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“I will keep you lost in the mountains until you relent,” Astir answered.

I believed his threat and did not doubt he was capable of doing such a thing. Angry, yet excited, I grudgingly accepted his terms.

“We shall depart tomorrow night,” Astir decided. “That should give Magda sufficient time to pack your things and prepare. ”

I smiled at the thought of returning to the city. To be far away from the castle and Vlad would be wonderful.

“Do you know what I told our dear Count Dracula when he told me about you?”

I shrugged slightly though I was truly intrigued.

“That you would be the ruin of him. I said, ‘Vlad, you silly man, you should never love a redhead. They are fire made manifest. She’ll destroy you. ’ And I was right,” Astir said, gloating a bit.

“What did he answer you?” I asked, curious.

Astir leaned toward me in a conspiratorial manner. “He said I was a false prophet speaking lies. And yet, here you are. And where is he?”

I felt chilled by his words and shivered.

With a laugh, Astir stood, kissed my hand, and walked out. His peals of merriment taunted me as Magda and Adem stepped into the parlor.

“We return to Buda tomorrow night,” I informed them. “And pray I forgive you both by then. ”

Leaving them, I rushed to my room and flung myself across my bed. Tears of joy and relief streamed down my face and bloodied the coverlet. I did not care.

I was returning to Buda.

Chapter 9

The Journal of Countess Dracula

June 11, 1820

The Golden Krone Hotel, Bistri?a

Tonight we depart for Buda! I am thrilled beyond all comprehension! To once again be in a cosmopolitan city shall be a tremendous relief! I am so happy to be on my way at last, I can even forgive Astir for insisting we return to Buda without the benefit of his magicks. I still do not trust him completely, but I do believe he will not free Vlad. I think he speaks the truth when he says I amuse him.

We are departing by Astir’s private carriage and Adem has arranged for another cart to follow, carrying the coffins of my family. In just a week I shall once again be in the city where I met and fell in love with Ignatius. Despite all that Astir warned, I hope that my love will return to the city and find me.

I have decided to pardon Magda and Adem. Perhaps it is my utter relief to finally be returning to Buda that has me in such a merciful mood, but my anger over their deceit had faded by the time all my trunks were packed. I have yet to inform them that they are absolved, but I shall tell them when I find a suitable time. Besides, in my heart I may have forgiven them, but I am not inclined to inform them just yet.

I am saddened to depart without determining the fate of my beloved sister, Erzsébet, yet I can no longer linger in seclusion. I must leave behind the past and forge forward in my plans.

Once my traveling trunks are removed from my room, we shall be off!

Dressed to travel in a long coat, scarf and gloves, I pulled on my bonnet as I trailed after the men carrying my luggage downstairs. Magda followed, carrying a small travel case. She appeared anxious, but I could not imagine what was to fear now that we were departing. Unless, of course, she thought I would never forgive her. I graced her with a small smile to alleviate her worry and she returned it thankfully. Just as we neared the top of the stairs, Adem rushed up to join us.

“We have a complication,” Adem informed me.

“Whatever is it?” I asked, not really caring about some issue with our travel plans. “And can you take care of it immediately?”

“It is Katya and I believe you may need to intercede before things escalate any further,” Adem answered, his expression unusually grim. “I attempted to handle the situation and failed. Lord Astir is now attempting to calm the situation, but it is not going well. ”

“Truly? What has she done now?” I had started down the stairs, but paused at his words. Short of her informing the local priest of my nature, I really couldn’t imagine how she could cause any harm or cause such anxiety in Adem.

Adem drew a breath, then said in a rush of words, “She had relations with Enre and her father discovered them in the act. He is enraged and disgraced. Lord Astir finds it amusing, so is being no help whatsoever. ”

I gaped at Adem. “How could he be so foolish? This is a scandal!”