After arriving at Castle Draco, the group is taking to a comfortable suite of rooms to rest and clean up. Lilith takes Alptraum aside to let him know they will be the first ones to see the Countess, and agrees to help him clean up and get dressed.

While Alptraum washes up, Lilith explains what the Countess already knows from her report, and what she doesn't know yet (but which Lilith will be obliged to tell her if Alptraum and Tulani don't). She also talks about what to expect in the presence of the Countess, and answers his questions on etiquette.

Once in the presence of the Countess, Alptraum feels an odd sense of recognition and attraction. Draco asks him a few questions, including whether he really is the Barsunala and what his abilities might be. This leads to a bit of history about Draco County and the ruling family, the origin of the Vampire Eeee strain and what the mysterious torc found in the empty coffin of the Necromancer Queen represents.

In private, Alptraum and Draco share some personal information, and Alptraum promises to try and help the Countess with her difficulty in siring an heir.