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“You look lovely. We should depart now that you are ready,” Vlad said.

Magda quickly tied one more ribbon in my hair and then hurried to get my cloak.

I walked toward Vlad slowly, my gaze fastened on him rather intently. “Why are we going to this party tonight?”

“Why are you so suspicious? Perhaps it is time for us to socialize with others as a married couple,” Vlad answered.

“Oh, please. You do nothing without some sort of ulterior motive. You plot everything. ”

“You do know me well, do you not?”

“Far more than I like,” I admitted.

Magda brought my cloak and helped fasten it about my throat. She looked anxious. When I departed on Vlad’s arm, I saw that she was clutching her hands tightly, her knuckles completely white.

“I would truly like to know why we are going to the Baroness' home tonight,” I said as we walked down the stairs to the foyer. “I do not like it when you plot and leave me in darkness. ”

Vlad turned on his heel to regard me thoughtfully, then shook his head. “No, it is best if you do not know. I am not in the mood for one of your temper tantrums. ”

“I beg your pardon? Temper tantrum?” I stomped my foot. “Truly you think ill of me. ”

With a laugh, he helped me into the carriage and took his place beside me.

I gave him my most sour expression. “Of course, you will not be a decent man and let me know of your plans. ”

“Of course not. Besides, you have never considered me to be a decent man,” Vlad said with a laugh.

I growled at him and settled down into the seat as the carriage lurched forward.

“Perhaps I have decided it is time for you to know the truth about certain matters that pertain to you,” he said at last.

I regarded him with great curiosity, but he ignored me.

The Dosza Palace was not the shimmering spectacle it had been the night of the opera, but it was still quite glorious to behold as we approached. As the carriage drew up to the steps, Vlad reached out to touch my hand, his fingers tracing over the red stone in the ring he had given me.

“Remember, you are Countess Dracula. None other carries that title,” he said firmly.

I regarded him in silence, attempting to discern a hidden meaning. The door to the carriage opened and we disembarked.

Brice met us in the foyer. “Please, follow me,” he said in a low voice, and I noticed that he barely glanced at me.

Freed of our cloaks, we followed Brice into a parlor where the Baroness was already visiting with other guests. Sir Stephen and his wife, Maria were seated on a couch talking softly with the Baroness.

As we entered the room, the Baroness slid to her feet and put on her most dazzling smile. I thought this amusing since all their expressions had been quite dire when we had entered.

“Count and Countess Dracula, how wonderful for you to join us tonight,” she gushed.

Vlad allowed her to greet him warmly and I followed suit.

The Baroness looked beautiful in her red gown and red ostrich turban. She clasped her hands to her bosom and her diamond bracelets and rings caught the light like white fire.

“We are most pleased to be here,” Vlad said in response, then moved to greet Sir Stephen and Maria.

A fierce anger enveloped me as I stood among those who had betrayed and murdered my family. My jaw set firmly as I moved to greet the other guests, putting on my best face despite my rage.

“It was so delightful to meet your brother,” the Baroness said with a bright smile.

“He enjoyed your party immensely. ”