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“There is much we have to discuss. ” Vlad gave me a piercing look. “Now listen. Your brother has written my solicitor informing to inform me he will be coming to Buda. In fact, according to the dates he has given, he is already in transit. He is bringing along an English physician to examine you. He wants Sir Stephen to bring him here to our home so that you may be examined and the physician can determine if you can travel back to England. ”

I let out a cry and quickly stifled it behind my hand. Andrew was coming here! To save me! No, he could not! Vlad would destroy him!

“No! He cannot!” I rose sharply to my feet and stood boldly before Vlad. “I will not allow you to harm him!”

Vlad stood, took me by the shoulders, forcing me back into the chair. “Do not be a simpleton! I do not intend to harm him. I need him. I will not make another mistake b

y destroying my connections to English society. I need you to listen to me, Glynis, and not be your usual annoyingly opinionated self!”

I gripped his cold, dry hand firmly, my gaze imploring him. “Promise me you will not harm him. Promise me!”

Vlad slapped me hard across the cheek. “Listen to me and stop your dramatics. ”

I could taste blood on my tongue and seeping down my throat. Though I wanted to fight back, I resisted, reminding myself of my vow to my brother and his family, and once more played the obedient wife.

Vlad slid the papers in front of me. “This is the letter your brother wrote. My solicitor has studied the itinerary your brother sent us and has charted his journey. He should arrive in Buda in two weeks. Instead of journeying here, I plan to meet him in Buda. ”

“He will insist on seeing me,” I said in a low voice. “He will demand that you bring him here. ”

“But I will not bring him here,” Vlad responded. Before I could protest he added,” I am taking you to Buda with me. ”

It took a few seconds for me to fully comprehend what he had said. “You are taking me to Buda?”

Vlad nodded his head, sitting down next to me. “I need your help to deceive your brother. We will journey to Buda and stay in my home there. Sir Stephen will have your brother stay with him. My house is undergoing several restorations at this time. I need to make some additions to ensure our safety against vampire hunters. Your brother should understand we do not wish to inconvenience him, but that we cannot accept guests at this time. We will tell your brother that we have married and that you are now Countess Dracula of Wallachia. Is this clearly understood by you?

I nodded, too overcome to say a word.

“We will explain that your face has been disfigured by the accident, but that I fell in love with you and took you as my most beloved bride. ”

“Disfigured?” I frowned. “I do not understand. ”

Vlad reached out and caressed my face tenderly with one hand. “You are more beautiful than you were. A mortal that did not know you in your previous life would take your beauty as breathtaking and extraordinary, but not supernatural. But a mortal who knew you well would instantly see that you are more than human now. Your brother would only have to look into your eyes and see that you are Undead. I want your brother to help us establish an estate in England and arrange our entrance into British society as aristocrats. I do not want him to fear us or betray us to the vampire hunters. Do you understand?”

It was so much to absorb. Andrew coming to this strange, terrifying yet beautiful land. Vampire hunters stalking Vlad. The deceit over my appearance. And the glorious thought of traveling to Buda. I was overcome with emotion.

“Yes, yes, I do understand,” I answered finally.

In truth, I do not want my brother to see me as I am now. I am ashamed of my ethereal beauty and sensuality. To have Andrew see what I have become is too horrible to bear. I still recall my mother’s aghast expression when she had finally realized the vampire standing before her was actually her daughter.

“Good. Once in Buda I will have a veil made to cover your face. Now listen carefully. I do not want you to take any dress, piece of jewelry, or anything that your brother would recognize. I told him all was lost in the accident and if he sees you in any gown you owned in England, he will doubt my word. Take the dresses your mother bought for you in Paris and I will give you Erzsébet’s jewels to wear. Understand?”

“Yes, Master,” I answered softly. I could barely believe what I was hearing him say. I am leaving the castle to go to Buda! To visit my brother! It is marvelous and frightening. To see Andrew will be marvelous, but I am so afraid for him. Vlad tends to be so temperamental. Andrew could be in great danger.

“You know the power of the beckoning now. When I call you, you must always come to me. In Buda I will grant you the freedom you do not have here. You will hunt on your own and learn the powers of the night. It is time for you to show your loyalty to me and prepare to rise to the position of my true bride. When we journey to England and establish ourselves there, you will be my first bride and I want to trust you. ”

I looked up at him sharply. “But what of Cneajna. She is the first,” I said.

Vlad ran his hands over my hair and smoothed it back, his cold eyes studying my face with piercing intensity. “Someday, when you learn to love me as your sisters do, I will share with you my many secrets. ” He kissed me and I allowed him to. It was merely a press of lip to lip. “Already, I am terribly fond of you. ”

I gazed up at him solemnly. “You frighten me. ”

“Yes, I know. ” He kissed me again, then whispered against my lips. “You shall do as I say or I will kill your brother. ”

“Yes, I know,” I echoed his words and tone.

And I began to cry tears of joy and fear.

Chapter 18