“ My beautiful Desiree’, have you forgotten so soon? ” Marcus was so handsome, so regal; like a king amongst his loyal subjects. “ Don’t you remember being married to me this very afternoon? You were the loveliest bride Fredericksburg ever witnessed. We’re at our wedding reception, surrounded by family, friends, and guests. ” Instruments were being fine-tuned. “ I’ve instructed the musicians to play your favorite song,
‘The Viennese Waltz.’ This first dance belongs to us alone. ”

Marcus gathered my hand in his as he waltzed me across the floor. More of my memories came flooding back as we continued dancing. My family had all but disowned me and I was shipped off to a private girl’s school in Europe. Circumstances changed and my Uncle Joshua properly introduced me to Marcus in the autumn of 1875; he’d just graduated from the University Of Fredericksburg and was to be my tutor. He was dashing and debonair, having his pick of any girl in the world, but he chose me. There weren’t any serious suitors before Marcus, but I’d made a good friend aboard my uncle’s clipper ship, Goddess of the Sea; his name was Phillipe and although I was fond of him, I could never love him in the same way I loved Marcus. I never told my Father or my sister, Bethanie of our engagement or marriage, because I felt it was none of their concern and Marcus agreed.

I was happy with Marcus. He swept me off my feet in a whirlwind romance and we married one month to the day after we met; the very day that I turned 18, October 17th. It was the largest wedding that Fredericksburg had ever witnessed and Marcus spared no expense. I had no one close by to invite, but all of his friends and relatives were in attendance. He was dressed in a black mourning coat and black trousers, while I wore a wedding dress made especially for me in Paris; white satin overlaid with white lace and seed pearls sewn in rosette patterns on the bodice. My sheer lace veil was imported from Italy and the bridal bouquet held wine red roses and white baby’s breath to symbolize passion and purity.

Marcus stood at the altar with an everlasting smile on his face and in his heart, waiting to hear the words, “ I do, ” fall from my virgin lips.
I remembered this part of Heaven on earth; my birthday and wedding day combined. “ I love you Marcus, ” I whispered as tears of joy welled in my eyes. “ You’ve made me the happiest woman in the world. ”

Marcus kissed me soundly on my mouth, in full view of all the invited guests who’d become witnesses to the biggest surprise Fredericksburg had ever seen.
“ Now is the first time for us to dance as man and wife. ” Marcus led me into the Grand Ballroom and the string quartet played
‘The Viennese Waltz.’ With my hand in his, time drifted away. He guided me across the floor; we were the music, our bodies a dance of love in motion, gliding with no effort involved. Marcus whispered in my ear, “ It won’t be long until our wedded pledge of love unites us in heart, soul, body, and blood for all eternity, making me the most fortunate man alive. ”

The early afternoon hours gave way to late evening; Marcus clapped his hands to gain everyone’s attention. The waiters brought glasses of French champagne for each of the guests; he raised his glass and proposed a toast. “ To the most beautiful and desirable woman in Fredericksburg. I’ve reserved all my love for you, my new bride. ”

We drank and more was poured so I could offer a toast of my own. “ To my husband Marcus, the man I’ve waited for all my life. ” We entwined our arms to drink and liquid happiness seeped from my eyes.
“ I’ll love you forever, Marcus. ”

He kissed me on the lips in front of everyone, then took my hand and winked. “ My family and friends, it’s close to the midnight hour. In honor of my wife, I’ve renamed our home Castle Desiree’. My bride and I will take our leave of you now. ” We walked a few steps and Marcus turned around.
“ Please continue with the reception and merrymaking, though. ”

He led the way upstairs to the rooms we’d share as man and wife. I thought, this is my home now, the castle of my dreams. I couldn’t ask for more, but I was wrong. The bridal suite was my fantasy come true. The canopied bed was made of rosewood, its strongly marked grain giving off a reddish hue. The sheets were pure white satin, cool and inviting, the cover a deep burgundy that matched the canopy. “ Marcus, how did you know that these are my favorite colors? ”

