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Unsettled by all the events of the night thus far, I felt suddenly unsure of myself.

“Countess,” Adem said in a soothing tone “do not be afraid. I shall be at your side. ”

“As will I,” Magda vowed.

“Enter the carriage and we shall soon arrive at the Dosza Palace,” Adem continued.

Dropping my hand, I glanced through the trees at the burned remains of the home I had once loved. I had nowhere to go but to the palace to be the guest of Vlad’s whore.

“Yes, you’re correct. It is time to deal with those who destroyed my family. ” Calm and resolved, I entered the carriage and we departed.

Chapter 12

The Journal of Countess Dracula

June 13, 1820

The Dosza Palace, Buda

My arrival at the Dosza palace was rather anticlimactic after all that we had endured earlier. Arriving in the dead of night and a week earlier than my anticipated arrival resulted in Baroness Dosza not being in residence. Brice, the baroness' butler and an Englishman, was awakened and quickly set about ensuring that I would be comfortable in a suite in the palace. I noted he was glad to see me, but also nervous. He did not comment on our disheveled appearance, but escorted me to my rooms.

“The Baroness instructed the staff to prepare the Blue Suite for your stay before she departed for the countryside to visit an ailing friend. It is lovely and I believe you shall be quite comfortable here,” Brice said in somber tones as he led my small entourage consisting of Magda, Katya and Adem through the gilded hallways of the palace.

The butler’s crisp English accent was a welcome sound to my ears. It was not so long ago Brice had revealed the truth of his mistress' complicity in the deaths of my family. I had promised that one day I would rescue him from the Baroness and return him to England. I intended to once I had avenged my family.

“Blue is my favorite color,” I replied.

“I believe your husband told the Baroness of your preference before you departed Buda. ”

Though his tone was neutral, his words infuriated me. The Baroness was Vlad’s lover and she was eagerly waiting for him to make her a vampire. I gained great satisfaction in the knowledge that she would never be one of Dracula’s Brides. During my time alone, I had carefully considered every option for vengeance upon her and had finally settled on a plan. In my angrier moments, I admit I had considered merely killing her, but now that I had decided on a course of action against her, I could put aside my anger.

Two maids walked before us wielding huge candelabra that flung candlelight over the walls, chasing away the shadows. The women suppressed yawns, having been rousted from their beds. Behind me Katya let out several soft exclamations as we strolled past marble statues of gods and goddesses, paintings in ornate frames, and tables adorned with fragrant flowers. I suppose our grand surroundings were a bit overwhelming to a peasant girl.

After ascending a staircase guarded by white marble sphinxes, we arrived at my new home. Brice opened the door and the maids hurried inside to light the lamps. Entering, I was quite pleased to find a very modern and comfortable set of rooms. All the furnishings were a beautiful shade of pale blue brocade with ivory accents. Standing in the sitting room, I was thrilled to once again be in my true element. I was weary of the inn and the dreary castle. I missed my home in Buda and the rooms the Baroness had selected suited my taste perfectly.

“Don’t touch anything,” Magda ordered Katya, who promptly glowered.

Adem began to search through the rooms, opening doors, checking behind the heavy curtains over the tall windows, and about the ornate fireplaces. Brice watched him with curiosity as the maids hurriedly went about their business.

Magda wore an expression of re

lief and smiled slightly as we both peered into the bedroom. The canopy bed was beautiful with its gilded posts and heavy velvet and silk draping.

“It’s lovely,” Magda whispered.

“I will have to thank the Baroness for such exquisite rooms when she returns,” I said to Brice.

“She will be pleased to hear that you approve. I know that she put a great amount of effort into preparation,” Brice said in his droll tones. “There is a small room off the bedroom for your maid servant per your request and another room has been set aside for your guard. We were not expecting two maid servants, so perhaps we could have another bed brought in for her. ”

“She will not be staying,” Adem said.

Katya scowled at him, then turned toward me, her gaze imploring me to let her stay.

“She is the servant of a friend and will be returned to him shortly,” I said swiftly.

She pouted and crossed her arms, her chin jutting out stubbornly.

“I see,” Brice said in such a tone that I wondered if he truly did understand the situation.