The Vampire Queen

By
Jodie Pierce

Eternal Press
A division of Damnation Books, LLC.
P.O. Box 3931
Santa Rosa, CA 95402-9998

www.eternalpress.biz

The Vampire Queen
by Jodie Pierce

Digital ISBN: 978-1-61572-361-4

Print ISBN: 978-1-61572-362-1

Cover art by: Amanda Kelsey
Edited by: Andrea Heacock-Reyes

Copyright 2011 Jodie Pierce

Printed in the United States of America
Worldwide Electronic & Digital Rights
1st North American and UK Print Rights

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, scanned or distributed in any form, including digital and electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without the prior written consent of the Publisher, except for brief quotes for use in reviews.

This book is a work of fiction. Characters, names, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

I would like to dedicate this book to my loving husband, John, who has supported my writing from day one; who has always been there for me and is the love of my life.

Chapter One

She awoke with an intense hunger in the pit of her stomach. A hunger the likes of which she had never known before. She opened her eyes to a room that was pitch black and felt strange to her. She swung her feet over the side of the bed, and as they touched the floor, the candles on the wall lit automatically. She was too taken back by this, and she jumped back into the giant bed. Just then, she heard a door open and voices. The voices were coming toward her.

“Come on, Mistress. Time to get up and get ready for the ball,” said the younger one.

“Master will be displeased if you keep him waiting,” the older slave said as she pulled the covers back and motioned for her to follow. She went upstairs with the slaves and into the bathroom, where a large tub full of water and rose petals was waiting for her.

“You should drink something. It will calm your nerves,” said the older slave. She was about to decline when she noticed her left hand trembling. She gratefully took the wine glass the younger slave handed her and gulped down the wine. The glass was refilled and placed next to the tub. She got in the tub, and the slaves started scrubbing her. First, her hair. Then, her feet, hands, and back. They left her more delicate parts for her to clean. Then, they rinsed and rinsed her mounds of curly hair, until they were satisfied, and explained they would be back in 20 minutes to towel her off.

As she sat there in the peace and quiet, she proceeded to drink the wine. It tasted good and left her with a sense of euphoria. She ran her tongue over her teeth as she gazed dreamily into the distance. She was not really looking at or thinking about anything specific, but she was content. She must have finished off her wine and dozed off, because the next thing she knew, the two slaves were back and telling her she needed to hurry to get dressed in time. They dried her off with very plush and sweet smelling towels and wrapped her in a purple bathrobe. They wrapped her hair in a turban and led her back downstairs to her bedroom. As she walked through the house, she noticed that no one else was present. She found that strangely odd. Where was this “Master”?

When she returned to her bedroom, there was an elegant, purple gown laid out on the bed for her. She held it up to her and squealed in delight, before the older woman put it back on the bed with a look of impatience. She was seated in a chair where the younger slave did her makeup while the older slave unlaced the front of the gown.

“What is your name?” she asked. The young slave girl looked a little taken back but whispered “Coletta”. She smiled at the girl. “Thank you,” she whispered back. The young girl blushed and focused on mixing her eye shadows.

“What is my name?” she whispered, again. The young girl looked up, shocked.

“Why, you are Countess Paulina de Lourdes,” she whispered.

“Does that mean I’m married?” the Countess asked.

“You have an ‘arrangement’ with our Master,” Coletta said out loud, surprised.

“Hush girl,” scolded the older slave. “Why you bothering her? You done?” She took the Countess from Coletta and put her in front of the makeup table. She let the Countess’s hair fall out of the turban and started to fluff the curls and put them in place. Her thick, burgundy hair was drying fast.

This was the first time she had seen herself, and she didn’t recognize anything in the mirror. She was tall with slender arms and legs. A tight butt and plump breasts. She had beautiful, unblemished, olive skin and entrancing, almond eyes. A flat abdomen and cute feet. Who was this person she was looking at? She didn’t remember an old self to compare to, so this must be her, but where were her memories? Who is Countess Paulina de Lourdes?

The women started to get her dressed. She had to hold on to the bedpost as the older slave laced up the top corset part of the dress. It was strapless, but it pushed up her breasts and made breathing difficult. The bottom of the dress hung straight down to the floor with a slit up the right side from the floor to mid-thigh. They placed the high heel shoes on her feet, the shawl around her shoulders, and led her upstairs to the parlor where she was to wait for the Count. She received two final instructions from them.

“Do not embarrass the Count,” said Coletta.

“Just go along with whatever he says,” warned the older one. What could they mean? They were gone before she could ask.

She waited for what seemed like forever. Finally, she heard the clicking of dress shoes on the marble floor. When the Count entered the room, she rose to her feet but was too stunned to say a word.

“Countess de Lourdes,” he said as he took her right hand and kissed the top of it. She detected a strange accent, but it added to his sex appeal and charm.

“Thank you for joining me, tonight,” he said.

“The pleasure is mine,” she curtsied. What was that? she thought to herself. I’m not nine years old. Grownups don’t curtsy. He smiled and bowed as if he could read her thoughts. All she could do was smile back.

“Shall we take our leave?” he asked.

“That would be grand.” Grand? Who says grand, anymore? she thought to herself. She decided to speak as little as possible for the rest of the evening.

He escorted her outside, and there were four white horses attached to a covered carriage waiting for them. He offered her his hand, like a gentleman, and assisted her up into the carriage. Once inside, she noticed everything was done in purple velvet. Light purple velvet seats, dark purple velvet curtains, and a medium purple velvet blanket to keep warm. She had not noticed earlier, but from her sideways glances, she could see that the Count had on the same color purple cummerbund as her dress. Just as she started to wonder who else had worn her dress—the coincidences were amazing—she heard music, and the carriage stopped. They had arrived at the ball.

Chapter Two

The Count stepped down from the carriage first. He then turned and offered a hand to help the Countess down. As they walked in, he whispered, “Remember, follow my lead. Pretend you know these people, and add a hint of snobbery for good measure, but don’t go overboard.” Snobbery? Her? She didn’t know if she could pull it off, but then she heard the voices of the slave women, “Don’t displease Master, whatever you do.” She decided she had to try her best, as she was too afraid of the unknown consequences.

They entered the large ballroom doors and were loudly announced by a small man with a large voice. The music continued to play, but everyone stopped what they were doing to stare. She felt all eyes in the room staring at her. Surely, this was a mistake. They were also staring at the Count. He started to walk forward, leading her through the crowd. She heard whispers that were definitely and unmistakably about her.

“Typical of her to make such a grand entrance after all this time,” one woman said.

“Look at that dress. She might as well be wearing nothing,” snorted another.

“She knew it would be a costume ball. It always is, and she’s always thought she’s too good to participate,” sneered another woman.

“She was always one to flaunt her beauty and curves. Mildred, why won’t you wear a dress like that?” asked an overly plump man aloud before receiving a smack across the face from his wife.

“Keep moving. You are doing fine,” the Count encouraged. He led her to the center of the main table, where there was a beautiful, ornately-carved chair with purple velvet waiting in the center for her. He held her chair and ushered her to sit. He then took his place in the chair to the right of hers. It was the same, except it had red velvet. He clapped his hands twice, and the people went back to their events. Red wine was immediately brought to the Countess in a jeweled, gold chalice, and the supply never ran low. She was in such a euphoric state the entire night, she didn’t notice the lack of food at the event.

The Countess did notice the women were dressed very differently from her, but she wouldn’t be caught dead in their dresses. She was comfortable and felt sexy in hers. They wore dresses from the mid-nineteenth century. They had large hoop skirts, a waist so small and tight the Countess wondered how they breathed, and most of the dresses for the younger girls exposed their shoulders. The older ones wore shawls. They either wore bonnets—yuck—or their hair was in ringlets. No wonder they all stared at her. I’m a diamond amongst them, she thought.

The entire event, couples would come up in front of the table to “welcome back” the Countess. The Count would say, “You remember Gustavo and Inge Guiggenstein from Germany,” aloud as they approached the table. Then, they could talk freely, and she could use their names. So the evening went—a parade of couples with fake “well wishes” and fake “welcome backs”. No trumpets and definitely no floats. Finally, the Countess exclaimed she was tired. The Count stood up and called for silence. He announced, “the Countess is tired”. To this, there was a room full of sarcastic laughter and applause. They all knew this meant she had actually grown bored with them but was being polite. “She will be retiring for the evening from her duties,” he said. With that, he helped her from her chair, and they walked the long walk through the ballroom to the doors.

Through the whispers, the same first woman muttered, “She is shameless.”

“She doesn’t look well. Maybe she has become weak.” In an instant, the Countess had the second woman by the throat, and her lips were close to the other woman’s ear. She had her pinned up against the wall.

“Don’t even think for a second that I couldn’t kill you right here,” she hissed into the woman’s ear, with a bead of saliva rolling off her lip and rage in her voice. “Remember this as your one free pass, Angelina. You won’t get another.”

With that, she let go of the woman and walked out of the ballroom with total composure. After the Count had gotten into the carriage, and it started to move, she snapped back into reality. She started to scoot as far away from him as possible. Surely he would be mad at her. She had embarrassed him, had she not?

“Don’t worry about it,” he said. As he looked out the window, he mumbled, “People have learned to expect that from you.” She was dumbfounded and silent the rest of the ride home.

Chapter Three

He sat in the big, comfy chair next to her bed. He silently watched her from the shadows as she wrestled through her sleep. There was so much evil in this room. The air was still and smelled like an old, Egyptian tomb—opened for the first time in centuries since being sealed. Evil that, once unleashed, would be hard to control. It was the same evil that was awoken every 100 years or at the turn of the century, depending on if she got bored and took off early, and it could resurrect an entire race of people. His people.

Though, the Count was not thinking about that, tonight. No, the Count wondered how much longer he could keep this beautiful woman to himself. He knew they shared a bond and not just the “arrangement” they had, where he looked after her for everything from her finances all the way down to the protection of her life. An arrangement that had never been shared between two of their kind before. Just as he was pondering this, still asleep but as if she could sense him, the Countess moved over on the bed closer to him. She reached out an arm and placed her hand on his thigh. He checked her breathing, and she was definitely still asleep. This was his confirmation that their connection was stronger than he originally thought. Surely by now, the “Others” would start manipulating her dreams and attempt to steal her from him. They were very predictable to the Count, and he knew it was only a matter of time. They wanted her this time around so badly, they could taste it. They would stop at nothing to sway her and win her over to their side. The Count had been successful the last 800 years, so the “Others” feel they are due and their time is now. He had to keep her for himself, even if it meant the ultimate sacrifice.

Chapter Four

She thrashed through what seemed like an endless sleep. She would often cry out, but it would either be in a foreign language she didn’t know she could speak or just hysterical sobs. The help refused to go to her at night, stating she was bewitched. The old slave and Coletta quietly practiced their voodoo in their cottage to help the Countess, but nothing helped. That night, she felt the presence of someone in the room, but she was unable to wake up to find out whether or not anyone was there. Sleep was not her friend and would not relinquish her to the land of the awake just yet.

Her dreams were always the same themes. Rage, horror, destruction, death, or evil just to name a few. They played in no chronological order, specific time, or place. They were just a barrage of attacks. Her dreams were like watching a silent movie in black and white on an old reel-to-reel projector that would constantly jump. Often, she felt a wave of nausea upon waking from one of these dreams.

After sunset, the torment that held her would finally loosen its talons and release her. She sat up with a start, and the bed was soaked with her sweat. The sheet was pulled off the mattress, pillows were thrown about the room, and the light on the nightstand was smashed. She sat up, her chest heaving and throat rasping for air. She could never remember being more frightened in her life. Those images had been so awful.

“Where did they come from,” she asked aloud.

There was a stirring over in the corner. It was still very dark, but the corner had a darkness about it that was darker than dark. It was an evil, pitch black, and it had stirred in response to her question and then stopped. She was afraid to provoke it but needed answers. Surely, these horrible things had not been in her dreams because of her. Someone else must have put them there.

“Did you have anything to do with my dreams, last night?” she asked out loud. The dark corner shifted a bit.

“Those were horrible things. Why would you show me that?” she asked. Again, the corner moved, but no answer came from it.

“Why won’t you answer me?” This time, nothing came from the corner. “Show yourself!” she demanded.

It did as she demanded and jumped out from the corner and crouched low to the floor. It then leapt several times across the room like a frog. When it stopped, it half-turned and looked at her with a large eye before jumping from across the room onto the end of her bed. The Countess screamed a blood-curdling scream that woke up the whole house.

Chapter Five

The Count was the first one down the stairs, scooped it off her bed, and held it behind him. It struggled to get to her, grunting like a wild animal. Its arms and legs were flailing around him and reaching toward the Countess.

“I see you’ve met Lizzy,” he smiled.

“Lizzy?” she said confused. “It has a name?”

“Yes. Lizzy was here when we found this house. Instead of kicking her out, we decided to keep her here and acquaint her with the finer things in life. Which you see hasn’t worked out so well,” he mused.

The thing was actually an eight-year-old child, but she was so filthy and dressed in rags, she looked like an animal.

“Lordy, Lordy. Where is that child? I know it be her. Only she can cause a ruckus like this,” cried the older slave. Coletta followed her in with towels, a bottle of wine, and two glasses.

“Look at you!” she scolded. “I knew it! Come on, now. Bath time,” the old slave said and swatted Lizzy on the butt. Lizzy ran to the stairs but stopped at the bottom to turn and look at the Countess. She gave her an evil, knowing look then skipped up the steps as happy as a clam. That look sent chills up the spine of the Countess.

“Here. Drink some of this. You’ll feel better,” the Count was saying. She took the wine glass from him and gulped down the wine. He refilled her glass. This time, she sipped it.

“She is much like you and I,” he explained. “She sleeps all day, rises at sunset, and gets bathed and dressed for the wealth this house holds. That’s where I’m afraid the similarities end. She then disappears all night, won’t attend our functions—like you saw the other night—and can’t be found or followed. She then shows up looking like a wild animal that’s been living in filth, smells like she’s been digging and rolling around in garbage, and is just a mess; however, she is a child at heart, is fickle, and likes to play. My guess is that she didn’t mean to scare you but was just playing with you.”

“Playing with me?” she screamed. “She scared the hell out of me! It didn’t help that I was having nightmares right before I woke up, but then I woke up to this animal jumping around. I think she meant to scare me,” she insisted.

“She’s just a child,” he cajoled.

“Then, why wouldn’t she answer me when I spoke to her and demanded a response from her?” she asked.

