Chapter 19

Castle Dracula

Vicki's bedroom

Vlad entered with Marta, "Please help the Princess to dress, she will only be needed for a short time. We need to announce our intent to the council and the public that we intend to wed." Marta looked apologetically to Vicki.

Petru stood, "Vlad is it wise she is not well." Vlad looked at Vicki, "I said it would be a short duration, we need to do this and you know we do Petru, now leave us while I speak with my betrothed."

Marta turned and walked to the dressing room. Knowing the Prince needed the time alone with the Princess she occupied her time with gathering the items Vicki would need. Vlad sat on the edge of Vicki's bed. "Elizabeta, it is important that you come to dinner tonight. I know you are over wrought from the witch's antics. However, it is important for you and your family to be there. Do I make myself understood?" His voice had taken on a stern and authoritative tone. The look he had given her was one of expectation. She knew he would not allow any deviations from his plans.

Vicki had to control her body from trembling. She nodded, and then knew they liked to hear the words, "Yes." She was proud of the fact she had not had a tremor in her voice when she responded. She knew he did not like seeing she was afraid of him so she had schooled her features and her voice to sound submissive but not timid.

Vlad smiled leaned over and kissed her forehead. "Good, get dressed, then Radu will be back to escort you to my den before dinner. There are documents and instructions you will need to see and learn." He stood; peering down at her smiling he cupped her chin peering into her eyes and she saw how much he had loved his wife with that one look. "It will be as it should have been a long time ago my beloved. You should never have been so foolish in trying to escape me by dying as you did." His cold hand caressed her face, his look had gone distant and now he stood and she knew he was remembering a past with his wife that she was not a part of or could she ever be a part of that life.

Just as suddenly, he returned to the present, caressed her face one more time and looked up to window noting the snow was still falling. Doing a well-heeled turn he walked from the room as Marta exited Vicki's bathing chambers. "I have drawn Madam a bath, perhaps you will feel better after you have bathed."

Vicki threw back the coverlet and slid from the bed; walking towards the bathroom. "Thank you Marta." She disappeared inside; removing her gown she stepped in the bubble bath and slid down in the tub closing her eyes she sighed. "Soon it will be over. I just need to get mother, Carolyn, and Maggie out of here." Muttering softly to herself she took a deep breath and let it out slowly. Only allowing a minimal amount of time for her bath, Vicki climbed out and stepped into the dressing room. Marta waited to prepare her. Dressed in red velvet and white satin, Marta arranged her hair with braids and curls. Vicki stood in front of the floor length mirror, with her hands primly folded looking at her image and seeing nothing of who she really was but what she was intended.

"Madam is truly beautiful this night." Marta smiled noting how forlorn and lost she looked while observing her image.

Radu entered her chambers and noted how pale she looked. Using his most politely professional voice he returned to the ruthless arrogant minion that Vicki remembered from her first meeting with him. "Come, we are expected." He held his arm to Vicki. Turning she walked with care in the heavy gown and laid her fingers on his forearm.

It was at that moment she saw the man she had come to respect when he glanced around then only for her view smiled, "If you start feeling unwell, just wave to me and I will be there to escort you to your room. It is important that you try to make it through the formalities for the sake of your family. Vlad will be very upset and they could suffer for your inability to do as he requests. It would be considered a great insult to him and his family's honor. You understand?"

Vicki nodded; paling she spoke softly, "Radu, on the day of the wedding would you do something for me?" Her voice had grown soft and was intended for his ears only.

He looked down at her and paused, turning her to face him. "If it is in my power, I will try to grant you that wish." His look was one of sincerity and concern.

Vicki smiled and bit her lip. "I am asking nothing for myself. I only wish to protect you and my family. I am going to ask you to help my mother, my sister and Maggie to escape, get them to the railroad station so they may find a way to a consulate and get back home."

Radu stiffened and turned to escort her to the stairs. He had been touched that she had said her concern was for him. Then to ask what she had flew in the face of what and who he was and had been for his master. "I do not think I can do this, it would be a betrayal to my Prince."

Vicki sighed, "Radu, he wants me, he does not need to keep my mother, sister, or Maggie after we are married." She tried to reason with him.

Radu helped her down the stairs; leading her to the formal drawing room. He had a great war going on in his mind with this request and his feelings for her growing stronger with each day he spent in her company. "I cannot betray the trust of my Prince."

