Page 96

The snow continues to fall. It seems every night the sky is full of snowflakes. The river has begun to freeze over and huge chunks of ice have made the ferry passage to Pesth difficult. In the light of the full moon, the world is white and black.

I continue to drink from Csilla and occasionally the guards. Csilla has embraced her malaise happily. She regards it as a rite of passage from the world of the living to the world of the vampires.

Though Adem continues to drill me on fighting tactics and Magda is always a pleasant companion, my world has become the palace. Before when I chose to hide myself away, I did not feel so trapped. But now that the snow drifts are packed high, I am restless. Perhaps it is that damned fallen angel’s warning. I fear something is amiss.

“A message from Sir Stephan,” Magda said, setting the envelope before me.

I set my novel aside and reached for the letter. “He sent out a messenger in this weather?”

“Perhaps it is urgent. ” Magda lingered at my side, obviously just as curious as I was.

Breaking the seal, I opened the envelope and drew out a simple sheet of paper. I read the words once, then twice, my heart letting out a sharp thud.

Dearest Countess Dracula,

We implore you to come to our home immediately. Laura has fallen ill and we are gravely concerned. She is requesting that you come to her beside. Maria and I agree that seeing you will lift her spirits.

Please come swiftly.

Sir Stephan

“Tell Adem we are departing immediately to Sir Stephan’s house,” I said. “Laura is ill. ”

“Oh, my!” Magda gasped before rushing from the room to do as I asked.

Standing, I crumpled the letter in my hand remembering the words of the fortuneteller.

You cannot escape the dragon forever. It will come to consume you and death will be your harbinger.

Terribly afraid, I quickly dressed in a warm wool dress and donned my coat. Snatching up my hat, I rushed downstairs to find Adem. I found Enre in the foyer clad in a heavy coat and hat for the cold weather. He bowed his head as I approached.

“The sleigh is being brought around. We shall leave shortly. ”

As I pulled on my gloves, I could not help but worry about Laura. She had confided in me about the death of her brother during a bad winter storm some years past and how she had almost died as well. It was unbearable to consider losing my dear friend.

Brice appeared from the dark depths of one of the halls that led to the kitchens. In one hand he carried a pot by its handle, careful not to spill its contents. I was surprised to see him and even more surprised when he held the tiny pot out to me.

“It’s medicinal tea,” he explained. “A few of the maids are sick with a cough and this tea has given them some relief. ”

“Thank you, Brice. This is a lovely gesture. ” I gratefully took it and smiled at him.

His expression remained stoic as he studied me with some degree of suspicion. At last, he slightly bowed and returned to the darkness of the hall.

The door opened and a harsh, freezing wind flooded the foyer. Adem stepped hurriedly inside and slammed the door shut. Bits of snow whirled around him before settling wetly on the marble floor.

“Countess, the snowstorm is not as fierce as it was earlier, but we should depart now and hope it does not worsen. ”

“I am ready to leave. ”

I handed the tea to Enre before taking Adem’s arm. We slipped out into the night, the cold gripping me immediately. The snow flurries swirled about on the night breeze and the packed snow beneath our feet crunched with our every step. The dark sleigh and black horses were a striking contrast to the white world enfolding us. Adem valiantly helped me up and tucked the heavy blankets around me once I was seated. Enre handed me the pot and I nestled it on my lap, cradling it with my gloved hands.

The driver of the sleigh was thickly wrapped up in a coat and cloak. The familiar face of the baroness’ personal driver peeked out from beneath his hat. Adem and Enre stepped onto the runners and held on as the horses clopped forward. Lowering my head, I tried to keep the freezing wind from my eyes as it tugged at my hat and coat. It was not a long distance to Sir Stephan’s house, but the weather hampered our progress. It was difficult to see the road and the driver was leery of the tall snow banks.

When at last we drew up the long drive to the mansion where Laura lived, I was quite relieved to see the light pouring into the night from the windows. It gave the home a comforting, warm allure.

“There we are,” the driver said, a smile finally gracing his ruddy face. “No

little snow storm can keep me from fulfilling my duties. ”