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May cleared her throat and managed to say, “We both did, sir. ”

“Did you now?” the Prince said in such a way that May reddened.

I quickly took another bite of my meal and tried to look busy chewing.

My father sat down his fork and looked directly at the Prince. He wore an expression that said he was done with the games. “Prince, Vlad, I think it only right that I inform you that we plan to leave at dawn. I have already spoken with my driver and guide. ” His posture was stiff and his voice cool. He seemed very uncomfortable with Prince Vlad’s behavior.

Rage erupted in the Prince’s eyes and darkened his features. It literally made me jump in my chair and my spoon clattered to the floor.

“What is this you say?” His voice was a veritable roar.

“I said we are leaving in the morning, sir. My wife and daughters are tired of our long sojourn and I believe it is best we start our journey home,” my father responded.

“I do not understand. When I wrote to Sir Stephen, my dearest friend in Buda, I thought I made it very clear that I was interested in a marriage contract with your family. ” Vlad’s voice was dark and he was staring straight at my father.

“Yes, I know, sir. ” My father took a breath. “Perhaps once you arrive in England, we can discuss a marriage between you and my daughter at length. ”

“We can speak of it now!” Prince Vlad’s lips were drawn tight beneath his mustache and his strong hands gripped the table. “I am a man of wealth, a man of prestige from a fine family. I have a title. I have power. Why is it you will not grant me your daughter’s hand?”

“Sir, you are not known in England. We must consider our daughter’s social standing!” My mother’s temper flared hot, and her eyes were bright with emotion.

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; “Perhaps when you are established in England-“

“Nonsense!” Vlad cut off my father’s words with an angry snort. “I have told you my plans. I will go to England. I will be accepted there and your daughter will be my princess. Sir Stephen, my dear friend, made it very clear that you were desperate for a husband for your temperamental daughter!”

“Do not insult my daughter!” My father was on his feet at this point.

I remember thinking that the Prince’s comment was actually not far removed from the truth, but my father was now quite furious.

Prince Vlad also rose to his feet, lowering his tone when he spoke. “It is not my desire, Lord Edric, to insult the woman I desire to be my wife, but your absolute disregard for what is right and proper has made my tongue loose. ”

“What is right and proper is that we find a suitable husband for our daughter. ” My father’s voice was now very sharp. “Surely you must understand our dilemma. Had we known the condition of this castle we never would have journeyed here. We expected an estate such as those we visited in Buda. Our daughters are our greatest treasures. We cannot let Glynis simply marry you because we traveled here under a false impression. ”

“This is my ancestral home! How dare you insult it! My house in Buda is very nice, very modern. I can easily provide your daughter with a lifestyle suitable to her station in life. ”

“Buda is not the place for my daughter,” my mother said firmly. “She belongs in England with her family. ”

“We are leaving tomorrow, Prince Vlad. I expect you to respect our decision. ” My father was curt in his manner, and I felt proud of him.

Prince Vlad took several deep breaths, then slowly sat down in his chair. “Very well. ” He turned his gaze toward me. “You may leave, but Glynis stays. ”

“Never!” My mother’s voice was sharp.

“Absolutely not,” my father’s voice chorused with my Mother’s.

Prince Vlad gazed at my father evenly, and said, “I will ask you once more, Earl Wright, and your answer had best be the proper one. Will you leave Glynis here to be my bride?”

My father very calmly regarded the Prince as he tossed down the napkin he had been clutching tightly in one hand. “I would never leave my daughter here. I do not appreciate your damned impertinence. We have decided. We are leaving tomorrow with both our daughters. ”

Prince Vlad chucked deep in his throat. “Very well. You have decided your own destiny. Leave tomorrow morning. But remember, your fate was of your own choosing. ” His words were ominous and I shivered.

“Antoinetta, Glynis, May, come along. Good evening, Prince Vlad, we shall retire now.

I had never heard my father speak so forcibly before and it made me proud, yet afraid. I could feel Prince Vlad’s eyes on me as I trailed behind Father. Impulsively, just as I was about to pass through the doorway, I turned.

His feet were propped up on the corner of the table while he stared at me with wild glee in his eyes. He chuckled to himself, his eyes reflecting the red color of the flames in the fireplace.