Erik smirked at the human's words. If you knew the things I've done, Alexi, you would not call me that. You would despise seeing the things I've had to do. Hell, I despise them. If I, of all people, am one of the finest beings you have ever known, then you have not known many fine people. But it's doesn't matter, you're clearly going into shock and falling asleep. You don't understand what you're saying right now, he finally decided, looking on to the peacefully sleeping human with nothing but curiosity and concern. The anger had completely evaporated from his eyes, and as such they had shifted back to their usual gray hue.
Joseph would, of course, have the coverlet cleaned in the morning after Master Alexi awoke. But for now, he merely removed the man's shoes and placed a thin blanket over him, knowing that the minor ministrations would not awaken the man in this condition. Then he left the room, giving Erik a slight nod. When he returned, about ten minutes later, he carried a large tray of lasagna, vegetables, and tea from the kitchen, balanced on top of a large box.
“Once your body recovers from the feeling of blood lust, the secondary needs for food and water return. In other words, I thought you might be hungry. This is for you to eat while I set up the security system. If you don't like the food, I can have the kitchens prepare something else for you,” Joseph quietly announced as he stepped into the room and set the tray on the bedside table. Pressing a button on his cell phone, he extended the chains to the full length so that Erik would have a bit more freedom while he ate and waited.
“Thanks. And no, this food is fine. It looks wonderful, in fact,” the captive replied, already digging into his meal with gusto. Joseph merely smiled his usual weak and soft smile and began setting up the security triggers at the two doorways to the room, and in the large windows in the adjoining restroom. He hesitated as he returned, unwilling to take the collar out of the box. But the rebel leader had agreed to wear it, and it would provide him the freedom to walk around the expansive room. So finally, he removed it, and walked over to Erik, who was already finished with half of his food.
“I'm genuinely sorry about this,” he muttered, sitting down on the bed and looking at the younger vampire.
“It's fine. If he's telling the truth, then I'm willing to deal with it. Why did it have to be a collar though, why not something on the person's arm or leg?”
“Well, actually there's a bit of a technical reason in this case, apart from the general degrading design of a product intended for slaves. This band doesn't just trip an alarm, it uses a fusion of magical and electronic technology to cause the person's own muscles to push them away from the exit should they try to go through it. That kind of nervous system control is most easily achieved in a neck-based device.”
“Fascinating,” Erik replied, smirking a bit and motioning for the servant to go ahead and put the collar onto him. The device was made of a soft black silicone, with only a small lightweight box on the back of it, that held most of the electronics. It was surprisingly comfortable, despite the humiliation Erik knew he would feel every time he saw himself in the mirror. Clearly, this model was meant for relatively well-behaved, higher class slaves. He wondered briefly if that's what he was now, but pushed the thought from his mind for the moment, and finished his food.
“I apologize if I was harsh to you before, Joseph. I was in a lot of pain at the time,” he commented rather quietly, as he finished his meal.
“I understand. I still remember the process all too well myself, my friend. Besides, I've taken worse treatment than a harsh tone before. I do not resent you for it in the slightest,” the vampire servant replied kindly. “Would you like anything else to eat?”
“Yes please, if you don't mind. Do you guys have any more of this great pasta? I'd make something for myself if I could, but there's not even a microwave in here.”
“Yes, we have some more, I'll get you a second plate.” With that, Joseph left the room, taking Erik's plate with him. When he returned, he brought Erik a small button along with the food. “This will ring my cell, so use it if you need me. I am sorry that we can't let you contact anyone yet. I don't know what Master Alexi's plan is, but it's important that no one know you are here, not even the other servants.”
“My cell already knows I've been captured. They will be looking for me.”
“I know, but I'm sure Master Alexi has taken steps to prevent that,” Joseph answered. Erik sighed softly and met his eyes.
“I still despise being a prisoner here. But I'll try and follow this goddamn plan,” Erik muttered. “I wish I could at least tell my followers that I'm alright though.”
“I wish you could as well, but I honestly don't know what Master Alexi has in mind anymore than you do.”
“Why do you trust him then?” Erik asked, resentment creeping into his voice.
“Because he is my master, and also my friend. I have known him since his birth. I raised him, and I know he turned out well. He is strange, even a little mad at times, but I believe he has a good heart, because I have seen it.” Erik had nothing of use he could say to that, no arguments of any sort, so he just sighed.
“Well, thank you, Joseph,” he muttered. Sensing that the conversation was over, the servant simply nodded and exited the room, leaving Erik to finish off his meal.