Miss Deer-Harte, who had come into the room together. I decided to ask one more question.
“Count Dragomir. The English lady over there—she tells me that she observed a young man creeping about the hallways at night, and then the same young man hiding in one of the archways, watching the banquet on the first evening. I just wondered if you had any idea who that might be, or if it was possible that a stranger is hiding out in the castle.”
“How can a stranger have come into the castle, my lady?” Dragomir asked. “You have seen for yourself—there is only one gate and it is guarded at all times. The only other way in would be to fly.”
“Or climb up the wall?” I suggested.
He laughed. “You have been listening to the rumors of vampires, have you not? No man in his right mind would attempt to climb the castle wall.”
“So none of the servants has reported seeing a strange young man—pale, with fair hair?”
“No, my lady. None of the servants has seen any kind of stranger in the castle. They would have reported to me instantly if they had. I’m afraid your English lady friend is letting her imagination run away with her. Remember how upset she was when she first arrived here. Of course His Highness, your betrothed, has light hair. Perhaps she saw him.”
I wrestled with taking this one stage further and telling him that I had seen the young man myself and his portrait had hung in my room until it was mysteriously changed for another one. But Dragomir decided this for me by saying, “Pardon me, Highness, but I am wanted elsewhere.” And he backed away from me.
I was just considering how strange it would be if I really were a princess and people had to back away from my presence, when Lady Middlesex came over to me, with Miss Deer-Harte in tow.
“Well, there’s a turnup for the books,” she said. “I see you’ve made a good match for yourself. The queen will be pleased. My congratulations.”
I managed a weak smile and nod. “I asked Dragomir if any of the servants had reported seeing Miss Deer-Harte’s young man, but he dismissed the idea that there could be a stranger in the castle.”
“I know what I saw,” Miss Deer-Harte said emphatically. “And I’m going to prove to you all that I was right. He can’t escape in this weather so I’ll spot him eventually and I’m wearing my whistle. As soon as I see him I’ll blow it to attract attention.”
“Watch what you’re saying, Deer-Harte—here comes that awful man.” Lady Middlesex glanced over her shoulder. And sure enough, Patrascue, with a couple of his men in tow, had entered the drawing room. Although everyone else was dressed for the evening, he was still in a black street coat with the collar turned up. He stood in the doorway, looking around. It was as if an icy blast had entered the room. The women froze in midconversation. Patrascue waved his hand lazily. “Do not let me disturb you, Majesties. Pray continue.”
He spotted me and women stepped aside for him as he made a beeline for me. “I hear that congratulations are in order. So you changed your mind and accepted his offer, did you, English Lady Georgiana? Soon you will be one of my people. I look forward to that day.”
Again I felt the threat: soon I will have control over you. But I managed a gracious nod and words of thanks.
“The men have not yet left the dinner table, Mr. Patrascue,” the queen said in her clear French voice. “I suggest you leave us ladies to finish our coffee and brandy in peace.”
“Majesty.” Patrascue managed a semipolite nod and retreated again. I heaved a sigh of relief.
“Don’t let that man upset you, my dear,” the queen said, extending her hand to me. “I can’t think why he is so interested in you, but ignore him. We all do. Come and have a glass of cognac. You look quite pale.” And she led me back into the fold.
Soon after, the men joined us. Siegfried and Nicholas came over to us. Siegfried took my hand and pressed his cold fish-lips against it. Uck. If it was that bad against my hand, I dared not think what it would feel like actually kissing him.
“You are a very wise girl,” he said. “May I congratulate you on your good taste. You will lead a happy life.”
I couldn’t think of a thing