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The Journal of Lady Glynis Wright

13th of March, 1820

Buda, Hungary

I admit that I was ecstatic, yet nervous, to have my brother visit my home.

I sensed his presence earlier in the house as I slept with Vlad in our hiding place. At first I had been frightened, fearing that a vampire hunter had entered the house. When I had felt the surge of power beside me, I had known that Vlad feared the same. It had been several incredibly tense moments before I had recognized my brother’s presence. Only then had Vlad released Andrew from his power.

When we emerged from our hiding place early this evening, Magda informed us that Andrew would be visiting us soon. I immediately instructed the servants to prepare a fine feast for my brother. I desperately wanted for my brother to feel comfortable in my new home. Vlad’s threat had been seared into my heart and I was desperate to dispel any reservations Andrew had about my new life. If Vlad forces me to kill Andrew, I know I will fall into a madness from which I cannot return.

When Andrew finally arrived at the house, I made sure I was waiting for him on the front steps. Without a word, I embraced him tightly and kissed him through my veil. Immediately, I had sensed his unease and it disturbed me deeply. Vlad then came out to greet Andrew and invite him into our home.

Even though Vlad was cordial and pleasant, Andrew seemed too quiet. His gaze was searching and penetrating. Conversation was stilted throughout dinner. I did most of the talking, making up lie after lie about my new life. Andrew listened thoughtfully and watched my veiled countenance with great interest.

Vlad spent the entire dinner watching my brother. It made me very nervous, so I became a little too excited. Beyond that it was very awkward to sit at a table laden with wonderful food and not being able to eat a bite. Vlad declined to eat on the pretext that he had eaten dinner with me earlier in the evening. My brother had looked a little suspicious, but had accepted the explanation that I was forced to eat in private due to my condition.

We retired to the grand parlor that is Vlad's pride. It is lovely with its imported furniture in deep purples and reds. Andrew sat next to Vlad smoking a cigar while Vlad lit up his pipe. I took my place with trembling hands in my lap. I drew them under my veil in an attempt to hide them from my brother’s gaze.

“I visited Sir Stephen this afternoon,” Andrew said abruptly after Vlad had finished with a short lecture on the history of Buda.

“And how was your visit,” Vlad responded coolly.

“He had a rather slow business day and we spoke for several hours. In the midst of our conversation, he told me that you are seriously considering moving to England. ”

I could not be sure, but it seemed as if there was a sly edge to my brother’s voice.

“I actually have decided to move to England. It is the birthplace of my beloved wife and I feel that we would be very happy there,” Vlad answered smoothly as he bestowed Andrew with a very charming smile.

“Would you not miss your own country?” Andrew asked him.

“I would, but Glynis’ happiness is much more important to me,” Vlad said with great earnestness.

Liar!

Vlad cast a sharp glance in my direction. “She is the most important woman in my life. Our futures are intertwined. ”

The double meaning was obvious to me, and I bit my lip to prevent myself from retorting flippantly.

Andrew looked toward me and even though he could not see my face, I forced a bright smile. “I want to go home, Andrew, and Vlad has promised to take me back to England. ”

Andrew dragged on his cigar thoughtfully, then exhaled slowly. The smoke curled about his head like a lazy snake then drifted up into the shadows. “Well, then I promise to help you in your move across the Continent. I have many connections and I would be pleased to help you in anyway possible.

I knew that was exactly what Vlad wanted to hear. I could actually see Vlad’s delight come alive in his green eyes.

“Thank you, Andrew. That would be quite excellent. I do most of my business within the confines of those countries under the control of the Hapsburg Monarchy. I must admit I have absolutely no connections in England whatsoever. I am in desperate need of a solicitor to handle my affairs. My dear friend, Sir Stephen, does not have the influence in England he would like to believe he has. He has been unable to secure the proper law firm to suit my needs to assist me in my plans to move to your wonderful country,” Vlad said in such a courteous, friendly tone it gave me the chills.

“Well, I have knowledge of several solicitors in London that may be interested in handling the affairs of your estate,” Andrew assured him.

I felt sick to my stomach. Vlad was obviously delighted in Andrew’s willingness to help him and that meant Andrew was safe. But that also meant that Vlad was moving closer to having control over Andrew. I saw how Stephen cowered like a lowly servant before Vlad. I hated the mere thought of Andrew ever submitting in such a cowardly manner to my Master. Even if it would spare him Vlad’s wrath.

Vlad and Andrew continued to chat with some enthusiasm. My brother fell into describing everything English to Vlad in his very charming way. He went into some detail about the glories of London and the beauty of the countryside. He is a great storyteller and Vlad sat absolutely enraptured. I could see the bright fires burning in his eyes as he listened. I could see his desire to leave his homeland clearly on his features.

Vlad has not mentioned again the other vampires that evidently rule these lands, but I am beginning to believe that perhaps Vlad wants to escape from them just as I desire to escape from him.

As I sit here and write about tonight’s events, I know this much is certain. Ever since I departed from the castle, the boundaries of my existence have expanded significantly. I now know that there is an entire vampire world hidden in the shadows of the mortal world. This fact gives me hope. If I am clever enough, I know I can escape Vlad and perhaps find my own way through this strange new world.

Back to tonight’s events…