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“Oh, she was not bother-” Stephen started to protest, then gave up.

Vlad turned and drew me to him. “You are my first bride. Do not forget that. We shall create a life for ourselves beyond this one. ”

I nodded, glancing back at Sir Stephen. “I know this. ”

Vlad directed my attention back to him with the tips of his fingers tucked under my chin. He kissed me firmly, then released me.

I do not delude myself into believing he loves me. I think he is merely infatuated by the concept of being a mortal aristocrat and living a mortal life with a bride at his side. But, in that moment, I was afraid he did love me.

Like a dutiful wife, I stood on the steps and watched him depart.

Once the carriage was out of view, I turned and fled up to my room. I found myself in tears as I ripped off my dress and threw myself on the bed.

Magda appeared before me, looking concerned, “Madam, shall I draw a bath?”

Looking up at her, I wiped my tears away. “No, no. I am going to go out tonight. I need to feed. ”

My thoughts, of course, had turned to Ignatius. I needed to see him. To feel untainted by Vlad’s power. I could not bear to think of my trapped sisters starving into madness in the Carpathian Mountains or how Vlad had drawn me even closer to him through his blood. I wanted to be free of it all and merely be myself: Lady Glynis Wright.

Dressing in one of my finest gowns of pale blue silk, I began to regain my senses and not feel the tears threatening. I sat at my vanity while Magda fixed my hair and adorned it with jeweled combs.

“You look lovely,” Magda said finally.

There were no mirrors in our home, so I could only believe her. I did feel lovely in my gown as I looked up at her. “Thank you, Magda. ”

Rising to my feet, I glanced at my tiny watch and tucked it into my purse. Moving toward the door, she hurried behind me with my cloak.

“I will return near morning,” I told her.

“I will have your bath ready,” she assured me.

I only had a few minutes to reach the fountain in the gardens of the hotel if I wished to see Ignatius.

“Shall I have them bring about the caleche?” she asked as she hurried down the stairs after me.

“Oh, no. I am much quicker without it. ”

She nodded, but her brow furrowed worriedly.

Flashing her my brightest smile, I threw open the door and hurried into the night. It was a lovely, clear evening with the stars glittering coldly in the sky. The breeze off the Danube was refreshing and cool against my skin.

It was odd and somewhat overwhelming to realize that I felt more liberated this night than I had in a long time. As I rushed down the lane, I began to feel unshackled from the suffocating bond I now had with Vlad. Away from our home, I felt a renewed sense of self as his presence began to fade from my mind. My fear and loathing of him had so tainted my thoughts that I had not realized the full depth of my despair until it began to dissipate.

Hurrying past the estates of Buda’s wealthiest, I cast a disparaging eye upon the home of Sir Stephen. I missed the presence of my brother, but I must admit I am relieved that he is returning home to England. To know he is safely away is a great comfort to me.

Reaching the bottom of the hill, I slowed to a more human pace and patted down my hair and dress. Glancing about to make certain no one was about, I leapt easily over the wall and into the garden beyond. Landing elegantly, I adjusted my skirts and strolled down the path.

Ignatius was seated near the fountain reading a small book. His hair was much longer tonight and held back by a silver clasp. Dressed in an elegant scarlet velvet coat and black long trousers, he was quite striking.

As I drew near, he glanced up at me and slightly smiled. Tucking away the book in his coat pocket, he rose, taking my hands in his.

“I cannot express how infinitely joyful I am to see you,” he said.

I giggled at his words while smacking him with my fan. “You are too much. ”

He chuckled and kissed my hand lightly. His dark blue eyes gazed at me with delight as he tucked my hand into the crook of his arm and lead me down the path.

“I admit I was hoping you would join me tonight. Word is your Master is out of town and I dared to hope to see you,” he said.