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.

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.