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“Because he told me so,” she answered, pain leaking into her words. I understood in that moment that she had hoped to be his countess, but had been rebuffed. “He had desired an English bride for his move to that country. But after a time, he told me that he planned to make you his wife in all ways. ”

I had witnessed a secret moment between Vlad and the Baroness. I knew the words he had spoken to her and her anger when she believed he loved me. “We shall be sister Brides,” I said at last.

“You are the first among them,” she said in a soft, thoughtful tone.

“Perhaps, but we both know that his lusts are powerful. He still desires you,” I continued, lying. Vlad had been done with the Baroness. Her worth to him had been nullified as far as he was concerned. But she was valuable to me and, therefore, she must believe that she was still of value in the eyes of Vlad Dracula.

She let out a soft gasp full of emotion. Eyes sparkling with tears, she reached out to clutch my hand. “I only want to serve him. When he grew angry with me. . . ”

“His anger has passed. You know his moods. He can be quite loving one moment and so very cruel the next. Do not be afraid anymore. My very presence here must be an assurance to you that you are not removed from his favor. ”

“Your words have given me such great joy. I will do all I can to serve him and you. ”

“We shall be like sisters,” I promised her, my fingers grasping hers a little too tightly. I could see her discomfort, but she did not dare withdraw from me.

“Yes, yes! Always,” she answered, then with much more fervor, “and forever. ”

I could see that she was snared and I smiled at her with satisfaction.

Chapter 14

Excerpt from Letter from Earl Wright to his sister, Countess Dracula

I must say, my darling sister, I am concerned by the tone of your recent letter. The news of the destruction of your lovely home filled me with terror. To think you could have perished in the flames fills me with dread. I cannot bear to lose you after the loss of our family. My only solace is the knowledge you are in the safe hands of our friend Baroness Dosza.

I realize your husband has many duties to which he must attend, but that you are without the company of family in a time such as this worries me. Perhaps you should return to England and stay with us until your estate is restored.

Excerpt from Letter from Countess Dracula, to her brother, Earl Wright

Your concern for my safety warms me, my dear brother! Though I long to return to England, I feel I must perform my duties as a faithful wife and follow my husband’s directions in this matter. I am quite comfortable in the home of the baroness. Though I miss you and our family terribly, I must stay here for the time being.

Please do not worry after me. Your love and prayers are my strength.

The Journal of Countess Dracula

June 30, 1820

The Dosza Palace, Buda

Andrew’s sweet letter pierced my heart when I read it. I could feel his great concern and love for me pouring out of the words he had written. It pains me to lie to him, but I cannot leave Buda until I have exacted my revenge against Vlad’s minions. And I cannot leave until I find my beloved Ignatius.

I am also unsure of how I can return to England and hide from my brother my new nature. I am not the sister he remembers. I once hid my unnatural beauty behind veils, pretending to be disfigured, but I cannot keep up such a ruse. My brother and I share the same nature and he would be suspect.

I am at a loss.

My family now rests in the crypt of the Dosza Chapel. I am grateful to have them safely interred at last. Magda attended the service performed by a local priest in my stead. I am considering sending them home to England by ship at a later date, but I am uncertain if this is wise. At least for now their bodies are in a holy place. That gives me peace.

Meanwhile, despite my urgent request to see Astir. He has declined my request to see him and is silent on the matter of the vampire who attacked us. I wish only for answers and receive only silence.

I have settled into my new life at the Baroness’ palace. It has not been as difficult as I had feared for the Baroness often sleeps through the day. At her insistence, I call her Csilla during our conversations and she is perfectly relaxed in my presence.

Soon after my arrival, she grew restless and began to throw small soirees every evening. I soon learned that she is fond of drink, men, and is every bit as scandalous as I had once hoped to be. At her insistence, I join her small parties, listening to the mad gossips, laughing at the grandiose tales of young men trying to impress me, and enjoy being the center of attention. My title is enough to gain interest, but my English background and my family’s tragedy make me quite the draw.

“Your husband is quite the man,” a middle-aged dowager duchess named Frida informed me one night. Fanning herself on the veranda, she regarded with amusement the younger drunken people attempting to play croquet in the moonlight. “So forceful and exciting. ”

“He has his moments,” I conceded.

Adem lingered nearby watching the dark cloak of night hiding within the tree line. The night air was warm and thick with moisture. I could see the lights from the palace glinting on the waters of the Danube beyond the trees.