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Chapter 33

The Journal of Countess Dracula

December 6, 1820

Buda

I have been allowed to change into more formal attire. Magda wept as she delivered the clothing to me and kissed my hands as her tears fell upon my palms. I held her against me, humbled by her affection, and kissed her cheek when she departed. Alone, I dressed in the fine pale pink gown with the delicate ice blue ribbons and beading. I did not attempt to put up my hair, but instead let it fall to my waist. Wearing the cursed wedding ring and my cameo from Percy, I awaited my fate.

Though I love Ignatius deeply and believe he will do all he can to save me, I am afraid. Perhaps this is my just judgment for all I have done. I have killed and committed cruel acts. I am no longer human and stand outside of nature and God’s blessing.

Yet, I find myself without remorse. I have experienced life in a way I never imagined. I have loved fully and completely. Ignatius is my soul. Laura is my heart. I was blessed by the loving friendship of Percy and comforted by the companionship I found in Magda and Adem. I have lost much, but I have also gained such beautiful treasures in the darkness of the night.

I am not content to die tonight, but I will face my accuser knowing that every action I have taken since the night I fled the castle has been by my own choice.

“Take care with the step,” Jenci’s said as he guided me.

Blindfolded, I was led by the hand by Rebekah, the vampire with the white hair. We traversed a series of winding stairs then walked down long hallways. I heard other footfalls and voices in the distance, but could not discern where I was being led. When I was bundled into a carriage and transported across the city, I was surprised. Yet, it only seems wise that Gavril and Ilinca would have multiple havens.

After a short journey, we departed the carriage and strolled through the icy slush. When we entered the warmth of a new haven, Rebekah removed the blindfold. She did not touch the silver bands that secured my hands.

I was standing in a great hall of marble with a chandelier sparkling overhead. I recognized this new place as the home of Borbála. This was confirmed when she pranced out of a doorway and laughed with delight as she rushed over to me.

“How exciting! A trial in my home! I wish I could tell everyone, but alas, I cannot!” Her cruel eyes relished my situation and I considered striking her. Instead, I stood still as she carefully removed the silver bonds from my wrists.

Jenci pushed her aside and she frowned at him fiercely. He ignored it and took my arm once again. Rebekah placed her hand upon my shoulder and they guided me down the hall to a grand ballroom illuminated with red candles.

The House of Gavril was gathered to observe my trial. They were seated in chairs arranged around a dais were two ornate chairs were set up as thrones. Ilinca and Gavril were already settled upon them.

I saw Ignatius and Laura seated near the front of the rows. Laura’s eyes were red from crying and she gave me a sweet smile, trying to reassure me. Ignatius’s face was an impassive mask. I feared that whatever plan he had tried to set in motion to rescue me had failed. As Jenci escorted me past Ignatius, he stood quickly. I leaned toward him and our lips met for a mere second before I was pushed on.

I was seated to the right side of the thrones. Across from me sat Cneajna. She was smiling at me with cruel satisfaction. She was clad in a modern gown of ivory with gold accents. Like mine, her hair remained unfettered. Slowly, she licked her lips, a reminder of when she had licked my blood off them the night she had attempted to kill me. It was a promise that I would die.

Fighting the impulse to lower my head, I gazed at her steadily. Her smile only widened as she relaxed into her chair.

I finally allowed my gaze to wander and saw that there were new vampires among the House of Gavril. Rebekah took her seat next to a man I assumed was Izsak, the faithful servant she had asked to turn into a vampire. I spotted Zsa Zsa sitting in the last row, perched on the back of the chair, her feet set upon the seat. In her hand was a long iron pike with a bronze skull impaled at the top. One of the wolf brothers stood behind Cneajna and Ferenc guarded me.

Jenci shut the doors to the ballroom and hurried down the aisle to the ste

ps leading to the thrones. I allowed myself to look at Ilinca and Gavril at last. They were both solemn tonight, clad in rich black velvet with gold diadems upon their heads. Ilinca’s hand rested upon Gavril’s forearm, her eyes resting on his face. He was a morose figure upon his throne and I feared his judgment would be swift.

“House of Gavril, Father Ignatius, Lady Laura of House Dracula, we are gathered to hear the accusation by Princess Cneajna of House Dracula against Countess Dracula, Princess of Wallachia. ” Jenci’s voice boomed and echoed in the grand room.

“What is the accusation?” Ilinca asked, though she already knew.

“State the accusation, Princess Cneajna,” Jenci ordered.

Cneajna stood, curtsied to the regents, then turned her gaze to me. “Glynis struck down Vlad Dracula so she could steal his blood and power. She murdered him by plunging a stake through his back. She also attacked his Brides and left us to starve. Once I had recovered, I came here to Buda to seek justice. ”

“Let it be noted that Count Vlad Dracula has not been seen in the city of Buda since the last of April this year,” Jenci added. “His absence has been a cause of concern for the House of Gavril for some time, but the regents graciously upheld the treaty they had entered with Count Dracula. Because of that treaty, the House of Gavril is sworn to defend Count Vlad Dracula and his House. Should Countess Dracula be guilty of the murder of her Master, then the treaty must be enforced and her life extinguished. ”

“What is the defense of Countess Dracula?” Ilinca said, her gaze drifting toward me.

“State your defense, Countess Dracula,” Jenci directed.

I did not plan to stand, but I felt a surge of power wrapping about me and I was forced to my feet. I gave the little man a shocked look, but he only smiled knowingly. Once again, I had underestimated someone.

“I have no defense. I cannot disprove what she has said,” I confessed. “The castle is far from here and Vlad travels extensively. I beg that you delay your judgment until he returns to Buda. ”