Darker Jewels — Chelsea Quinn Yarbro

Le Comte de Saint-Germain is many things: alchemist, ambassador, lover - and the most seductive vampire since Dracula himself. Throughout countless centuries, he has brought passion and adventure to many exotic historical eras, as well as to an ever-growing following of devoted fans and readers. Darker Jewels reveals for the first time a dramatic and powerful chapter in the immortal existence of Saint-Germain.
In the sixteenth century, the mysterious and isolated empire of the Russias is ruled by Ivan IV, better known as Ivan the Terrible. In a violent fit of rage, he has just murdered his oldest son. Now driven nearly insane by guilt, Ivan is obsessed with the mystical properties of the jewels he prays can relieve his conscience. But while Ivan goes mad, the Russian court is in an uproar, and neighboring lands fear for their own security.
Into this maelstrom of intrigue, treachery, fear, and superstition, King Stephan Bathory of Poland has sent as his personal envoy none other than the Count Saint-Germain. Only Saint-Germain's alchemical skills can provide Ivan with the unearthly jewels he craves, and only a being with Saint-Germain's infinite experience and wisdom can hope to negotiate the dangerous undercurrents running within Ivan's court. But the one thing this ageless vampire never expected to find in old Moscovy is love and passion with the beautiful Xenya Evgeneiva - the woman who would become his wife.