Principe? That word again. Amelia also noticed how nervous and almost frightened the doorman looked. Was he frightened of Victorija? Maybe Byron was right about her. Suddenly going into this club she’d never heard of seemed like a very bad idea. “Victorija, it’s been a difficult day. Maybe I should just go home—”

Victorija put her hand on the back of her neck, and gazed deeply in her eyes. “Calm down, and trust me.”

Amelia experienced a woozy sensation wash over her brain, like she’d already had a few drinks. She followed Victorija meekly into the dark foyer of the club. Victorija took her coat and checked it into the cloakroom. She then offered her arm to Amelia, who took it immediately. As wary as she was, the light fog in her brain was making her comply. They walked down another set of stairs. At the bottom was the main room, and Amelia realized quickly that this was not like any club she had been to before, even compared to the last club she’d visited with Victorija.

The music in the background had a slow, pounding rhythm, giving the club an erotic eerie feel. The room was dark. Black walls with silver decorations and low lights, and dry ice vapor coming from the dance floor added to the dark atmosphere.

At the end of the large room sat the bar, with the dance floor off to the right. In front of the bar were booths and tables.

They started to walk further into the room, and they passed couples consumed with each other on couches, sitting in each other’s laps, and generally being seduced by the erotic thrum of the music.

Why had Victorija brought them here?

One couple who were caught up in their passion for each other against the wall reached out to Victorija and said, “Come and join us, Principe.”

Victorija smiled. “Not tonight, thank you. I am with a most beautiful woman, who I want all to myself.”

The couple looked her up and down, and bowed their heads to Victorija. Amelia knew she should feel panicked, but she was just so woozy, she couldn’t.

It was strange how people kept bowing their heads to Victorija, and calling her Principe. Just like Byron. What was the connection? She was sure she could work it out, if only she could think properly.

Victorija guided them to a table and said, “Excuse me for a moment and I will get us some drinks.”