Vlad sees a chance to get out of his father's over-strict training regime and appoints his mother as Regent. But he's been tricked and must find a way to get out of it before Magda's desire for publicity leads the slayers to them.

Still believing that Erin is a half-fang struggling to come to terms with being a vampire, Vlad tries to comfort her by sharing memories of his childhood and explains his hope that vampires and breathers can live together in peace.

When Vlad accidentally humiliates his father by demonstrating his powers, he agrees to make amends by throwing a feast, but must find a way to stop it when he learns that the Count plans to kill Erin at the end of the party.