Azrael didn't feel comfortable about taking money from the young princess, even if her family was the wealthiest in the country, but, he had to admit, his clothes were probably beyond repair and it had been a long time since he had carried money. Reluctantly he took the small pouch of coins and slipped it into a pocket inside his waistcoat.

"Thank you, princess, I will endeavour to repay you for your kindness."

They talked for a little longer. Evangeline mainly conveying her distaste for being forced to marry someone a lot older than her.

It grew late and the girl started to show signs of tiredness so Azrael bid her farewell and left through the same window that they had entered not so long ago. He retraced his steps back through the castle grounds, up the large wall, and jumped down to the city floor, scaring a local drunk man at the same time.

It had been a while since he last visited the establishment, but Azrael had remembered that there was a local tavern that catered to the creatures of the night. It was run by the same family for generations, providing a safe haven and a warm place to stay for visiting Vampires, in exchange for money, or favours. Navigating by rooftop he found the small little building in no time at all. When he entered he was greeted by a young man. He was wearing a short-sleeved shirt and Azrael could see many cuts along his arm, no doubt he had let a few Vampires drink from him over the years, another service that they offered. 

"Ah, good evening, young master. Would you perhaps have a room for one to spare for the night?"

The boy nodded and looked away awkwardly, stroking the cuts on his arms.

"It will just be the room and nothing else..."

The boy nodded again and led the stranger down some stairs into a cellar and showed him to a heavy door. He used to hands to push the door open. It creaked heavily to reveal a very empty bedroom, apart from a solid stone block in the shape of a coffin in the middle of the room, with three candles melted on the end. The boy grabbed a torch from the hallway and lit the candles and then turned to leave.

"...actually, there is one thing."

He handed the boy the bag of coins.

"I need a well made suit like the one I am wearing please, I assume you can have it ready by late tomorrow afternoon?"

The boy nodded.

"Very good. Pay for the room with that money also, please. If the suit is a good quality, you may keep whatever is left."

A small smile appeared on the boys face as he nodded yet again, he was obviously not used to more kinder Vampires. Azrael gave the boy his measurements for the suit and then sent him on his way.

The vampire sat on the stone coffin. He removed one the apples that he had bought earlier and started eating it. With no more than five bites the apple was nothing more than a core. He placed the second apple on the floor and then lay on top of the stone coffin and tried to fall asleep.

Azrael woke up to find a wooden chair in his room with a freshly made suit folded on top of it. He really did love the family that ran this tavern, so efficient. He removed his old clothes, folded them and put them on the floor next to the chair. His new suit was black from top to bottom, just how he liked it. He slipped it on and he could instantly tell that it was of great quality.

As he ventured upstairs he realised that it was still light outside, but past midday, so the suns light wouldn't be fatal, he would just get a feeling of numbness across his body as a side effect.
He walked through the city until he arrived back at the castle. He had decided to pay the Royal Family a visit as he was interested in what type of people the new King and Queen were. Seeing Evangeline squirm in front of her suitors would also be quite amusing. He walked around the perimeter of the castle wall until he could see the tops of the gardens trees poking over the low garden wall. He leapt up and grabbed the top of the wall and flipped over it, landing softly on the over side. He landed next to a servant who was carrying an empty tray. They looked at each other for a second before Azrael coughed into his hand.

"I could not be bothered to walk all the way around, that is okay, right?"

And then he walked off toward the crowd of men on the far side. Azrael guessed that these were the suitors, and he could see why Evangeline had been upset about it, they really were quite old or bad looking. In some cases both. It was funny, Azrael would be the oldest one there, and yet looked the very youngest by far, so much so, he was worried that he may stick out. Not too mention that he was dressed in black and they were all in bright colours, reds, blues, greens, all the family colours. Honestly, all the colour was making Azrael nauseous.

He was collared by what seemed to be a late forty year old man, with greying hair and blue eyes, and a red coat, white trousers and a black hat and gloves. Azrael almost laughed at the odd sense of style, he hadn't seen such attire for years.

"Excuse me, young man, just who are you, this is a private gathering."

Said the old noble.

"Yes, the one to meet the princess, correct? That is what I am here for, sir."

He said with a bow.

"Oh, and my name is Azrael, not young man. Now if you will excuse me."

Azrael took a few steps backward before turning and walking away. He was not about to waste time talking to these old men who thought they were better because they had power. He swiftly moved to an unoccupied table and poured himself a drink. He slipped his hand into his pocket and with his other hand brought the warm drink to his lips as he studied the castle grounds. It was truly a beautiful sight.