“Lizzy hasn’t said a word since I’ve met her,” he explained. “Don’t know why.” Now, she felt silly. There was still something about that child. Thinking about Lizzy sent a cold chill up her spine. She drank more wine and lay back on the pillows to think.

Chapter Six

The Count left, and she was alone with her thoughts. Had she imagined the evil coming from that child? The whole situation now seemed bizarre to her with the room completely lit up and an explanation for Lizzy given; however, something about her just did not feel right.

Coletta came running down the stairs.

“Hurry, Miss. Bath time. Master wants to take you out shopping, tonight!” she explained, almost breathless from running. The Countess was very excited as she hoped it was for some new dresses. She loved to shop for dresses. She threw the covers back and ran up the steps, following Coletta. She bathed and got ready as quickly as possible. She waited again in the parlor for the Count. When he arrived, he again bowed and kissed her hand. He truly was a sweet man. He also presented her with a box tied with a pretty, purple ribbon. She opened it, and in it was a long, hooded, purple cloak made of velvet.

“It sometimes gets chilly at night, so I thought you should have something pretty and warm,” he explained, looking slightly embarrassed.

“It’s beautiful!” she exclaimed. “Thank you very much. I will cherish it.” She placed a gentle kiss on the Count’s cheek. Now, he really looked embarrassed.

“Shall we take our leave?” he asked.

“Yes,” she replied.

They rode in the carriage for awhile until they were on a cobblestone street, signifying they had reached town. They got out and walked down the street, looking in many store windows, but most of them were closed. Finally, they came to a dress shop that was open.

“Ah. Here we are,” he said, and they entered the store. “Choose whatever you like. Money is of no object here,” he instructed and waved his arm across the entire store.

The Countess was delighted. There were so many beautiful things. For every dress, there was a matching handbag, shoes, hairpiece, and jewelry to go with it. She took a couple dresses and went into the dressing room. They all fit beautifully, and as she was admiring herself in the mirror in the last dressing room, she heard voices, whispers from behind the curtain in the dressing room.

The people whispering had an accent, so she couldn’t understand them fully. Finally, her curiosity got the best of her, and she peeked around the curtain.

“Come in, child. We been ‘spectin you,” said the voice with a Jamaican accent. The woman was old and plump and wore her hair in long dreadlocks. She had long, yellow, curving fingernails and many missing black teeth. She had dots across her cheeks and nose—the sign of a fortune teller—but she also had many warts and pustules all over her face. She was a rather scary sight at first.

“Me?” The Countess stammered.

“‘Tis fate that brought ye here. Would ye like ye fortune read?” the woman asked.

“I have no money,” she replied.

“‘Tis ok. Fate will pay for it since it brought ye to me,” she answered. “Let me see ye palms.”

She held out her palms to the woman, her hands shaking, and she hoped the Count wouldn’t miss her.

“Here. Hold this, and tell me what ye feel,” the woman said as she placed a piece of black stone in the center of the Countess’s right palm.

“It’s a weird feeling. Dizzy and pulsing,” she explained.

“Just as I thought. That stone is Jet, and what ye felt signifies that ye have an old soul. Been ‘round for awhile,” the woman said.

“What can I use to ward off evil,” she blurted out. The woman just stared at her as if she hadn’t heard her. Finally, when she was just about to ask again, the woman got up and went rummaging in the back. She came back and handed her another stone. The stone was red and green in color.

“Ward off evil, ya say? Well, dis be Bloodstone. It’s not actual blood in duh stone, but it can be used to banish evil and for mental clarity; however, I would not be showin’ it to ye Count. He does not believe in such tings. Also, take this pink stone. It is Rose Quartz, which can give ye positive energy, and this Black Obsidian can take or remove yer negative energy if ye let ‘em.”

“Thank you, but again, I cannot pay you for these things,” she explained.

“No need, child. I know ye, and ye been kind. Keep ‘em as gifts. Let me put ‘em in a velvet bag for ye. Go now, before ye are missed.” With that, the woman was gone.

She wandered back into the dressing room just in time to hear the store clerk ask if everything was all right.

“Everything is fine. I’ll take all five dresses with all the matching accessories. Please get them together for me,” she instructed. When she came out, the Count seemed very happy, and she tried to seem as excited on the way home as he was about her new purchases; however, all she could think about was the woman behind the curtain and the stones in her pocket.

Chapter Seven

Again, her resting time was one of torment, just as she knew it would be. She placed the small bag of stones in her pillowcase, under the pillow, hoping it would help, but the woman gave no instructions on how to use the stones, so she returned to the same night terrors. The same movie projector played the same scenes of death, destruction, and torture over and over in her dreams. She knew this would happen and was afraid to go to sleep. She fought off sleep for awhile, but it finally won out. Again, her bed was soaked with sweat, and pillows were thrown across the room. This time, when she woke up, she had to stifle an immediate urge to scream. Lizzy was sitting on the end of her bed in an Indian-style position, watching her. “Oh. Hi, Lizzy,” she said, trying to sound calm when all she wanted to do was run.

“Have you been sitting there awhile?” she asked. Lizzy shook her head “yes”. Again, she wondered if Lizzy was causing these visions in her dreams.

“Where are your parents, Lizzy?” she pushed. Lizzy shrugged her shoulders.

She started to rub her own left shoulder and forearm, because it had fallen asleep. Lizzy moved toward her and reached for her forearm. She started to rub it, and the Countess started to relax. Lizzy is being kind. How cute, she thought to herself. Next thing she knew, Lizzy dug her nails into the Countess’s forearm enough to make it bleed and was licking the blood. The Countess screamed, and the Count came running downstairs.

“Look what she did to my arm!” she insisted.

“Coletta! Get Lizzy out of here, and lock her in the chamber,” the Count ordered. At his instruction, Lizzy’s smile turned to sobs and wails. Coletta dragged her kicking and screaming out of the room.

“Here. Drink some wine. It will calm you,” the Count offered.

“I don’t want wine! I want an explanation! What is that...that thing? She is no ordinary little girl. I felt the evil coming from her, and now this! Be straight with me,” she demanded.

“Ok. She’s a vampire. As are you and I,” he said as he sat down in the chair next to the bed.

“What?” she shrieked. “I am not a vampire. I don’t go around killing people and drinking blood.”

“Well...actually, the wine I give you is blood. Also, you are of the oldest vampire race, so you don’t require as much.”

“I can’t believe this!” she said as she started to cry. He moved to the bed and put his arms around her.

“I had hoped you wouldn’t find out like this. I usually like to sit you down and tell you about it,” he explained.

“What do you mean usually?” she asked.

“Well, there is a cycle you like to live through. You stay on Earth 10-30 years, and then you get bored and lay dormant. At the turn of the century, I wake you up, and you come out to explore. You’ve always loved the thrill and excitement each life brought. To some extent, you get to be a new person each time. You start out like a small child, a whirlwind of information-seeking—sucking up everything in your path, absorbing it, and spitting it back out. You’ve always caught on quickly, and the learning process was always half the adventure, according to you. Being an Ancient, you are kind of like a Queen and have to keep up with the times, but you get bored quickly, so you go to sleep for long periods of time. Only I know your place of slumber, for fear of potential harm to you, so I am your devoted, secret protector for all of eternity,” he smiled. For a brief moment, his eyes glazed over, and she thought he might be in love with her.

“So, you take care of everything, and I just basically get to be Queen?” she asked.

“Yes,” he replied, his eyes cast down.

“If I’ve never told you before, thank you for everything you do, have done, and will do for me,” she said.

“Thank you, Countess, for trusting me and making me out of love,” he responded.

“I made you?” she inquired with bewildered and loving eyes.

“It was many, many centuries ago. I was your Bookkeeper, and every time I would come to the house, you would try to seduce me. One evening, just after leaving your house, I was mugged, shot, and left for dead. Now, you always watched me walk down the street from your window, so you saw this happen and raced to my side. You hadn’t realized it until then that you had fallen in love with me and didn’t want to be without me, but you had to leave the choice up to me. You said I could die a human death and be gone forever or die a human death but live forever with you. It would be a hard and different life, worse than anything I could imagine. One of servitude, struggle, and ultimate responsibility for your life for all eternity, but in the end, you would always love me. I figured that was a small price to pay for my life. I agreed to your offer. You sat with me for three days, and when it was done, you mentored me in the vampire world. So, you see, I owe everything to you,” he explained.

“As I do you,” the Countess replied. “Do you know who made me?” she instantly thought and asked.

“Those were your more sentimental times, and we shared much, but you never told me. I’m sure it’s locked away in that pretty head of yours, and you just need time to recall it,” he said. He then got up and left her alone with her thoughts, for he knew she had many.

Chapter Eight

Vampire. It’s amazing how one little word can change your life so drastically. Also, who created her? What did the Count mean by “sentimental times”? Did she become a monster? Did she really still love the Count? She was still wondering how she could have no clue or intuition in the back of her mind that she was a vampire. Although she was sure she didn’t know what blood tasted like, she was certain it didn’t taste like the delicious wine she had been drinking. Suddenly, she had to find out. She was sitting in her bed and turned her right palm up. She took her left thumbnail and dug it into her middle fingertip until it bled.

“I can take care of that for you,” came an anxious, small voice. She looked up, startled to find Lizzy coming toward her.

“No, thanks,” she replied and immediately stuck her finger in her mouth. The blood tasted salty as it danced around on her tongue, but it was not as delicious as the wine. Lizzy looked disappointed and sat on the foot of the bed, pouting. She finally realized what had happened. Lizzy had just spoken to her.

“You can speak,” she said to Lizzy.

“Of course I can, silly,” Lizzy replied. “I just didn’t feel any need to speak to anyone else here. It was you I was waiting for all along. You are the one with the power to lead your people as their Queen. You will also find a strong man, not that lovesick puppy you have upstairs, to stand by your side and become our King. Everyone will be so happy when you take your proper place. The place he’s been keeping you from. The place you once occupied before him,” she explained.

“So, it was you who put those images in my dreams,” she accused.

“Maybe,” the child grinned sheepishly.

“If that’s what I am to do—those awful things in my dreams—then, I want no part of it,” she said.

“Oh, we have ways of convincing you,” she said airily.

“We? We who?” The Countess yelled after her, but Lizzy had already jumped off the bed, skipped up the steps, and was gone.

The Count must have passed Lizzy on his way down, because he rushed to the Countess.

“She didn’t hurt you again, did she?” he asked.

“No, I’m fine, but she did speak to me,” she said.

“Are you sure?” he asked in disbelief.

“Yep. Clear as day,” she replied.

“What did she say?” he asked, looking amused and almost taunting.

“I can see you don’t believe me, so I’m done discussing this with you,” she said, sounding irritated.

“Sorry,” he said apologetically. “Did you think about our last conversation? Do you have any questions for me?” he asked.

“I have tons of questions, but let’s start easy,” she said. “What powers do vampires have?”

“Each vampire has their own set of powers,” he replied.

“Ok,” she said, already irritated at his evasiveness. “What powers do I have?”

“Well...let me think. You can fly...but you’ll need lots of help the first few times until you get the hang of it, again, and you should never go out alone. You heal quickly from any kind of injury or sickness. You are an amazing mind reader. No one has been able to shut you out of their head, yet. You can touch someone and see the past, and you are unbeatable with spells and wands,” he said proudly.

“I thought only witches and wizards used spells and wands,” she mocked.

“They do, but those skills come in handy for us during battles with other vampires, familiars, and humans,” he explained. She was getting out of bed and looking for something to wear.

“So, when can we go flying?” she asked excitedly.

“Tomorrow night we will have enough cloud cover,” he explained. She looked disappointed.

“I want to go. Now!” she announced, stomping her foot for added emphasis.

“That’s my spoiled Queen.” He laughed and left her standing in the middle of the room, with her arms crossed and a pouting expression on her face. She was not one for patience.

Chapter Nine

By 11:00 p.m. the next night, she had already bathed, dressed, and was pacing the parlor floor while waiting for the Count. She had her purple, velvet cloak ready in case she got cold but couldn’t imagine what was keeping him. She had even summoned Coletta and asked her to go ask Master what was taking so long, but she looked aghast at the request and refused. At midnight, he appeared in the parlor with no apology and headed for the front door. She was livid! He knew how important this was to her! They went outside, and he was right about the cloud cover that night. There was no moon in sight.

“Ok, hold onto me, and we will fly,” he said.

“I want to fly on my own,” she pouted.

“You will, but not on your first flight. You have to remember what it feels like first,” he explained.

“Fine,” she said, reluctantly giving in and holding on to him tightly.

They slowly started to rise from the ground. First, just their feet seemed to be free. As they slowly started to rise, their clothes moved around them and made their entire bodies feel free. The cool, night air stung their faces and made them feel alive. Finally, as they picked up speed, her hair was flowing behind her like a horse’s mane. She felt so free, and all her worries in the past few days were gone. She knew how the birds felt and wished she could fly forever and never have to come down.

“Don’t take this the wrong way, but flying with two people is exhausting and can only be sustained for short periods of time. We are going to have to head home,” the Count announced. She just nodded. She was disappointed but understood. She couldn’t wait to fly alone. She was silent the rest of the way home, enjoying the last of their trip and the air around her. It felt very familiar to her.

When they arrived, she thanked him and called Coletta to help him into the house and to bed. She told her the Count was tired from their walk. She, however, was not ready to go inside just yet. She was still full of adrenaline and didn’t want to let go of the wonderful experience she’d just had. She also craved more of that night air. Even without instruction, she had to at least try to get her feet off the ground. She stood there, with her eyes closed, and wished to fly. She stood there for what seemed like forever, just wishing and wishing, but nothing happened. Finally, she opened her eyes, and she was three feet off the ground! She was amazed and proud but broke her concentration, so she came crashing down. She did this probably 20 more times, until her body ached, and she could no longer concentrate. Nothing more than hovering was achieved that night, but she did it by herself and was happy with just that.

The following evening, the Count found her in the rear of the grounds, just hovering in the air.

“Isn’t it magnificent?!” she exclaimed.

“Come down this instant!” he barked.

“Why?” she snapped.

“Because, I said so,” he snapped back.

“Show me how to come down,” she said slyly.

“If you can go up, you can get down. How do you get down any other time?” he asked. She looked sheepish but did not answer.

“Don’t make me come get you,” he threatened. At this point, she was determined she would not come down, because it would mean falling in front of him and admitting she didn’t remember how to come down properly, yet.

“Do as you wish, but I am not coming down,” she sneered. He jumped into the air, grabbed her, and brought her back to the ground.

