"Better?" he asked.

"Much better," Natalya said, taking a deep breath in.

"Good," Ivan smiled, making Natalya blush. Something about this enigmatic vampire king, who is most likely stoic and serious during his duties, being so caring towards her puts butterflies in Natalya's stomach.

"So how long until I transform?" She asked, anxious for her new appearance.

"5 days; it usually takes about a week or two. Your transformation is going by fast, so it should only take about 5 more days," He explained, glancing over her being. Her skin was still pale but not gaunt like before. Ivan could also see that innocent spark in her eyes.

"So in the meantime, you'll be bedridden, but once the transformation is complete, you'll feel like a brand new person... Technically, you will be..." Ivan joked. Natalya slightly giggled.

"I already feel like a new person," Natalya said, looking up at the ceiling.