****************************************************************************** *** To recap: David and Victoria, finally married, head to Europe for the *** *** honeymoon.****************************************************************************** *** To recap: David and Victoria, finally married, head to Europe for the *** *** honeymoon. Castle Dracula is now a tourist attraction, and inhabited *** *** by Victoria's vampire stepmother, Marta. Marta works at seducing David *** *** while Victoria plans to regain control of the castle. Victoria and *** *** Marta have an arcane battle over David... *** ****************************************************************************** VICTORIA, OR HOW I LEARNED TO LOVE NIGHT MUSIC Chapter 13: It's A Family Affair... The castle was _very_ quiet the next day. I went outside to find the guard posts and souvenir stands deserted. There was a big, crude, hand- painted sign on the outer gate. It said, "CASTLE CLOSED" in big, black letters. Victoria's plan was working so far; I just wished she were con- scious to enjoy it. Unable to do anything about Victoria's condition, I busied myself in the kitchen. I was happily munching a cholesterol-laden breakfast when I heard a voice. "Hello? Is anyone here? Please?" It was Agnes. I walked to the foyer. Upon seeing me, Agnes fainted. I rolled my eyes. Gee, I always wanted to have that effect on women. I knelt next to her, patting her hand gently, waiting for her to come to. Her eyes opened, and immediately filled with fear. "Vampire... Daylight..." she whispered. She started to cry, then stopped sniffling. "My family has rejected me. My father does not want me in the house, the townspeople run away. I have no- where to go." Agnes bowed her head, kneeling. "I am your servant forever." "Stand up, child." Victoria appeared, looking slightly pale. "I am sorry that your family has exiled you. That was not my intent. I welcome you to castle Dracula." Agnes gaped at Victoria, who walked over to me and gave me a short, wet kiss. |