“Get your filthy hands off me!” she shrieked. “You can’t just manhandle me like that! You know who I am! I thought you would be proud of what I taught myself,” she said.

“You do not fully remember how to fly yet, and you should never do so alone because of who you are,” he explained.

“Then, teach me to fly,” she pleaded.

“You are not ready,” he said solemnly.

“Fine. Lizzy will tell me how to do it. She’s already told me more than you have, anyway,” she said as she started to stalk off. He grabbed her arm to stop her.

“You may think she speaks, because you can read minds, but she doesn’t. What ‘things’ have you seen?” he asked.

“She does talk, but only to me, because I am the Queen. I’m not telling you about our conversations. Now, let go of my arm!” she shouted. The Count released his grasp on her arm, and she stomped across the grounds and into the castle.

“If what she says is true,” the Count thought out loud, “then, Lizzy has been a plant here by the other side all this time. Things are worse than I feared.”

Chapter Ten

She ran through the house and down the stairs to her bed chamber, barely able to hold back the tears, but when she flung herself on her bed in a fit of rage, she could not hold them back any longer. She cried and pounded her fists on the bed. Why was he so mean? What was the big deal about flying? All vampires could do it, so why am I special? she thought to herself.

“He doesn’t want you to learn to fly, because then you can take off without him,” came the small voice next to her on the bed. Lizzy had come from out of nowhere, which was normal for her, so the Countess wasn’t frightened by it, anymore.

“He tried to do it to me, too, before I found some books in his study about it. He found me in there one day, and the door to it has been locked ever since,” she explained. “I can’t show you the book—which was really helpful—but I can tell you, and you can practice, yourself. Just be careful not to get caught, or we will both be in trouble. Ok?” she offered.

“Sure,” she replied. The Countess was very excited, now. He can’t stop me, now, she thought to herself. Somehow, she knew Lizzy would help her but wasn’t sure why she was so willing all of a sudden. The Countess didn’t care, though. She was going to get to learn how to fly!

“Ok. When you become experienced, you can just think it, and it will happen. For now, your head is like your horse’s reins. If you want to go right, you tilt your head right, and same with the left. If you want to go up, you stretch up your neck up. If you want to go down, you push your head down into your shoulders. Think you got that?” Lizzy asked.

“Sounds easy enough,” she replied.

“Oh, it’s not. The first few times I tried it, I was spinning in circles and going up and down so fast, I was bouncing from trees to the ground and back again,” Lizzy laughed, remembering. “Good thing vampires heal quickly. I was really banged up. You also need to manage your speed while doing these things, and that’s not something I can teach you. It’s something inside you that will come to you with practice.” Lizzy smiled at the Countess for the first time. She liked having someone to share a secret with.

“Lizzy, thank you for all you have taught me. For a child, you sure know a lot,” she said.

“Aw...it’s nothing. I’ve picked a lot up on the streets,” she replied. With a bounce, she was off the bed and out of the room.

Now, she was left to ponder all the new things Lizzy had told her and how willing she was to help her. Maybe her first impression of Lizzy was incorrect. Some people just have to warm up to you before they can be themselves. That must be what has happened here.

That morning, when she slept, was the best night’s sleep she’s received since she had arrived. No destruction, death, evil, or projectors replaying those things. Instead, she was flying through the night sky with Lizzy. The two of them had visited some of the world’s most amazing sites, together. They had become very close friends and confided everything in each other. Lizzy no longer looked like a wild animal but dressed like a proper, young lady. The two of them were heading to a very important meeting that Lizzy had been talking about for months.

“Wake up! Wake up! The Count is gone. He left on a business trip right after your argument last night. That means you can practice your flying, now!” Lizzy was talking excitedly and trying to shake her awake at the same time.

“C’mon. Time to practice. Perfect time! He’s not even here. C’mon!” she pleaded as she jumped up and down on the bed.

“All right, all right. I’m up,” the Countess said sleepily. “Just stop jumping.”

“Yippee!” Lizzy squealed as she jumped off the bed and started gathering clothes for the Countess to put on. She quickly dressed, and Lizzy grabbed her by the hand and dragged her all the way out back.

“Ok. Begin.” Lizzy said very seriously.

“What? Were you a school teacher in a former life? Are you going to hit me over the knuckles with a ruler if I don’t do it right?” the Countess laughed.

“This is serious. We don’t know when he’s going to be back, so we have to practice as much as we can,” Lizzy explained. The Countess saw Lizzy meant business, so she tried to put on her serious face. After several doubled over, giggling fits that received crossed arms, toe-tapping, and stern looks from Lizzy, the Countess was finally ready to concentrate.

“Ok. You can do this. Remember, just easy and slow movements,” Lizzy encouraged. The Countess took a deep breath, stretched her head upward, and slowly started to rise. She tilted her head to the right and moved right. She tilted her head left and moved left. She stretched her neck out to rise even higher. Ok, she said to herself. Here’s the true test. She slowly scrunched her head and neck down into her shoulders and slowly started to descend, until her feet touched the ground.

“Wow! That was amazing!” Lizzy was jumping up and down. “I’ve never seen anyone do it so perfectly on their first try. It’s like it came natural for you,” she exclaimed. With that, Lizzy ran up and hugged her.

“It felt natural. Like something I’ve done many times before,” she explained. “It’s as if I just needed a refresher course.”

“You were amazing, graceful, and mystical and truly our Queen.” Lizzy gushed.

“My being able to fly makes me your Queen?” she asked.

“No, but it’s one more thing that confirms you are ‘The Ancient’,” Lizzy said.

The Ancient, the Countess repeated softly to herself. She wondered what that meant and what duties and responsibilities it brought with it.

“As good as that felt, it kind of drained me, Lizzy. I think I’m going inside the house for some wine. Care to join me?” she asked.

“No. Thank you, my Queen. I will be going out. I still need the real thing,” Lizzy smiled. With that, they parted ways.

Hidden away in a tree, the Count sat watching it all with a horrified look on his face. The “Others” had never interfered this early, before. He wondered what they were up to this time. He was just about to find out in the Countess’s dream, when that wretched Lizzy woke her up, today. He was definitely worried. He wanted them to believe he was out of town, to see what Lizzy had planned for this evening. He had feared the worst and was right. Now, he had to plant some of his own people in the castle.

Chapter Eleven

Her following night’s rest was back to the nightmares of death and destruction. When she awoke, her pillows were again thrown across the room, and the bed was soaked with her sweat. She trotted upstairs in a frightful mood to look for Coletta to assist her with a bath. What she found at the top of the stairs surprised her.

“Excuse me, Countess. On orders of the Count, you may not leave your bed chambers just yet,” said a very thin but muscular woman. She was dressed in leather body armor with a chest plate, forearms, calf guards, and a pleated, leather skirt. She had her sword drawn but various other daggers were hidden within her outfit. She had long, straight, black hair—cascading down her back—large, green eyes, bronze skin, and soft, sun-kissed, peach lips.

“I what?” she stammered. “Just who are you?” she demanded.

“I am Kendra, and the Count has hired me to protect you,” she explained pleasantly.

“Protect me?” she shrieked. “Do you even know who I am?” she asked.

“Yes. You are the Countess and Queen,” Kendra stated calmly and bowed her head courteously.

“Then, you know he is only the Count and not the King and therefore has no control over me. Now, step aside!” she demanded.

“I’m sorry, Countess. Since the Count hired me, he is the only one I take orders from. Please, return to your room. The Count will be down to see you shortly.” Kendra smiled and took a step toward the Countess, with her sword drawn to show she meant business. The Countess, having nothing to fight back with, gave her one last nasty look and a sigh before stomping back downstairs. She had read from Kendra’s mind that the Count had returned to the castle, and Lizzy had been placed in the chamber for punishment indefinitely, but Kendra didn’t know for what reason. Why would he keep me a prisoner here? What have I done? How had I angered him to deserve this? I find I frequently ask myself these same questions, she thought to herself.

“All will be revealed in time,” he said as he descended her stairs.

“That’s what you always say, but you fail to tell me the important things,” she sobbed. He moved to hold her on her bed.

“Don’t touch me!” she shouted. He slouched down into the chair next to her bed.

“Countess, there are many others in the vampire world that want to see you rise up and be their Queen, again,” he explained.

“What’s so wrong with that?” she asked.

“Some of your past lives have not been very nice ones. Each time around, I try to keep you as innocent for as long as possible, so you can decide this time if you want to be good or evil and keep you from making the same mistakes; however, the forces of evil are working much harder and much faster this time around,” he explained.

“How do you know that?” she asked, disbelieving.

“They planted Lizzy here from the beginning to help bring you over to them quicker,” he elaborated.

“Liar!” she screamed at him. “Lies! The lies you tell are concocted out of your jealousy. You are just jealous that I have made a friend other than you, and she will speak to me, but refuses to speak to you. You’re afraid I won’t need you, anymore!” the Countess yelled.

“Countess, I wish that were the case, but I speak the truth,” he tried to sound consoling.

“Get out!” she demanded. “Get out, and take your ‘Warrior Woman’ with you! I will not be held prisoner in my own castle,” she ranted, her blood boiling.

“I will get out, but that ‘Warrior Woman’ will be your shadow from now on,” he said.

“We will see about that,” she mumbled. She was not one to be toyed with, and this “Warrior Woman” didn’t know what she was getting herself into, messing with the Countess de Lourdes.

Chapter Twelve

The next evening, when she rose, she was looking forward to her future games of cat and mouse with this despicable “Warrior Woman”. She wanted to show her superiority and feminine mystique in comparison to Kendra’s manly appearance and demeanor. This would slowly break any woman, she thought to herself. The Countess yelled for Coletta, and she quickly scurried down the stairs like a mouse.

“I wish to take a bath, then dress up in a very feminine, form-fitting gown for tonight, as soon as possible. I will be up for my bath in a few minutes. Please have it ready,” she commanded. Coletta leapt with excitement, for she loved to dress up the Countess. Before long, the younger slave had returned from running her bath and started pulling out clothes, jewelry, and matching shoes.

She made her way upstairs, and just as she expected, she was stopped at the top by Kendra.

“May I ask where you are going, Countess?” she said pleasantly.

“I’m going to take a bath. You may follow if you must, and since I’m told you will be my shadow, I guess you must,” she smiled back with an apparently fake smile. The Countess walked ahead toward the bath, while Kendra followed behind. Good. At least she has enough sense not to walk with me like we are equals or friends, she thought to herself.

In the bathroom, the water had been run with the usual rose petals floating on top. Coletta turned her back to the Countess, so she could disrobe.

“You are not going to turn around to allow me some privacy to disrobe and climb into the water?” the Countess asked of Kendra and walked over to her, shocked.

“I’m sorry Countess, but the Count said to keep an eye on you at all times when you leave your bed chamber,” she replied, mockingly innocent. The Countess dropped her robe to the floor and stood, looking Kendra in the eyes. She then began to walk slow, seductive circles around Kendra.

“Are these the kind of eyes the Count would have you looking at me with?” she said with seduction dripping from her lips. “See anything that strikes your fancy? Anything you’d like to touch? Sure, I’m not as muscular as you, but this is what a real woman looks like,” she whispered into Kendra’s ear. Kendra attempted to remain stoic, but it was clear she was shaken. The Countess gently ran the tip of her tongue up the right side of Kendra’s neck.

“Stop that,” Kendra said and grabbed the Countess around the waist to push her away.

“Does it feel good to touch me? I know you’ve been thinking about it. I can read your mind,” she said. Kendra looked embarrassed and aghast at the same time.

“Kendra…Sweetie,” the Countess purposely dragged out. “Are you a lesbian?” she asked innocently, but the giggle gave her away.

“That’s enough!” Kendra shouted. “My personal life is none of your concern, you prissy little thing,” she hissed. “Now, get in that damn tub.”

“Are you sure you want me to do that? You wouldn’t be able to look at me, anymore,” the Countess shrieked with laughter. With that, Kendra picked up the Countess rather roughly and plopped her into the tub, spilling water all over the floor. Coletta turned around in alarm.

“Sorry, Coletta,” Kendra said. “I’ll help clean it up.”

“Nonsense,” she said. “Let me get the Countess her wine, and I’ll have it taken care of in no time,” Coletta insisted.

Kendra sat in a chair by the door, on the other side of the bathroom, where she could only see the Countess out of the corner of her eye. The Count had said she would be a handful, but Kendra did not like being embarrassed. She did, however, find the Countess very attractive, and it made her feel ashamed of her masculine/warrior appearance; however, it was all she knew. She never had a mother growing up to make her more girly or lady-like, and she had to help her father defend their tribe from an early age. Oh, well. I am what I am, she thought to herself. Nothing can change that, now. At least she knew she was fighting for the good side.

This time, when the Countess got out of the tub, Kendra turned her back to give her privacy. She followed the Countess to the top of her bed chamber and took up her usual post.

“Would you like to come down and see what all goes into getting me ready to go out?” the Countess asked. Kendra was dumbfounded. Just a little while ago, the Countess was embarrassing her, but now she was being nice. Is this a trick? Kendra couldn’t help but wonder; however, this might be one of her only chances to see how the rich get all dressed up.

“Sure, if it wouldn’t be too much trouble, and I wouldn’t be in the way,” Kendra replied excitedly.

“Nonsense. Follow me,” the Countess said before heading downstairs with a nervous Kendra following behind.

When they arrived downstairs, Kendra stood there with her mouth open. The entire bed was lined with dresses to choose from. Coletta got started right away on the makeup for the Countess. As she was doing her eye shadow, the Countess stopped her and said, “Kendra, I want you to pick out my dress for this evening.”

“Me?” she stammered. “I couldn’t possibly choose,” Kendra said.

“Then, we are not going anywhere until you do. Now, get deciding,” she ordered. She allowed Coletta to continue with her makeup, except for the lipstick, as that would depend on the dress. The other slave took her over to the other table and started fluffing and spraying her long, beautiful curls. She was very meticulous that every curl had to be in place. Finally, everyone stopped and looked at Kendra, who was still walking around the bed with her eyebrows furrowed in concentration.

“Well?” said the Countess.

“Oh, Countess! I’ve never seen so many beautiful dresses in one place before, and they all would look amazing with your figure,” she blushed.

“I need you to pick just one for tonight, dear,” she explained.

“Well, I was thinking the royal purple one with the halter top, low back, high waistline, and short hemline would be good if you were going for semi-casual,” she explained, looking for reassurance.

“Kendra...you are a genius. That will work perfectly for this evening. Job well done,” she complimented. Kendra sighed a huge sigh of relief. The pressure was off, and she had made the right, feminine decision. Better yet, she thought. I pleased the Countess.

