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Though Rahadin had searched high and low, he was not able to find the source of the music. He’d suspected it was magical from the start, but had still held out hope he might find some contraption tucked away, spilling out the mournful notes. Despite an extensive search of the castle, he was not so lucky, and the music persisted. An eerie waltz, as haunting as it was depressing, echoed through the halls; all that remained of Strahd’s latest attempt at courting Tatyana. The girl who held her soul was called Ireena this time, and she was the most similar of all the reincarnations to the original. Smart but kind, sweet but determined, a shock of red hair on pale skin. It was no surprise Strahd was pursuing her so adamantly.
She was traveling with a group, seeking solace from his lord’s attentions, so naturally Strahd had invited all of them to the castle for dinner. Rahadin despised dinner. It would be so much faster just to kill them all out in the woods, before they ever knew of Strahd, but that was no fun and he knew it. Strahd liked to play with his food.
This time, the group had actually bothered to show up, meaning Rahadin didn’t get to hunt them down for missing their appointment. They’d brought Ireena along, too, much to his lord’s delight. While the majority of the night had gone well, Strahd had gone to her after her escorts were asleep and attempted to steal her away for a dance. They made it as far as the stairs before she broke free of his charm and fled. He was, no doubt, in a particularly sour mood, and likely in search of someone to take it out on. Rahadin had hoped that shutting off the music would ease the state, at least a bit, but he was doubtful any but Strahd could end the insufferable song. To make matters worse, the music seemed to be coming from everywhere, making it impossible to track the source. With a heavy sigh, Rahadin pushed open the door to the ballroom. If he couldn’t silence the song, at least he could begin cleaning up whatever decorations Strahd had chosen for this occasion.
He stopped in his tracks, taking in the sight before him. The ballroom, typically dim and full of dust despite his best efforts, had come alive. It was as if he’d been transported back to their glory days, fresh off their conquest when they had reason to celebrate. Silken banners hung from the ceiling, draped elegantly over banisters and tables spread with lavish sweets, heaps of fresh cut flowers filled the room with a divine scent, and the open doors of the balcony swept in the cool night air. Twinkling lights, surely magical, danced like stars, lighting up the room and shining off gold rimmed goblets. It was breathtaking, and truly a shame Ireena hadn’t managed to see it. No doubt she would’ve fallen.
“Is the music bothering you?”
Rahadin jumped, startled by a voice behind him. He didn’t need to turn to know it was Strahd.
“No, I was just checking if anything needed cleaning.” He turned sharply and gave a half bow, which Strahd waved off. He looked remarkably normal, no less his usual self than he’d been during dinner preparations. He was dressed quite nicely, nicer than even his usual finery, and was seated just beside the door to the ballroom. Rahadin must’ve passed him by on the way in.
“No need, I’ll see it taken care of.” He didn’t sound upset, but Rahadin knew him to act out unpredictably.
“It’s lovely.” The chamberlain said, in spite of himself. The design spoke of wealth without being too flashy, bled elegance without becoming tacky. The selected food was light enough to be enjoyed despite the late hour, the wine perfect for a cool night.
“It’s a shame to see it go to waste.” Strahd was suddenly beside him, though Rahadin had not heard him move.
“Indeed, it is quite unfortunate that-.” The words died on his tongue, a combination of apprehension over how Strahd would react to the mention of Tatyana right now, and the sudden feeling of a hand on his lower back, guiding him further into the room.
“You’ve never been one for finery, always practical.” Strahd said easily, as if he weren’t sweeping Rahadin off his feet at that exact moment.
“While I do enjoy practicality, I can appreciate more lavish designs from time to time, when they don’t interfere with my duties.” It was almost a warning, a question of if this would interfere, if he didn’t back off what might happen. Would he be able to look at Strahd the same after this? Would the sun still rise in the morning?
“I can assure you, I won’t take up much of your time. I know you’ve much to do.” Strahd smiled, not really an answer, but there was a hint of charm in his eyes, and Rahadin had never been able to resist. He found himself nodding before he could think, and was swept into a dance before he could breathe.
The music had swelled from a melancholy drone to a lively waltz. Neither was to his tastes, but it was hard to criticize such things when he was staring deeply into Strahd’s eyes, letting him lead their dance, holding onto him in a way he’d never been allowed to before. Despite the magic guiding him along, each movement felt perfectly natural. It was so easy to relax into it, to relax into Strahd and simply let him lead. In that moment, he could’ve waltzed them to the edge of the overlook and danced his chamberlain off the edge, and Rahadin would’ve done nothing to stop him.
“In the centuries we’ve shared these walls, I’ve never seen you quite so taken with me. I’ve seen such an expression on many faces, but it looks especially good on you.” Strahd smirked. He was being made fun of, which annoyed him, but it was hard to process much beyond the compliment. His reaction, or lack thereof, though, seemed to give his lord pause.
“Mm, nothing to say back? Perhaps you’re a bit too deep, my apologies.”
The music slowed, and their dance slowed with it. Rahadin found himself pressed against Strahd, the contact dizzying, as they swayed slowly in time. Had he ever been held like this before? When was the last time he’d so much as thought about dancing? Was he sure about this? The questions ran past him like water, his worries unable to really take hold.
“This is nice.” His mind supplied, or perhaps it was Strahd handing him the thought. Either way, he couldn’t help but agree. The warmth of a body against his was not a comfort he’d enjoyed since his youth, and though Strahd was cooler than most, he was still warm in comparison to the night air.
All at once, the dance stopped, and Rahadin felt quite lost without it. He was dizzy and unstable, clinging to the vampire so as not to topple over, looking up at him helplessly.
“Poor thing, let’s get you to bed.” Strahd held on to him, thankfully, and guided him from the ballroom. Leaving the music, decorations, and atmosphere behind did wonders to clear his mind, and Rahadin was able to walk on his own by the time they reached the stairs. He could, unfortunately, already feel a deep blush setting in, but he did his best to ignore it.
“There’s no need to be embarrassed, I assure you.” Strahd said, ever perceptive. It did ease his mind a bit, enough to take a calming breath once he was safely alone in his room. He undressed for bed quickly, wanting to put this unusual night behind him, and settled in for his trance. If his meditations were filled with charming eyes and the sweet scent of flowers, that was only for him to know.