The morning sun crept over the perfectly manicured walls of the sprawling mansion, sending shards of light dancing across the courtyard fountain. Inside her palatial bedroom suite, Rose drew back the heavy velvet curtains with a graceful sweep of her hand, narrowing her eyes at the encroaching dawn.
As a vampire who had walked the earth for over three centuries, daylight was an annoyance she had learned to tolerate.
After delivering her message to the chefs, she returned to her room, awaiting when Blake would finish cleaning up so they could have breakfast together.
"Good morning, my lord," came the cheerful voice of her head maid, Claire, as she entered Rose's room. "Did you rest well?"
"Tolerably so," Rose replied, her voice smooth and cultured before her turning. As Claire walked over to open the balcony doors, Rose appreciated how the young woman's bounce and vitality brightened the room.
'If it's not broken, don't fix it, I presume. You'd have been even better as one of my kind. Then again, you don't deserve this eternal prison,' Rose watched Claire move about her activities with these thoughts swelling through her head.
When Rose had decided to integrate herself into the modern business world, Rose had found most human assistants lacking. Blake had stood out immediately with his wit, competence, and tireless good nature.
As Rose looked out over the gardens, Claire busied herself preparing breakfast. The petite blonde woman laid fine china plates on an antique table overlooking the balcony and arranged delicate glasses and silverware.
In went slices of focaccia bread to heat, then came georgous bursts of colorful fruits into a crystal bowl - strawberries, mango, kiwi, pomegranate arils. Next she portioned out Greek yogurt into small glass bowls, artistically swirling in homemade granola and a drizzle of honey. Two glasses of freshly squeezed orange juice completed the simple but beautiful display.
Claire lifted the warmed bread onto each plate with a pair of silver tongs just as Rose along with Blake approached the beautiful breakfast setting. As always when in her presence, Blake felt captivated by his boss' ageless beauty and preternatural grace.
Rose's long raven hair cascaded over her shoulders, contrasting vividly with her alabaster skin. Her eyes were a piercing amber, and she smelled intoxicatingly of jasmine and clove. Her movements held a subtle sway and flow, like a tiger stealthily pacing its domain. This morning she wore an emerald green cocktail dress that hugged her willowy frame in all the right places.
Blake on the other hand, was impeccably dressed in a well tailored grey pants and white sleeves left in the room for him by one of Rose's aid.
He wondered how his size had been picked out correctly. Not to mention, the little time it took to have it arranged. For a second, while dressing, he thought of the possibility that Miss Rose just might have planned the late trip back from the restaurant they visited the night before.
As they sat across from each other at the small table, Blake felt himself flush, as often happened around the magnetic vampire. Rose carried herself with such sensual confidence that it was hard not to feel diminished.
"The board meeting went well yesterday," Rose commented after a small sip of orange juice. As CEO of Shelley Technologies, a conglomerate of luxury hotels and gadgets catering to both human and undead clientele, Rose had spent most of the evening in tense negotiations trying to get approval for a risky expansion plan. She gave Blake an appraising look.
"Sebastian Reed does possess a keen sense of innovation, but you're right; he tends to overlook the potential risks involved. Isabella Thornton, on the other hand, has a direct and assertive approach. It might be beneficial to channel that energy more strategically," Blake suggested, his eyes meeting Rose's with a blend of respect and earnestness.
Rose's gaze lingered on Blake for a moment, her fingers now tracing the stem of her glass. A subtle smile played on her lips as she observed his diplomatic yet empathetic approach.
"Your perspective is intriguing, Blake. It seems you have a knack for understanding how ... humans works," Rose commented, taking a deliberate sip from her glass.
The conversation continued, weaving between names and roles within the company. As Rose shared her concerns, she found herself intrigued by Blake's ability to navigate a balance between professionalism and empathy. It was a quality she hadn't encountered often, and it left her both amused and contemplative.
Rose continued, "They'll resist change, but it's change that has kept us ahead for this long. You have a keen understanding of the human psyche, Blake" Her gaze lingered on him, and for a moment, Blake sensed something more than a professional acknowledgment.
Blake maintained his composure, offering a humble smile. "I appreciate your confidence in my abilities. I strive to bring fresh perspectives to the table."
Rose nodded, her eyes momentarily fixated on the liquid in her glass. She seemed lost in thought, contemplating matters beyond the boardroom. The silence hung in the air, interrupted only by the distant sounds of the mansion coming to life.
As they finished their breakfast, Rose stood gracefully, her movements fluid like a panther navigating its territory. Blake followed suit, his attire crisply arranged. The duo stepped out onto the balcony, greeted by the gentle breeze and the soft hum of the waking estate.
Rose, ever regal, stood there, waiting. The approaching footsteps signaled the arrival of her driver, bearing an umbrella in the customary manner. Rose extended her hand, allowing the driver to shield her from the impending sunlight.
Blake observed this ritual with a mixture of fascination and curiosity. It was a glimpse into Rose's meticulously maintained existence. As the driver held the umbrella, Rose turned her attention to Blake, her gaze unwavering.
"One more thing, Blake. Some individuals who, despite their loyalty, may need a reminder of their place. Your insights?" Rose's voice was measured, a subtle challenge underlying her words.
Blake considered her question carefully. He understood what she meant by a "reminder". Rose was going to fire them all.
"While maintaining discipline is crucial, an empathetic approach could yield better results. Addressing concerns and providing guidance might prove more effective than a heavy hand."
Rose regarded him with an arched eyebrow, a subtle smirk playing on her lips. "Naive, perhaps, but admirable," she remarked. "In my world, the game is played with sharper instruments. Yet, your perspective has its merits."
They walked towards the waiting car, Rose leading with an aura of authority. The driver opened the door, and Rose gracefully entered, her eyes never leaving Blake.