“Now, Coletta. Please go get the horse and carriage. Kendra and I will be going out, tonight,” the Countess instructed. Kendra stood in place, looking stunned.

Chapter Thirteen

At first, they rode along in silence. Kendra was nervous about why the Countess suddenly seemed to be going along with her being there.

“Kendra, please forgive my previous behavior. I don’t like being told what I can and cannot do, and I don’t like surprises. You were definitely a surprise,” she laughed. “However, I’ve craved a female I can have a close relationship with. The Count is never around. He’s always off on business, and he’s locked Lizzy away, whom I had just started to adore. Surely, you can understand the need for companionship?” she asked.

“I’ve been alone most of my life, but there were times that I would have given anything just to have a friend to talk to,” Kendra sadly explained.

“Exactly,” said the Countess. “Let’s make a pact that above and beyond your duties to protect me, we will forever be friends,” she suggested.

“That would be excellent,” Kendra said excitedly.

“We should seal our pact in blood,” the Countess said. This was her way of finding out—without asking—if Kendra was also a pure-blood vampire.

“Ok,” said Kendra. She bit her middle fingertip until it bled, and the Countess did the same. Then, they licked—not sucked—the other’s finger, until the bleeding stopped.

“There. It is done the old-fashioned way,” the Countess said, somehow knowing she was right.

“Yes. It is forever binding and unbreakable,” Kendra agreed.

“I have some special wine if you’d like some,” the Countess offered.

“Sure,” said Kendra. The two of them sipped their wine and sat in the back of the carriage, enjoying their state of euphoria and new companionship. It was not what the Countess had planned for Kendra, but when she saw the way Kendra looked at her earlier that day, everything changed. The two of them together just seemed natural.

As the carriage wheels hit the cobblestone street, she knew they were close to their destination. Finally, the carriage came to a halt, right in front of the dress shop. Kendra stepped out first and looked up and down the street. She then helped the Countess down out of the carriage.

“Everything seems to be closed,” Kendra observed.

“Not the best shop in town,” she replied. “Follow me.”

The Countess took Kendra by the hand and marched into the dress shop she had been in only a few days before.

“Stay by the door for a moment,” she instructed and strode away. The Countess found the shopkeeper and spoke quietly.

“Do you remember me?” she asked.

“Of course, Countess.” The shopkeeper bowed and smiled.

“Well, I need more items, but the Count is not with me, and he does not allow me to carry money. Can we work around that?” she asked.

“The Count has instructed us that you have an open line of credit with us to use whenever you see fit,” she informed the Countess. “I’m surprised he did not tell you.”

“Oh. Well...we never discuss finances. I guess he just didn’t want me to spend too much,” the Countess giggled. “In that case, I will be doing some shopping tonight for myself and my friend. Please, treat her the same way you would treat me. Thank you,” and with that, she walked over to join Kendra, a huge smile on her face.

“What is it?” Kendra asked.

“Well…you, my friend, are going shopping on me, tonight. We are going to make a lady out of you, yet,” the Countess explained.

“No way!” exclaimed Kendra. “I cannot defend you and chase the ‘Others’ in a formal gown and high heels,” Kendra insisted.

“I know, so here’s the compromise. When you are just hanging out, you may dress however you wish. When I am attending an event or we are out in public together, you will dress up. That’s the deal. No negotiating, and I’m paying for it, so start looking for dresses, and we can do a little fashion show. The shopkeeper will accessorize for you, so don’t worry about that. In the meantime, I’m going to pick up a couple more dresses, too,” the Countess explained. Kendra had a look of horror on her face.

“Come on. This will be fun. This is what girls do,” the Countess explained and was off. Kendra was immediately swarmed by sales associates. Good! That would distract them, so she could do what she really came here to do.

The Countess went into the dressing room, pulled back the curtain, and there sat the same, Jamaican woman smiling at her.

“Back so soon, child?” she asked.

“You knew I was a vampire?” she accused her.

“Yes, child,” the old woman agreed.

“Why didn’t you tell me?” the Countess demanded.

“‘Twas not me fate to tell ye,” she responded.

“Am I the evil one I’ve been dreaming about?” she cringed as she asked the question.

“Maybe in a past time. It don’t mean dah who ye need be now,” she replied. “Also, beware there be many tricky people out deh dah want ye. See dem for who deh really be, not who deh say deh be,” she warned.

“Do I have to be evil, because I’m a vampire?” she asked.

“No, silly child. Duh evil ones deh try to manipulate and convert ye. Stay true to ye self. Keep duh stones close, and deh will help,” she said. With that, she got up and walked away, and the session was over.

The Countess walked out of the dressing room to find a frazzled-looking Kendra. She shooed away all the sales people and spoke. “Okay. Hand me the dresses you personally like the best,” the Countess suggested. Kendra handed her seven dresses, mostly green and black.

“The others you don’t like?” the Countess asked.

“Not as much as those,” Kendra pointed to the pile in the Countess’s arms. The Countess snapped her fingers, and an associate appeared.

“We will not be taking these,” she said. The associate disappeared with the dresses draped across the chair. “Now, take these and go in the first dressing room, and try them on. I want to see each one after you have it on, ok?” the Countess instructed. One by one, Kendra tried on the dresses, and they all looked stunning on her. The Countess advised the staff to collect the shoes, jewelry, and accessories for each of the dresses Kendra tried on. After the last dress, Kendra came out and flopped into the chair next to the Countess.

“Who knew shopping could be so exhausting,” she confessed.

“I found one dress I’d like to try on before we leave, if you don’t mind sitting there a little longer,” the Countess replied.

“As long as I don’t have to try on anything else, I’m good,” Kendra smiled.

The Countess grabbed the purple dress she had been eyeing last time and took it into the dressing room. She knew the Count would never approve, but that’s what made it all the more enticing. The store was busy, but when she came out, everyone stopped and you could hear a pin drop as all eyes were on her. The dress was a floor length, royal purple velvet that split up both sides to the hip. The front was split down the center to the navel, allowing a large amount of cleavage and a flat tummy to be exposed. As the Countess turned in the dress, the back was also split down the middle, almost all the way to the top of the buttocks. The rest of the dress was form-fitting and very slinky. The Countess definitely had the body for this dress, but the Count would not be pleased with the amount of skin that it revealed. Oh, well. I’m getting it, she thought to herself.

Kendra came up to her. “Wow. That’s all I can say. Wow.” The Countess changed back and informed the staff she’d take the dress and everything to go with it. She also bought a couple pairs of pajamas for Kendra without her knowing.

Their ride home was amazing. They drank more wine and talked about all the fun they’d had. The Countess kept her side visit to herself. Kendra kept rambling about never having anyone do anything like that for her before, and she felt very special to have such a true companion. When they arrived home, the Count was waiting at the gate for them.

“Did you ladies have a nice time?” he asked, but he seemed rather perturbed.

“Wonderful!” the Countess shouted over her shoulder as her and Kendra continued into the castle, carrying the bags to her bed chamber. They sorted out the clothes, and the Countess gave Kendra the pajamas she had secretly purchased for her.

“Here. They are green, just like your eyes,” the Countess said as she handed the pajamas to Kendra.

“You are amazing. Thank you for everything,” Kendra said as she hugged her.

“Kendra?” the Countess asked.

“Yes, Countess?” she replied.

“I had such a wonderful time today with you, and I don’t want it to end.” she explained.

“Me, neither,” replied Kendra.

“I was wondering if you would stay the night with me. No hanky-panky, and I’ll give you your own covers, but please say you’ll stay,” the Countess begged.

“I don’t know, Sweetie,” Kendra said.

“We’ll both be fully clothed,” the Countess insisted.

“Won’t the Count be mad?” Kendra asked.

“I’ll handle the Count. Please?” the Countess smiled.

“Ok,” whispered Kendra.

Chapter Fourteen

The next evening, the girls were awoken by the Count’s bellows.

“Kendra! Where the hell is that girl?” he asked Coletta.

“I...I...I don’t know.” She squeaked in her mouse voice when Master was upset, and she was nervous.

“Down here,” the Countess said in a singsong voice. “Quick, hide under the covers,” she whispered to Kendra.

“No. I couldn’t,” Kendra said, looking frightened.

“Come on. It will be fun,” she encouraged. Kendra finally gave in, just as the Count made his way down the steps.

“Well? Where is that woman?” he said, his eyes scanning the room frantically. The girls tried hard not to giggle.

“I paid her good money to keep a close eye on you. First, you two go off last night and don’t tell me where you are going, and now she’s missing!” He ended in a huff. With this, the Countess became enraged and stood up on the bed, her hands upon her hips.

“I’m not your prisoner. I am the Queen, and I have someone with me to protect me. Why do you have to know my every move? You are not my father, and I do not feel I need to answer to you!” she stated matter-of-factly. The look of shock on his face also held hurt behind his eyes, but she didn’t care. “Oh, and as far as Kendra goes,” she pulled back the covers to expose her laying there in her new green pajamas, “this is as close an eye as you will get. We were having so much fun last night, we decided to have a pajama party.”

“A pajama party?” the Count interrupted.

“Yes. See, we have become friends, which I know you don’t want, because you took Lizzy away. So, I’m warning you ahead of time. If something happens to Kendra or she disappears, I will go against coven and kill you, myself. In the meantime, she will be under my orders, not yours so get over it! You are dismissed, Count,” she said dryly. The Count turned and was gone with a flap of his cape.

“Wow,” said Kendra. “I thought I was going to be in trouble. I’ve always followed the rules and never did anything fun. Thank you for sticking up for me and calling me your friend,” Kendra said shyly. “I’ve never had a friend, before.”

“I do consider you my friend, and we have a pact, but there will also be times when I expect you to work for me, as well,” the Countess said. “Do you think you can handle the separation?” she asked.

“Yes, and I would be honored,” Kendra replied.

Over the next month, Kendra taught the Countess how to use various weapons. The art of sword fighting and dagger use were the two that most intrigued the Countess, so they spent many hours a day practicing, until their arms were too tired to continue. Kendra believed dagger-throwing could be useful, even against other vampires. It could kill or even temporarily trap an enemy and buy more time. Kendra really believed in them and thought it would be wise for the Countess to always keep a few hidden on her at all times, while she was out of the castle. Especially since she had learned to use them with such precision. Kendra also taught the Countess self-defense, and the Countess was flipping the male slaves by the evening—though the Countess doubted they put up much of a fight.

Throughout all of this, the Count watched in silence, unbeknownst to the participants. What good are any of these tactics up against another vampire, he brooded to himself. He shook his head, disgusted. He would have to bring in someone else to teach her about the true vampire ways. It was clear to him that the Countess had lost all respect for him, now that Kendra had come along. The Count had to bring in someone who could distract her from her precious Kendra and her thoughts of Lizzy. Kendra had been great, and he had felt safer with the Countess being in her company, but it was now time for the next level of training. This personal guard had to keep the interest of the Countess but not fall for her, which was not an easy task for most men. The Count could trust only one man for this job. It was time to bring in Alexos.

Chapter Fifteen

The next evening, the Count summoned both women, by way of Coletta, into his study. When they arrived, he was sitting behind his desk, reading something he quickly and mysteriously stuffed inside a nearby book, when he noticed them standing in the doorway.

“Please, come in and have a seat in front of me,” he invited. Kendra held back in the doorway at her usual post. “Kendra. You too, please. This involves us all,” he said. She reluctantly took a seat next to the Countess. She had never been in this room and was worried the news was not going to be good. Besides, all the books she didn’t know how to read, staring at her, were giving her the creeps.

The Count sat with his elbows on the arms of his chair, and his fingertips pressed together in front of him. He ran his index fingers back and forth over his lips, thinking as he agonized his guests with the wait. His stare seemed far away. Kendra caught the eye of the Countess, and she just shrugged her shoulders. When the Countess realized he wasn’t going to speak soon, she remembered her conversation with Lizzy. This was the room that held the marvelous book on flying, but which one could it be? There were probably thousands of books in this room. There were ladders to get to upper levels, where there were even more books. Books were piled on and all around his desk. There were even books piled around and in the fireplace. Why were there books stacked in the fireplace? Why didn’t he use the fireplace? That seems odd, the Countess thought to herself. Fire. That’s right. Now, I remember. Fire is a great enemy of the vampires. What better way to block off a fireplace than with books that would go up in flames easily. It still didn’t make sense to the Countess.

“Well,” the Count said loudly and stood up suddenly, scraping his chair backward and startling both women. This brought the Countess out of her thoughts and back to reality. He came around the desk and sat on the front of it, between the two women. “It seems we three have been invited to a ball held by the Honorable Señor Alexos,” he said impressively.

“Ooh,” said Kendra. “I’ve heard of him. He’s supposed to have looks and brains.” The Count gave her a sharp look. “Sorry, sir,” she apologized.

“Anyway,” he said, daring Kendra to say another word with his dark eyes, “we will have to fly there, or it would be a three-day journey by carriage and ferry, and I’m sure none of us would enjoy that,” he said sarcastically.

“Great!” the Countess excitedly replied. “When do we leave?”

“I’m already aware that you can fly, Countess, but keep in mind you have not flown over great distances. Please, promise me you will not be too proud to ask for my or Kendra’s assistance while flying, should you get too tired. It will make you weak otherwise, and I want you to have enough energy to enjoy the party, instead of being drained. Promise?” he asked.

“Promise,” the Countess reluctantly mumbled. She did see his point but was not about to admit it out loud.

“Also, depending on all of our strengths, by the end of the evening, Señor Alexos has agreed to lend us his most sacred and secure bed chamber, which no other vampire has seen, if we wish to stay the day to rest. He is known for his security, so you will be safe there, Countess,” he added.

“Sounds like this Señor Alexos is very generous and too good to be true. What does he want from me in return?” the Countess asked, skeptical.

“Nothing. Just the pleasure of your company at his party,” the Count explained.

“Count, please be honest with me. Have I had dealings with him in the past of any kind?” she asked uneasily.

“Personally, no,” he replied. “Many wanted the two of you together at one time, but you wouldn’t even hear of it. You never even met him before rejecting him. Believe me, that is not what this is about this time around, either. He is a happy bachelor and enjoys entertaining many women. He wouldn’t want to be tied down, if his life depended on it. It’s just a party and nothing more. Promise,” he finished.

“I’ll believe that when I see it,” the Countess said. “All men are incapable of resisting me once they’ve met me. Why should he be any different? Let’s go, Kendra. We have outfits to plan,” the Countess said as she left the room.