He laughed. “ I have my ways. ” He handed me a goblet of wine as he raised his in a toast. “ Desiree’, you’ve managed to capture what no other woman has or ever will; all my love. ” We drank the intoxicating cordial and Marcus held me close to his strongly beating heart. “ This is the moment we’ll come to know one another in the way a man knows a woman. ”

“ Marcus, you certainly know how to win a girl’s heart. ” There was no warmth in his kiss as we tasted each other’s sweet nectar. Our tongues danced a tangoed waltz that only the two of us would ever share.

He slowly turned me around, untying the red velvet sash at my waist, bending towards my neck while pushing my hair aside. His mouth felt like Antarctic ice as his lips came into contact with the warmth of my skin; scalding me, leaving me breathless while my burning blood smoldered. His hands deftly unbuttoned my wedding day/birthday gown and my body trembled in that one embraced moment because I didn’t know what he expected from me. His frozen fingertips explored my back in icy caresses from my shoulders down to my waist, yet my body reacted as though red-hot coals had seared me. He slipped the silky material the rest of the way off my body and it landed at my feet in a soft whisper.

“ My Darling, you please my eyes when you blush in
Red-blooded passion. ” His lips of steel offered no body heat as they found their way to the bare skin on the upper part of my left breast; I felt a moment of pain and then exquisite pleasure as my heart’s life force formed the letter
‘M’ in that exact spot, his brand on me, telling the world that I belonged to him, now and forever. Marcus gazed deeply into my soul, his fangs and lips now hot with and from my blood. He offered me a cup of bright red liquid, a concoction tasting like sweet honey from the bees and salty Atlantic Ocean waters. His fate rested in my hands as I received his heart and blood; all of his thoughts, emotions, needs, wants, and desires raced through my veins, revealing themselves to my soul. Our minds linked together; I had to willingly supply Marcus with my innocent life force each and every day or he would cease to exist.

His blood was good to the last drop, and I craved to have his body join with mine, becoming the one flesh of man and wife.
“ Marcus? ” My voice cracked with nervousness and my shaking hands made it impossible for me to undo any fastenings. His fingers quickly went about their duties and I assumed this wasn’t his first experience with unlacing corsets. His eyes never left mine as he removed the rest of my clothing; my naked glory, which no man had ever seen or touched, was displayed for my loving husband.

He drew me close, stroking my back as his lips and tongue leisurely explored my mouth at great length, and then his bruising passion demanded that I give my very essence to him. Tidal waves of delight coursed through my body, leaving me with no resistance to his physical advances. I tasted his warmth, savoring all the sweetness his mouth had to offer. My breathing came in short gasps as the minutes ticked by. When he withdrew from my lips, I felt abandoned, all alone in the world. “ Marcus, don’t leave me like this, ” I moaned low in my throat.

“ My Darling Desiree’, you must provide me with more of your own life force. ”

“ Marcus, all of me belongs exclusively to you; take what you want. ”

He smiled sadly. “ Sweet Wife, I need just enough nourishment to stay warm and fan the flames of desire you have for me. ” I grew weaker as Marcus fed from my breast, but my body was overwhelmed with rising passion.
“ Show me how to want and need only you, Marcus. ”

With no hesitation his hands squeezed the mark on my left breast; covering my body in blood, he softly crooned. “ Now I’ll feast on you, my Darling Desiree’. His eyes glazed in red thoughts as he licked and swallowed my life force, his lips finding the pulse points on my neck, branding me as his sole possession, a fact which no one could deny.

