Chapter Two Reception
Aleera, Maris¸ka, Verona! Vlad called as he and Elsabett landed on the rough-hewn balcony of a black spire sticking into the sky. Come and meet your new sister!
Shrieks of mixed joy and shock echoed from the depths of the tower as Vlad took Elsabett by the hand and led her down narrow spiral stairs. In a tiny yet lavish hall, she was greeted by the sight of three pale and slender women, one blonde, one red-haired, and one with hair as black as midnight. They rushed toward her in a cluster and scooped her up in a cold yet bizarrely affectionate vampire group-hug.
Oh my lord, what is the occasion? the redhead asked delightedly.
You have not taken a bride in over a century, the one with dark hair said. Why now?Apparently, it was meant to happen, he said quietly, seeming particularly satis�ed with himself for some reason. Elsabett, allow me to introduce my other brides. Aleera the Bright, Maris¸ka the Evenhanded, and Verona the Shadow. This maiden, my darlings, is Elsabett the Ingénue.Other brides? You mean—I'm not the only one—? Elsabett asked.
Oh, no the redhead (Aleera) cooed, drawing back. My lord, you did not tell her?Do not be upset, the dark-haired one (Verona) said soothingly. We will treat you as lovingly as a sister. There is no need for— Elsabett cut her off by throwing her head back and laughing.
Where I come from, marriages aren't true until they're consummated, she said quietly, sending a signi�cant glance at her new husband. His eyes met hers for an instant, and there was an almost palpable rush in the air, like a blazing beacon of green �ame.
That sounds like a good custom to have! Vlad announced, snatching her off her feet and carrying her off. The three older brides smiled and embraced each other, then huddled conspiratorially when the two newlyweds had disappeared into a room.
Did you notice anything strange about her? Maris¸ka asked.
I don't think she's quite dead, Verona remarked.
That's impossible! Aleera huffed. Our lord wouldn't have taken her any other way.Then how do you explain the fact that her heart still beats? Verona questioned.
I don't know! the �re-haired vampress hissed. Perhaps we were too excited to sense properly.Or maybe she's a dhampir, Maris¸ka suggested.
Silence �lled the room for a moment, then the other two chuckled. No, Maris¸ka. That's silly. How could our lord have turned her into a half-vampire instead of a full vampire?I don't knowperhaps he didn't drink all of her blood? reverberated through the tower. HIMMEL ÜBER NOSGOTH
Maris¸ka peered down the hall. That was Teutonic.So she is from the north! Aleera gushed. How exciting! Perhaps she will take us to slay the Sarafan!I have heard that the Lords of the Sarafan possess powerful magical devices, Verona said quietly. Perhaps, when they are gone, we can use themfor our own purposes. Aleera squealed happily. Our babes will �nally live!
Over an hour later, the door was �ung open and Elsabett emerged into the hall, swathed in her shift. She looked up and down the hall, but seeing nobody, she began to descend the stairs from the spire. It felt to her as if she could sense the presence of the other brides, her—sisters, were they? And there they were, just where she had expected to �nd them. They leapt up gracefully from their couches and glided over to her.
So now you truly are our sister, Verona said, embracing her.
Where is our lord? Aleera asked.
He is still sleeping, Elsabett responded, casting a smug smile over her shoulder. To tell the truth, I didn't know vampires slept. Or— A blush spread across her cheeks, and she giggled. I mean, you knowMy dear, we are just like humans, only undead, Maris¸ka said, patting her on the shoulder.
So when do we go kill Sarafan? Aleera asked.
Elsabett growled. The others stepped back, and she shot through the air and lit on the back of one of the couches. As soon as possible, that's when!Excellent. Where do you come from, Elsabett? Maris¸ka inquired, seating herself on a lush chair.
the young woman answered. It's far to the north. It took my family many days to get here.Your family? Aleera looked disturbingly excited.
