Chapter 5

Vicki opened her eyes and looked around the dark confines of the room she was in. It had a strange feel to it and she was sure that the air even felt lighter.

Feeling a throbbing pain in her head she pushed her hair back and glanced down to see she was wearing an odd but expensive nightgown. The soft pale yellow gown was made of silk. It draped her body and wrapped her in a softness that was sensual and comfortable.

The pain from her arm was still prevalent and reminded her that she had an accident. Cradling her arm close to her body she slid her feet to the floor and realized she was standing on a thick comfortable carpet.

Although the room was dark, she could make out shapes and she noticed that there was a lamp by her bedside. Moving her good arm, she leaned over and turned on the lamp and as her eyes adjusted to the new light in the room that is when shear terror and panic filled her.

The room was huge and held beautifully preserved antiques. Kindling in the fireplace had been laid and awaited lighting. The room was three times the size of her bedroom at Collinwood and was decorated in ornate tapestries on the walls.

The drapes at the two large windows were made of velvet and appeared to be heavy. A dressing table invited her to the stool that sat in front of it and she moved to sit in front of the mirror. Her reflection showed a slight bruise on her forehead under a large bandage.

The table held a silver gilt brush, comb and crystal bottles; which reminded her very much of the vanity in Josette's room. Vicki fingered the brush and sighed.

Her hair was in need of a good brushing. Using the brush she made her appearance more orderly and then rose and moved about the room. There were three doors, one led to a closet filled with dated gowns of rich brocade and silk.

The other led to an on suite with bath, shower, sink and toilet. Finally, she made her way to the other door and found it securely locked form the outside.

Feeling a flush of heat in her cheeks and the room sway she slowly made her way back to the bed. The room was growing chilled and she shivered and curled herself under the heavy rose-colored duvet. Pushing the pillows up behind her she leaned her head back against the pillows and closed her eyes.

A soft knock at the door and Vicki peered anxiously over as a female servant dressed in black midi length dress with a white crisp apron. She watched her as entered the room. The maid afforded her a pretty welcoming smile and Vicki returned a smile only hers was tense and unsure.

"Madam."

She curtsied and Vicki looked at her curiously. She had an accent that was similar to the one Radu had.

"Hello." She said to the servant that went immediately to the fireplace and began to light the fire. "Where am I?"

The servant stood and looked at her curiously and said "Îmi pare rău că nu te înțeleg." Again, this language that seemed familiar yet she did not understand one word she had said.

"I am sorry, I don't speak your language."

From the doorway a deep voice with a touch of humor edging its tone said, "She said she did not understand you."

Vicki glanced over and saw the woman servant immediately bow to the man in the doorway; her manner was one of respect and fear.

He spoke to her and said, "Adu doamnă ceva de mâncare și apoi vin înapoi și de a ajuta rochia ei."

She curtsied and spoke softly in response to him, "Da, Alteță." She hurried past him as he entered the room.

"What did you say to her?"

He moved to sit on the edge of her bed. "I told her to get you something to eat and then come back and help you get dress."

She nodded and then tilted her head. "And she said?"

He chuckled, "You are a curious one are you not? She said "Yes, highness."

Vicki looked at him and sighed, "Highness?"

He nodded, "I am a Prince here in my country."

Vicki blinked her surprise and then asked, "And your country is Romania?"

He reached for her hand and she stilled herself to keep from pulling it back. "It is now, it used to be Transylvania. We were brought into the Romanian Territories in 1918."

Vicki felt her head throbbing and tried to smile and found she was more afraid than cordial. "So, I am in Romania? Radu why have you done this to me? Why am I here?"

Lifting her fingers to his lips he placed a light cool kiss on them. "You are here to become my wife of course. What I want I usually get."

Vicki gently pulled her hand back and he grabbed her elbow. Looking down she frowned, "What makes you think I would consider becoming your wife, I do not love you."

He looked at her curiously. "Come, I have something to show you." He slid from her bed and held out his hand.

She looked at him and then took his hand as he helped her from the bed. With care and ease he navigated her to the door and out into a very spacious hallway.

Leading her down the hallway, they came to a grand staircase with polished mahogany wood and again in evidence a very elegant rug runner that covered the steps and risers; he paused and nodded to directly across from them on the wall, which hung a portrait of a man and woman.

Vicki gasped, the man was an exact double of the man next to her and the woman was an exact double of her image. She stood regally next to the man, her hair a dark as a raven's wing, her eyes were the same hazel, she wore a dress of rich brocade with a golden embossed corset, the dress was the deepest richest red Vicki had beheld.

