I found Magda in my room waiting for me. She was laying out one of my favorite dresses. “The Count told me to make sure you looked your very best tonight,” she said nervously.
With a bit of a frown, I fell into the chair next to my vanity. “Yes, he is dragging me off to some ridiculous gathering with his mistress. ”
Magda’s expression was grave as she began to brush out my hair.
“It is unfortunate that he does not leave you behind,” she said in a low voice, and I understood the hidden meaning. I wondered how much she actually knew about Ignatius and me. I dared not ask.
“Yes, I know. I’m rather tired of being tied to his side. ”
Magda began to twist my hair up into a fancy design. “He has been a bit possessive since his return. ”
“He suspects me,” I answered truthfully.
“And yet he is open with his mistress. ” She adorned my red tresses with jeweled hair clips and a fancy green ostrich feather.
I shrugged. “I really do not care about her. ” Unfortunately, I knew that was not fully true. I actually despised the Baroness and felt threatened by her to some degree. Of course, she had also betrayed my family and I hated her viciously for that. But, if I was honest with myself, the mere thought of Vlad turning her into a vampire made me quite angry.
“That woman is evil,” Magda hissed.
“Why do you say that?” I glanced back at Magda. She seemed quite upset.
“She used to visit often before Vlad brought you here. He used to spend a lot of time with her before you became his wife. She used to do terrible things to the servants and he would let her. ”
I saw that her hands were shaking. “Magda, did she hurt you?”
My faithful servant reached out and took my hands. I felt a pang of guilt that I had never realized the depth of her devotion until just a few nights ago.
“I know you are a good woman. You have never treated us badly. You have made Vlad act like a true Master and not a brute. We used to live in terrible fear when he would come to the house, but now, it is so much better for all of us. ” Magda’s brow furrowed. “But that woman, that awful woman, please, do not let her befriend you or try to return to his good graces. ”
I held her hands firmly. “I despise her. Do not worry about her. And, of course, you shall be treated well. I will insist on nothing less. ”
Magda looked close to tears. “But you will leave to England and we shall be here. What if he gives us to her?”
“I will insist that he keeps this home,” I lied. I actually had other plans for the house once I killed Vlad. I was determined to return to Buda and take the house as my own until I could arrange to leave for England.
Magda looked a little relieved, but her brow was still creased with worry. “In all the years I have served Vlad, only this time with you as our mistress has been peaceful and good. ”
“I am glad to hear that I have brought some measure of happiness to your life,” I said, my voice thick with emotion. I was very touched by her words.
“Perhaps he will eventually allow us to take our sips of blood from you and not him,” she said after a beat.
“Why does he have you drink his blood?” I looked at her questioningly as she helped me into my bright green silk dress.
“So that we are bound to him,” she answered.
“But you helped me the other night,” I said.
“My family has served him for hundreds of years. We have always drunk of his blood and it sustains us. We live long and are rarely ill. But, when we drink, we are strongly bound to his wishes. He has not given me his blood in almost a year. I think perhaps he trusts that I will do as he wishes without his blood. ” As she talked, her nimble fingers worked to fasten my dress.
“I thank you for helping me,” I said in a low voice.
She moved around me, fluffing my bows and lace. “I thank you for being a true and kind mistress. ”
We shared a moment of camaraderie I have rarely had with any servant, and I felt an immense fondness for her. What followed was a pang of guilt when I re
alized I did not even know if she was married or had children. I knew absolutely nothing about her except she was devoted to me.
The door swung open and Vlad’s presence filled the room. I was a little surprised at how modern and handsome he appeared tonight. Obviously, he had taken the time to trim his hair and mustache and it made his face seem much more pleasant. Of course, I knew that was a lie, but it was still rather remarkable.