Page 171

“Yes,” Astir answered, gliding away.

I stomped my foot, frowning, but Ignatius drew me close.

“Astir likes to provoke. Do not give into the Fallen’s games. ”

I looked up into the face of my beloved. “I feel like a child here. Confused and uncertain, yet, giddy at the prospect of being included. ”

Ignatius kissed my lips. “I know, my love. But I am here to guide you. ”

What followed was a blur. I am not trying to hide anything, for God knows I have written of things in this journal I never thought I would divulge. I remember dancing, drinking more wine, and ,at one point, exchanging long glances with Dominique.

“Come see me in Venice,” she said one last time as I passed her table, and then I never saw her again.

Everything became wild and chaotic as I drank more wine and began to speak with others in the room. I do not truly remember what was said or who they were, but they were all quite intrigued by Ignatius and I. None seem to recognize me as the bride of Vlad Dracula, much to my relief. Ignatius merely shook his head if the inquiries were too personal.

Finally, we ended up alone, kissing madly in a hallway. I felt Ignatius' hands in my hair, tugging free the combs that Magda had so carefully tucked into my coif. As our kisses became more savage, I realized we were no longer in a hallway, but a beautiful, exotic bedroom. I recognized it as Turkish in design from Vlad’s memories. It felt quite decadent.

Ignatius drew me down with him onto the enormous bed laden with silks and velvets, kissing me ardently. The sweet smell of incense filled the room, and I felt intoxicated by the magic of this place. I drew back from him, my hand sliding over his chest as I sat up.

“What is this place?”

Ignatius rose up beside me, kissing my throat as his hands freed me of my dress. “A place to be safe. ”

My hands nestled in his hair as he kissed my mouth. I smiled against the softness of his beard, kissing his cheek. “Are you certain?”

“Astir chooses what we do or do not remember of this place. If he tells you Vlad will not know you were here with me, then you will not be remembered except by those he trusts. ”

“You and Dominique. ” I traced my fingers along the length of his nose, and he kissed my fingers when they reached his lips.

“Yes. Me and Dominique. ” His long raven black hair was silky soft against my breasts as I held him while his long fingers slid down my bare back. “Stay with me here tonight. ”

Holding his body in my arms, I felt so close to him in every way: spirit and body. When I was with him I always felt so free, so loved, so incredibly alive. I did want to stay with him. I wanted to sleep in his arms.

“I will have to send notice to my household,” I said at last.

Perhaps it was the magic of Haven,the sweet smell of the incense, or the feel of Ignatius in my arms, but I wanted to take the risk and stay with him.

Movement caught my eye. I looked up to see a footman standing beside the bed with a silver tray. Upon it was a piece of paper, ink well and quill.

Ignatius grinned at my expression and moved to hide my naked torso from the footman with a silken throw. I reached out with quivering fingers to take the items on the tray, my eyes regarding the footman with suspicion. He seemed quite unremarkable and looked at me with a rather bored expression.

“This place always anticipates your needs,” Ignatius said to me, kissing my shoulder.

I quickly scribbled a note to Magda, then placed it on the silver tray. The footman bowed, then stepped behind the long, flowing draperies hanging from the ceiling and disappeared. I pushed back the purple silk and saw that the room was empty except for Ignatius and I.

“This place cannot possibly be real,” I gasped.

“Perhaps its not, but we are here together and that is real enough for me,” Ignatius answered.

I cradled his face in my hands and kissed him. I felt his arms slid around me as he pulled me to him. As we kissed, I sank back into the silken pillows on the bed as his body settled over mine.

“I am yours,” I whispered.

“And I am yours,” he answered.

My fingers lightly played with his beard and his silken hair caressed my cheek. “There is no place I would rather be than with you, Ignatius. ”

His response was a kiss. That kiss deepened until our passion flared, and I was lost to all but our lovemaking.