“Remove yourself!” I attempted to shove him off, but his body felt like a granite statue.
“Dear Countess Dracula, you now possess his power. You admitted that he willed his power to you! It was you who warded the castle so none could enter it, trapping the gypsies inside along with the ravenous Brides. ”
“No!” I gasped. “No!”
“The gypsies only escaped once you lowered the ward so that Adem and Magda could enter. Adem did say that the Brides feasted on a few of them, but most appeared to have fled once they were able. ”
I clutched my hands to my bosom, unable to accept the veracity of his words.
“The Brides were hungry and Adem and Magda barely escaped them. When Vlad gave you his power, he gave you dominion over them as well. Admit it, dearest Countess Dracula, you wanted your sin to remain hidden from the eyes of the world. ”
My eyes wide with horror and shock, I nodded my head. I knew his words were the truth, but it was difficult to accept that I could wield such power. Yet, I had wanted no one to enter the castle and witness my terrible deed. I had desired for the Brides to remain in the castle with Vlad. That I had trapped the gypsies with the ravenous Brides filled me with remorse.
“I see you believe me,” he said with satisfaction.
“Yes, but I did not know…” I shoved at his chest again, claustrophobic.
With a laugh, he tumbled to the floor and lounged there. “Do you now see what a wondrous, fabulous creature you are? How amazingly complicated you have made the lives of everyone around you? I am now forced to decide where my allegiance lies. ”
“I do not understand,” I whispered in fear.
“Do I go to the castle and rescue Vlad?” Astir tilted his head as though considering the action. “Or do I inform his Mistress so she may retrieve him?”
“Please, do not. He will kill the Brides and attempt to enslave me once again! I cannot bear it!” I covered my face with my trembling hands. “I cannot bear to be his whore again!” I dared not weep. I had fed and blood would fill my tears. I forced myself to regain my composure, my anger and terror twisting within me. Lowering my hands, I said in a calmer tone, “Astir, please do not free him. All I desire is to live my own life, choose my own way, love who I choose to love, and share my body with whom I wish. I do not wish to be Vlad’s slave. Even though a dark part of me calls out for him, I do not wish to be in his dominion. ”
Astir reclined on his elbows as he scrutinized my expression and words. With a light shrug, he said, “Very well. I shall not. Therefore, I choose to side with you. After all, you are a Mistress now. Your blood is powerful and you are now a force to be reckoned with. ”
“Oh, thank you, Astir!” I gasped with joy. “Oh, thank you so very much!”
With inhumane grace, he lifted himself from the floor and slid back onto the sofa. “Now let us speak candidly. ”
“Very well. ”
“You may return to Buda now. The vampire hunters have been satisfied that they have eradicated the vampire scourge from the city and have departed. It is safe for you to return if you promise you will not kill and will feed with discretion. You will not seek out my haven, for you are not welcome there. ”
I gaped at him. “What?”
“You reek of power. I think it best that you hide yourself from any other vampire or supernatural creature that would wish to know how you have obtained such great power in such a little time. ”
Daring to look into his flaming eyes, I implored, “Teach me to hide it. ”
“I may be able to, but that shall take time. Therefore, you are not allowed into my haven. Understood?”
“Yes,” I snorted.
“You can do as you wish with Vlad’s minions. They were his and now they are yours. Just do nothing that will bring attention to your true nature. I advise you to cultivate the lifestyle of a mortal countess to the best of your ability. Vlad was a fearsome vampire, but a respected member of the aristocracy in Buda. None knew of his true nature unless he willed it. You must follow his example. ”
“Very well. That is what I had planned to do anyway,” I said, chaffing under his edicts.
“And you must not pursue Ignatius. If he discovers what has happened, it will cause great turmoil instantly. He will be forced to tell his Mistress what has become of Vlad. He is loyal first to her. ”
I gave Astir a fierce glare. “And if he com
es to me?”
“We shall deal with it then. Stay in Buda. Do not rush after Ignatius. Do not risk your life until you are more established. ” Astir lightly tapped my chin. “Do as I say and you can return to Buda. ”
“And if I do not?”