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Vlad could not help but chuckle as Sir Stephen staggered back, growing very pale. He was so white from fear, he looked like a ghost already.

“No, my darling wife. Though it would amuse me to see you torture him to death, he is a faithful servant and your are forbidden from hurting or killing him. ”

“Oh, bother,” I said with a pout. I placidly began to walk away, but as I passed Sir Stephen, I hissed at him and laughed when he jumped.

Ah, diary, I love it here.

Excerpt of a letter to Angelina Wright from Andrew Wright

7th of March, 1820

. . . we have secured a carriage that will carry us to Buda.

I feel such a fiery anticipation eating away at me as we enter the final stages of this long and terrible trip. Between the bad weather at sea and the constant struggle to keep from absolute despair, I am quite weary. My only solace is that you are safely at home and I shall soon see my sister.

I fear that I shall not be able to endure to see what fate has befallen her. I have no peace.

Oh, dearest wife, pray for me. I feel as though I am entering the Valley of the Shadow of Death. . .

Chapter 21

The Journal of Lady Glynis Wright

10th of March, 1820

The Dracula Estate

Buda, Hungary

Soon after arriving in Buda, Vlad had sent for his dressmaker in order to have special veils made to cover my ethereal beauty from my brother. I am completely frustrated with the heavy bothersome things, but Vlad is quite vehement in his orders that I should wear a veil at all times when around Andrew.

Therefore, earlier this evening, I fussed with the veil over my face finding myself quite irritated. Andrew is expected in another night and I can hardly wait to see him. But as I tried to maneuver in that damned veil, I realized I will not truly see him through all the organza and lace.

With an explosive hiss, I ripped the lacy irritant from my face and flung it onto the bed. Stomping across the room, I flung myself into a chair and glared at the cluttered bed.

It felt wonderful to be an awful brat of a girl once more. I loved being fussed over and complimented by the dressmaker and his assistant. It had felt so normal, so wonderfully normal. Already the castle and my vampire sisters seem like ancient history.

But the veils. . . I hate them. Despise them!

I wanted to shred them to pieces.

The door to my bedroom swung open and Vlad appeared dressed immaculately in black. His hair and mustache were trimmed stylishly. “I am going out for the evening. ”

“To visit whores?”

Vlad laughed at my impertinence. “Ladies of the night is what they are called, dear. So appropriate, is it not? I am going with Sir Stephen and will not be home until it is nearly dawn. ”

“Eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow you may die,” I said flippantly.

“Jealous, wife?” Vlad asked, his eyes narrowing.

“No, not at all. Better them than me. ”

Vlad laughed lightly, lifting a veil from the bed. “You will wear these. ”

“I know,” I answered blandly. I would not argue with him on this point. Andrew’s safety meant too much to me.

Vlad turned to study me as I slumped in the chair looking very much the brat that I am. “You are free for the night, my wife. I will not hold you here. Go out and see the city. Hunt to your heart’s content. Seduce as many young men in their beds as you please. Just be home before dawn or you will burn in the sun. ” Vlad hesitated, then said, “I would very much not like that to happen. ”