It’s been a few nights since I’ve written. It’s not that there was nothing I could have written about, I just wasn’t in the mood.
Yesterday afternoon, Codrina FaceTimed me from Romania to tell me that her descendants Ruxandra and Silviu are planning on coming to Los Angeles for a few months and maybe longer, depending on how they like it. Sonya, who is descended from Vasile is coming as well. Codrina said they all hope to visit me, but she asked that I look out for them. Our war with Los Angeles de Sangre may be over, but there are still tensions and many in their bloodline live in the US, including California.
I liked them, Sonya especially. I recall how shy she was when she first approached me. How softly she spoke and how she blushed. Because I’m imparateasa. At the time I wished I didn’t intimidate her so, but now when I think back, I must admit I adore the expression she wore. Is this a sign I’m becoming comfortable with being empress? It’s nice having a journal. I can be honest and say what I wouldn’t say out loud. Thank you Rosanna for this gift.
Here’s more that I can’t say out loud: Silviu, Silviu, Silviu. I remember feeling attracted to him. The slight reddish tint in his dark hair. His demeanor. He commanded respect among the younger vampires even though he’s still far from being an Ancient. I had wanted to impress him. The attraction was one way however, of that I’m sure. But he’s gonna be here soon. I killed Enrico though, his maker, for his treachery during the war, and that wasn’t so long ago. Silviu must still hurt over it. I’m surprised he wishes to be near me. Ji’Indushul, having read his thoughts, said Silviu believed Enrico deserved to die, but he also said Silviu struggled with those feelings. Yet Codrina said they ALL hope to see me. Weird. Regardless, I do feel a bit excited to see him again.
But I also wonder if their presence here will disrupt my life in any way. When I went to my Oblivion early this evening, I asked Yelena about it as we lay in my hospital bed together.
“No one’s life is entirely their own, Orly. Our relationships create all kinds of dependencies. As imparateasa, this is even more prevalent.”
“Yeah, Mommy. I’m sure you’re right.”
“I’m gladdened to see you creating new bonds after so many losses.”
I nestled into her. “They’re not replacements though.”
“No, my sweet girl. They are not, but they may become significant nonetheless.”
Rosanna has a date with a mortal tonight. How unfortunate for him. His last night on Earth only he doesn’t know it. His name is Bruce. Not counting Bruce Lee, can you think of a more annoying name? Bruce is the name for a dad, not someone you’d date. Young Bruces must have it rough. Anyhow, buh-bye Bruce. I wonder if Rosanna will have sex with Bruce before she kills him. From what she said, Bruce is quite taken with her. And she was struck by Bruce’s boldness. Bruce asked her out despite being at work. Bruce was one of the valet parkers from the other night when she and Corinne went to that bar. Bruce took Rosanna’s hand as she stepped into Corinne’s car. Bruce checked on the spot to make sure she gave him her real number. Good old Bruce. I keep using his name here, hoping it will grow on me. Bruce. Bruce. Bruce. I’m just bored. It’s not like I need to like his name as I’m never gonna meet him.
Anyhow, I’ll be at home tonight alone. I’m already drinking and flipping channels. All these subscription services and I can’t find anything to watch. Lots of things look good but nothing stands out enough to stop scrolling for something better.
If someone is reading this, they’re probably thinking “What a dull existence this girl has. She’s immortal and has all the money she could ever need to go anywhere and do whatever she wants. But the bitch can’t even make empressing exciting.” (I just made up a word.) Yelena says I need to try to initiate things and create opportunities. But let’s face it, I’m basically just a lazy drunk. Isn’t that understandable though? Yes, I have lots of advantages, but on the other hand, I’m an adult stuck forever in a twelve year old body. That’d probably make almost anyone a lazy drunk.
Codrina just texted. Our Cobălcescu visitors will be here in two weeks. Here come dependencies. I shouldn’t have written that, but I’m not gonna cross it out. If we become close, I suppose I’ll be a dependency too.
I finally gave up on finding a movie and went down a six hour YouTube rabbit hole watching loyalty test videos where boyfriends and girlfriends test their significant others with decoys to see if they’ll cheat if given the opportunity. Almost everybody cheats. How depressing. Is that what I’m missing out on? If I found someone, they’d end up cheating on me the first chance they get anyway. So what’s the point?
Anyhow, I was still watching this addicting crap til almost morning when Rosanna came home feeling weak because she’s still very young and not strong enough yet to go a night without blood, which of course means she didn’t kill Bruce. Apparently Bruce has game and Rosanna began to like him back. Maybe I should have her watch some of these loyalty test videos and she’ll go on over and drink him dry. But like other nights when she hasn’t fed, I’ll take her into Yelena’s bed and hold her through the hours of daylight. The strength of the imparateasa’s blood is enough to revive her as she sleeps (as Mirela held and revived me), while hungry and out of her coffin. So it looks like I have a cuddle buddy. Dependencies aren’t necessarily burdens.
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