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“Yes, she will,” Maria answered gently.

“Until then, you must rest. We have rooms prepared for you. We must insist on you staying with us while you are in Buda. I think the stress of having visitors around her would be unhealthy for your sister,” Stephen said in his calm, monotone voice.

“Thank you, Sir Stephen. You are quite kind,” Emil declared.

I numbly nodded in agreement. I was overwrought and felt as if I wanted to flee the mansion and rush to my sister’s side. But I forced myself to be civil and calm and said, “Yes, we cannot thank you enough for your hospitality. ”

“It is our pleasure,” Stephen assured us with a small smile.

God forgive me, but in that moment, I did not trust him. I felt the worst that I could imagine had befallen my dear sister. I hope and pray to God that I am wrong. But I sit now in desperate anticipation waiting the evening to fall so that I may once more lay eyes up on my sister and know that she is truly safe.

The Journal of Lady Glynis Wright-

Buda, Hungary

I awoke with a start.

“Andrew is here,” I whispered. I felt it to the core of my very soul, if I have one that is, and flung back the covers.

I quickly dissolved into a mist and slipped through the crack in the wall of our secret chamber. I solidified in the foyer of the house, startling one of our maids.

“Where is Vlad?”

“Madam, your husband is waiting for you in your room,” she whispered, then dashed off.

I was trembling with delight and excitement. I knew my brother was in the city for I could feel his presence reaching out to me. A smile gracing my lips, I hurried up the stairs to my bedroom.

So much has happened since I have arrived in the city. It is as if my fortune changed as soon as I arrived here. I am now living in a lovely house, I have fallen madly in love with the mysterious Ignatius, and now my brother was waiting for me.

It is as if I have finally broken free from my dark prison.

As I ran up the steps, these thoughts were in my mind and I felt giddy with the happiness I felt.

“Glynis!”

Vlad’s voice was sharp and impatient.

I quickly ascended the remaining steps and hurried into my room. Vlad was waiting for me in quite the restless mood. He was clad in a fashionable suit and his hair and mustache were neatly trimmed.

“First you are stalked by hunters and do not return until the next night. Then you awaken late. Is this how a small measure of freedom corrupts you?” he asked testily.

“I am sorry, Master. Please, forgive me,” I said quickly, my eyes properly downcast.

He waved one hand at me. “Hurry and get dressed. Your brother is waiting for us. ”

I could not help but smile. Vlad had already laid out a light blue dress and veil for me. We had discussed having me dress in mourning, but Vlad had feared it would upset my brother too much if he saw me as a completely desolate creature. We wanted him to pity me, but believe I had found some happiness. I found it all quite hysterical. Vlad slapped me when I had laughed a little too long at the thought of him being portrayed as a hero of our sordid fake love story.

“You will remember what you are to say,” Vlad said firmly.

“Of course, my darling husband,” I answered quite sweetly.

He frowned at me, then turned his attention to the view outside my window. My maids came to my aid and quickly helped me to dress.

“You are an insolent creature,” Vlad said after a long pause.

“I shall try not to be,” I answered.

He turned and looked at me coolly. “I think it would be quite difficult for you. ”