Yes. Except for my father. He was a knight with the Sarafan, until they killed him. I hate them now.I have heard Verona began, that very powerful vampires are found to the north. Vampires who might consider themselves rivals to our lord.Why don't you just call him Vlad? Elsabett asked. That's his name. Personally, I rather like it.But he's—And we're so used to—
Elsabett shook her head and continued. But Verona is correct. There are powerful vampires in Weimar. Kain, for example. He dared to name himself the lord of all Nosgoth and make the seat of his power at the destroyed Pillars of Nosgoth.The Pillars? Maris¸ka asked incredulously. What of the sorcerers who oversaw them?He killed them all centuries ago, Elsabett explained. Beyond that, I don't know. I only learned the standard lore they taught. My father may have known more about the history of the vampires, but he's gone now. She clenched her �sts and closed her eyes. Heat raged inside her, and to the shock of her three sisters, her body was suddenly wreathed in golden �ames. Damn the Sarafan. Damn them all. I'll kill them if it's the last thing I do. Hypocritical sons of pigs.young Ingénue, I think you may have a Aleera said nervously, backing away.
The �ames disappeared, and she looked down at her hands and the rest of herself. Is there a problem? I see nothingBut a moment ago Aleera shook her head and giggled. Never mind. Let us speak more of you. We must get to know our little sister. Elsabett hopped down onto the couch and sat primly for a moment, then leaned back and crossed one leg over the other. I never thought I would be sister to vampires. How ironic it seems! Yet it doesn't feel wrong to me. I think this has all been preordained.I think the �rst thing we must do, Maris¸ka muttered, producing a measuring tape from a pocket in her gauzy trousers, is to begin making you new clothing. She gestured for Elsabett to stand up, and she took measurements of her various anatomical parts as she continued. I'm sure thisof yours is very functional, but it simply will not do for a bride of Dracula. Elsabett asked, eyes sparkling. What must I pay? Maris¸ka laughed. Charge our sister? We wouldn't dream of it! Here, hold this end, would you? Elsabett felt her face �ushing and an exhilarated grin dimpling her cheeks as Maris¸ka continued the measurements.
She is so cute and petite, Aleera gushed. A perfect little sister! Maris¸ka said, stepping back. I believe I have what I need now. Aleera, Verona, would you fetch the cloth, please?What colours do you like? Verona asked.
green. And red. Yes, red. Have you red?Lots of it. And green too. We have silks and brocades in every colour of the rainbow. We even have— Maris¸ka swelled with pride— Cotton? I've never heard of it. Do you have any wool, or linen? The three older brides laughed heartily.
You are nobility now, Elsabett. You have no need to wear anything so
Elsabett turned to Verona and clasped her hands, eyes sparkling. I could wearlace? Jewels? The raven-haired vampress nodded. Anything I wanted? I could even have— she choked back a giggle of pure exultation— more than two dresses?Such joy! Aleera squealed. It has been far too long since laughter echoed through this castle.If only it could rub off on our lord, Verona sighed sadly.
What, you don't think he's joyous? Elsabett asked.
He once said that he feels no joy, nor sorrow, nor anything else. That he isHe didn't seem emotionless to me! Elsabett said indignantly. Why, when we were in She cut off abruptly, blushing.
Aleera snickered. Well, the two of them did spend quite a while together. He may be hollow now, if you get my meaning! She and the other vampresses dissolved in naughty giggles, and Elsabett squeaked and turned even deeper red.
Now this is what I have longed to hear! Vlad's voice came from the doorway. My brides �lled with joy once again. He looked very con�dent and pleased, even with his hair loose and he clad in nothing but his trousers. The four women squealed in delight and pounced on him.
Take me next, my lord! Verona whispered.
No, it's my turn! Maris¸ka hissed.
Why can't I—again— Elsabett protested.
Darlings, my darlings! Dracula cried nervously. I'm still—ah—worn out. I'll needa bit of rest. Perhaps some food. Then I'll be ready again.
The brides rolled off him and helped him to his feet. We shall be waiting, Aleera murmured. He kissed them all in turn and left the room.
Elsabett sighed. I feel like a witless country girl, she gushed. Even fully knowing what he is, it still gives me inordinate pleasure to look upon him. Aleera giggled. Four hundred years have not dulled his beauty in the least.I think his features are enhanced with age, Verona whispered.
Maris¸ka began herding them towards the hall. Come now. We'll have him forever. Right now we must see to getting our sister out�tted.