This was the exact reaction he knew he would get from the Countess. He wanted her skeptical at first, but for them to make him a challenge was brilliant on his part. He knew exactly how to hook her to make his plan work to his benefit. He had already laid out the plan to Alexos and briefed him—okay, spelled out his plan for the Countess to him in detail—in a letter. He was reading Alexos’s response when the women came into his study. Alexos was willing to go along with the plan in its entirety. The Count had slowly allowed the Countess to see just enough of his study to question things on her own. He knew how her mind worked after all these years. It was also just enough to remind her of Lizzy and give her the confidence she would need to fly, so she would make it to this party alive, given there were no intruders during their flight. He had thought about leaving the book about flying—that Lizzy spoke of—open on his desk, but he knew the Countess would be too distracted and wouldn’t hear a word he said. He needed her focused as well as the exact reaction he got. She was predictable. Besides, the book would have been too obvious, even for her.

Chapter Sixteen

It was finally the night of the party. The Countess had on the dress she most recently bought. It was so exquisitely revealing, she made Coletta and the other slave promise not to tell “Master” about it. She planned to wear her purple, velvet cloak up to the parlor, so he would not see it until they were at the party. By then, it would be too late to do anything about it. Kendra had on a rhinestone-covered, emerald green, spaghetti–strap dress with a high waist and a flowy bottom that came just below the knee. She begged the Countess to carry a couple of daggers with her, but the Countess protested that there was no place to hide them in her dress. Kendra finally conceded defeat and gave up, adding a few extra in her own dress. As they went upstairs, the Count was waiting for them, and presented Kendra with a box similar to the one he had given the Countess not that long ago. In it was her own green, velvet cloak. She thanked him profusely, and they were ready to get on their way. The Countess hugged the Count and secretly slipped two daggers into his inside lapel pocket, unbeknownst to him, then smoothed out his tuxedo after “rumpling him” as she put it.

They loaded into the carriage, so the staff would not be suspicious, and started to travel south. They sneaked out of the carriage along the way, near an open, dark field.

“Okay, Countess. Show us what you’ve got,” the Count said, hoping he was not wrong about her or her flying abilities. Otherwise, all the plans were off. The Countess was nervous as they stared at her. She closed her eyes and remembered Lizzy’s instructions—her crossed arms, the serious look on her little face, and the toe-tapping. She couldn’t forget her little toe-tapping. The Countess gently and easily rose into the air. When she opened her eyes, Kendra and the Count were floating next to her.

“Excellent!” the Count said. “Okay. Here’s the plan. I’ll lead. Kendra, you keep a close eye on the Countess, and I’ll watch out for intruders. Everyone got it?” he asked. Everyone nodded, and they started to fly north in the night sky. The Countess remembered this feeling from flying with the Count. That first time was forever etched into her mind. The feeling of the wind in her face. The way the wind blew her clothes against her. The cloak was warm, so she never felt the cold. Just the wonderful air. She was lost in her thoughts, a giant grin on her face. She didn’t even notice Kendra sidle up next to her.

“You okay?” she shouted over the wind. The Countess lost her concentration and started to spiral out of control and lost elevation quickly. Kendra just stared at her in a panic, unsure what to do. The Countess had never been taught how to regain herself when she lost control during flight. Just as the Countess started to scream from the panic, she was grabbed in mid-air by the Count. Luckily, he was below them and had been watching. He flew with her the rest of the way to the party, which thankfully was only another 30 minutes. It was just enough time for the Countess to calm down and feel safe again in his arms.

When they landed, just outside the castle ground, Kendra ran over to the Countess. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you,” she apologized over and over.

“It’s all right, Kendra,” the Count said. “It happens to the best of us. I do need some wine and to sit down soon, though,” he said, starting to swoon.

“Sure. Thank you, Count.” The Countess looked into his eyes with a gaze he hadn’t seen in a long time.

“You are welcome, Love,” he replied, and they entered the ball.

Chapter Seventeen

As they entered, only the Count and Countess were announced aloud. The servants came to take the cloaks, and the Count shot the Countess a very displeased look when he saw her dress. Kendra told the servants the Count was feeling ill and needed to be seated with wine immediately, and they made sure this all happened very quickly. The Countess and Kendra, however, stayed behind and walked through the crowds. The Countess pleasantly said “hello” to those she remembered from the last ball. The thing the Countess enjoyed most this time was the whispers and comments about her dress.

“Where did she get that?” someone asked jealously.

“That looks fantastic on her,” another voice pointed out.

“Wow! Look at that body! The things I could do to her,” came a male whisper in her ear. She turned around sharply with a slap ready, and the male lightly grabbed her wrist. “Excuse me,” he laughed. “I cannot contain myself when others are making comments. I have to get the best one in,” he said in a very deep, Spanish accent. He let go of her wrist but kept her hand in his as he bowed. When he came up, he kissed her hand and said, “You must forgive me. I am your host, tonight. Señor Alexos. I could hear the comments from the other side of the room and had to come see what magnificent creature they were discussing. I was surprised to find it was only you. Now, if you will excuse me, I have other things to tend to. Oh, and welcome,” he shouted over his shoulder as he walked away.

“He’s dreamy,” Kendra said, stars in her eyes as the crowd around them went back to doing whatever it was before he arrived.

“I don’t see what’s so great about him. He was kind of nice, but almost on the verge of rude, and he was arrogant!” the Countess said angrily.

“Countess, are you blind?” Kendra exclaimed. “He is gorgeous with a capital G! Who cares if he’s a little confident in himself,” she gushed.

It is true, the Countess thought, but she wasn’t telling anyone else that. With his deep, Spanish accent, long dark hair pulled back into a ponytail, dress slacks that were tight in the butt, a short-waisted matador jacket, and a white shirt that was unbuttoned halfway down, so you could see his chest hair and gold necklaces. Not to mention a chiseled face and most likely the same under that white dress shirt. What’s not to like? she thought. Oh, yeah. His rudeness. His “multi-entertaining”, etc., yet she would have him eating out of the palm of her hand like all men before long. It’s only a matter of time, she thought to herself.

Somewhere, a band started playing, and she found she had wandered to the upper level. She looked over the banister, and people were dancing. The Countess believed it was some sort of Spanish song, because she didn’t recognize the music and could not understand the words. A waiter came by, and she took a glass of wine. When she looked back down at the dance floor, Alexos was in the center with a partner, dancing very seductively. This went on all night, and each time, he had a different partner. He had started to sweat from dancing, so his white shirt was starting to stick to his muscular chest. His chest hairs were curly and moist. The beads of sweat on his face were glistening. Some of his hair had fallen out of his ponytail and was hanging alluringly around his face. Finally, he took the ponytail out, and all of his hair cascaded down around him in magnificent and sexy curls, making him even more appealing. How she longed not only to be able to dance like that but to be the one dancing with him.

“Wishing every woman in this place’s fantasy?” came the sarcastic voice in her ear. The Countess spun around to find herself standing face-to-face and alone on the entire upper level with Angelina. “Where’s your ‘Warrior Woman’ now to protect you?” Angelina cooed, as if to a newborn baby.

“I can defend myself, and didn’t I warn you last time not to anger me?” the Countess challenged.

“Ooh. I’m shaking in my boots, bitch. I think it’s time for you to go downstairs,” and with that, Angelina pushed the Countess over the banister; however, the Countess didn’t fall. She just hovered in the air above the guests and slowly descended to the ground near the Count. Kendra came out of nowhere with her sword and ensued in a bloody battle with Angelina on the upper level. Angelina kept screaming, “She has something I want. Make her give it back!” However, the battle raged on. The music stopped, and most of the crowd fled, fearing the return of the old Queen and subsequent destruction.

Finally, the Countess grabbed the two daggers she had hidden in the Count’s lapel pocket. He was shocked that she had managed to get them there without his knowledge, but he did not ask questions at this point. She rose up to stand on the banister. Kendra had Angelina almost pinned against the wall.

“Kendra, duck!” the Countess shouted, and she threw the two daggers at Angelina, surprising her and pinning each hand against the wall. The Countess slowly jumped down off the banister and strolled over to Angelina, with all the confidence in the world.

“Whatever I have of yours will remain in my possession,” the Countess mocked. Angelina wailed and sobbed. “You have lost again, Angelina. When will you learn?” she hissed into her ear. The Countess pushed a dagger further into Angelina’s left hand. It was bleeding badly, now. The Countess dipped her finger into Angelina’s blood and touched it to her tongue. She immediately spat it out.

“Your blood is tainted, Angelina. As are so many others. Mark my words. Those of you with this tainted blood will burn in the likes of fires you’ve never before seen!” the Countess cackled.

“This is far from over, and if you don’t join us, it will be your funeral pyre we will be ‘seeing’,” Angelina said. Suddenly, the daggers fell out of the wall, and she flew out of the closest window, into the night, and disappeared.

Chapter Eighteen

The Countess went straight for Kendra, who was still lying on the ground.

“How are you, my friend?” she asked, helping Kendra up.

“Just some scratches. Good things we heal fast, huh?” she tried to laugh, but it was apparent she had at least one broken rib. “I’ve never seen that side of you,” Kendra said, nodding to the wall where Angelina had been only moments ago.

“There’s something about her that brings it out in me,” the Countess explained. “Don’t know why.” By now, the Count and Alexos had made it up the stairs to check on them.

“Is everybody all right?” Alexos asked.

“I’m feeling a little weak,” the Countess replied, winking at Kendra.

“Here. Let me help you to my bed chamber, then,” Alexos said, picking her up.

“Oh, Alexos. That won’t be necessary,” the Countess barely protested.

“Oh, but I insist,” he said as he gallantly carried her down to his bed chamber. The Count and Kendra rolled their eyes and followed behind.

When they got to the bottom of the stairs, there was a passage to the right and one to the left. They took the one to the left.

“I have given you ladies my bed chamber, because you will be the most comfortable in it. The Count and I will be just across the hall, in the one to the right,” he explained.

“I just hate that I’ve caused so much trouble and put you out of your own bed.” The Countess tried to sound innocent.

“It’s no trouble at all,” he insisted. “Please, do not go wandering around the castle when you wake up. I have the entire place booby-trapped, so I’ll come get you when we are all up and ready to set off on our journey. For now, boa noite,” he said and was gone.

“Our journey?” the Countess said. “What’s that mean? Is he coming with us?”

“Probably not. He probably meant the three of us. Get some sleep,” Kendra said while settling into bed sleepily. The Countess’s mind was turning, but she got into bed, anyway. She was exhausted from the day’s events, but she secretly wished Alexos was coming back with them.

The following evening, the Count awoke the Countess quietly and sat on the edge of her bed, so they could speak in low voices.

“I’d like to discuss something with you, and I hope to have your full cooperation in the end,” he sighed, sounding defeated already.

“What is it?” the Countess asked.

“After what happened last night in the middle of the party, it signifies the ‘Others’ are getting bolder and more confident. I would like to bring Alexos back with us to add security to our castle and to ensure your safety, Countess,” he finished.

“Count, you know as well as I do that I detest being a prisoner in my own castle,” she protested quietly, so as not to wake up Kendra.

“Most of his additions would be outside, to deter those trying to get in. The only thing inside would be a panic room or safe room for you to stay in should there be an invasion. We can talk more about the details, later.” He looked at Kendra and nodded in her direction. “Would you allow him to at least do the outside and consider hearing him out about the inside? He really knows his stuff, Love,” he said.

“Ok,” she agreed.

“Excellent! It is almost time to get moving, so if you would get Kendra up and get ready, we’ll be back in about 10 minutes,” he replied.

“Ok,” she repeated.

The Count left the room, and she was secretly excited that Alexos was coming with them. Better yet, she didn’t have to do any whining, crying, demanding, or persuading to get him to come. This was fate! Maybe, they were supposed to be together like the ‘Others’ wanted all those years ago. Maybe, just maybe, this was the strong King Lizzy had foretold in their conversations that now seemed like forever ago. She missed Lizzy. Oh, she was so excited, though. Why had she turned him down without even meeting him all those years ago? They could have been ruling together all this time! Stupid girl! Stupid, stupid girl! she told herself. Kendra! Crap!

“Kendra, Sweetie,” she said.

“Mmmmm,” was all that came out from under the covers.

“Hurry. We need to be leaving, soon,” the Countess encouraged.

“Uh-huh,” Kendra mumbled but made no effort to move.

“Alexos will be here in five minutes,” the Countess said sweetly.

“Alexos!” Kendra jumped out of bed. “Why didn’t you say so,” she shrieked. The Countess giggled. Kendra looked at her, panic in her eyes, and then gave into giggles as well. They were still giggling when the guys arrived.

“Is everyone ready?” the Count asked. There were nods all around. “Same formation as last time, except Alexos please fly next to the Countess at all times. I have arranged for the carriage to meet us in the same field we sneaked out of last time, and it will take us back to our castle,” he finished.

“Let’s go,” the Countess said and took off into the air. The other three followed. Were I not the “Ancient One”, I would travel only like this, she thought to herself.

The flight home was uneventful, and the carriage was waiting just where it was expected. The carriage ride was even silent, each person alone—deep in their own thoughts. This is when the Countess finds it the easiest to read them. Alexos was going over in his mind the blueprints the Count had provided him of the castle. He was also thinking of devices he could use outside to deter intruders. The Count was usually harder to read, since she “made” him. She was able to get fewer details from him but more emotion. Right now, he was very stressed, feeling alone, and very worried, not only about the “Others”, but about her as well. It was what Kendra was thinking about that was most disturbing to the Countess. Kendra had been awake and heard the entire conversation between her and the Count. Why then did she pretend she was sleeping when the Countess tried to wake her up?

They arrived at the castle gates, and the men helped the women down and out of the carriage.

“Count, I’d like to talk to you privately and immediately,” said the Countess.

“Kendra, will you please show our guest into the house? I’m sure Coletta will be waiting at the door to show him to his room,” he requested. Kendra squealed with delight. “What’s wrong?” the Count whispered.

“Can Angelina read minds?” the Countess asked.

“Fortunately, that is not one of her abilities,” the Count replied. “Why?” he asked.

“It’s nothing,” she said and strode off. Then, how did she know I called Kendra “Warrior Woman” when we first met? she thought to herself.

Chapter Nineteen

For five days, the guys were behind closed doors in the study, and the Countess paced angrily in her bed chamber. Even Kendra could not keep her calm. Coletta was the only one allowed in to replace their supply of wine. On the fifth day, the Countess was summoned to the study. Kendra attempted to go in with her, but Alexos explained this was a matter for the property owners only. A hurt Kendra sat in the hallway, and the Countess felt bad but was relieved she didn’t have to tell Kendra “no”.

