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“She’s being naughty,” Magda declared, entering with my nightclothes. “She just fed and is in a very good mood. ”

“I’m not trying to seduce you, Adem. Am I, Magda?”

“No, she’s not. ” Magda appeared amused by Adem’s discomfort. She began to wash my hair, her nimble fingers a joy.

Adem slowly relaxed and took a seat at my vanity. His exhaustion was etched into his scarred face and he suppressed a yawn. “Katya is at the haven and despite her temper tantrums, seemed relatively happy with her new surroundings when I departed. ”

“Is Astir at the haven?” I asked.

“He has returned, but had very little to say. At least to me. ” Adem plucked his turban from his head and ran a hand over his curly hair. He also looked unusually weary and I wondered again if Astir’s magic had sapped us all.

“I wish to see him as soon as possible. There is much I wish to discuss with him. Could you deliver a message for me tomorrow evening requesting a meeting?”

“Of course. ” Adem paused, gathering his thoughts, before continuing. “May I ask what you plan to do with the Baroness? I know you have no love for Vlad’s minions. ”

Magda rinsed my hair as I pondered how I should word my answer. My plan was still taking shape in my mind, but I knew the crux of it. “I have yet to decide her exact fate. For the moment I need her assistance in establishing my presence in the city once again. But once I am done with her, she will die. ”

“Vengeance does not always bring satisfaction,” Adem warned, concern filling his voice.

“No. Not always. But I crave it like blood. I could not save my family, but I can serve justice in their names. ” My good mood was significantly diminished by his words. I did not want to be dissuaded from punishing those who had destroyed my family.

I rose from the water and Magda swept a towel about me, covering my nakedness. From Adem’s expression, it was clear he was more concerned about my plans than my nudity.

“What of Sir Stephan?” he asked. “How will you avenge your family?”

“I haven’t decided yet,” I confessed.

“You do not think he will suspect you?”

“If he does, I will beguile him. He lusts me. I will use that against him,” I said in a dark tone remembering when he had attempted to kiss me.

Adem crossed his arms over his broad chest, reflecting on my words.

“I will not rush into any of my plans,” I swore. “I shall take my time. I do not want to repeat the mistakes of my past. ”

Adem slowly exhaled. “I shall do what I can to assist you. ”

“And keep her from foolishness,” Magda murmured.

“Magda!” I protested.

She just smiled while she helped me into my nightgown.

“You’re a wily young woman,” Adem said as he stood.

“Is that a compliment?” I arched my brow at him.

“Of course. But with youth comes naiveté. That is best remembered. ”

Far too aware of my faults, I sighed. “I will call upon you to give me sage wisdom and guidance. ”

“And I will be here. ”

I hesitated before continuing, but I felt I could draw him into my confidence even further. “Adem, you know of Father Ignatius, do you not?”

“Yes, I do. ”

Magda’s hands paused as she tied the ribbons of my gown.