At first, Verishka was determined not to go. Much as he had assured her that it was not, part of her still thought this was just another trap, or attempt to keep her with him. She felt like a free bird, who was constantly being lured back to the cage where the cat awaited. However she was in need of contact with society, and had not been to a ball in decades. Eventually, her desire to be somewhat near to her homeland caused her to decide to go.

Through the years she had purchased several gowns that she would wear to nice dinners of friends and such. However now, buying them finally felt justified. She chose a black silk dress with a low neck line and a tight bodice. The sleeves were short, and off the shoulders. The skirt fanned out nicely and she finished the look with a golden cape that went to her waist and a mask of black and gold.

She left for Budapest and arrived the night of the ball. Dracula obviously knew she was coming as a footman greeted her and led her to her guests bedroom. The room was extremely elegant, and was decorated with infinite hues of gold. Verishka decided to get dress first. Once that was finished she waited as the ball would surely not have started yet. While waiting she again felt like a recaptured bird. It was his castle, and Dracula now held the strings.

Again she sighed as she sensed him enter the room, but she did not turn around. The familiar voice suddenly spoke from a distance behind her, "You know it means the world to me that you came."

"That doesn't say too much for your brides," she said, turning to face him.

"Please, let us not speak of them now, and just look at the night before us now," he suggested.

She nodded, before bringing her attention to his attire. He was dressed in his usual black with a golden cape of the same pattern as hers over it that went down to his ankles. He too finished it with a mask of gold and silver.

"You look beautiful tonight," he said, noting the similarities of their costumes.

"You and I always did have similar taste," she said.

"Indeed, now we should go. I believe it is time to greet our guests," he said, offering her his arm. She took it, and they began to walk to the ballroom together as they had so long ago. Once there, Dracula got everyone's attention and spoke, "Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to my annual All Hallows Eve ball. I know that you shall all enjoy yourselves. Now with no further adieu, let the masquerade begin!"

With that, the orchestra began to play an enchanting yet eerie tune and people dressed in dark colors of reds, greens, blues and purples began to take to the dance floor. Each of their faces mysteriously hidden behind a mask. Whispers among them could be heard and Verishka could only imagine the things Dracula had said as to the reason for her "extended" absence.

For the first time in years, Verishka and Dracula had an awkward moment. They were there, Verishka was at his side, but the slight tension between them made Dracula uncertain as to if he should ask her to dance. But eventually, seeing several vampires start to approach with thousands of questions in their heads, and Verishka telling him in his mind, "You know, if you ask, I might just say yes," Dracula asked, "My love would you care to dance? If I recall correctly you were a magnificent dancer."

"You were as well," she said, "and it would be my honor."

As he led her onto the dance floor the whispers increased, however the two of them paid it no mind. Every time the dance would allow, Dracula would run his masterful hands down her perfect, slim curves in a sensual way. They both could not deny the desire they had for each other. This was unlike anytime they had danced as mortals. Their lips often met in passionate, hungry kisses. However their wave of passion and desire was broken when Verishka felt three hateful gazes on her.

Turning her head, Verishka saw three strikingly beautiful women. One had long, perfectly strait dark brown hair. By reading her mind, Verishka found her name was Verona, and she held a close resemblance to her. Another one, Aleera, had long, wavy red hair, and was the most hot-tempered of them all. Marishka, the final one, had long, wavy dark blonde hair, and seemed fairly young. 'So those are the famous brides,' Verishka thought to herself. Realizing the problem, Dracula whispered in her ear, "Pay them no mind, follow me."

He led her off of the dance floor and beckoned her to follow him down several hallways until they reached a room with a bed, and every inch of it, elegantly decorated with gold.

"You've trained them well," Verishka said.

"Most of the time they're ridiculously obedient," he said.

"Was that my problem Vlad? Was I not obedient enough? Did I have too much independence, should I have... submitted more?" she asked.

"And you wonder why I want you so? It is that which sets you apart from them, and that which makes you all the more appealing. I could have ten thousand brides, but still rather have you," he said.

"Then why did you choose them?" she asked.

"Did you want me to remain alone all of these years? Until you perhaps one day returned?" he asked.

"I did," she said quietly.

"No more of this talk," he said, embracing her and devouring her in one passionate kiss.

(Sorry folks, it's that damn censored version again)

Verishka awoke hours later in a bed. It was still nighttime, and she could feel the sheets of the bed against her bare flesh. In addition, Dracula's arms were wrapped around her possessively.

Fun as that had been, Verishka couldn't get her mind off of the three brides. Dracula sensed this, and woke to find Verishka already awake.

"You know," he began, "two creatures that are bound as closely as we are really shouldn't..."

"I'll fight them," she interrupted.

"What?" he sleepily asked, confused.

"I'll fight the three of them, to the death," she repeated.

"Why would you..." he started.

"Surely you remember how this all began, you fighting for me. It seems only fair that I do the same now. Think of it as my duty to you as a loving wife," she said. Dracula was going to firmly say no when she turned to face him. In her eyes he could see, she needed to do this and there was no stopping her.

"All right, the three of them against you," he said, "we'll go back to Vaseria, and you can do it there."