“Ok, Countess. Here’s the part we talked about. Please, just listen to him before you say “no”,” the Count pleaded.

“Ok.” The Countess smiled pleasantly, but anger still flashed in her eyes.

“Countess.” Alexos started gently and a bit timidly, feeling her anger, “First, please don’t take offense to anything I say. I hold you in the highest regard. You are capable of amazing things, some of which you don’t remember yet, and some of which you have already proven. I also know that you are a “stand up and fight” girl, not a “run and hide” girl. These things being said, and with you having so much more to learn before being at the same level as some of the ‘Others’, I think you should consider having panic rooms installed in the castle. They will be rooms specially designed to withstand the general powers of the vampires. Yes, you held your own against Angelina, but if 30 of them come toward you...well, let’s just say your chances won’t be that great. I want to put a couple in the castle, so that no matter which end you are in, you will have access to one. No one but the three of us in this room will know about these rooms. Any questions?” he finally finished. They both looked at the Countess, anxiously expecting her to blow up at any moment, to have their eardrums pierced with her shrieks. It was a long time before she answered, and the anticipation was almost too much for the two of them to take.

“I think it’s a fantastic idea,” she said resolutely. “I had been thinking the same thing, and this will put my mind at rest. I agree that only we three should know about the rooms,” she said uneasily.

“Don’t worry,” said Alexos. “I’ll handle distracting Kendra.”

“Just don’t go having too much fun with her,” the Countess snapped.

“There’s our old Countess back,” Alexos laughed. They all three laughed.

Construction outside got underway the following day as Alexos already had blueprints drawn up, and the contractor was his usual guy. He just kept adding to the blueprints and making his own devices. This was his personal specialty. Per Alexos, everything outside could be turned off from the inside by remote, another fact they kept amongst the three of them. In the evenings, Alexos and the Countess would stroll through the outside, surveying what had been done earlier that day. Every day, Alexos was dissatisfied with the progress made by the contractor and complained, but this prompted conversations between Alexos and the Countess. They had even started speaking cordially to each other on a consistent basis. She no longer thought he was completely rude and understood that his confidence was because he was competent in his specialty. Of course, he was gorgeous, but she still wasn’t telling anyone that.

“Alexos, may I ask you some things?” the Countess asked.

“Maybe. I’ll answer what I want,” he replied.

“To whom does your allegiance belong?” she asked.

“Spain, of course,” he said proudly.

“No, I mean in this battle of good and evil, vampires, me?” she ended in a whisper.

“Countess, I believe in goodness, freedom, pure vampires, and you. If you choose the right path this time, and it seems you are heading down that path, now, then my allegiance is with you,” he said.

“You said I have ‘so much more to learn’. Who can teach me? Who can I trust to teach me the good way and not the evil way? People look at me and wish they were me, but being me is hard. Very hard, sometimes.” She stopped walking, put her head in her hands, and started to sob. Alexos moved toward her and wrapped his arms around her. She felt her face go into his chest, and it felt nice. In his mind, she could see his genuine concern and compassion for her.

“Shhhh. There, there,” he said. “It will be all right. I suppose I could stay on longer and teach you these things you need to know,” he said.

“Really?” came the muffled voice from his chest.

“Yes,” he said. “Someone reliable has to do it,” he replied.

Mission accomplished, the Countess thought to herself.

Chapter Twenty

The next evening, Kendra and the Countess were walking through the grand ballroom, when the Countess stopped. She pushed open the curtains and motioned for Kendra to follow. They went outside and down a sandstone staircase on the side of the castle. It came out on a side of the castle the contractors had not yet started working on. There was a beautiful veranda with purple lights and a blanket laid out on the ground underneath it.

“Have a seat,” the Countess invited. Kendra seemed surprised but sat down on the ground, anyway. The Countess pulled a picnic basket from underneath one of the benches and opened it. She pulled out two wine goblets and a bottle of wine. She poured the wine and handed a goblet to Kendra. The Countess took a sip of hers and put it down on the bench next to her.

“I’ve missed you,” she confessed, smiling at Kendra.

“I thought I did something wrong. You’ve been keeping me out of the loop on everything.” Kendra’s eyes started to tear up.

“The guys have insisted. I’ve begged them, stating you’re my best friend, but they wouldn’t hear of it,” she explained. She wiped a couple of tears from Kendra’s cheeks.

“Please, forgive me,” the Countess pleaded. She leaned into Kendra, and their lips touched in a very soft kiss.

Despite her new mistrust of Kendra with regard to important matters, they still had their friendship pact, and she was still attracted to her. There was just something about Kendra that she desired, and she could read from Kendra’s mind the feeling was mutual.

“Drink some more wine, Sweetie,” the Countess encouraged, refilling the goblets. That was how the night proceeded. Drinking, laying on the blanket, and kissing. Nothing sexual happened, but it didn’t need to. Finally, it was time to go inside.

“Countess?” Kendra asked.

“Yes,” she replied.

“Do you think, just for tonight, we could forget the pajamas and hold each other’s naked bodies close to each other? Just this once, I mean. Nothing sexual. Just to cuddle and for the closeness?” Kendra asked.

“That would be magical. Yes, Kendra. I would like that very much,” the Countess responded, filled with a calm delight.

When the Countess awoke the next evening, Kendra was already out of bed. She fondly remembered the closeness they felt and smiled. She rang for Coletta to advise that she wanted a bath. While in the tub, Coletta could not stop talking about “that sexy Señor Alexos”. The Countess thought it was cute.

“Where is he this evening?” the Countess asked Coletta.

“Oh. He whisked away Ms. Kendra to his private yacht for a few days on a whim,” she said. “I sensed some chemistry between them,” she smiled. Instantly, the Countess dropped her wine glass onto the floor next to the tub.

“Oh, Countess. Are you ok? I will get that cleaned up and bring you a new glass right away,” Coletta apologized.

“See that you do,” the Countess replied coldly.

How could Kendra go from sharing a night like that with her to being with Alexos on his yacht, today? She understood Alexos had to get her out to build the panic rooms, but Kendra could have left a note or something. The Countess was hurt both by this man who was going to be her King and was “entertaining” on his yacht and by this woman whom she just shared an intimate night with and was also supposed to be her best friend. Maybe she wasn’t faking it when she told Alexos it’s not easy being her. I take it back about him not being rude. It was rude to just take her from my bed. How dare he! the Countess thought to herself angrily. Coletta reappeared with a full glass of wine. The Countess gulped it down and held it out for a refill.

The next few days, the Count noticed the Countess seemed very sullen. She stayed in her bed chamber most of the time and rarely smiled. He tried what he could, but nothing worked.

“Want to go dress shopping?” he suggested.

“No,” was her reply.

“Want to go into town and go dancing?” he asked.

“No,” again was her reply.

“Do you want to do anything other than sit here and mope around?” he said sarcastically.

“Not really,” she sighed.

“I give up,” he said, and he left. Good, she thought to herself. I’m tired of his 20 questions. She wasn’t even glad for the company, because it was not his company she wanted. She longed for Kendra or Alexos. Either would do. Just then, Kendra came skipping down the stairs.

“Countess, I’m back!” she yelled.

“Finally,” the Countess mumbled. “There have been two attempts on my life, and Angelina came back,” she said.

“Really?” said Kendra, sounding only half-shocked.

“No. Just kidding. I missed you,” and the Countess jumped out of bed to hug Kendra.

“You had me going there for a minute,” Kendra giggled.

“Why didn’t you leave me a note?” the Countess asked.

“I didn’t have time,” Kendra explained.

Little did the Countess know that Angelina and one of the “Others” were stopped earlier that night by one of the outside devices Alexos had personally created, and the Count was showing the videotape of it to Alexos at that moment.

Chapter Twenty-One

The following evening, Alexos and the Countess were taking their usual surveillance walk around the outside of the premises, but the atmosphere between them was strained. The Countess was unusually quiet, which Alexos noticed, but he was caught up in the things that were either incomplete or destroyed from the previous night’s actions by Angelina.

“I can’t believe they didn’t get to this, yet. I expressed the importance of its completion while I was gone, and it’s still not done!” he ranted.

“Good help is hard to find,” she mocked.

“This was my best work, and it was damaged in last night’s...” he trailed off, looking sheepish. “Never mind,” he said at last.

“Last night’s what?” the Countess demanded.

“I can’t tell you. The Count made me promise,” he pleaded.

“I don’t care about the Count!” she shrieked. “What happened?”

“Angelina and some of the ‘Others’ came here last night and tried to get in. They were deterred by my outside security, so they never reached the castle. The Count has it all on videotape. Please don’t tell him I told you,” he begged.

How convenient again that when Kendra was not here, the castle was attacked, was all the Countess could think to herself. She looked like she was a million miles away when Alexos spoke again.

“I’m glad I had at least some of those devices in place,” he said.

“How convenient you take Kendra’s naked body from my bed and whisk her off for several days of fun with you, while I’m stuck here, alone. I hope you enjoyed her,” the Countess snapped at him.

“It wasn’t like that. Besides, you are getting too close to Kendra. You even said yourself that you have doubts about her, and then you do that. A Queen cannot rule solely with her heart. She will be blindsided and killed,” he explained.

“You just want Kendra for yourself. Admit it!” the Countess snapped again.

“First of all, she’s not my type. Secondly, we already had this discussion that we would have to distract her to get the panic rooms built. Well, they are built, and the Count has them stocked and ready for you,” he stated.

“Oh, I forgot about that,” she said flatly.

“So, are we good now?” he asked.

“Yes,” she mumbled. “When are we going to start all this learning you said I need to do?” she asked.

“Since it’s getting late, you may ask one question, and then we will start full force tomorrow,” he suggested.

Just one question, she thought to herself. “Why do some vampires have tainted blood, and others do not?” she asked, feeling rather foolish for not knowing the answer.

“Excellent question, since one of your goals is to cleanse those with tainted blood according to your speech in my home. Ok. If a vampire is made out of love, for true companionship, or born to a mother that has been bitten, its blood will be untainted or pure. If a vampire is created for evil, to form an army, to quickly create vast numbers of vampires, or so that a dead body is not found thus them being discovered, this leaves those vampires with tainted blood. Understand?” he asked. She nodded her head “yes”. “Good. Now, get some sleep, and I will see you tomorrow,” he said and left the Countess sitting there, contemplating everything he had told her.

She had tasted Kendra’s blood, and it was not tainted. As unsure as she was about her and the evil surrounding her, she refused to believe that Kendra was created for evil based on the untainted blood. That leaves only one explanation. Kendra was created by another vampire out of love, but the Countess questioned by whom. She was curious to find out, since she could not just come straight out and ask. Or could she?

Chapter Twenty-Two

The Countess was in the tub, and Kendra was sitting in a chair by the door. The Countess had been sipping her wine, trying to get the courage up to ask Kendra about her maker. Finally, she put the glass down.

“Kendra,” she asked quietly.

“Yes, Countess,” she jumped up with a towel ready.

“No, no. Have a seat. I have a question for you,” the Countess replied.

“Oh. Ok,” Kendra said as she sat back down.

“Do you remember your maker? The one who made you a vampire,” the Countess asked gently. Kendra shifted in her seat uneasily and looked down for a long time. When she looked back up, she had tears in her eyes.

“If it’s too painful, forget I asked,” the Countess said.

“No. It’s ok. It was my father. I never knew his secret until I got older. One day, we were getting ready to go into a battle that was almost certain defeat. He said he had already lost his sons and didn’t want to lose me, too. He said he had a special gift for me. That’s when he bit me, and I became a vampire,” she sobbed. When she finished, the Countess could read from her mind that she had just made the story up. So much for finding out the truth, she thought to herself.

That evening, the Countess and Alexos did their outside tour, and almost everything was complete. Then, they went into the backyard and sat on the two-person swing, swaying silently. Finally, the Countess could take it no longer. “Ok. Tell me the story of me, and start from the beginning. Oh, and leave nothing out.” Alexos chuckled at her impatience but started.

“Before you, there is no recorded history,” he said.

“What?!” she shouted.

“Are you going to let me tell you what I know or not?” he asked.

“I guess. Go on,” she mumbled disappointedly.

“You are our ‘Ancient One’. That is why there is such a struggle for control over you. The ‘Others’ believe if they have you on their side, they can rule the world through fear, death, destruction, rage...all things they have convinced you in past lives that you can be. On the good side, though, there are far less of us who know what’s in your heart and know you don’t want to be those things. Angelina has been your enemy since day one. She believes she is the ‘Ancient One’, and they don’t need you, so it has been her mission to destroy you and take over. Rumor has it that Kendra has been her lover and spy all these years,” he stated sadly, shaking his head.

“No…,” she whispered. “Not my Kendra. It’s not possible,” the Countess said in disbelief.

“Yes, Countess. It is,” he said solemnly. “Put the events together, and you will see it,” he explained gently. The Countess was crushed. Even though she had suspected somewhere in the back of her mind, his saying it made it real. She felt like her chest had caved in, her heart had been broken, her entire body had turned colder than usual, and breathing was damn near impossible.

“The Count and I thought it would be a good idea to send Kendra back to Angelina during your last lessons, so she could not sabotage them, report back on them, or distract you. Only with your permission of course, Countess,” he added.

“Get her out of my castle,” was all the Countess managed to whisper.

The Count came out and sat with the Countess as she sobbed. Alexos went into the castle to inform Kendra she had been found out and was relieved from her duties, here. The Countess could hear Kendra’s wails all the way outside, and they just made her cry harder. Finally, Alexos returned and said Kendra was gone.

The next few evenings, the Countess would not even get out of bed. She wouldn’t drink her wine left on the bedside table, and she wouldn’t bathe. The depression of Kendra’s betrayal was too much for her to handle, and she would rather hide under the covers. Alexos and the Count tried everything to get her to come out, but she would not. Finally, very late one night, there was one thing that did the trick. Alexos and the Count brought down a telegraph that had been sent to the Countess. It was exactly what she needed to give her enough motivation to get up and fight, again. It read:

Countess:

You still have someone else I want. I want my Lizzy back, too. Give her back, and join us, or it’s your funeral pyre we’ll be ‘seeing’.

Angelina

Chapter Twenty-Three

The following evening, Alexos was walking with the Countess in the backyard. “Ok, here is the part you’ve been waiting for. The lessons.”

“Yippee!” said the Countess, jumping up and down and clapping her hands like a schoolgirl. Alexos just shook his head.

“Are you left-handed or right-handed,” he asked.