Over her shoulders was a ermine trimmed cape with an embroidered dragon, over her dark hair she wore a light veil and on her head she rested a golden crown that was an exact duplicate of the male counter part only more delicate.

Vicki was thunder struck while peering at a portrait of her mirror image. "She. . . "

He watched her as she realized how much they looked a like. "She is you, her name was Princess Elizabeta of Moldavia, and she was my wife." Vicki peered at the portrait and estimated from the style of dress it to be from the mid 15th century.

She wondered when the white rabbit would appear and began to worry that the man known to her, as Radu was hopelessly insane.

Trying to remain calm she resolved she would try to escape and seek help from the nearest law enforcement agency. He turned to her and smiled. "You are Elizabeta come back to me after four centuries."

Vicki began to back away from him and said very softly. "I am not your wife and you sir are quiet mad."

He tipped his head back and laughed, "You really don't believe me. That is fine, you will remember with enough time. Come, back to your room. Katrina will be waiting for you. You must eat then dress and join me in the drawing room. We have much to discuss."

Vicki watched as he extended his hand to her. Fearful of him, she put her own hand in his trembling at his cold touch. "You must understand Victoria, I am not mad, I am Vlad Tepes, Prince of Wallachia son of Vlad the second and a member of the House of Dracul. You are my wife, Princess Elizabeta and we are finally together at last."

He pulled her into his arms and spoke in his native tongue, "Tu ești inima mea, viata mea, sufletul meu, dragostea mea pentru acum și în veșnicie."

Vicki did not know how she knew it but she knew he had declared his love for her by saying 'you are my love, my life, my soul from now and eternity." She pushed against his chest trying to break his hold on her and he became angry. "Look at me Victoria, look into my eyes."

Vicki struggled against his hold and when he commanded she look into his eyes, she was drawn into the depths of his gaze. She felt her will beginning to dissolve and she found herself holding close to him.

Laying her head on his chest she spoke softly, "My love at last we have found each other." She felt him drawing closer and his lips upon hers demanding a return of the same passion he held for her.

Vicki was not sure what broke the moment; it was the hint of a scent that was more familiar to her than this man's arms. Her mind registered it, 'Jasmine.'

Breaking his hold on her, she stepped back and looked around, the room was beginning to spin out of control and she knew she must have swayed on her feet because she felt herself swept up in his arms. "It is all too new for you. You will rest, eat, and then join me in the drawing room."

Vicki had little appetite. The food that was delivered to her room was delicious; a culinary delight of braised beef in a wonderfully scented sauce, baby potatoes, and mixture of sweet and sour vegetables.

The situation she was in would not allow her to eat. The ordeal had made her feel physically ill. Katrina helped her bathe and then dressed her in one of the dated dresses from the closet of the same type of clothing the lady in the portrait had worn.

Normally as in the case when she first wore Josettes' dress she had been excited and delighted to do so. However, this time it was not a charade but appeared to be something more real.

The realty of the situation was disturbing and very frightening. The dresses appeared to be a perfect fit, as if they were made for her. Katrina dressed her hair in curls and placed a small tiara on her head with a veil. Vicki peered at her image. If she thought she looked like Elizabeta before; this dress made her an exact double of Elizabeta.

Katrina escorted Vicki down the grand stairs to a large receiving hall then to a large entranceway that led into a atrium from there was another room which was an entrance to a large room that apparently was his drawing room.

Vlad sat in a large wing backed chair and like most furnishings in this castle, they were period and very well preserved. Ornately over stated to give one the feel they had been at one time throne chairs. Like most of the furnishings in this castle they were done in royal red velvet with satin trim. They decorated the room with their opulence and Vlad was at home in his surroundings.

"Welcome home my love. I hope you enjoy what I have done to the place. Modern updates were essential in this new age."

Vicki moved in the heavy gown with a modicum of difficulty as she took the chair he indicated. "I know how difficult it must be for you, and I hope to enlighten you as to what is going on."

He rose and moved to stand in front of the fireplace that took up most of one wall. "You believe me insane; a mad man. I assure you my dear I am not. You must wonder at how I can claim to be over 400 years old. I do so by the same means Barnabas Collins claims to be nearly 200 years old."

"You are wrong, Barnabas is not 200 years old, and he is in his late 30's or early 40's at the most."

He smiled at her and shook his head. "I see he has kept his secret well." He moved to sit across from her and studied her features. She was being sincere, she really did not know.

"Barnabas Collins is nearly 200 years old my dear, there is no other Barnabas Collins except for the one that resides at Collinwood Estate."

