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I was dumbfounded and I am certain my expression reflected this truth. I struggled to regain my senses as I gaped at the young woman at Borbála’s side.

“Her name is Ilinca, and I have told her all about you. ” Borbála smiled at me vapidly, her mouth a slash of red menace.

Ilinca was lovelier than I had remembered. Dark tendrils of her hair fell against her soft cheek as she regarded me, interest looming in her mismatched eyes. Her headdress, a glittery crescent moon, sparkled on her head and her white gown was delicate and beautiful with its rich silver embroidery and sparkling beading. “How lovely to meet you at last. My dear cousin has told me so much about you. ”

Forcing a smile onto my face, I took her proffered hand. Her hand was warm with life. She had fed recently. My eyes slid to Borbála’s throat. “I am charmed to meet you. I am afraid I do not have the benefit of knowing about you before this moment, but it is a pleasure. ” I was awed by Ilinca’s beauty and also by her presence. If I did not know who she was, I would have thought she was mortal. I could not feel her power and her appearance was startlingly human.

“My visit was unexpected,” Ilinca answered. Her eyes glittered as she spoke and her full mouth was beguiling with its rich dark color and gentle smile. “My brother and I had hoped to establish a new home before winter, but it has been difficult securing a new estate. ”

“I can only commiserate. My home burned to the ground earlier this year and I am the guest of the baroness. ” I immediately realized the folly of my words. My phrase could definitely be regarded as accusatory.

“I see,” she said, her eyes slightly narrowing.

“Pardon my manners, this is my dear friend, Percy,” I said quickly, trying to maintain a more civil and normal conversation.

Percy bowed over her hand in greeting. If he could sense my discomfort, his actions did not reveal this knowledge. “It is a pleasure. ”

“You are English?” Ilinca tilted her head slightly as she regarded him.

“Yes, I am. I am a merchant and I travel to Buda often for my work. ”

“Oh? And what is your business?”

Ilinca turned her full attention to Percy as he answered in some detail. Borbála stood at her side radiating pride. I did not believe for a moment that Borbála was Ilinca’s cousin. I suspected she was in Ilinca’s thrall. Ilinca could not have picked a better minion. Borbála knew all the gossip in the city. Who better to draw into her power so she could uncover the truth about me and my companions?

“And you and Countess Dracula are related?”

I returned my full attention to the conversation.

“Oh, no, no. We are merely friends,” Percy answered.

“Friends are always good to have, don’t you think?” Ilinca smiled sweetly at me.

“Yes, of course. Always!” I giggled nervously. “Especially at parties!”

“Speaking of friends, I think I had best go rescue Laura,” Percy said, lightly touching my shoulder. He gestured with his chin at Laura. She was seated on the far side of the room looking fairly put out as Dietrich tried to cajole her into a dance.

“Oh, yes! You must get her away from that horrible boy. ” I did not want Ilinca to become too interested in Percy.

“I shall return shortly. Ladies. . . ” Percy bowed, excusing himself, then wound his way through the guests toward Laura.

Nervously, I returned my gaze to Ilinca. She was staring at me with a bemused expression upon her lovely face.

“Cousin Borbála, go find Gavril and tell him I am speaking with Countess Dracula,” Ilinca said, her eyes gazing steadily into my own.

“Yes, yes! I will do that immediately!” Borbála rushed off in great haste, not out of fear, but excitement.

There was much I wanted to say, but I held my tongue. I remembered Astir and Ignatius’s warnings all too well. I was to be the vapid countess that was not a threat. It was not the time to be defiant or reckless.

“I have been so looking forward to visiting with you. ”

“We have met before,” I dared to say, attempting to keep my tone light.

Her smile widened even more. “Yes, we have,” Ilinca said, tucking her hand into mine and drawing me into a corner away from the party. “Let me speak frankly and openly. ”

Despite my desire to be brave, my fingers trembled in hers. “What shall we speak about?” It was a daring question, but I could not imagine why she was so keenly interested in me beyond my attachment to my Master.

“As to whether or not I should kill you. ”