Vicki felt him pulling away from her and had to rethink how she would get her family and friends out of the country. Whispering softly she spoke, "Then if I find another way to get them out of here, you will not interfere?" With a hope that was her only saving grace she looked from him and then to the opulent surroundings.

Thrown Room Castle Dracula

He looked straight ahead when they entered the room noting there were several high placed members of the council and nobles standing and watching them. "I will not promise not to interfere. However; if I am not aware of what is going on, I cannot stop you." He had whispered back to her as they continued to walk towards the gathering.

That is all he could promise while he lead Vicki to Vlad standing at the end of the room. "Ahh, Elizabeta come, we have a few dignitaries to meet." Vicki felt her hand placed on Vlad's arm while Radu slipped back unnoticed in the crowd. The day had been trying and Vicki was exhausted, what was more exhausting was the formalities of being introduced as the future Queen of Romania. She felt her face had grown sore from forcing a smile through clinched teeth, her body was aching from the weight of the dress she wore and she was getting a headache. What was worse she had not seen Maggie, Carolyn, or her mother.

As the formalities of the announcement were growing to an end, the call for dinner was made, Vicki finally noticed her mother 's hand on the arm of what was presumed to be her father. She could not get a good look at him but knew he was a King in his own right. Carolyn was being escorted by Peter is what Vicki had known him as in Collinsport. Here he was called Petru, and then Vicki saw Maggie, holding onto Radu's arm. It was when they neared Radu; Vicki felt a light buzzing sound in her ears. The room swayed and she began to sway with the room. Radu handed Maggie off to Vlad, swept Vicki up and carried her out of the room to a ripple of gasps, ooohs, and my goodness. Sheltering her against his chest he carried her from view holding Vicki in his arms whispering softly. "You should have signaled me!"

Carrying her up the stairs Radu glared, "I told you to signal me if you felt unwell." He hissed in her ear and she could tell it was not one of anger but concern and a slight reprimand for not letting him know he was needed.

Vicki spoke softly against his ear and leaned her head into his shoulder. "I tried I just could not raise my arm faster than the dizziness that over came me."

Radu carried her to her room; laying her down he turned to Marta, "See to your mistress she is unwell." He turned back to Vicki, "I will have staff bring you something to eat, and you need nourishment."

Marta scurried to Vicki and began to unlace her corseted top of her gown. With the release of pressure from the corset Vicki felt like she could breathe again, she smiled. "I really think I am going to be fine Marta, thank you so much." Marta scurried to find her a gown while Vicki slid out of the heavy dress. "I really am not used to wearing such heavy gowns, that coupled with the room feeling stifling I was lucky not to have passed out on the floor." Marta allowed a downstairs maid to carry in a tray of food. Taking the food tray Marta sat it on the table. "This is too much to eat." Vicki looked at the succulent dishes of steak, vegetables, and potatoes. "I really am not hungry."

Marta glanced at the food then to Vicki, "Princess how can you attend your pre wedding ball if you do not eat?" Vicki glanced at the food; earlier she had been informed that tomorrow would be a pre-wedding ball held in her honor and she would be expected to attend. Sighing heavily she began to eat the meat and potatoes. They were tiny bites and she was taking her time eating. Radu entered her chambers; taking up position to sit quietly in the corner watching the room and then watching her while she dined.

"You look pale and you have lost weight since you arrived here. You know that it won't do you any good if you try to starve yourself to death, he will just take you sooner making you into what we are which is strigoi."

Vicki stood walking to stand in front of Radu, "So, you refuse to help me?"

He glanced away from her then back. "I told you I could not help you. I will not betray the trust my Prince has placed in me."

Kneeling down in front of him, she held his gaze. "I am not asking for myself. I know my fate is sealed. I am asking for my mother, my sister and my best friend. I know Vlad gave you Maggie, but Radu, no one is slave to any one person."

Radu looked into her eyes and then over to Marta. "Leave us." His voice was firm and his look would brook no argument. Marta curtsied, tucked her chin and hurried from the room, closing the door quietly behind her. Radu looked at this woman, a mere mortal that had captured his heart, his imagination, and his desire to couple again with a female, a mortal female no less. He gave her a cynical smile. "There madam you are wrong, I am your devoted slave and will continue to be your slave until we perish or an eternity whichever may come or end first."

