“So she is her own Master?” Ilinca asked.
“Yes,” Vlad answered with a slight shrug. “But we are man and wife. Our powers enhance one another. Now that the truth has been revealed, I will take my wife home with me. ”
Ilinca and Gavril exchanged looks. I wondered if they could speak silently to one another for Gavril suddenly nodded, then stood. “This trial is at an end. The charges against Countess Dracula are ruled to be erroneous and therefore are dismissed. Count and Countess Dracula, I hope that we shall continue to be allies and work together to keep the city of Buda free from outside forces. ”
Vlad bowed, his hand tightening on my arm. “We thank you for your swift edict on the matter and we bid you a good night. ” Turning to leave, he began to pull me after him.
“No!” I cried out, wrenching free. I would not allow him to ensnare me once again. I would never return to servitude. I would rather die than be enslaved by him. I flung myself at the feet of Gavril and Ilinca. “If I am my own Master, than I swear that should you accept my fealty I will be your most ardent supporter. I own my own property within the city and I am my own woman. ”
“Glynis,” Vlad said, his tone warning.
“I wish to establish my own house within your city. The House of Wright. Allow me this and I shall always be your ally. ” I could hear the desperation in my voice, but I could not stop the torrent of words from my mouth. “Vlad has given me sovereignty over myself. You witnessed the moment. I beg of you to accept that declaration and my house. ”
“My wife is angry over my absence and does not know what she is saying,” Vlad said tersely.
“I do know!” I gazed up at Ilinca, appealing to the kindness I had witnessed in her eyes. “Acknowledge me as your ally and grant me permission to establish my house. ”
Cneajna began to laugh as she pulled herself up from the floor. “Kill her! She is defying her own Master!”
“There has been enough death in the city,” Ignatius said, stepping forward. “Many vampires have died in the overthrow of Baatar. Let it end now. Vlad declared Glynis a Master, therefore she is free to establish her own house. She has proven she can live in discretion and has always come
to you when called. I ask of you, Gavril and Ilinca, in the name of our Immortal Beloved, allow her to swear her allegiance to you. ”
“Should you return my overwrought wife to me, I will not only keep my treaty with you, I will help you spread your power across the river to Pesth and beyond,” Vlad said swiftly.
Gavril settled back in his throne, his hands clasped over his waist, his face thoughtful. “Upon careful consideration, it appears that your house is in disarray, Vlad Dracula. Your wives are battling each other and you have allowed them to usurp you. Your strength lies here,” Gavril said, pointing to me. “She is your greatest asset. Without her, your house is of little consequence to me. You have disappointed me with your weakness. So let us be done with this quarrel. Lady Glynis Wright, I acknowledge the House of Wright within the city of Buda and welcome you to our new alliance. ”
Smiling with joy, I rose and curtsied. “I swear I shall support your throne against all your enemies. ” I discreetly glanced at Vlad as he stood beside me, his green eyes burning with red fires.
“Then it is settled,” Vlad said at last. “Very well. I just have one request before I depart. ”
“What is it, Count Dracula?” Ilinca asked.
“I wish to speak with my wife alone. ”
I heard Laura gasp behind me, and I looked at Ignatius. He, too, looked worried.
Cneajna moved toward me, but Ferenc grabbed her arm and tugged her way. Venomous anger burned in her eyes and she bared her fangs at me.
“If she allows it, you may speak to her. But you will not be allowed to kill her. Understood?” Gavril shifted his gaze to me. “Do you agree to speak with him?”
I knew immediately I truly had no choice. Gavril had sworn that Vlad would not kill me and I could not refuse. Otherwise, it would seem I did not trust the regent. But, also, I recognized the desire within me to speak with Vlad. Much was left unsaid between us and now was the time to set the past to rest.
I nodded my head. “Yes, I agree. ”
“You may speak in the hall through those doors,” Ilinca said, waving her hand to the far end of the room.
Casting one last look at Ignatius and Laura, I gave them a swift smile.
Vlad held out his arm, and I took it. Together, we strode from the ballroom.
Chapter 34
The gilded door shut behind us with a soft click that echoed in the spacious hallway. To my left, enormous windows overlooked the moonlight drenched gardens below. Tall pillars rose like sentinels to the arched and elaborately painted ceiling above. A few chairs and tables were tucked along the wall under enormous paintings depicting the lush life of gods and goddesses. At the far end of the hall a set of gilded double doors were closed.
We were alone.
Vlad stood beside me, tall and imposing. His silence did not settle my already frayed nerves. I felt the tension between us coiled tight, like a viper ready to strike. I was shredded with emotion. He had saved my life and I was grateful. I had betrayed him, gravely wounded him, stolen his power, and entombed him. Yet, I knew that was not the worst of my sins in his eyes. My worst sin was my refusal to be at his side, to love him, and to be his true wife.