“Right-handed,” she replied.

“Ok.” He stood behind her and raised her right arm up at a 90 degree angle, with her palm pointed away from her. He did the same, but he put his palm on the back of her hand.

“Ready?” he asked.

“For anything,” she replied. A burst of energy shot from his hand, through hers, and a ball of flame shot out of her hand and hit the paper target he had previously set up.

“That was really cool!” she exclaimed.

“That’s what it’s supposed to feel like when you do it on your own. Now, try it again without my help. You have to see it in your mind,” he said. She tried for over thirty minutes, but finally, on the last try, she got the flames to shoot out.

“Cool. Now, you can practice more on your own. Let’s move on,” he said. Next, he brought out a cage with a bunny in it.

“I am not hurting that little bunny,” the Countess insisted.

“We are not going to hurt the bunny,” he said, mocking her. “We’ll just play with him a bit. Now, same position, but use your left hand, please.” He put his left palm over the back of her hand, the energy flowed through it, and a cold ball flew out of her hand and at the bunny. The bunny stopped moving around, and she ran over to it.

“We killed it!” she sobbed.

“It’s not dead,” Alexos sighed. “It’s frozen in time. In five minutes, it will come back and be just fine.” The Countess proceeded to sit on the ground and wait the five minutes, watching the bunny, just to make sure. Just like Alexos said, in five minutes, the bunny was back, and he was fine.

“I’m not practicing that one with you, anymore,” Alexos insisted. The Countess giggled.

“Sorry,” she said apologetically. “Now what?” Alexos walked over to the bench and picked up a giant book.

“This is your old book of spells. Start relearning them all, again. I will be asking you pop quizzes on them, so work fast,” he snickered as her jaw fell to the floor. “The spells will also teach you useful things like invisibility, how to create your own wine from nothing, and many other interesting facts. Now, go downstairs, start reading, but get some sleep, for tomorrow we will start sky dueling,” he said.

“What’s that?” she asked.

“You’ll see,” he said mysteriously.

The following evening, Alexos met the Countess at the top of the stairs to her bed chamber. He tossed her a sword, and they walked in silence to the backyard. When they arrived, he rose up into the air and said, “Come on up. The weather’s fine,” and snickered at his joke. The Countess rolled her eyes then rose up to his level.

“Now, draw your sword and duel with me,” he said.

“I can’t,” said the Countess. “I’m using everything I have to concentrate on flying.”

“Looks like you’re going to be falling a lot, then,” he said and took a jab at her with his sword. She went to side step it but fell to the ground.

“You did that on purpose,” she accused him.

“Countess, you need to be able to do more than just fly while flying. What if you are attacked while flying? You are a sitting duck,” he said.

“Ok, I’ll keep trying,” she said. He kept lunging at her, and she kept falling. She even tried swinging at him, but she still ended up on the ground.

“Countess, you put up an excellent fight. Let’s give it a couple days and try again,” Alexos suggested.

“No,” she said sternly. “Same time, same place tomorrow,” she said and stalked away. She was not mad at Alexos. She was mad at herself for not being able to do it.

When she returned to her room that evening, she put on a blindfold and started practicing sword fighting moves. She knew she was better than she had proven out there, tonight. She practiced until the moves became automatic, and she didn’t have to think or concentrate on them. She had done them before with Kendra, so it didn’t take long to remember them. This left her free to concentrate on her flying.

The next evening, Alexos met her in the backyard and looked uneasy.

“Countess, are you sure you want to go through with this?” he asked.

“Absolutely,” she replied confidently. They both rose up into the air, and Alexos started the assault on the Countess. To his surprise, she was fighting back and staying in the air. He knew she had been practicing, and it paid off. He descended.

“Excellent!” he exclaimed.

“Thank you,” she said modestly.

“Well...I have taught you everything I can. I think it is now time for my departure,” Alexos said.

“But...wait,” said the Countess. “Don’t you find me attractive?” she asked. “All men find me attractive,” she said, hurt.

“Very much so, but you have a man directly under your nose that is strong and loves you unconditionally. I could not betray the Count that way. Plus, I like my current lifestyle,” he chuckled. The Countess was hurt, but she had been reading his mind, and she had expected this.

“I figured; however, I have one final plan for the ‘Others’ that I am in need of your assistance, should you be interested,” she stated mysteriously.

“Any plan to knock them down, and you can count me in for the adventure,” Alexos smiled, those beautifully perfect, white teeth of his showing.

Chapter Twenty-Four

“Absolutely not!” shouted the Count as he pounded his fist onto his desk. The three of them were in his study, and the Countess had just revealed her plan to them. “I will not have those people in my castle, or even on my grounds, with the Countess as bait for the ‘Others’, just so we can ‘cleanse the race’,” he yelled. Whose harebrained idea was this, anyway?” he bellowed.

“It was mine!” the Countess shouted back. “It’s the only way it will work. Alexos can create devices to cuff their ankles as soon as they touch the ground, so they can’t get away. We can use Lizzy as the messenger, telling them that I’m coming to join them, and we’re having a ball in my castle to celebrate,” she said.

“It will never work,” the Count said flatly. “They won’t believe you.”

“They will believe me, because it’s what they want and what they want to believe. Plus, I’m going to send a letter with Lizzy,” she said sadly. She hated to use Lizzy, but she was one of the “Others”, after all.

“Are you sure you can come up with a device to keep them here no matter where they land?” the Count asked Alexos.

“Yes, actually it’s already in use. I just need to mass produce it,” Alexos replied. “It’s a really neat idea, actually. It’s like the skeleton reaching out of the grave to grab the ankle of the person standing on it.” Alexos laughed, but the Count ignored him.

“Countess, what if this goes wrong? All these years of protection will be wasted,” the Count said.

“Count, I have the panic room, and if I would have been evil in this life, it would have been much worse. Please, just trust me,” she pleaded. “I’ll go write the letter, and I want to be the one to free Lizzy, so it looks like I’m sneaking her out. Ok?” she asked. The guys nodded.

The Countess went down into her bed chamber and sat at her desk staring into space for a long time, thinking of what to say in the letter. The guys were right that it would be a giant risk, but it was one that needed to be taken. She took out a pen and paper and started to write:

Dear Others,

I know this has been a long time coming, but Alexos (whom I have chosen as my King) and I wish to join forces with you. We wish to rule the world with the strong fist it needs, and stop those humans and others who get in our way. It is only through evil planning and destruction that this can be accomplished. My previous Count has been disposed of, so please join Alexos and Your Queen in welcoming us to your side in a ball at my castle on 31 July.

Evilly Yours,

Ancient One

The Count took the Countess down to where the chamber was located. He showed her how to open the door and disappeared. They agreed he and Alexos would stay in the study until the Countess came to tell them Lizzy had gone. She waited for the coast to be clear and opened the chamber door. The door creaked slowly open as it was heavy and made of steel. Luckily, vampire eyes don’t need to adjust to the darkness, and the Countess spotted Lizzy immediately, huddled in a corner.

“Lizzy. Oh, my precious Lizzy. What have they done to you?” the Countess asked. Lizzy just shook her head like she didn’t believe what she was seeing. “I have been scouring the castle, looking for you, Sweetie, and I finally found you,” the Countess said.

“My Queen?” Lizzy asked timidly.

“Yes, Sweetie. It’s me. You are not imagining me,” the Countess said. Lizzy jumped up and hugged the Countess and just sobbed and sobbed.

“They just took me away,” she said between sobs. “I wanted to see you.”

“I know. I was devastated when they took you from me, Lizzy. That mean old Count,” the Countess added.

“Don’t you love him?” Lizzy looked up at the Countess, surprised.

“No, Lizzy. You were right about so many things. He is weak, and I can’t stand him, so I’m getting rid of him. I found a strong man to be my King. His name is Alexos,” the Countess said. “Together, we can join the ‘Others’ and rule the world the way it should be,” the Countess finished.

“Wow! I can’t wait to tell the ‘Others’!” she squealed.

“Shhhh. Keep your voice down. I still have to get rid of the Count, and the servants don’t know yet, but my King is here! I wrote the ‘Others’ a letter explaining all this. I need you to deliver it to them. Do you think you can do that?” asked the Countess.

“Sure. Just get me out of here,” said Lizzy.

“Ok. Quiet as a mouse, take my hand and follow me,” the Countess said. She led Lizzy through the castle undetected and to the backyard.

“I will get this to them right away. Thank you for rescuing me,” Lizzy said before hugging the Countess and flying off into the night air. The Countess went back into the house and opened the study door, and the two guys inside jumped.

“It is done. There’s no turning back, now,” the Countess declared and closed the door.

Chapter Twenty-Five

The next evening, the Countess found the guys in the study, looking at some mechanical shackle devices.

“I need to taste the blood from each of you,” she said flatly.

“Countess,” said the Count. “You made me, so you know I am pure.”

“After Kendra’s betrayal, I know nothing. You too, Alexos,” she said. Both men looked at each other, bit their index fingers, and held them out to the Countess. She tasted each one, and after she was satisfied, she left the room and closed the door behind her.

“Guess Kendra’s betrayal hit her harder than we guessed,” Alexos suggested and went back to messing with the shackles. The Count knew the Countess. If Kendra survived this plan by some miracle, the Countess would torture her. She could be a very cold person when she wanted to be. She had proven this in the past.

“The shackles are ready,” Alexos was saying, and that pulled the Count back to the present. “Now, they just need the spell from the Countess,” he said, looking nervous. “I hope she’s been studying her spell book.”

“I’m sure she’ll be fine,” consoled the Count, but he was not so sure himself.

Two days to the party, and the Countess and Alexos flew to the dress shop to find something new for the occasion. The shop was buzzing about her new King, and as they surrounded him to question him, the Countess slipped behind the curtain.

“So, ye go evil, anyway,” the Jamaican woman said sadly.

“Well...I’d like you to be at the ball to see,” the Countess invited.

“No way me want to be with dem nasty tings,” said the woman.

“There’ll be a surprise,” said the Countess.

“Ye tink I don’t know dah?” she asked. I know what ye plannin’. Bout time, too. Just matter if me want to see it or not,” she said.

“I’ll make it worth your while for all your kindness,” the Countess said and got up and left, this time leaving the woman staring after her.

When she came back, Alexos looked relieved. The sales associates squealed and started finding dresses for the Countess. She and Alexos sat in the chairs, turning one after another down. None of them seemed special enough. Finally, the shopkeeper came up and said, “Girls, leave us. Go in the back, and do inventory or something,” and waved them off. She smiled at the Countess. “I have been saving this dress for you for a long time. I had hoped it would be for a special event with the Count,” she whispered and shot an apologetic look at Alexos, “but I think it’s what you’re looking for. Come, take my hand, and follow me,” she said, like it was some giant secret.

The two woman went into the shopkeeper’s office, and then, into her design room behind that. There stood, on a mannequin, the most exquisite dress the Countess had ever seen in her entire life. It was light purple, velvet, form-fitting, and floor length. It was, of course, slit up both sides, had spaghetti straps, a shelf bra, and around the naval and abs, a giant heart was cut out and removed from the dress. The back was low cut, but it had the flaps of material on either side from the straps to the bottom, and there was a small, three-inch train.

“Try it on, sweetheart. I made it in your size,” the shopkeeper encouraged. As the Countess turned around, there were tears in her eyes.

“It’s the most amazing dress I’ve ever seen,” she said.

“I designed it just for you. I think by now, after all these years, I’d like to think I know your tastes,” the shopkeeper replied with a smile.

“You are so kind. I would be honored to try it on,” the Countess said.

“I’ll step out, but you must promise to come out and let me see you in it,” she said.

“I will. What is your name?” the Countess asked. The shopkeeper seemed taken aback.

“Delores,” she replied.

“I will, Delores, if you promise to come to my ball on 31 July,” the Countess invited.

“I’d be honored,” Delores replied and was gone.

The Countess put the dress on. How Delores got the measurements so perfect without her sitting for it was amazing. She particularly liked the cutout heart at the navel. It was about three inches, so it showed off her abs and navel and was perfect in every way. She made her way to the front of the store to show it off.

“I knew it would be perfect for you,” Delores jumped for joy.

Alexos came up, hugged her, and whispered, “The Count is a lucky guy,” and backed away smiling, unable to keep his eyes off her. Delores called out to the sales girls. When they came out, they ooh’d and ahh’d over the dress. The Countess was very pleased. She told Delores to gather some jewelry and shoes, and she’d be ready to go. She thanked her over and over and didn’t want to take the dress off for wrapping, but she knew she had to. She made Alexos promise not to tell the Count about the dress before the event.

When they returned to the castle, the Count was in a panic.

“So much to do, and you are off dress shopping? You have a hundred dresses!” he yelled.

“This is a special occasion!” she yelled back.

“Count, all that needs to be done is the spell for the shackles,” Alexos interrupted.

“You encouraged this shopping!” the Count raged.

“You wouldn’t want her going alone, would you?” he shot back.

“Fine. Countess, please just do the stupid spell, so I can relax for a few hours before the ‘Others’ start arriving tomorrow. Please.” the Count begged.

“Well...the shackle spell goes with the invisibility spell, so I have to do them at the same time,” the Countess said.

“How long does it last?” the Count sounded exasperated.

“Until I undo it,” she said.

“Oh. Then, do it now, in case they try to sneak in early. Please.” he said.

“Ok. I’m going to the tower,” the Countess replied.

“Why the tower?” asked the Count.

“It’s the highest point, and I can see everything,” she stated as she stalked away. Once at the top of the tower, she closed her eyes, held out her hands, and said:

For all of you to be unseen

And be shackled at the ankles,

Let no other powers

Supersede my own.

Until I am again on my tower

And are ready for you to be shown

You will be seen when I say the words,

“Let you all now cower!”

She then flew down, back to the Count and Alexos, and informed them it was ready.

The following evening, the Count agreed to stay in the study and watch the monitors, since the ‘Others’ thought he was supposed to be gone. It would freak him out every time he would see someone about to land and then go invisible. At least he knew the spell the Countess used was working. He was still worried something would go terribly wrong. The study door opened, and there stood the Countess in her new, purple gown.

“I wanted you to be the first to see the gown, in case something happened to it. Delores said she made it just for us,” the Countess said as she closed the door behind her. The Count started to get out of his seat, but she pushed him back down. She slowly twirled around.

“Do you like the full view?” she asked.

“Countess, is this one of your games? Please, be honest.” he asked. The Countess straddled him in the chair and kissed him deeply and passionately. It was the way she used to kiss him a long time ago. Centuries ago, when she made him and actually loved him.

