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I looked up at him sharply "But what of Cneajna She is the first," I said

Vlad ran his hands overintensity "Someday, when you learn to love me as your sisters do, I will share with you my many secrets" He kissed me and I allowed him to It was merely a press of lip to lip "Already, I aazed up at hihten ainst my lips "You shall do as I say or I will kill your brother"

"Yes, I know," I echoed his words and tone

And I began to cry tears of joy and fear

Chapter 18

The Journal of Lady Glynis Wright

5th of March, 1820

And we are off!

Tonight we departed for Buda and ress and explain how the evening began…

The carriage rocked gently as it rolled slowly out of the courtyard of the castle I leaned forward and glanced out theback toward the three ghostly woreat doorway Cneajna raised her hand over head, and I waved back with a sloostones of the courtyard Thick, black clouds shrouded theof thunder resounded It was a horrible night to begin our journey to Buda

"Close theand sit back," Vlad ordered shortly

I obeyed, sitting back sullenly I pouted slightly I aer It was impossible not to recollect the last time I departed Prince Vlad Dracula’s castle to journey to Buda and not feel bitterness My family’s failed attempt to escape haunted me

Dressed in one of the beautiful dresses my mother had purchased foraristocrat With Cneajna’s assistance, I had cut my hair so I could style it into a more modern, fashionable style that suited the Lady Glynis of the past, but not necessarily the vampire I am now

As usual, Vlad was dressed all in black, his fine new suit impressive on his frame Despite his penchant to wear very out of fashion clothes in the castle, I noted he alore the best inthe castle He had even allowed th and trim his h his thick auburn hair re, it was much tidier, and I was satisfied that he had bowed to my wishes He now looked more like a business into his pocket, he pulled out a gold pocket watch and flipped it open With a sigh, he clicked it shut

"What is wrong?" I asked

"The storãu Pass and onto Bistriţa as soon as possible"

"And why is that?"

Vlad regarded me coolly then frowned "I have many enemies"

"Is that e did not fly to Buda?"

"Fly?" Vlad began to laugh with delight "Fly?"

"Well, yes I can fly Can you not as well?" I was rather insulted by his laughter and

"Oh, of course I can fly But to fly takesanother varandiose shows of power We must travel as mortals to ensure our safety"

"Other vampires?"

"Yes, of course You did not think ere the only ones, did you?"

"No, not truly," I confessed "But are you not the Prince of this country?"

Vlad sighed a bit "I was a mortal prince of this country But as a vampire, I am restricted by the curse of the day I did not realize this as a mortal led for years to regain my princedom, but I could never wield the influence necessary to secure ain But, yes, Glynis, I control all that surrounds our castle If any vampire enters our domain, they either respect me as a Master or I slay them"

"So are there many of us?"

"In this country, yes In other countries, that are not so rich with legend and ht as well know that soerous and we ht least they expose us If too s the vampire hunters You must be alert at all times If you encounter another vaeny and they will let you be I a mortals"

I considered this then asked, "So is there sohed at this "You amuse me so, Glynis" He shook his head "No, no Some of the older va -- to impose some sort of vampire law upon us, but they have continuously failed Vampires as old as I and older are too set in their oays to bow to any modern concepts of civility Besides, most va official, mind you, but it is theirs because they make it so There are some vampire families, such as ours, that keep certain precepts and that is their choice But no, Glynis, there is no vampire code"

I pondered this for some time, then turned to him "Our land is ours But what of Buda?"