His hands journeyed to my breasts, tenderly caressing, rubbing, and massaging both of them. His glorious mouth and tongue nibbled, tasted and teased, enjoying each minute. My swollen nipples were rigid, but hardened into rocks when he sucked on them. Shockwaves of pleasure moved swiftly through my molten veins as Marcus pinched them between his thumbs and index fingers. “ Your nipples are like a fine vintage wine, the flavor of fresh strawberries; I could do this forever. ” My belly glowed hotter than the blazing noontime sun as his magic touch added fuel to the core of my body. His caresses felt like butterfly wings, barely touching, knowing full well that my passion called for more. Marcus picked me up and carried me to our marriage bed; his winter mouth and tongue bathed my inner thighs as he murmured bonding words of love, then his hands swiftly parted my legs, and my body was his to do with as he pleased. He slowly slid one finger inside my slippery body, while his tongue drew circles around my nipple, teasing it to taughtness; there were no thoughts to be had, only sheer feelings of enjoyment and delight. When Marcus slipped two of his strong slender fingers into the cavity of my being, I matched the rhythm of his slow sensual motion.

His reverence was focused on my reactions. “ My Delicious Desiree’, your first joy is the physical gratification of me making love to you. ” His mouth and tongue swirled shockwave kisses of desire on my moistness, the sensitive spot that craved his touch. “ Do you want more? ” His voice was personified pleasure.

“ Yes, Marcus. ” I thought of nothing else.

“ You’re so tasty Desiree’, I’m going to eat you up. ” His hands spread my womanhood far apart and he thrust his hungry tongue into my body, causing
sensational explosions to my nerve endings.

“ Oh God, Marcus! ” I screamed his name as my body jerked and spasmed in utter fulfillment. “ Is this what it feels like to become a woman? ” I asked when my breathing slowed.

“ You’re not a complete woman until you lose your virginity, Desiree’. ” His eyes were dark with pent-up desire. “ Do you have any idea what a man looks like unclothed? ”

“ Marcus, you’re the first man, the only man I’ll see. ” He touched my cheek.

“ Then I’ll give you the honor of undressing me. ” I helped him out of his mourning coat and he kissed me tenderly. “ Never be shy with me,
Desiree’. ”

Love and trust showed through the windows of my soul. Boldness pulsed in my bloodstream and I unbuttoned the white silk shirt he wore, kissing his bare skin. His chest was smooth and pale, his nipples reddish brown in color. He read my thoughts. “ Touch and kiss me anywhere you choose, my Dearest; that way your love for me will deepen and expand into other areas of our lives. ”

I removed his shirt; he was brutally handsome, his back broad at the shoulders and narrowed at his waist. My hands came into full body contact and I rubbed his chest, enjoying the way his skin responded to my fingertips. I melted into the depths of his eyes, wanting to pleasure him in the same way he had pleasured me. I breathed in the scent of his skin as his nipples yielded to the pressure of my mouth, exciting me. His blood pumped through my arteries, bringing intimate messages of truth to my brain. My emotions and body were in a strong state of arousal as my life force raced merrily through his veins, calling me to retrieve it. I welcomed wild temptation and threw caution to the wind, biting down with a vengeance on his jugular vein, tasting my own blood.

He removed his trousers and underwear; I felt no shame in wanting to gaze upon his nakedness. Majestic in his magnificence, he was a lion king wanting his lioness. I was greedy for him to be inside of me and I let my mouth explore and worship at his male temple. I moved up and down on the taste and feel of his frozen hardness and he groaned.
“ You must stop, Desiree’; it’s essential that we consummate our marriage while the full moon is shining. ”

I slowly removed my mouth from him, his maleness still warmly throbbing. “ My husband, my love, possess me fully! ”
Passions and wild emotions over which he had no control were triggered inside of my lion king. He wouldn’t be stopped in his pursuit or denied the conjugal rights to his lioness. With gentle roughness he pulled my legs apart, entering my virgin's body with strong hard thrusts, making me his wife, his lioness queen!