He reached his fingertips to her face tracing them over her cheek, her chin, her lips and then her neck. His words were so tender and touching that Vicki felt their emotional intent, "Then I will ask you no more." Standing she leaned over and placed a light feathery kiss on his forehead.

Radu pushed off the window seat, stepped to the door, "Marta, attend the Princess please, she is tired and needs to rest." Radu walked to the fireside chair sitting he watched the flames and marveled at how his cold heart had been turned. He placed his hands palm to palm in prayerful form. Radu studied the flames, the way they flickered and changed colors, the sound of the logs as they hissed at the termination of their short life. The flames wrapped their destructively beautiful tendrils around the logs much as a lover would wrap his paramour in an embrace. He had to wonder if that was what was happening here with the one woman he could never have?

How had this happened to him, he was known as Radu cel nemilos, translated to Radu the Ruthless a name he had earned as head of Vlad Tepes guard since his appointment some 400 years ago. He had embraced the darkness and thrived in its coldness. Now, he was caught between two worlds. The first world gave him security. The other world surely meant his destruction and end of life for what he was thinking. Now, he was considering breaking a time honored trust granted to him over 400 years ago. For a woman, that he learned today was not the reincarnation of Elizabeta. She was Victoria Winters Collins a mortal, albeit a beautiful mortal that made him remember days gone by and another that once held his heart and his love. Ilona, ahh sweet Ilona, she could make his soul sing. Those days were long gone and she nothing but dust and bone.

Sighing heavily he stood and paced to the window and peered out at the snow-covered terrain. Locking his hands behind his back he rose on his toes then lowered to the floor an attempt to release the strain on his back and legs. What was it about this woman that could drive him to insanity and take chances that would surely cost him his life? He heard her exit her dressing chamber going to the bed. He knew without looking she was under her sheets and would soon be asleep. Waiting to hear her breathing slow indicating she had fallen asleep he turned to peer at her in the canopy bed. Marta turned to leave the room Radu stopped her, "Marta, how sick was she earlier?" Marta lowering her voice stepped to stand next to Radu and along with him watched Vicki sleep.

"Very ill m'lord. She did not wish to eat until you insisted." Radu turned to study the pretty maid. He looked at her and noted her heart shaped face, the set of her nose, and the clarity of her eyes. She wore her hair in a strict tight bun. He wondered what her hair would look like down or spread out on a pillow. Lifting his hand he let his fingers undo the bun and watched as the mass of beautiful long hair fell down over her shoulders. It lay like spun gold down her back. "You should wear it down."

Marta sensing his intent perusal and not knowing his intent shifted nervously. Taking nerveless fingers she brushed her hair back over her shoulders then spoke softly her lashes fluttering down over her eyes. "Is there a problem m'lord?" She had never seen the cold heartless man so moved as to wish to see her as anything more than a servant.

He drifted his gaze back to the object of his desires lying sleeping peacefully on the bed. "No Marta you may go. I shall watch her and keep her safe." Marta curtsied to him again and scurried from the room. She had heard too many tales of Radu the Ruthless, his intense gaze and his demeanor would cause anyone's blood to run cold. Closing the door softly; she exited and hurried down the hallway until she was needed again.

Marta's room

Rushing to her room, Marta stood in front of her dresser looking at the difference the release of her hair had made to her appearance. The last thing she wanted was notice. That could only mean she might draw the unnecessary attention of one of the strigoi and it would mean the end of her life. Reaching for her brush she quickly redid her hair into the strict bun she had worn earlier. Finishing her task she sighed softly.

Vicki's bedroom

Radu listlessly shifted about the room and turned off all but one light. Pulling his chair around he slumped down in the chair watching Vicki as she slept. "Too soon you will be something else my dear, I must enjoy who and what you are now."

Vicki shifted, and then moved her hand to her stomach. "Shh, mommy is fine sweetie." Radu's gaze was drawn to the barely discernable bump just beginning on the flat of her stomach. Adjusting his head his listened, there it was so soft trying to conceal its existence from any that would hear. Pregnant, she was pregnant. How had she hoped to keep such a thing concealed from them? Surely she knew now more than ever her life and the yet to be life was in serious danger. The very thought of her turning and loosing something that meant so much to her tore at the very core of his heart. He, Radu the Ruthless no longer had a choice. He had to help her. Rubbing fingertips to his temples he tried to think a way out of this. Finally, it dawned on him what he could do to save those she loved the most. Rising he walked to the windows to peer out at the mountains covered in a soft powdery blanket of white snow.

