The Vengeance of the Vampire Bride (34 page)

Should I be discovered, I
fear that my death would swiftly follow...

“Life is far too
complicated,” Magda sighed as she lightly powdered my face in an
attempt to give me a more mortal complexion.

We were discussing our difficult
relationships as Magda helped me prepare for the baroness’ ball.
She was certainly no longer just my maidservant, but she also one
of my dearest friends. Her allegiance to me was solidified by the
sharing of my blood, but her loyalty had been unwavering even when
she had been bound to Vlad. I trusted her implicitly and I felt
that trust was returned.

“Adem loves you.” I was certain that
this was the truth. Now that I was aware of their growing romance,
I could see the affection in his eyes whenever she entered the
room.

“Yes, but he is such a noble man he
cannot bring himself to sever all ties with Saadat. He wishes to
speak to her and be at peace with her before he continues with me.”
Anger tinged her words, but heartbreak sang in her dark
eyes.

“It shall be. I know it.”

Finishing my makeup, she peered at me
thoughtfully. “Perhaps. I just wish that the world was a simpler
place and that for just a moment all was perfect.”

I smiled at her. “Now you sound like
me.”

With a little laugh, she shook her
head. “If only. I am not the bright star you are. I do not shine as
fiercely as you. I find it difficult to believe that you are the
one who is dead. You are the one full of light.”

Her words were startling, but also
touching. Standing, I flung my arms about her, holding her close.
“You are such a dear person, Magda. You are my light.”

“Do not cry!”

How well she knows me! Already the
tears were forming. She dabbed at the corners of my eyes with the
silk handkerchief she plucked from my vanity.

“I won’t!”

“Do not ruin all my hard work. You look
flushed with life and quite lovely. You shall be the fairest at the
ball.”

Tonight was the grand masked ball that
Csilla was throwing in celebration of the change of the seasons.
Once the winter came, social events would wane. The elite of Buda
were abuzz with excitement at this one last grand affair before the
harsh weather descended upon us.

Laura and I had conspired on our
costumes and we were pleased with the results. My gown was a deep
orange and adorned with silk leaves in shades of red and yellow. My
mask was made of the same silk leaves. My hair was loose with silk
flowers and gold wire wrapped about the curls. My necklace was gold
with glittering rubies and matching earrings dangled from my ears.
I was pleased with the effect. Laura’s costume nearly matched mine,
save hers was a soft yellow and adorned with orange and brown
leaves. We were sister goddesses of autumn and quite pleased with
our attire. I could not wait to see her in her completed costume
when she arrived later with her family.

“The last ball I attended here was
fraught with drama and hidden intrigues.” I pondered this as
wrapped my lacy shawl about my shoulders. It perfectly matched my
dress. “I would like for this one to be fun and
frivolous.”

“Do you believe that you will get your
wish?” Magda smoothed out my skirt and straightened my petticoats
that were heavily embroidered with gold thread.

“No.” I laughed and twirled away from
her. “I am certain something horrible will occur and I shall want
to slay them all. But until that moment, I vow to enjoy my
night.”

Later-

A short while later I
joined the first of the guests in the ballroom. The small orchestra
the baroness was patron of was already playing sweet music under
the sparkling chandeliers. I scanned the costumed guests with some
interest. I knew many now by name due to the baroness’ constant
social engagements. It was difficult to discern who a few people
were due to their ornate costumes, but I spotted Frida speaking
with that gossiping witch, Borbála. Already they were casting
venomous looks about and talking like conspirators.

“They’re a nasty pair, aren’t
they?”

“Percy!” I turned and flung my arms
about him.

He grinned behind his raven mask and
clasped my hands warmly once I released him from my impulsive
embrace. “You should have hidden your hair. I knew immediately who
you are.”

“I’m not really trying to deceive
anyone,” I admitted. “I decided it is best to be out in the open
where all can see I am above the gossip.”

“It has been fairly cruel.” He winced
slightly. “Apparently, I do seem to be a part of it.”

“You’re a handsome man and my husband
has been away for a long time. It is only natural that tongues will
wag about illicit affairs. Though for a time the gossip was about
you and dear Laura.”

Percy shook his head, his blond hair
glimmering in the candlelight. He was dressed a bit plainly
compared to other partygoers. His attire was completely black and
raven feathers adorned his collar and shoulders. I rather liked the
whole affect and his beautiful blue eyes shone behind his mask with
a gentleness I had come to appreciate. “I regret that I gave false
hope to Sir Stephan and his wife. I know Laura was aware that my
interest was only as her friend, but her parents were incensed. I
hear they have returned to their quest to marry her to that
horrible Dietrich.”

“Alas, that is true. Why can’t they let
her be?” I sighed.

“Because they want her to be happy, and
in their eyes, that entails her marrying and having
security.”

I scoffed at his words out of habit and
he lightly tugged one of my curls to stop my scowl. I tucked my
hand into the fold of his arm and smiled up at him. He reminded me
so much of my father as he closed his hand over mine that it warmed
my heart and lifted my spirits.

“Are you ready to have a lovely
evening, Countess Dracula?”

“Why, yes I am!”

“Then let us go forth and give the
gossips plenty to wag their tongues about.”

Laughing, we walked into the depths of
the crowd to mingle.

Despite my loathing of the woman,
Csilla does throw the grandest parties I have ever attended.
Chrysanthemums of every color overflowed ornate vases and swaths of
fabric in the colors of fall were draped artistically around the
pillars and over doorways. I was surprised to see potted trees
lining the walls, their colorful leaves adding to the festive
atmosphere. The Baroness strode through the party greeting people
dressed as the Greek goddess Demeter. Her white gown and gold tiara
were a lovely contrast to her dark hair and eyes. I found her dress
to be a bit scandalous for it exposed her back and swooped daringly
over her cleavage. But it is her nature to provoke and I saw her
eyes glittering with delight.