"That is impossible, he is the great, great grandson of . . . "

Vlad held up his hand and shook his head. "Hear me out and all will become clear to you."

Vicki sat back; her head was spinning with this information. "In 1795, Angelique Collins. . "

Vicki sighed, "Was a witch, yes, I know, she tried to have me hanged as a witch, she made everyone believe I was doing what she was doing."

It was Vlad's turn to look at her curiously, "How is this possible?"

Vicki looked down at her hands and spoke softly "Because I was transported back in time during a séance' and lived in the Collins house as a governess to young Sarah Collins and Daniel Collins. I was tried as a witch and was hanged, except when the hangman's nose was removed."

The retelling of her trial and execution was trying on her as she spoke her voice grew softer with each word.

"I was in Collinwood and I was told a young lady, the original governess for the Collins children had traded places with me. We assumed that I exchanged places with Phyllis Wicke, and when I was hanged she was the one that was hung and I came back to Collinwood."

Vlad smiled at her, "Interesting, so you have traveled through time. Well I can assure you Angelique cursed Barnabas to a living death. He walks the night as a member of the undead, seeking to curb his thirst for blood. Your Barnabas Collins is the same one you met in 1795."

Vicki felt her stomach tighten and the hint of bile edged the back of her throat. "And you are like him?" Her voice was hoarse with emotion.

"I was the first, I am Dracula, Prince Vlad Tepes. History was unkind and recorded me as Vlad the Impaler. I will not defend my actions to you now as I did not defend my actions to you 400 years ago."

Vicki raised a shaky hand to her forehead and rested it against the uninjured side. "This cannot be happening." She whispered.

"But my dear it is happening. I am the original Vlad Tepes born in 1431 and died . . ." he laughed out right and shook his head, "I have not died now have I? I live on during the night and sleep during the day."

Vicki stood and moved behind the fireside chair. Using its weight to lean against she looked around the huge opulent room. Easily, she could see that Collinwood's drawing room, foyer, den, dining room and kitchen could fit in this one room.

If she did know any better the way he had it designed she would have thought it was the throne room. It was very elegant with rich priceless antiques accenting the room with areas for groups to sit and converse.

Obviously the fireplace was center stage and the focal point of the room. It was as tall as Vlad and she could put one of the estate cars inside it. She wondered if they had actually cooked in the fireplace.

It was decorated with teak and Italianate fixtures. The two fireside chairs were wingback and very old. Running her hands across the top of the chair, just by touching it she could tell that the material was rich and textured.

Chewing her bottom lip she glanced at him and noticed he was watching her. "Elizabeta would stand behind that chair and run her fingers over the chair, she said it made her feel safe knowing that this was her home and I was here sharing it with her. She was a Princess of Moldavia and never was there a more beautiful talented woman that ever lived." Vicki tucked her chin and flushed.

Feeling the chill of the evening creeping into the room she wanted very much to move closer to the fire. However, the fact he towered over her from the fireplace, she was shy and afraid of him. "Do you play?" He nodded to the piano in the corner of the room.

Vicki glanced over at the beautiful grand piano and nodded. "I am not very good. But I do play." Vlad moved towards her and Vicki stayed her fear and stood her ground.

He smiled and extended his hand to her and waved his fingers. "Come, play for me." She put her hand in his and he could feel the warmth of her hand and lifted her fingers to his lips and kissed them. "They are slender and long, a pianists fingers. I believe you are like Elizabeta, she did not think she played well. She did and she soothed the beast in me."

He guided her to the piano, the long brocade skit brushing the parquet floor and the soft-soled satin shoes making little noise on the floor as she was guided to the piano. He seated her on the stool and then lifted the lid exposing the ivory keys. A sheet of music was sitting on the rack. "Please this piece was a favorite of my Elizabeta, please honor me and play it."

Vicki looked at the sheet music and laid her fingers on the keys and began to play. She moved across the keyboard with ease as she played the hauntingly sweet and romantic song of ages past. Closing her eyes, she felt the music through her fingers and without having to look at the music the tune came to her with little effort or a need to look at the sheet music. She became lost in the piece. Eyes closed she felt a sense of security.

Vlad watched her as she played and he was convinced his Princess was returned to him. He sat beside her on the bench and watched as her long slender fingers moved over the keys. He frowned as he looked at her hand and waited for her to finish the piece.

She ended the piece with a flourish. Sighing deeply she laid her hands in her lap. From the entranceway there came a clapping sound. "Bravo, beautifully played my dear." Vlad stood and moved towards the older gentleman dressed in formal attire.

"Ahh Count Rudolph, welcome old friend. Please come and meet Victoria."