I pierced the night with all the pain and pleasure he brought forth, burning sensations to last a lifetime. His voice was ragged as he withdrew.
“ Remember this, my Desiree’; the blood of your virginity is my strength, more precious than wealth, fame or life everlasting. ” He moved his head and mouth to my lost innocence and drank freely, then plunged his swollen manhood into my woman’s sex, spewing forth his seed; ecstasy crashed over me in shimmering waves, consuming me again and again in pleasure.
“ Desiree’, we are truly one in heart, soul, body, and blood; man and wife, forever and always. ”

In the afterglow of love we held each other. Marcus moved off the bed for a minute, then helped me sit up. He had a huge smile on his face as he handed me a glass of blackberry wine. “ This should relieve any pain you feel, my Darling. ” I drank all of it, and with sheer happiness in my heart and soul, kissed my wonderful husband, and fell fast asleep in his arms.


**********

When I woke, the brilliant yellow sun was already shining into every nook and cranny of the room, hurting my eyes. I sat up, trying to recall the events of Sunday night, but my mind was a hazy blur. My head and body ached; I certainly hoped I wasn’t coming down with the flu as I’d taken two weeks worth of vacation and didn’t want to waste them feeling sick. A knock sounded at my door. “ Miss Nancy, are you awake yet? ” CeCe seemed concerned as she entered my room without waiting for an answer.

“ I’ve brought you some breakfast; bacon and eggs, toast, and strong
black coffee. ” The sight and smell of food made my stomach churn and waves of nausea swept over me. I ran to the bathroom and splashed cold water on my face, then took a deep breath. I felt somewhat better until I saw my reflection in the gilt-edged mirror above the sink. The image that greeted me was one of purple bruises and red bite marks on my neck.

“ Are you all right, Miss Nancy? ”

“ No, CeCe. My stomach’s upset and I have a migraine coming on. ”

She spoke in soothing tones. “ Hang on for a few minutes. ” She returned shortly and handed me a cup of steaming liquid. “ Mother said this Lemon Balm tea will ease your headache and the ginger she added will calm your stomach. ”

I drank it down in one gulp, then yawned as my eyes grew heavy with sleep. I crawled back into the comfort of my bed, remaining dead to the world until mid-afternoon. I woke up relaxed, refreshed, and ravenous, wanting solid food and decided to put on fresh clothes, then slip down to the kitchen for a snack. To my dismay, the mark on my breast pulsed with a vengeance and black and yellow bruisings discolored my arms and legs. Why me, I wondered? Valera would definitely have her work cut out.

I dressed, then gazed around the room; it was the height of femininity. The antique mahogany bed shone deep rich red in the afternoon sunlight and the satin sheets were the color of Pink Swiss Roses, adorned with white lace borders. The cover had delicate Swiss Roses embroidered on an ivory background, perfectly matching the wallpaper. I opened the door, ready to make my way downstairs, but Sher was on the other side, her hand poised to knock. “ I’m glad to see you up and about, Nancy; we’ve all been so worried. ” She shuddered slightly.
“ Marcus would be very upset if you became ill while visiting my home. ”

“ I’m much improved since this morning. ” I smiled. “ This is a beautiful room, Sher. ”

“ Thank you, Nancy. It was my brother’s idea to let you sleep in this exact replica of his Mother’s quarters. ” She paused, then laid her hand on my arm. “ I hope you’ve been comfortable; if there’s anything I can do, don’t hesitate to ask. ”

“ Sher, can I be totally honest with you? ” She nodded yes. “ I’m embarrassed, but I don’t remember anything that occurred after I drank the blackberry cordial last night. ”

Sher’s slightly skewed grin reminded me of the Cheshire Cat. “ Some people have a negative reaction to the wine I make for special occasions; you came downstairs, then tripped on the last step. Marcus helped you to your feet and you seemed well enough to dance with him. ” She was convincing as she told the tale. “ The music stopped and you fainted in his arms; he carried you to the bed and I removed your dress and put you in your pj’s. ” Her face reddened. “ I hope you don’t mind. ”

“ I appreciate that, Sher. ” I frowned. “ Where’s Marcus? ” I wanted to ask forgiveness for ruining his party.

