I've recently learned that Paul Féval in addition to writing swashbuckling stories like "Le Bossu," also wrote vampire fiction. Which is perfect for the Vampire AU I imagined for @gonzague-if characters and setting, where my Prince Gonzague,Médée, is a vampire posing as a French noble of "delicate health" with her devoted Peyrolles, and of course Lagardère as a persistant vampire hunter. That and being October, I was inspired to doodle a sketchy comic of Médée feeding from a very willing Peyrolles.
Médée: That damned Lagardère! I've dealt with persistent Hunters before, but he's been especially vexing.
Peyrolles: You've been unable to hunt because of him. Monseigneur, I am concerned you've gone too long without feeding.
Médée: (thinking) They're right. I've had to avoid drawing unwanted attention. If this keeps up, it'll be too dangerous if I don't drink blood soon. Peyrolles is a possibility, but I don't want to endanger their health. I've grown to depend on them for so much. Although if I don't feed soon, I may lose my self-control to hunger and wind up killing them! Should I just ask them? Even if they say no, Peyrolles is resourceful. They can help find an alternative until it's safe to hunt.
(Speaking) Peyrolles, I have a request, and you are free to decline. Would you...
Peyrolles, already removed their waistcoat and cravat, half reclining on a nearby couch with their shirt half of in an enticing fashion: Yes!
Médée, surprised and then intrigued: Oh? My little Peyrolles is so eager and efficient. Not even any objections or hesitation. Yet I will still ask, are you willing to allow me to bite into your flesh and drink from your blood? I would prefer not to cause you harm, but even taking a small amount of blood is still a risk.
Peyrolles: I have already bound myself to you of my own free will. Whatever ma maîtresse needs of me, I will gladly offer, even my soul.
Médée, smiling at Peyrolles with genuine affection: You truly mean it? How lucky I am! My little Peyrolles' devotion would put the Pope to shame.
(Médée joins Peyrolles on the couch, crawling into their lap with a hungry expression, then bites and drinks from their throat in an intimate manner.)
Granted Peyrolles will be anemic for the next few days, but they'd probably feel it was worth it. Médée would also ensure Peyrolles is able to rest and recover afterward, so she suspends their duties for a while and makes sure they're well fed. After all, she wants Peyrolles around for a long time. Immortality can be quite lonely after the first century.
