The Vampire Queen Read Free

and look at the Countess. She gave her an evil, knowing look then skipped up the steps as happy as a clam. That look sent chills up the spine of the Countess.
    “Here. Drink some of this. You’ll feel better,” the Count was saying. She took the wine glass from him and gulped down the wine. He refilled her glass. This time, she sipped it.
    “She is much like you and I,” he explained. “She sleeps all day, rises at sunset, and gets bathed and dressed for the wealth this house holds. That’s where I’m afraid the similarities end. She then disappears all night, won’t attend our functions—like you saw the other night—and can’t be found or followed. She then shows up looking like a wild animal that’s been living in filth, smells like she’s been digging and rolling around in garbage, and is just a mess; however, she is a child at heart, is fickle, and likes to play. My guess is that she didn’t mean to scare you but was just playing with you.”
    “Playing with me?” she screamed. “She scared the hell out of me! It didn’t help that I was having nightmares right before I woke up, but then I woke up to this animal jumping around. I think she meant to scare me,” she insisted.
    “She’s just a child,” he cajoled.
    “Then, why wouldn’t she answer me when I spoke to her and demanded a response from her?” she asked.
    “Lizzy hasn’t said a word since I’ve met her,” he explained. “Don’t know why.” Now, she felt silly. There was still something about that child. Thinking about Lizzy sent a cold chill up her spine. She drank more wine and lay back on the pillows to think.

Chapter Six
    The Count left, and she was alone with her thoughts. Had she imagined the evil coming from that child? The whole situation now seemed bizarre to her with the room completely lit up and an explanation for Lizzy given; however, something about her just did not feel right.
    Coletta came running down the stairs.
    “Hurry, Miss. Bath time. Master wants to take you out shopping, tonight!” she explained, almost breathless from running. The Countess was very excited as she hoped it was for some new dresses. She loved to shop for dresses. She threw the covers back and ran up the steps, following Coletta. She bathed and got ready as quickly as possible. She waited again in the parlor for the Count. When he arrived, he again bowed and kissed her hand. He truly was a sweet man. He also presented her with a box tied with a pretty, purple ribbon. She opened it, and in it was a long, hooded, purple cloak made of velvet.
    “It sometimes gets chilly at night, so I thought you should have something pretty and warm,” he explained, looking slightly embarrassed.
    “It’s beautiful!” she exclaimed. “Thank you very much. I will cherish it.” She placed a gentle kiss on the Count’s cheek. Now, he really looked embarrassed.
    “Shall we take our leave?” he asked.
    “Yes,” she replied.
    They rode in the carriage for awhile until they were on a cobblestone street, signifying they had reached town. They got out and walked down the street, looking in many store windows, but most of them were closed. Finally, they came to a dress shop that was open.
    “Ah. Here we are,” he said, and they entered the store. “Choose whatever you like. Money is of no object here,” he instructed and waved his arm across the entire store.
    The Countess was delighted. There were so many beautiful things. For every dress, there was a matching handbag, shoes, hairpiece, and jewelry to go with it. She took a couple dresses and went into the dressing room. They all fit beautifully, and as she was admiring herself in the mirror in the last dressing room, she heard voices, whispers from behind the curtain in the dressing room.
    The people whispering had an accent, so she couldn’t understand them fully. Finally, her curiosity got the best of her, and she peeked around the curtain.
    “Come in, child. We been ‘spectin you,” said the