“Thank you. You are very kind. I shall thank Astir for entrusting my care into your capable hands. I feel quite protected. ” I smiled slightly, then hurried toward the staircase that would lead me to my room. To my dismay, he fell into step behind me.
“I should check your room and make sure it is sufficiently secure to keep you safe during the day, Countess. We cannot be certain that the vampire hunters will not venture into this area. ”
His footfalls were heavy on the stairs while mine were light as a feather. I was annoyed with his intrusion into my evening and his lord’s admonition that I should stay away from Buda. My teeth were sharp in my mouth and my eyes burned as my power rose. Perhaps I had been a fool not to have fed in previous nights for now my temper and hunger were intricately intertwined.
“Please be quick about it,” I answered rather sharply. “I have much writing to do before the sun rises. ”
“Of course,” he answered, not taking offense at my tone. In fact, he seemed slightly amused.
Reaching the door to my room, Adem stepped forward to open it. Seeing that I had not locked it behind me, he gave me an admonishing look. I gave him a tense smile in response. Opening the door, he entered, a dagger flashing in his hand. The appearance of the weapon surprised me for I had not even seen him draw it.
There was a sharp exclamation from within the room. Peering past Adem’s shoulder, I saw Katya lying on my bed, her hand drawn up to her neck. Her surprised expression matched Adem’s.
Moving swiftly into the room, I walked over to the bed, grabbed the girl’s wrist, and wrenched her off. She cried out and flailed as she crashed to the floor. The bedcovers and pillows slid off the bed into a silky heap. My little journal lay exposed for all to see. I could see Adem’s sharp eyes take in the small volume, but he said nothing as he slid his dagger into a hidden sheath in his sleeve.
“You said to come later,” Katya uttered sullenly.
“When I am in the room. I do not care for people to cavort among my personal affects when I am not present!” My fingers gripped her wrist tighter as I shook her.
“Forgiveness!”
“Do not enter my room unless I give you specific instructions. ”
“I will obey you. I promise!” She clung to my skirt, her large blue eyes begging for my mercy.
I released her arm and snatched up my journal. Turning my back on Adem, I quickly tossed my letters into the small fireplace in the corner of the room. I scowled as the red wax with the imprint of a dragon slowly burned in the glowing embers. That my plans to return to Buda and exact my revenge on Vlad’s minions were delayed angered me. I sat down at my desk and tucked my journal under a sheaf of paper as Adem meticulously scrutinized the windows and shutters.
Meanwhile, Katya roused herself from her weeping and tidied up my bed. She smiled at me timidly, obviously trying to impress me with her servitude.
Tapping my gold pen against the inkwell, I considered my next course of action. If I had to stay in Bistri?a, then I would continue my search for Erzsébet. I was certain Vlad had moved her crypt. Perhaps her new resting place would not be as secure as her former prison. I desired to rescue and restore her. The other Brides may scorn me, but I knew she would not. Erzsébet had understood my need to be free of Vlad. Perhaps she could take me to Ignatius. After all, they were both the offspring of their Mistress, therefore siblings of her blood.
Upon finishing his inspection of my room, Adem let out a low sigh, shaking his head. “It will have to do. I will have men stationed across the street to make certain that you will not be attacked through the windows given the close proximity of the other buildings. Yet, I do not see a better room to relocate you. If you do not mind, I will have iron shutters installed on the inside of the windows. You will be able to close and lock them before you rest. I’m sure the proprietor of the building will not mind such an arrangement. ”
Katya began to open her mouth to protest, but was silence by Adem’s quick look.
“A proper payment to keep the lady safe will be in order,” he added.
“Papa does like money,” Katya admitted.
I remembered all too well the vampire hunters' assault on Vlad’s carriage. I had been engulfed in flames and burnt severely. I would not like a repeat of that particular incident in my temporary haven. “Please take care of it immediately, Adem. ”
“I will, Countess. ” Adem’s gaze rested on Katya.
The lovely blond thing was lingering near the bed, her fingers lightly skimming over the silken bedclothes. It was bedding Vlad had explicitly requested during our previous stay. Her expression was languid and sensual. It was obvious that she was waiting for Adem to leave us.
Approaching me, Adem looked apprehensive. Slowly, he leaned down to whisper, “Do you think it wise to feed off her? We do not want to anger her father. ”
“My husband often feeds from her during his visits. I will only take a little. ”
“Perhaps you should feed from my men,” Adem suggested, his dark eyes narrowing on the girl.
“And you?” I arched a brow.
Adem smirked. “My blood would not satisfy you. I shall arrange for my men to offer their throats to you every night. Take what you need. They are all born of Lord Astir’s haven and have given their blood before. ”
Katya frowned, overhearing our conversation. “But I want her to kiss me! How dare you interfere!”