“I know my mind and heart. No man shall ever take my heart. ” Laura’s confidence in her words was mesmerizing. I could clearly see that she believed her words completely. “I shall never marry. I shall never have a child. And I will never love a man. ”
“That almost sounds like a curse. ” Percy frowned slightly at her. “Do not curse yourself. ”
“I am merely declaring my independence. And I don’t believe in curses. ” Laura giggled and tilted her head so the moonlight rested on her face and she took on a rather angelic appearance.
“I used to believe myself to be enlightened until I came to this country. Now I tend to believe in curses and all manner of monsters. ” Percy’s gaze lighted upon me for a mere second, but it was long enough for a bit of dread to seep into my consciousness.
The three of us continued to talk until Laura’s parents came to claim her and whisk her home. Percy, quite drunk, returned to the city on another boat, but not before asking if he could call on me. I agreed and, soon after, I departed with the Baroness Dosza on her private boat. Though she had not been victorious in her pursuit of Percy, she had managed to cause enough of a ruckus to be pleased with herself. I listened to her ramble on about her spiteful revenge against a reveler while Adem gazed at me solemnly from the side of the boat. I was accustomed to him being my shadow, but tonight I felt annoyed by his presence. It was a reminder that Vlad still influenced my life.
Realizing that such morose thoughts only stole away my happiness, I relished my new found friendships instead. I was certain that Laura and I would be fast friends and Percy intrigued me. Despite the loss of both my mortal and vampire families, I could not allow myself to become a sad and lonely creature.
Comforted by the prospect of fresh beginnings, I watched the stars glittering on the dark waves of the Danube and felt at peace.
Chapter 16
The Journal of Countess Dracula
August 2, 1820
The Dosza Palace, Buda
I adore the spring and the early summer, but loathe the height of the summer months when the wind grows still and the heat becomes unbearable. Even though I live my life by night, the humidity and heat still linger in the darkness.
If I was still mortal, I would have spent many afternoons walking along the Danube, p
icnicking, and laughing under bright blue skies. Instead, I am heavily tethered to my nighttime existence and only attend the social events that occur once the sun has set. This has made it a bit difficult to nurture my new friendships with Laura and Percy. Happily, both seem committed to forming relationships with me.
I am glad for the camaraderie. Though Magda and Adem have proven to be valuable allies as I carve out a new life for myself in Buda, I often miss my family and friends in England. Though I am haunted while I sleep by the specter of Vlad Dracula, the nightmares fade away when Laura or Percy visits. Though I continue to be social at the encouragement of the Baroness, it is these two friendships that have begun to instill within me a semblance of normalcy.
I have noted that Adem approves of my mundane life as a mortal countess, and Astir sends me the occasional note of encouragement. Magda also appears content with the new state of things though she despises the baroness. Twice a week, while I sleep, she visits Astir’s haven to see her little boy. I have asked her to bring him to the palace, but she refuses. In Astir’s haven she knows her little boy is truly safe and I cannot blame her for worrying.
My life would be wonderful and complete if Ignatius were here, and I did not have to endure nightmares filled with Vlad Dracula. Astir continues to warn me against contacting my beloved. I do not think I can endure this separation much longer.
Only my new found friendships give me true solace.
Percy sometimes calls in the early evening and Csilla acts as our hostess. I enjoy his even temperament and he reminds me so much of my father that we discussed our family histories one night. It is possible we are distant cousins. It feels lovely to speak and spend time with someone from my own country. Though Brice is from England, he is a servant, and therefore I cannot truly form a friendship with him. I often think how lonely he must be.
“Will I ever meet your husband?” Percy inquired on the night of our first excursion without the wildly flirtatious Csilla. The baroness was occupied with another conquest and we were alone.
I hesitated in my step as we walked into a cafe we had discovered that serves proper English tea. It is close to the Danube and near the heart of the city. Carriages rattled past us carrying their charges to other exciting locations and people flowed along the walks. Adem followed behind us, his dark eyes ever-watchful of any dangers.
“I should think so,” I lied. “He is quite busy, so I am not certain when that shall be. ”
Tucking his warm hand under my elbow, Percy said, “I would think he would not wish to be far from you. ”
I floundered, unable to find the words to answer.
Once inside the cafe, we were escorted to a neat little table and Percy immediately ordered tea for both of us. Adem sat down at a table near us and ordered coffee. I set my small purse on my lap and raised my fan to stir the warm air into a gentle breeze. Percy’s bright blue eyes gazed at me speculatively and I arched a brow.
“I was just wondering if our friendship and appearances in public together without a proper escort might tarnish your reputation. ”
I shrugged. “We have Adem with us and my reputation is already scandalous due to my marriage. ”
“Count Dracula is definitely a man of intrigue from all I have heard. ” Percy sat back in his chair, trying to find a comfortable position, and regarded me with some concern.
“He is a very enigmatic man. ” I fluttered my fan before my face, trying to hide my agitation. “Besides, even if the Baroness joined us, tongues would still drip with gossip. ”
“She does seem a bit. . . lively. ” Percy grinned, flashing his white teeth. I knew from Csilla’s grousing that Percy had rebuffed her advances on more than one occasion.