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I have received the correspondence from your husband with instructions to set up a separate account in your name to enable you to begin the appropriate measures to restore his estate. I understand that he is consumed with his other dealings at this time and I will assist you in any way possible. Upon your return to Buda, I suggest we have a meeting in which I will lay out all the details of the Dracula Buda Estate.

I am always at your disposal.

Sir Stephan

I tossed down the letter and snorted with contempt. I could feel his disdain seeping from his words. He hated that he was to treat me as he would my dear husband. I flicked the letter with my fingers, sending it sailing across my desk. The Baroness' letter was no better. It was a desperate, sopping mess of false sentimentality, full of promises of her friendship and her declarations that she was my ever faithful servant. It was disgusting. But I was also comforted that they both believed that the correspondence I had faked from Vlad had been taken as genuine. These letters had arrived by regular post, not by Astir’s special courier. I wondered why Astir did not feel the need to swiftly deliver the mail from Vlad’s minions to me, but then it is always best to not think too much about Astir. He makes my head hurt with his vagaries.

Relieved, I pulled out my pen and paper, and settled down to write my responses.

Journal of Countess Dracula

May 25, 1820

The Golden Krone Hotel, Bistri?a

Adem and I continue to search for Erzsébet. I despair that she is lost to me, but he will not let me give up all hope. We have sought out and searched every graveyard we can uncover in these mountains. Our excursions on our mysterious black horses are always exhilarating.

Though our quests inevitably end in the failure to uncover my lost sister, I have come to enjoy the moments that follow when we cease our search and Adem trains me to fight. He has been immensely patient with me in every regard. I am well aware that I am quite difficult at times, but I have been trying to obey his instructions. We have started with knife training, though I rather fancied the idea of carrying about a sword. He has even had special sheaths delivered that I can tuck into my clothes. The weapons are silver with ornate gold hilts, therefore a formidable weapon against the ghouls and other vampires. I am already fond of the weapons and admire how they look tucked into my hands.

We often find a meadow to battle in, allowing the horses to graze under the night sky as we stand in the darkened world, our blades glinting while Adem instructs me with great patience. We move at a languid pace as he teaches me to anticipate my opponent’s movements and react accordingly. I often think we appear as slowly moving statues as we swing our blades around in a battle that is as indolent as a tortoise. . .

“. . . shift your weight to your other hip,” Adem ordered.

Pouting, I complied, hearing my hem tear. “I am standing on my petticoat!”

“As you will be in battle. Do you think a vampire hunter, a vampire, a ghoul, or any other opponent will stand still while you fuss with your dress?” He raised his heavy eyebrows, his expression one of amusement.

My dagger clanked against his as I leisurely moved to defend myself against his sweeping blow. “No, but I like this petticoat and this is my only other riding habit after those horrible ghouls ruined the other one.

With a graceful, yet horribly idle motion, Adem advanced to knock me off balance.

Already standing on my dress, I strove to counter, only to fall into the dew-slick tall grass. “Ugh!”

Not allowing me to sulk at my disaster, Adem continued his attack, bringing the dagger down toward my chest.

Falling on my elbows, I raised one leg and shoved my foot into his stomach, kicking. My movement was executed with my normal strength and speed. He flew, crashing into the horses. They nipped at him, whinnying, sounding as if they were laughing at him.

“That was a very good move, Countess. ”

“I’m muddy!”

“Yes, you are. ”

I leaped to my feet and quickly brushed off my clothes. His next attack was unexpected and swift. I barely had time to react. I managed to force my forearm up and under his thrusting arm, wrenching it to the side, pulling his blade away from my body. With my other hand, I gripped his throat, squeezing lightly.

With a burst of laughter, Adem relented. “Well, done. ”

“Perhaps I am learning after all,” I said, experiencing a twinge of pride.

“I do believe you are. ”

“But I do confess my skirts are a disadvantage,” I murmured, gazing down at my torn hem.

“Perhaps we could have a good seamstress create a way for you to pull them up quickly without pausing in battle. ”

“Perhaps little drawstrings?” I considered this notion, pursing my lips. “Yes. I like the sound of that. I do wish Magda was here. She would help me. Katya can barely mend. ”

Chuckling, Adem lowered himself to recline on the grass. “Katya is completely enamored with you. ”