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“I have unusual hours if you could inform your staff. I am not to be bothered during the day. I prefer the night. I have a. . . delicate condition and the sun weakens me. ” Brice knew of my true nature, but the two household maids that were turning down my bed and fluffing my pillows most likely did not.

“I understand. I shall make sure you are accommodated,” Brice answered smoothly.

“Also, if you could send word to the Baroness that I have arrived early that would be greatly appreciated,” I continued. “I would like to see her as soon as she arrives. We have much to discuss. ”

Brice inclined his head. “Very well. ”

“Also, could you have my family laid in state within the palace chapel?” I would not be able to enter to visit them, but it felt appropriate that they should be in the house of God.

“Yes, madam. Of course,” he answered.

The two maids finished their tasks, took up their silver candelabras, and hurried from the room. Just as they departed, Adem’s men entered carrying my traveling trunks. Immediately, Magda instructed the men to follow her into the bedroom with their burden.

“Thank you so much for your kindness,” I said to Brice, dismissing him with a slight smile.

“It is a pleasure to serve. ” He bowed, then withdrew from the room.

As the door clicked shut, Adem approached me. “The rooms are secure. All the windows have locks. The drapes are doubled so no sunlight will penetrate. The only door into the suite is that one. ”

“She does tend to have hidden spaces in her walls, Adem. ”

“Astir informed me of that as well. I shall examine all the walls and furnishing carefully. I do suspect she would not dare to spy on you for fear of Vlad Dracula. ”

“She should fear me more than he,” I declared.

“That she should,” he agreed with a smirk. “I will escort Katya back to Astir’s haven then return before the sun rises. You do need to feed, so you may take one of my men. ”

“I would rather stay with the countess,” Katya grumbled from across the room. She was gazing up at a painting of nymphs dancing in a grove. In some ways she reminded me of the fae. She was beautiful, beguiling, and dangerous. Her blood was sweet and she was willing to offer herself to me, but my inability to control her mind would be my undoing if I kept her about.

“You need to go with Adem,” I informed her.

“Please! I beg of you! Do not turn me away! I want to be with you! I want to serve you! And when Count Dracula returns, I will give myself to both of you!” she wailed, throwing herself at my feet, clasping her arms around my knees.

Adem reached down to pluck her off the floor, but I stopped him with a gesture. With a sigh, I took her hands and pulled her to her feet. Tears glistened on her face and her lips were trembling.

“Katya, listen to me. Astir has a haven, a safe place full of wondrous delights. Vlad corrupted you and I know your desires are not. . . ” I faltered.

“Please, let me serve you. I know that horrible woman hates me,” she said venomously, glaring at Magda as she stepped into the sitting room, “but I swear I will serve you faithfully. ”

“She’s worthless. She can’t clean or mend properly. She’s lazy,” Magda responded dismissively.

Releasing Katya’s hands, I forced myself to not acknowledge the heartbreak in her gaze. “Take her to Astir, Adem. ”

A dismal sob burst from the girl as Adem took hold of her shoulders and guided her from the room. I could feel her eyes upon me as she was led away and she wept openly.

“She’s worthless,” Magda declared.

“Vlad broke her. Corrupted her. It is his sin that has festered in her soul and made her into what she is,” I answered tersely.

“Yes, but that is not your sin. Why should you be punished for what he has done? You cannot keep her near you. She’s like a moth to the flame. ”

The guards strode from my bedroom and bowed. “Will you have any further need of us?” one asked.

I was hungry and ill-tempered. “Yes, find Enre and send him to me. ”

They acknowledged my request with the slight bob of their chins before departing.

“I shall arrange for your bath to be drawn. ” Magda also left.