“She is in her element,” I muttered to
Percy.

“Most certainly.” His gaze lingered on
her as she passed. I could not read his expression.

“I once longed to be what she is,” I
confessed.

“Truly?”

“Yes. A woman who does as she wills
with no regard to the opinions of anyone else about
her.”

“What changed?” Percy tilted his head
and regarded me with interest.

I pursed my lips slightly, then rolled
my shoulders. “I realized I am not cold-hearted enough to hurt
those I care about.”

“Ah, I see. And she cares for no
one?”

“Only herself.”

Percy gave me an affectionate smile. “I
do believe you are right.”

“Why do I feel I have just passed some
grand test?” I eyed him thoughtfully.

Laughing, he shook his head. “Oh, no
test. I am just pleased to hear your words. You’re quite young to
have attained such wisdom despite your rebellious
heart.”

“I may have a rebellious heart, but I
could not bear to remove myself from those I care about. I have
lost far too much too lose any more.”

To my utter surprise, he kissed my
cheek.

This, of course, sent the gossips into
a frenzy.

“You are a lovely and noble woman. I am
pleased you are my friend.” His words were spoken in English and
they touched my heart.

“You are so dear to me, I am honored
that you are my friend.”

Smiling, we walked to the foyer to wait
for Laura. As more guests arrived and the atmosphere of the ball
became more joyous, I began to revel in the evening completely.
Though I wished with all my heart that Ignatius would appear at my
side, I allowed myself to fully embrace the joviality of the
ball.

When Laura appeared, I gave out a cry
of delight. She was ravishing in her costume and made a lovely
dryad. Smiling broadly, she rushed to us. Clutching my hands, she
beamed with happiness.

“You look amazing, Glynis!”

“As do you, Laura!”

“Percy! Oh, my! You’re so handsome!”
Laura gripped his hand as he kissed her on both cheeks.

“Laura and Glynis, the two most
beautiful women in this ball, may I have the pleasure of a dance
later with each of you?”

Laura tittered as I smacked him lightly
with my hand. “You tease us!”

“I’m not lying! You are the
most ravishing women in this ball. My poor old heart cannot
withstand such beauty!” Gripping his chest dramatically, he
staggered back from us. Laura giggled with delight as I playfully
hit him again.

“Laura, come here,” Sir
Stephan called out from nearby. Clad as a scarecrow, I found him a
bit frightening in appearance. Beside him, his wife Maria was
dressed as a milk maid. Both of her parents looked put out at her
interaction with Percy and me.

“I have to go for a little bit,” she
said with a sigh. “Otherwise, they shall make me leave. They want
me to spend time with Dietrich.”

“Perhaps I should claim I am courting
you,” Percy grumbled.

Laura smiled at him sweetly. “I do not
want them to gain hope only to have it dashed later. They know I
despise Dietrich, but I shall do as they ask so I can spend time
with you both. You are my dearest friends.”

“And you’re ours!” My voice was filled
with my passion and I kissed her cheek fondly.

She blushed to the roots of her dark
hair and giggled. Reluctantly, she left us to do her parents
bidding.

“It’s all a lot of nonsense.” Percy
sighed. The feathers of his mask waved about his face as he shook
his head. I fancied it would fly off and circle the room at any
moment.

“I thought you said they only want what
is best for her,” I reminded him.

“Yes, I do understand their motivation
in this situation, yet I cannot help but feel that their constant
thrust for her to marry is only making her more resolute in her
desire not to marry. I want Laura to be happy, but I fear they are
closing her heart completely.”

I grew to love Percy even more in that
moment. I tucked my hand into the crook of his arm and leaned
against him. “We shall do our best to make certain that her heart
remains open to love. Even if it is just the love of
friends.”

“Agreed.” He patted my hand and cast a
long look in the direction of Sir Stephan as he guided Laura toward
her terrible suitor. “Like lambs to the slaughter. I have to admit
you and Laura have opened my eyes. I never truly thought about how
young women are bartered off like goods to the highest bidder, so
to speak.”

“Certainly you had many young women
pushed in your direction during your life. I cannot believe you
were not seen as a suitable match.”

“I was a pauper when I was younger. Our
estate was falling down about our ears and it was my sister who
married well and brought money into the family. I was actually not
deemed a good catch for a long time. I come from a respectable
family, but without the funds.” He shrugged. “I became a successful
businessman and later found my Abigail. It was good enough for me.
And for her.”

“I am so sorry that she is not with
us.” I rested my head on his shoulder. “It would have been lovely
to know her.”

“One day I shall be reunited with her.
Until then, I shall enjoy what life I have left. I must confess my
friendships with you and Laura have significantly lifted my
spirits.”

“As you have lifted mine!”

Together we wandered through the many
rooms housing the party. I pretended to eat the food I plucked from
the buffet and drink the wine poured into my glass. I chatted with
other attendees, admiring their costumes and laughing at their
jokes. There was a great amount of merriment about the festivities,
as though everyone knew we would soon be locked in our homes
waiting for the spring to come. I danced with a few gentlemen
before Percy and I claimed our dance together. We conspired with
each other and kept an eye on Laura as she was escorted about the
party by Dietrich. He cast furtive looks in our direction, his
discomfort clear. Laura appeared bored and disinterested in him,
but he persisted on dragging her about. To my disgust, Sir Stephan
and Maria appeared quite pleased with their interaction.