Chapter 491: Queen Of Vampires
Funny to find myself in my old quarters again, sitting on a chair, looking out the window, waiting for the party to start. Only this time I was the one calling the shots.
I just wished I could promise everyone a happy ending.
A short detour on my way to my room, while Piotr was ordered to call on all of the clan leaders to come to be adopted by their new Queen, had me standing in front of the portrait I'd seen earlier. The one that broke my heart. Charlotte hovered behind me, face expressionless as I stared up at the face I knew so well, wishing there was another way to end this conflict once and for all.
But there wasn't. And sacrifices had to be made. Though I really hoped I wasn't ruining something truly amazing because I had to have support against the Brotherhood.
Responsibility sucked sometimes.
The family waited for me in my old room after I turned down Batsheva's Queenly quarters with disgust. No way was I letting her smarm rub off even an iota more than it already had. Margaret and Elliot hovering to one side, when I returned. This time I didn't mind hugging my mother in front of the other leader. I think we'd shown just how strong we were, thanks. Gram was next, Meira after her. Sassafras's purr rattled my teeth. My vampire friends were missing, presumably thanks to Pannera, though Uncle Frank stood with Mom, a grim smile on his face.
"Good job, kiddo," he said.
"Thanks, Uncle Frank." I grinned back. Sighed. Turned to Margaret. "I had no intention of breaking your laws. But I couldn't let Batsheva have the essence."
Speaking of whom, the essence hugged me for the gazillionth time deep inside, the most affectionate I'd ever known her, as Margaret spoke. I almost missed what the woman said because I was busy hugging my vampire back while my demon clamped herself around us, Shaylee pulled in too while the family magic cocooned us nice and tight.
Happy family? Check.
"I'm just glad it worked out." Margaret shook her head, sinking to a chair, face pale. "I don't know why I sided with them, Miriam. What was I thinking?"
Uh-oh. I reached for her, but not before Demetrius went sniffing. Turned to me with his blue eyes full of anger.
"Coerced," he said.
The Brotherhood.
Of course she didn't want to believe it. But it only took a moment, and a gentle squeeze of her shoulder from the very kindly Elliot who whispered, "You really haven't been yourself, my dear," for Margaret Applegate to finally admit the truth.
That and a sudden attack by Demetrius Strong. At least, that was what it looked like to me, and Elliot from the look on the Enforcer's face. But Demetrius didn't harm Margaret.
Just grabbed her hand and pulled.
The portly European Leader cried out and jerked free of him, one of her fingers suddenly red as her eyes flew wide, mouth dropping open. The former leader of the Chosen of the Light held up his hand, a gold ring balanced in his palm.
"You see," he said. "Trust me now, yes, yes, trust me forever."
"Oh my very word," Margaret whispered, staring at the ring while Mom gasped softly, her hand going to her throat. Margaret enveloped the item in a ball of blue light, pulling it slowly toward her, face very pale before she let it hover before her eyes. When hers met mine, I knew it, felt her freedom, understood Demetrius was absolutely right.
She'd been manipulated and controlled by the sorcerers.
And man, was she pissed about it.
After a flurry of, "Arrogant, black-hearted, conniving... I'll get to the bottom of this, mark my words," she stormed out with Elliot in tow, crackling with magic and calling for her Enforcers. Mom smiled at me, tired around her eyes, but clearly pleased from the sparkle in her gaze.
"I pity the Brotherhood members she uncovers," Mom said, though her worry was clear and I knew what she was thinking.
If the European Council Leader was under influence, was our territory safe? I could tell Mom would be doing a thorough investigation the moment she got back, if I correctly read the intense, growing anger on her face.
I turned to Demetrius who was now carefully examining his belly button lint and humming. "Well done."
He ignored me, petting the little patch of fuzz he dug out of his navel.
Ew.
I wandered to the corner to be alone while the others gathered to talk. Put up a wall around me so they knew to leave me be. And while I probably should have let them in, even Charlotte held outside the circle of privacy I erected, I really just needed to be alone to think.
Could I do it? