The sun had not yet risen when I awoke for an early morning ride. I began dressing in my riding clothes, pulling on my leather boots and coat. Finally I strapped on my sword, just in case I needed it.

As I made my way to the stables the sun began to slowly rise. It looked to be another cool spring day, perfect for a ride through the Transylvanian countryside.

I found my black mare in the stable and saddled her, then rode through the castle gates and into the nearby forest. I rode for several hours, making my way through forests and fields that I knew well. I had made a wide turn back in the direction of the castle when I heard the sound of horses galloping somewhere nearby.

I stopped my horse in the edge of a forest, hidden from view. Listening, I could tell that it was a very large group heading my way. They had to be heading for my castle, as there was nothing else around for miles.

Still hidden, I watched as the group rode along the edge of the field toward me. They would be passing by me any minute, and I debated about whether or not to reveal myself to them. Just then I noticed a flag flying behind the two leading men. It was black with the symbol of a dragon in red.

I realized that I had seen that same symbol before nearly five years ago, on Count Dracula's armor.

I turned my horse and took a short cut to the castle, arriving there just ahead of the group. Giving my horse to a stable boy, I quickly made my way into the castle and up to my chamber.

Having very little time to make myself presentable to the count and whoever else arrived with him, I quickly picked out my newest dress and put it on.

It was very stunning, made of a rich dark red velvet and silver, and fit snugly around the waist. The neckline was just low enough, and I decided that it was the perfect dress for the occasion. I quickly brushed out my long golden hair, and as I was doing so there was a knock at the door.

My father opened it, a wide smile on his face.

"It appears that you were already aware of our guests' arrival," he said, looking at my dress. "Ready to greet the count?"

"Almost, father," I said nervously, looking in my mirror. "What if I'm not what he expects, or he isn't pleased with me?"

He laughed. "He was more than pleased with you five years ago when you were still just a girl. And now that you're a woman…I think he'll be more than pleased," he said smiling.

"I hope you're right," I said.

"Shall we?," he asked, offering his arm to me. I accepted but did not say anything, I was far too nervous.

A few moments later we walked into the great hall, where there stood quite a large group of people, all carrying on conversations with each other. I looked at my father and once again he smiled.

"Family of Count Dracula, they're all here for the wedding."

"Wedding?," I asked. "And when may I ask is my wedding? No one has informed me of a date." My father cleared his throat. "Well, the count sent word to me a few days ago that he was on his way, and that he would prefer to having the wedding now."

"Now? Oh father why didn't you tell me he was on his way?," I asked, very frustrated with him.

"The count wanted it to be a surprise, my dear. I thought you wouldn't mind," he added. Just then I spotted Count Dracula along with Van Helsing, carrying on a conversation with an older man that had to be the count's father.

"Ah, there's the count," my father said, leading me over to them.

The three men turned to face us as we reached them, and the count's face lit up with a smile.

He was exactly as I remembered him, the same eyes, dark hair, and smile as before. Taking my hand and kissing it gently, his eyes never left mine. "My lovely Katrina, you have grown even more beautiful since the last time I saw you," he said.

"Thank you, my lord," I said smiling.

"Allow me to introduce you to my father, Valerious the Elder," the count said as the older man stepped forward. Smiling kindly, he took my hand in his.

"At last we meet. You are even more beautiful than my son said you were," he added smiling.

I felt myself blush as the count spoke again. "And I'm sure you remember Lord Van Helsing."

I smiled as Van Helsing kissed my hand. "Of course, how could I forget?"

For several minutes I was introduced to important members of the count's family. Finally the count asked to speak with me alone, and we left the great hall to find a more private area. We stepped into one of the sitting rooms, where a glowing fire had been lit. There was no one but us, and the count turned to me.

"I hope that our arrival did not give you too much of a surprise," he said, a slight smile on his lips. "But I could not wait to see you again, Katrina." Leaning over, he kissed me softly for a moment, then pulled away and looked into my eyes. "I have missed you so," he said.

"And I have missed you."

He smiled. "But that is over now, my love. I will not leave you again."

We spoke for a while about the wedding, which I learned was to take place the next evening. I was a bit startled by this, but said nothing. I had known that this day would come for five years, and to say that I was taken by surprise would not be an excuse to delay the wedding.

The ceremony would be held in our great cathedral and followed by a grand ball. This excited me; I had always liked masquerades and parties, though I had been to very few of them.

During the rest of the day guests began to arrive, and by that evening most of the noble families in Transylvania were there. I wondered to myself how all of these people knew about my wedding day before I did. It had certainly been planned, but I had not been told.

That night there was a great feast, and the entire dining hall was filled up with guests.

The count's father and Van Helsing entertained us by telling about their recent victories, but the count only seemed interested in speaking with me. Finally it had grown quite late, and I excused myself saying that I needed my rest for the coming day. The count insisted upon escorting me to my chamber, which I accepted gratefully.

We continued to carry on our conversation until we reached the door to my chamber. There we said goodnight, and shared another long, passionate kiss.

Surprisingly I slept well that night, wondering what the next day would be like, and knowing that this was the last night that I would be sleeping alone.