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The name of my beloved friend made me wince. I touched the cameo about my neck. Fighting back tears, I donned my favorite light blue gown. Ignatius rose to help me button it.

“How long has she been in Buda? Do you know?”

“No, I do not. ” His voice held a hint of a warning and I understood that Ferenc could be listening to our every word.

“What shall we do?” I asked in an agonized voice. “How shall we prove that I did not kill Vlad?”

Taking me by the shoulders, Ignatius gaze at me. “Do not fret. I shall find a way. Do not be afraid. ”

“I trust you,” I said passionately.

He smiled, then kissed me.

Later-

Ignatius brought me a book and a journal to keep me occupied while I await my fate. The journal is new and quite lovely. The leather is supple to the touch and the pages are edged in gold. I fear I shall not fill many of the pages of this lovely tome. Despite all I have endured, I may be in the final days of my life.

As I sit here alone, listening to Cneajna’s laughter, I may not have hope, but I have lovely memories of those who love me. Perhaps that is enough.

Letter from Father Ignatius to the Immortal Beloved of Vienna

My dearest Mistress,

Much has occurred since my last correspondence. Decisions have been made in the passion of the moment and I pray that you will have mercy on me. I have perhaps been unwise in consideration of your dealings, but pursued the only course of action my heart would allow. Sadly, this entailed a deal with that most foul beast, Astir. I had no choice. I will do anything I must to save the woman I love.

I feel I must explain my actions in detail. . .

As soon as I rose, I gave Laura and the household over to the protection of Adem. He understood immediately that I had made a most difficult and possibly ill-conceived decision. As I dressed for travel, Adem brought me a fine sword and silver daggers for protection.

“Ignatius, you do realize he will rise angry and thirsting for revenge. Who is to say he will not hand Glynis over to the regents and allow her to die?” Adem said in his low tones, his dark eyes regarding me thoughtfully.

“He will not,” I said with confidence. “He will defend her and have Gavril release her. ”

“Because he loves her?” Adem appeared skeptical of such a thought.

I donned my thick wool coat and regarded him as I pondered his question. “Partially, yes, but mostly because he needs her. Glynis contains his power and is a lynchpin to all his plans. ”

“But you are forcing him to rise without her. ” Adem handed me my gloves, scowling.

“He will still want his power and he will manipulate her to do as he heeds. He will not let her die. ”

“Then he will try to take her with him once she is freed,” Adem decided.

“Yes,” I conceded. “I must anticipate his actions and thwart him once she has been delivered over to him. For Glynis’s sake. ”

“And your own,” Adem pointed out.

“Of course. ” I quirked a small smile in his direction as I tugged on my leather gloves and reached for my hat. “I love her. I will do all I can to save her. I cannot bear to be without her. ”

“It’s true!” Laura gasped from the door way. Her hand was flung up against the slim whiteness of her throat and her hazel eyes were wide with fear. “You cannot! You cannot go to him! She needs you here. It is only two more nights before they decide her fate!”

“That is why I must go. Cneajna is far older than Glynis and has a reputation among our kind as Vlad’s faithful Bride. Her testimony will weigh heavily against Glynis. ” I laid my hand on her shoulder gently. “Laura, I must go and do what I can to save her. ”

Grasping my hand, she pressed it to her cheek. “Ignatius, do not leave us! We need you! Do not go to that man! He will kill you! He will not help us!”

A sigh escaped my lips as I took her in my arms to console her. I could feel her slender form trembling as I held her. Whispering into her hair, I slid a tendril of power into her thoughts. “Be at peace, Laura. I shall return and rescue Glynis. Then we shall all be reunited. ”

“What if he kills you? What if he betrays her? What if he decides to destroy all of us? I know what he is! Glynis told me! I fear him. I fear for you, Ignatius,” Laura uttered urgently.