If he had breath he would have seen it in the cold air of the mountains. Turning he gazed down at the beauty before him and knew he was no longer Radu the Ruthless; he was Radu a man that loved a mortal. Folding his body to the window seat, he felt something that for ages he had denied, no it was not the compassion for a mere human. A human that he knew he should view as food. What this strange inexplicable feeling he had experienced was love. He had fallen in love with a human, a human woman that now carried life in her body. She was a vessel, ripe pure and teaming with fertility. There in her womb was the true innocent in this whole sordid affair that the witch had started. He was angry, angrier then he had been in a very long time. The witch was responsible for this debacle and farce that very well could cost an innocent its life.

Radu sighed; he had not felt this way for a long time, a very long time. He had almost forgotten how living could be so wonderful. Rising he turned to the bed and laid his head on her stomach so he could hear the heart beat better. There it was, a soft patter that moved faster than the other heartbeat he could hear. Vicki sighed brought her hand up and began to stroke her fingers through his hair. "Our baby, my love our baby." She muttered softly still sleeping. Radu looked up at her sleeping so sound and thought about what she had said in her sleep. Of course she thought she was speaking to Barnabas, but for a moment he let his imagination run wild. He let himself believe for this moment that this was his wife and his child. The idea thrilled him with anticipation of the birth of their child.

As quickly as he had the thought he angrily thrust it away. Pushing up from the bedside he distanced himself from her. This situation was becoming impossible for him; he had developed a conscience. Shifting back to the window seat he once again gave into his brooding. He had to do something, he was not sure what he would do but he could not give her over to Vlad without a fight. Feeling frustrated he walked to the door. Issuing an order to Alexandros to watch Vicki. He could not be in the room alone with her. He needed to clear his head get a better perspective. Walking down the hallway he headed to the front doors. Going out into the biting wind and cold, he shifted to mist form disappearing into the night snow. He was not sure what he was going to do. The one thing he knew he would not do and that would be to allow Vlad the life of a pure innocent.

Castle Dracula Julia's bedroom

Julia awoke in a room that was unfamiliar to her. Rising she knew she was no longer in Collinsport. For that matter she knew as she peered out of the windows that she was no longer in the United States. A soft knock on her door and Marta entered. "Madam Stokes would you like me to draw you a bath? The Prince wishes to see you when you are dressed.

Julia looked down at her two-piece suit. "But I am dressed." Marta smiled walked to a dressing room and carried a gold 15th century dress. "I am sorry Madam; the Prince requires all women guests to dress for the time that his ancestors lived, which was in 1465. "

Julia looked at the dress then to the maid. "You speak English very well."

Marta curtsied, "Thank you Ma'am. I was hired because of the Princess, I usually tend to her but she was ill and went to bed early." Julia looked around the room, "Just where am I?" Marta smiled laid the dress on her bed. "You are in Romania, or what used to be Transylvania."

Julia walked to the bathroom, "I see the Count likes modern conveniences." Marta nodded; she knew from the Americas point of view Vlad was not a Prince but a Count.

"He demands it."

Julia walked to the tub, she was feeling gritty, the accommodations appeared to be agreeable with the claw foot tub, dual basins for the sink, with corresponding granite floors and counters, noting the modern appointments for convenience she turned to Marta. "I could use a bath, thank you for offering but I am very capable of drawing my own bath."

Marta curtsied again. "As Madam wishes. You may wish me to come back to help you with the buttons and sash of your dress." Julia walked to her canopy bed picked at the heavy satin material "I see what you mean. Yes, thank you that will be nice." Julia bathed and sent for Marta to help her with the dress, when she was dressed properly for presentation to the Prince she summoned the guard.

