“Oh, not me, darling. History, art, and fashion are everything, and if it’s not in London, then it’s in Paris. I don’t feel the need to leave Europe to traipse around mountains, forests, and valleys. I’ve seen more than enough of the natural world than I ever cared to right here in Hale’s Corner.” He glanced out the carriage at the trees we passed. “Although there aren’t any vampires that I know of in America. It has that going for it, at least.”
I straightened. “Oh? Are there many vampires around here?”
“They’re everywhere, aren’t they?” Zachariah shrugged. “They’re like vermin. Can’t get rid of the disgusting creatures. Hopefully that changes soon.”
“How would that happen?”
Zachariah smiled. “Oh, I’m sure there are ways.”
I frowned, wondering what he could mean. Was he merely trying to be mysterious? Or did he know something that I didn’t—and would very much like to?
There were advantages to being mortal, I realized. I’d already interacted with humans in ways that simply weren’t possible for a vampire. The interactions were more intimate, the contact more natural. Perhaps I would learn exactly what Vrykolakas intended me to. Perhaps it would be even easier than I thought.
CHAPTER THREE
Acobalt blue velvet jacket arrived for me that evening, along with black trousers that fit snugly. I’d been watching a procession of carriages arrive at the front doors for the past hour, delighting in the spectacle of dresses and finery parading up the front steps. Anticipation hung in the air, and my heart was fluttering with nervousness. It was a new sensation, given that I was always so confident in my powers as a vampire. But what if I wasn’t half as charming as a human?
I shook my head, ridding my mind of such foolish notions. One look in the delightful mirror was all it took to remind myself that these mortals would be but putty in my hands tonight. The competition might be expansive, but there would be few among these guests I would likely call equals.
Ambrose would be mine because I was the best option for him. I’d had centuries of experience to perfect my charm. I would simply have to utilize my skills to their fullest extent.
Stuart had just completed the finishing touches on my outfit when he opened a box and presented it to me with a flourish.
“What’s this then?” I asked reaching out to stroke a black feathered mask.
“The ball is a masquerade, my lord. Masks are required.”
“A masquerade,” I repeated, lifting the silky mask and looking it over before slipping it on. “At least it’s not too cumbersome. It doesn’t hide much really.”
“People will be able to make you out easily enough.”
I sent him a sly smile. “My devilish good looks will beguile them all, won’t they Stuart?”
The valet sighed. “Shall I escort you to Lady Grafton, my lord?”
“How thoughtful of you.”
Helena’s maid, Nancy, was in her company when I found her at the back of a queue of guests. Nancy gave me an appraising look as Stuart hastily left my side. “May I say that you look very dashing, my lord. You’re sure to break many hearts tonight.”
“And hopefully some bones as well,” I said automatically. I blinked as Nancy looked at me oddly, and I realized what I’d said. Although feeling bones break beneath my fingers right now would be an incredible relief from the anxiety I felt, I had to remind myself that there were rules I had to abide by. I wouldn’t be able to use supernatural powers to win Ambrose’s heart. I couldn’t merely destroy anyone who came between me and my prize. I would have to win this competition honestly, as tedious as that sounded. “What I mean is, I hope to dance until my bones simply won’t support me by the end of the night.”
“Ah, yes,” Nancy brightened. “I wish I had the energy you young ones have. How I did love to dance back in the day.”
“That will be all, Nancy,” Helena told her maid, who curtsied and made her exit. “Well, Lucian. I trust Zachariah was accommodating.” She held out her arm, and I took it as we joined the line.
“He was very satisfactory. My wardrobe will be the envy of Hale’s Corner.”
“Very good.”
We stood silently in the shadows of the doorway into the ballroom, watching a young woman stride into the room on her mother’s arm. As she was announced, I noted the passing interest of faces in the crowd already engaged in conversation and merriment. A string quartet played in the corner, but no one had taken to dancing yet, although there was a sizable crowd surrounding the drink station.
Night pressed in on the windows along the perimeter of the room, and I knew that if I had my supernatural hearing right now, I would be able to make out the sounds of bats riding warm currents of air, foxes scuttling through the underbrush searching out rabbits and other prey, limbs of the old trees out back as they creaked in the wind. With my vampire sight, I would have been able to see more than just the shadowy darkness against the glass. Yet I was comforted by the dark. For all the joy I’d found in experiencing a world lit wholly by the sun, I preferred knowing that shadows could wrap around me at any moment, that I could slip into them and become anonymous. I preferred the secrets whispered by the night air over the oppressive truth of that illuminated by daylight. The cheerful sunshine was a lie. Night was forthright about the ugliness it hid in its depths.
“Baroness Helena Grafton and Count Lucian Cross.”
I pasted on a smile as I stepped forward with Helena leaning on me, her gold silk gown brushing the carpet beneath her. A matching mask inset with rhinestones covered the top of her face. It had no holes for her eyes. I found this amusing, although most would likely find it unsettling.
“You gave them my real name?” I spoke in a low tone.
