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“She died,” Magda said with a sigh. “And rose again. Vlad was waiting for her to rise and brought her back to the mansi

on. He trapped her in the house to keep her presence from her grieving family, but she was dangerous. Zsofia killed some of the servants, which enraged him. He beat her. She raged at him. ”

I shivered, remembering far too well my own abuse at his hands.

“Zsofia tried to fight him. Tried to fight what he had done to her. I could hear her weeping throughout the night. He forced her to drink from him, binding her tighter and tighter to him. And then one night, she no longer cried. She no longer fought. He had achieved his goal and she wascompletely enamored with him. ” Magda touched my ring lightly. “This ring was hers. ”

Gazing down at my ring, I felt a cold chill sweep through my flesh. “She was conquered. ”

“Yes, and after a time he grew bored of her and found another girl to love. He was going to take Zsofia to the castle to join the other Brides. She was horrified to discover there were other women, other Brides. She was heartbroken. In despair, she set herself on fire and burned before our eyes. ”

“What did Vlad do?” I asked though I already suspected the truth.

“He watched her burn, ordered us to clean up her ashes, and departed to see his new conquest. ” Magda tucked her hair back from her face. “Though I witnessed Vlad attempting to secure the same fate for you through his power and blood, you were far stronger than she was. When I realized you were in love with another, I did all I could to help you hide that from Vlad. I did not want you to meet her fate. He destroys what he loves. Always. ”

“Thank you,” I said, placing my hand over hers. “Thank you for reminding me that what I feel is born out of him, not me. I feel weakened when I feel the bond to him. I feel evil. ”

“You’re not evil. Not like he is,” Magda assured me. “Never. ”

At last I lay down on the grand bed and she blew out the candles. After making sure the windows were secure, Magda retired to her room as I settled down to sleep. As my eyes closed, I thought of her story, all I had endured, and vowed I would never be his again.

Chapter 13

The Journal of Countess Dracula

June 15, 1820

The Dosza Palace, Buda

As anticipated, I have received countless queries from the members of Buda’s high society. The wealthy and titled of the city are undoubtedly intrigued with the scandal of Count Vlad Dracula’s wife visiting his mistress. I have received all manner of invitations: to parties, luncheons, teas, and dinners. There are many letters on thick paper with wax seals extending offers of friendship. I am quite amused, as it is evident that I am causing a stir among my husband’s circle of friends. I sit in my lovely new sitting room sorting through the stack of correspondence feeling amused and delighted.

Though there has been no word from the Baroness, Brice assured me that a message has been dispatched and that she will most likely be returning to the palace within a day or so.

Shortly after eight o'clock in the evening, I was informed that I had a caller.

“Who is it?” I asked Brice.

“Sir Stephan, his wife Maria, and their daughter,” he answered. “He just learned of your arrival and is quite anxious to bid you welcome to Buda. ”

I smirked as I set aside the correspondence. Standing, I pulled a lacy shawl about my shoulders and smoothed out the pale blue silk of my dress. “Very well. Please escort me to my guests. ”

Sir Stephan was just as I remembered him: tall, slim, plain, and rather forgettable. His wife, Maria, was much more intriguing and lively. She was Hungarian and beautiful with thick dark hair, pale skin, and gray eyes. When she smiled it was as if a beacon of light surrounded her. Even though the last time I had been in their presence I had threatened their lives, she greeted me warmly.

“Countess Dracula, how lovely to see you!” she exclaimed. “We came as soon as we heard the news of your arrival. We’re so excited to see you once again. ”

I allowed her to kiss me on both cheeks and gave her a false smile in return. Sir Stephan mumbled a greeting and kissed my hand. I could feel his unease sliding off of his skin. My smile widened with satisfaction. I enjoyed watching him pale beneath my gaze.

“A pleasure to see you, Countess Dracula,” he said after clearing his throat.

I tilted my head as I caught sight of a young woman lingering behind them. “And this is?”

“Our daughter, Laura,” Maria answered, taking her daughter’s arm and pushing her toward me. The girl’s head hung down, the thick brown curls around her face hiding it from view.

“Laura, how nice to meet you. I am Countess Dracula,” I said, extending my hand.

Taking it, she curtsied slightly, and answered, “A pleasure to meet you. ”

I was speechless when she raised her head, for Laura immediately reminded me of my dead sister. Though she resembled May, her defiant chin, and wary, alert gaze spoke of a personality far more dynamic than that of my sweet delicate sister. Her eyes were large, heavily fringed with dark lashes, and a warm color between green and gold while her full, finely shaped lips and round cheeks were the shade of a pink rose.