Julia followed Marta to the hallway where a guardsman stood, "Please take Madam to Prince Vlad." The guard extended his arm to Julia and escorted her down the hallway towards the grand staircase. Helping her down the stairs to a long wide hallway with a set of doors on each side. The guard stood in front of the set of doors that ended the hallway. Julia looked down at the parquet flooring in intricate little designs reflecting the artificial lighting on its shiny surface. The Guard knocked and waited, from inside a familiar voice called, "Enter'"

The guard opened the door, stood aside to allow her entry. Julia walked into the spacious library. "Ahh Doctor Stokes, so nice of you to join us. Did you have a pleasant flight to my country?" Julia walked into the center of the room, hands folded over each other in front of her body. She took her time to look the room over before responding. The high vaulted ceilings left no doubt this was a castle, crystal chandeliers hung from the rafters.

Vlad ignored the fact she was being particularly obtuse and waited, shortly there was another knock on the doors and he called, "Enter'"

The door opened, Julia turned to see Elizabeth, Carolyn, and Maggie all dressed as she was in heavy velvet dresses with ornamental hairdressings. Elizabeth Stoddard was the first to step forward to give Julia a hug. Carolyn followed, then Maggie.

"Julia!"

Vlad smiled noting the reunion was exactly what he expected. Rising he walked to the doors. "I will allow you ladies time to get reacquainted. I need to go check on the Princess to see how she is feeling."

Julia turned, "Oh is she unwell?"

Vicki's Bedroom

Vlad waved it off, "She was feeling a little faint, I am now informed that she is otherwise in fine health." He headed out the door and down the hallway stepping to the stairs, watching as Radu went out the front door. Frowning he wondered what would make his Captain desert his charge. Climbing the opulent stairway he took the steps to the left and followed the hallway down to Vicki's room. Entering the room, he paused and noticed she was sleeping with Alexandros standing guard.

Vlad looked the room over using a critical eye to make sure the room was befitting his Princess. The tall vaulted ceilings, crystal chandeliers suspended from the ceiling catching what little light was offered from the small lamp on the night table of exquisite design for Louis 15th. It like the other furnishings was curved and beveled tables that dotted the room, dark mahogany panels glistened with fresh polish, the braided rugs of impeccable repair and beauty scattered about the room. Two Louise the 14th chairs covered in satin and brocade accented the fireplace with tiny footstools. Alexandros stood and bowed to his Prince. "My Lord."

Vlad locked his hands behind his back stepped forward to look upon the slumbering Vicki. "Where is your Captain?"

Alexandros looked around then back to Vlad, "My Lord Radu left to check on some information about the witch and her brother."

Vlad nodded, "I see, did he say what kind of information it was?"

Alexandros shook his head, "He does not confide in me your highness."

Vlad turned to sit in the widow seat, looking at Vicki he said softly, "Soon, she shall be your queen, my queen, she is going to be very happy here."

Alexandros smiled, "Will she become one of the strigoi?" Vlad looked down and thought a moment. "She will join me for an eternity so I guess she will."

Alexandros having always wanted to become one of the living dead looked pleased. "We will be honored to have her as our Queen, my Prince."

Vlad liked the young guard with the boyishly handsome face and the dedication of a pup. "Keep her safe Alexandros, we have two days until we are man and wife. The witch does mean her harm, so guard her well."

Alexandros nodded, "I will your grace, do not worry."

Vlad's library

Julia sat in the nearest chair. "So, George, Joe, Barnabas, Quentin and Elliott have a plan to get us away from here. I expect they know I have been taken."

Elizabeth sat next to Julia, "I am glad to hear they are all well. Vicki has been unwell since her arrival."

Maggie stepped to the desk and looked down at a row of pictures. "He had pictures of all of us."

Carolyn stood next to her and picked her picture up, "So they knew whom we were and how to get to us?"

Julia nodded, "Yes, and they had someone working from the inside. It turned out to be Gabe, Elliott's assistant. "

Carolyn's mouth fell open, "Gabe was the inside man?"

Julia nodded, "He got me and now I am here. What concerns me the most is all our family may be falling into a trap, an elaborate trap set by Tepes himself."

Liz stood and paced to the window. "Is there no way we can warn them?"

"None that I am aware, if we could warn them I would have already." All the women were now in a beautifully appointed room full of books feeling desperate and alone. Liz looked for some alcohol if at anytime she needed a drink she did so now.

"Lets pray that they find out before they get here and we all die together."

Julia stood stepping next to Liz, "Lets hope they at least let us die instead of becoming what they all are."

Liz looked even more troubled as she thought about the alternatives. "I need a drink." She walked to the door and opened it requesting the maid to bring them some sherry.