“ He’s gone for the day, but I expect him back later on this evening. ” Her mood brightened considerably. “ On the lighter side, most of the female guests sported that green-eyed monster called Jealousy as my brother played the hero; envy so thick you could slice it with a knife. ” Her arm grazed my face and I jumped, then shrieked loud enough to wake the dead. “ I’m sorry if I frightened you, Nancy. ” I didn’t know what to make of her actions; was I an enemy or just having a bad case of nerves?
“ Speaking of knives, would you like a snack to tide you over until supper’s served? ”

After eating a small plate of gala apples and New York extra sharp cheese,
I felt invigorated and asked Sher to show me around the castle grounds.
“ After twilight hours the paths can be quite tricky and treacherous, so we’ll go right now. ” She grabbed my hand; the air was fresh and clean as we walked through sweet smelling pine trees to the edge of a canyon. She exclaimed, “ This is my favorite spot! ” The rim overlooked an emerald green valley, filled with oak and pine trees; in the middle of the valley was a sapphire blue lake, sparkling in the bright afternoon sun. Sher’s touch hypnotized me into thinking I could actually fly and I put one foot over the brink that led to certain death. “ Come on, Nancy; it’s time to leave. ” She caught my arm, her attitude and voice filled with triumph.

The setting sun cast crimson and burnt orange shadows on the castle walls as we arrived. Valera met us at the door, an angry grimace on her face.
“ You’d best come inside and get ready for the evening meal. Count Marcus is a stickler for rules and being late puts his authority in question. ”

Regulations, specifications and satisfaction were words that came to mind when I thought of Marcus. “ Should I dress up or down? ”

“ Nothing as formal as last night, but Marcus suggested the ‘surprise’ hanging in your closet. ” A faint smile played on Valera’s lips.

I swiftly ran upstairs and my eyes focused on an elegant red silk dress. I decided a hot shower was in order and I relaxed in the steaming spray, letting all my tensions flow down the drain. I finished in record time and turned off the water. There was a light tapping at the door.
“ Who is it? ”

“ It’s CeCe. I’ve come to help you get dressed for this evening. ” She handed me a huge red cotton towel, and I slipped into a satin-sheen pair of white panties and matching French push-up bra. “ Are you ready to put on your ‘surprise’ Miss Nancy? I guarantee you’ll look stunning! ” CeCe bubbled with enthusiasm. I stepped into the dress and she zipped up the back, then moved to the front, letting out a gasp of delight.
“ Miss Nancy, you are way glamorous. ”

I looked into the mirror; the v-neckline plunged to my navel and I noticed the mark above my heart resembled a fresh wound, while all the bruisings and discolorations on my arms and legs had intensified into odd designs. I was filled with despair and began to cry.

She tsked. “ You should be happy, Miss Nancy; this means you’re falling in love with Count Marcus. ”

Valera walked into my bedroom. “ Marcus has laid out specific instructions, giving us thirty minutes in which to finish. I promise we’ll make you lovelier than you were last night. ” She offered me a small glass of dark liquid; hotter than molten lava, it froze into a solid glacier as it rushed through my veins. In a few minutes time a ‘not a care in the world’ feeling enveloped my soul. All thoughts escaped except for wanting to be with Marcus at all costs. I smiled at Valera and CeCe. “ He’ll be well pleased with your beauty. ” Valera’s voice dripped honey.

The mirror didn’t lie this time around. Marcus had impeccable taste in everything he’d chosen for me to wear and I knew he’d tell me I was picture perfect. The bodice above the empire waist was trimmed in shimmery pink- ice mother-of-pearl, shaped into tiny incandescent hearts. It fit me like a second skin, accenting my womanly curves. The sheer-puffed sleeves rode low on the shoulders and the décolletage plunged into a deep ‘v’ so Marcus’s private brand showed in all its reddened glory. CeCe clasped the ruby necklace around my neck, then put the earrings in my ears.

