The Hapsburg Empire, 1639

Even though just nights before the family had been in deep mourning, to-morrow would have to be a time of joy. The suitor had at last confessed his love to her, and right behind that confession was their engagement.

But on that night when they danced together, that was how he was roused.

It was calm in the tomb; he woke to the sound of music far from the graveyard. As he did there would be no confusion or panic, even as around him were cold tomb walls and a marble coffin slab keeping him in place. There was no unbearable stifling of breath. With ease, he pushed away the lid and he listened to its thunder as it struck the ground.

There was a thirst about him, though, that he recognized; it was once that he o...

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