Victoria stood and moved towards the older gentleman. He was of average height and weight, but carried himself with such arrogance and authority that Vicki felt compelled to curtsy before him. Vlad smiled proudly watching her hold her humble position.

The older gentleman reached a hand forward and cupped her chin in his palm. "Bella, she is as you said Vlad, she is so much like Elizabeta, I almost feel she has returned to us from the dead."

Vlad laughed and helped Vicki to stand. "She does not have all of Elizabeta's memories but she is coming along nicely."

Vicki stood awkwardly in front of the gray haired gentlemen. His strikingly intense blue eyes captivated her. He looked aristocratic with his meticulously groomed mustache and goatee. By just looking at him, Vicki could not determine an age as he appeared ageless.

He felt his eyes began to tear up when he looked at the beauty before him. "I feel as if my little girl has returned home to her Papa. Come child sit with an old man for a while and let me drink in your beauty."

Vicki felt drawn to the old man as he took her hand and hooked it through the crook of his arm. "When you sent me her picture Vlad, I could not believe my eyes." Vlad followed them to the fireside chairs and seated the old man in one chair while he escorted Vicki to another chair.

"Count Rudolph was Elizabeta's' father." Vicki knew better than to question him, he had after all shown her the versions of his truths of purporting to be nearly 470 years old. She sat in the chair and folded her hands demurely in her lap.

He looked at her and smiled, "Child do not be afraid, you are safe here with Vlad. He will take good care of you." Vicki tucked her chin and looked at her hands folded in her lap.

Once again, Vlad looked at her ring less finger and frowned Moving to the long pull cord by the fireplace he tugged. On silent footfalls a male servant dressed in red livery entered the room and bowed to Vlad.

He looked over at the servant and ordered, "Du-te adu inel doamna lui și o aduce la mine."

Rudolph looked at Victoria's fingers and smiled. "So, you think the time is right to give her Elizabeta's' ring?"

Vlad nodded and met the servant when he returned carrying a golden cask. Taking the cask from the man, he set it on the side table opened it and removed a ruby ring surrounded by diamonds set prettily on a wide gold band.

Moving to Victoria's side he took her left hand and placed the ring on her ring finger. Once again she was filled with a moment of de-ja-vu when the ring appeared fit as if it had been made for her. The stones weighted her finger and she looked at the blood red ruby and frowned.

"I . . . really don't think . . ." she tried to take the ring off and found it would not come off.

"Do not try my dear, the only thing that will remove that ring will be your death. It is enchanted by a gypsy and it is yours until the end of eternity."

Rudolph smiled and nodded and sighed. "So, you do plan to take her as eternal mate?"

Vlad moved to pull a chair next to Victoria and sat. "Why should I not, she is Elizabeta and my wife."

Vicki was feeling sicken by the fact they spoke about her as if she were not in the room with them.

She could taste the bitterness of the bile as it tickled the back of her throat and she knew if she did not do something she was going to be sick. She stood from the chair and paced to the fireplace and hugged her arms close to her chest.

"I will give her time, time to remember who she is and where she belongs, which is here with her prince." Vlad spoke to Rudolph and sat back to watch her.

"I wish her mother had lived long enough to be brought over. After Elizabeta died, it took the life out of my beautiful Katharine. She no longer wished to live and grieved herself to death."

All her life Vicki had wanted a sense of family, to know her ancestry, to be a part of something or someone's life as a family member. Now all she could do is close her eyes and call silently to the night.

"Oh Barnabas, where are you! Please save me." A single tear slid down her cheek. She could feel him by her side and she did not wish to look at him.

He took the expensive linen kerchief and wiped the tear away. "Do not cry my love. I will give you time to adjust. When the time is right, I will invoked my rights as husband and bring you over."

Vicki's thoughts raced through her mind. She needed to stay calm and make a plan. Surely, she would be able to gain his trust and find her way out of this castle and to the nearest U.S. consulate. She just had to keep a clear mind.

Strong arms pulled her into a tight embrace interrupting her thoughts. "You look tired my love. I shall have Marisa escort you to bed and have her prepare you for the night."

She felt him guide her to the rope pull. Rudolph stood and moved to her side. "Sleep well my darling. Soon we will be one big happy family again."

Rudolph leaned over and kissed her cheek and then turned to Vlad. "I must be going. I have another engagement. I hope to see you and Elizabeta out soon socializing with the rest of our kind."

Vlad sighed. "That would not be wise Rudolph, not as she is now. She would be a big temptation to the newborns. Once she has been brought over, we shall socialize. Why I might even have a gala here. At least here when she is introduced, I have more control over our brethren."