Marcus stood at the bottom of the steps, staring unabashedly like a man who hasn’t seen his one true love in ages. “ My beautiful Queen of the Night. ” Did my ears deceive me?

“ Nancy, you’re a sight to behold; an enchantress in red. ” Marcus lifted my hand, then kissed my cheek. “ It’s refreshing to see your lovely face, to have you grace us with your presence. ”

“ Marcus, you’ve made me feel like a big part of your family; thank you from the bottom of my heart for this exquisite dress and the ruby necklace and earrings. ”

He leaned over and whispered softly in my ear. “ I’ve been in love with you since we met at the Charity Ball. An aura of special innocence surrounded you, reminding me of a delicate red rose in full bloom. ” He placed my hand on his chest and held it there. “ Your soul is a fragrant perfume, managing to capture my heart as no one else has before. ”

I blushed, but couldn’t help myself. “ Marcus. ” He put his index finger to my lips.

“ I want you to see something. ” He cupped my elbow and guided me to the far end of the room; above the mantelpiece were two oil paintings. He pointed to the one on the right. “ Take a close look at my Mother. ” I did.
“ Now, look at your face and tell me what you see. ” He handed me a mirror.

I examined her portrait, then stared at my face; although my dress was an updated version of hers, my jewelry and hairstyle were the same. The fact was we could pass for twins.

Next to her painting was another woman’s portrait; she had black curling hair, ruby red lips, and eyes as green as teal velveteen. I was unable to look away as she spoke in commanding tones. “ I’m Marcus’s one and only wife, Desiree’! ” When her spirit entered my soul Marcus vanished.

“ Nancy? ”

“ Marcus, she’s gone for the night! ” I gloated.

He was startled for a brief moment. “ Desiree’, is it really you or am I dreaming? ”

“ Who did you expect, Marcus? ” I wanted to scream her name, but thought better of it. I laughed hysterically, realizing that this was the first time I’d been allowed to interact with him since my spirit had been relegated to my portrait years ago. He was dumbfounded. It took a moment for ‘her’ name to click, but as blood pumped to her brain I knew what had taken place between her and Marcus. “ I know that you believe Nancy’s fresh innocent blood will let you return to your former state of being, but you’re
delusional, Marcus. ”

He always thought quickly when faced with insurmountable odds and I waited to see what ideas he’d spout. “ Have some patience,
Desiree’. ” Red rage exploded inside of Nancy’s body as her mind told me that Marcus had taken her virginity and love in my name. Her pain added fuel to my own hatred and I vowed revenge against the both of them.

Two could play this game. “ Did you know that Nancy is
falling in love with you? ”

“ Yes, Desiree’ and I intend to marry her. ”

“ You should’ve known that I’d eventually be released and just think; you brought home the perfect specimen to house my soul in! Don’t be foolish enough to give up what we once had and can have again. You belong to me Marcus; not to anyone else. ”

“ Desiree’, you’re entitled to your own opinion, but your judgment of her is wrong; Nancy is special, sweet and caring. ”

I stuck my finger down my throat and pretended to gag. “ She's nothing like me and that’s my fault? ” Once upon a time my heart and soul had been filled with undying love for Marcus, but those feelings were lost when he deserted me like every other man I’d known in my life. I felt no love for him, but knew he was the only man I’d ever want to spend eternity with.
Marrying Nancy, marrying me; what would be the difference? I’d pull the wool over his eyes, take full control and then do as I bloody well pleased.

Did I see tears forming in his eyes? “ All the things each of us wants in life will come to us when the timing’s right. ”

“ Yes, guilty love can be used like a powerful tool, ” I thought to myself. In a few short days I’d have everything I wanted, needed, and desired.

“ Desiree’, please forgive me? You have all my love, as you’ve had since the very beginning, ” he said with resignation.

“ Marcus, it’s time to tell Valera, CeCe, Gustav and the others about us. ”