“Does that answer your question?” she asked. It had. He knew she meant that kiss. “Alexos reminded me of just how much you love me, and it got me thinking of how much I love you, too. I don’t want to be without you anymore, Dear. Let’s do this tonight, and tomorrow we can escape, together. Somewhere alone and quiet, where we can start over,” she said.

“Sounds good to me, Love,” he cooed. With that, she got up and headed for the door. As she opened it, he said, “I love the dress.” She smiled and closed the door behind her.

She met Alexos in the parlor, and they walked up to the tower at about 3:00 A.M. The tension inside and outside was very high. The Countess, for the first time, started to feel nerves in the pit of her stomach.

“That’s natural,” Alexos said. “One of my abilities is I can feel what others feel,” he shrugged his shoulders.

“Oh,” was all she could manage without the fear of vomiting right there. As they reached the tower, she looked over and her confidence gained. She yelled, “Let you all now cower!”

Hundreds of vampires came into sight, and the moonlight behind the Countess reflected a red haze coming off the crowd. No doubt they fed before coming here tonight, so they would be at their strongest. Most were upset by the shackles, but when they saw the Countess and Alexos, they began to cheer. They covered the entire yard. There was no place to put the fire she had planned. When Alexos felt this, he put his hand out and started moving people to either side, so there was a space in the center. He was like Moses, parting the Red Sea. The crowd didn’t care they were being shuffled around. They continued to chant, calling him their King. When he was done, the Countess had the room she needed for her next spell:

For those of you with tainted blood,

And your faithful servants, too.

May you perish into the great fire,

And harm me no more.

Thus, our race shall be purified once again,

And we can start anew.

The Countess cast a fire ball from her hand into the center of them, and Alexos released the buttons on the shackles. Most of the vampires flew into the fire, but the Countess could still hear them laughing from inside of it. She took out the bloodstone from between her breasts, the one the Jamaican woman had given her so long ago, and threw it into the fire. Instantly, the laughter was gone, the fire went out, and only ashes were left in a pile on the ground. Now, for the final spell:

May the wind of this great Earth

Scatter these ashes to all four corners.

So that no two pieces of the same are together.

So that this evil may never reign down upon us, again.

The wind lifted up the entire pile of ashes and started to separate it in the sky, and they flew away in silence. A shrill scream broke the silence.

“Mommy, no!” It was Lizzy.

Chapter Twenty-Six

The Countess flew down immediately to Lizzy.

“What’s wrong, Lizzy?” she asked.

“Mommy’s gone,” Lizzy said between sobs.

“Who was Mommy, Sweetie?” the Countess asked.

“Angelina,” Lizzy sobbed. It was another unforeseen knife in her chest. The Countess had not planned on this.

“Do you know how you came to be?” she asked Lizzy.

“Mommy was nine months pregnant with me when she was bitten. After she turned, they cut me out of her belly, but they were unsure if I had turned, too. Mommy begged them to give me a chance to grow up and see if I had the vampire blood in me or could be a ‘normal’, little girl. I started out like any little girl; however, at eight years old, I stopped growing, and I wouldn’t eat. It was when I had a classmate over and bit her wrist and started sucking her blood they knew the bloodlust was inside me, and I was a vampire,” she continued to sob.

“Do you know who bit your Mommy?” the Countess pressed.

“The ‘Others’ is all I know. Mommy wouldn’t talk about it. It made her sad,” Lizzy said.

“Ok. I’m going to be honest with you. Mommy isn’t going to come back,” the Countess said, and Lizzy wept. “If you like, I can be your Stepmommy, and we can do fun things together, but no more evil things. You have to promise,” the Countess explained.

“I didn’t want to be evil. I was just doing what Mommy told me to do,” Lizzy said.

“I know, Sweetie. What do you think about the plan?” she asked gently.

Lizzy thought about it for a moment, and then replied with her usual and nonchalant, “Ok,” before skipping off into the castle. The Jamaican woman was also left standing there.

“Did I not promise you a surprise?” the Countess asked.

“Dah ye did,” she said.

“Your bloodstone saved me, so I’d like to grant you one wish. Something of course you can’t do for yourself,” the Countess explained.

The woman thought and thought. Finally, she said, “Me maker loved me so much, he was ‘fraid other men like me, too. So, he made me like dis—old and ugly. He was later killed by duh ‘Others’ for not joinin’ dem. If ‘tis not too much trouble now, me wishin’ to be young and pretty foreva.” The Countess flipped through her spell book in her head, placed the tip of her index finger on the woman’s forehead, and she got her exact wish.

“Young lady, you are free to go,” the Countess said to her.

The German couple they met at the ball was not so pleasant, and it was probably a good thing the Countess didn’t speak German before they flew off.

Delores was there, and she said, “I will have no customers for my shop, now.”

“You don’t worry about that. If you have to close your doors, you come find me and be my personal dressmaker,” the Countess said. Delores hugged her and flew off as well.

“Alexos, I need three more things from you before you leave,” said the Countess.

“Geez, woman. You are demanding,” he joked. “What?”

“A remote for the chamber door that will work from any distance, all the windows and doors permanently sealed, and a small opening in the front door big enough only to tightly squeeze a wine bottle through. No questions. Chop chop, and get to work,” she smiled.

Kendra was the last one standing in the yard. The Countess slowly walked up to her, putting her guard up around her heart.

“Hello, Kendra,” she said coldly.

“Hi, Countess,” Kendra said, looking at the ground. “You look absolutely stunning in that dress,” she added.

“I’m sure Angelina would not have appreciated that if she were here,” the Countess countered.

“It was just an assignment at first, but I fell in love with you, Countess. Honestly and truly in love with you,” Kendra started to sob.

“Well, that’s good Kendra, because you are coming back into the castle,” the Countess said.

“I what?” Kendra said, amazed.

“That’s right. You’re going to live here, again,” the Countess said with a smile.

“Really? I can’t believe it. So, you have forgiven me?” Kendra asked.

“Oh, I wouldn’t go that far. See, you are going to live in the chamber, until the Count and I find somewhere else to live with Lizzy. Of course, we will take the two slaves with us, as well. Then, you will be let out to live in this castle alone, with all the memories and portraits of me. Sort of like a museum to me. Don’t even think about trying to escape, because all of that has been taken care of by an expert. There will be only one small opening for your wine to be delivered. You will live here alone, with your memories of us, for the rest of eternity.

“Alexos, please escort Kendra to the chamber, now,” the Countess instructed.

“But, I love you,” Kendra kept yelling, and the Countess kept walking toward the study, ignoring her wails and shouts.

She opened the door to find the Count sitting behind his desk.

“That took a lot of courage to do what you did with Kendra,” he said proudly.

“I don’t want to talk,” she said.

“What do you want to do?” he asked.

“Finish what we started earlier,” she replied.

Epilogue

Countess de Lourdes, her Count, and Lizzy lived blissfully in Portugal in an Oceanside villa for 85 years. The Countess had refused to go back underground and relearn everything, again. After all she had been through, the thought was horrifying to her. She had enjoyed the last 85 years. The three of them toured the world by night. They saw the Parthenon, the Sistine Chapel, the Greek Columns, the Gondolas of Venice, the Pyramids of Egypt, the Brazilian Rainforest, the Great Wall of China, and many more. There was so much to see, and they could fly in and out under the cover of night, undetected.

The Countess was starting to get restless. She longed for more. She knew she was meant for more than just playing house and worldly travels. The rage inside her at being forced to live this life had started to simmer in the pit of her stomach. Lizzy noticed it first.

“Are you going to leave us?” she asked the Countess.

“No, Sweetie,” the Countess said with a fake smile. “Why would you think that?” she asked.

“Just a feeling I got for a second. It’s gone now, though,” Lizzy said before skipping off.

A few weeks later, the Count noticed her distant stares and lack of involvement in activities.

“What’s going on with you?” he asked and patted her knee under the dinner table.

“I just want to do more. Something structured,” she replied. “I don’t know what, though. I need to get out alone more.”

The Count seemed shocked. “Aren’t you happy here with us?” he asked.

“Yes,” she lied, “but I want to feel my own independence, too. I found this group online that roleplays they are vampires. They are having a weekend convention, and I’d like to go. I think it would be fun,” she said.

“It’s too dangerous. We don’t know how many other real vampires will be there. You could give yourself away. They could hurt you. So many things could go wrong,” the Count said, exasperated and in a full panic.

“It’s something I want to do!” the Countess shouted back.

“Do you forget who you are?” he inquired loudly.

“Exactly. These online kids won’t have a clue who I am, and I should be able to do what I want as Queen. This is the same argument we have been having for almost 86 years. Like it or not, I’m going,” she said as she stomped away.

“Looks like you lost that one,” Lizzy said sympathetically to the Count.

“I usually do, Lizzy,” he said in return.

The next evening, the Countess left the house. As soon as she stepped off the last stair, she muttered this spell:

Let he who tries to follow me

Be lost and unsuccessful.

Be it by land or by air,

Let my presence be known

Only to those of my choosing.

She took a couple steps and was off into the air. She knew the Count would know exactly where she was going, but he thought it would prove beyond her means to reopen everything, and she would return home to him. He knew there was no vampire convention. He knew she was going to see Kendra, but she had to make a side trip, first. The Countess breezed in through the dress shop and directly behind the curtain.

“No need to show yeself, Countess. I know it be ye,” said the now beautiful woman, sitting at the table as if she expected her. “I know why ye here. Let me get it fer ye.” The woman got up and went digging in the back.

“You always amaze me,” the Countess complimented her.

“Remember to use it only for its purpose. The bloodstone can be very dangerous, otherwise,” she warned.

“Of course,” the Countess promised.

“I knew ye be bored soon and visit me. Goin’ to stir up some adventure?” the woman asked.

“You know me so well,” the Countess giggled.

“By the way, tank ye for leaving me dots on me face when ye changed me. It’s what makes me who I be,” the woman said thankfully.

“Just who are you?” the Countess replied with a coy smile.

“A witch, don’t ye know,” the woman said with a smile and disappeared into the back.

The Countess flew out of the dress shop just as quickly as she flew in. When she arrived at the old castle, the grounds were terribly overgrown. It was obvious they had forgotten to pay someone to keep up with it. There was only one trodden down path from the front gate to the front door of the castle, where the hole had been placed in the front door for the wine delivery. The Countess walked around the porch, looking in the windows to find a terrible mess. All her portraits had been removed from the walls and smashed. Most of the statues of her had been smashed, as well. The Countess had expected Kendra to lash out this way, but she had hoped a few portraits would have survived. The Countess continued to walk around, until she saw something stir inside. She stood at the front door, which had iced glass, but the two side panels could be seen through. She crouched down so as not to be seen.

There was a filthy creature in green sitting in the middle of the grand staircase. Its head was down, and its hair was wild. Its skin was black with filth and dirt, but it was holding something in its hands. As the creature turned it over and appeared to be stroking its hair, the Countess could see that it was a small bust of herself. The creature leaned over and kissed it.

Oh, my poor Kendra. What have I done to you? The Countess thought surely this creature in green could only be the once beautiful and vibrant Kendra. The Countess walked around outside and tried the windows. When she came back, the creature was still in the same place. The Countess uttered the only spell she could think of:

That which has been sealed,

Let it now be undone.

Let only Kendra see me with loving eyes.

The front door opened wide, and the Countess walked in. Kendra looked up, startled.

“You are not really here. Just my imagination playing tricks, again,” Kendra mumbled to herself and started rocking in place. The Countess walked up the stairs and put her arm around Kendra.

“It really is me, Kendra. I’ve come back for you,” the Countess said.

“Don’t touch me,” Kendra jumped up and away from the Countess. “I hate you! Look at this place! Look at me! You did this to me!” Kendra yelled at the Countess.

“Had you not betrayed me from the beginning, we could have avoided all this and been together all this time,” the Countess reminded her. Kendra’s rage started to slowly soften. She had been so mad at the Countess for so long, she had pushed her betrayal to the back of her mind.

“I’m not sorry I ever agreed to spy on you, because then I would never have met you and fallen in love with you,” Kendra said shyly.

“And now? After all these years? All this hate? All my destroyed portraits? Do you still love me?” the Countess asked.

“Of course. My rage came, because I loved and still love you and was abandoned,” Kendra explained.

“I have unsealed the castle, so you are now free to do as you wish,” the Countess informed her.

“Won’t the Count object if I return with you?” Kendra asked.

“I’m not returning to the Count,” the Countess stated flatly. Kendra was shocked.

“Weren’t you with him and Lizzy all this time?” she asked.

“Yes. He will be fine. He has Lizzy to spoil and control now,” the Countess replied.

“I would like to go with you, no matter where you are going. I couldn’t stand to lose you, again,” Kendra replied with tears in her eyes.

“No matter where, huh?” the Countess asked with a cocked eyebrow and a crooked smile.

“Wherever my Queen wishes,” Kendra said with a bow and a giggle.

“Good. Let’s get you cleaned up. I don’t want to be seen with you out in public, looking like that. You know, that once was a beautiful green gown with rhinestone straps if I remember correctly. Now, it’s so filthy and raggedy, I think we should burn it,” the Countess giggled.

“So, where are we off to?” Kendra inquired, while scrubbing the many layers of dirt off her skin while in the tub.

“Well...I’ve been reading online there is a new group of pure blood vampires in Venice, and they are looking for a leader,” the Countess said, smiling her evil smile.

“You’re not...oh crap, you are,” Kendra said with a sigh.

About the Author:

Jodie Pierce is thirty-five years old and lives with her husband, John in Cleveland, Ohio and her four step-children.

She has had a fascination with vampires since she was a child and has been writing just as long. Halloween is and has always been her favorite holiday. She was an exchange student in Brazil in high school so you will find some of her experiences from there in her stories. Many of her stories have historical or researched facts as she also enjoys research.

Mrs. Pierce is inspired by music and enjoys all genres but something has to be playing in the background as she writes. She has a short novel and several short stories that she’s written and she’s always busy with the next great vampire story. In her spare time, Mrs. Pierce enjoys movies, music, Reiki, reading and spending time with family and friends.

Also from Eternal Press:

Where Shadows Lie: Bay City

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eBook ISBN: 9781615723041

Print ISBN: 9781615723058

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When the three unlikely companions finally find the answers to their questions, they also find more mysteries needing to be solved. Eventually, they will all wish not to have been present on the evening when everything changed forever.

Were the answers they received worth trading everything to darkness? After all, shadows lie. What’s a supernatural creature to do where the shadows’ lies carry the promise of home?

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