The next morning, Albert practically dragged Franz to the Count's suite. Sure, he'd thanked the man profusely the night before, but when someone saves your life, once is never enough.
Franz had mixed feelings about going back. Something about the Count drew him in, like a moth to a flame, but there was also something unsettling about the man. Still, he couldn't let Albert face that strange magnetism alone, so he agreed without protest.
After a brief wait, the Count appeared in the salon, his presence filling the room.
"My dear Count," Albert said, rushing forward with his hand extended. "Please let me thank you again for last night. I'll never forget what you did for me. As long as I live, I'll remember that I owe you my life."
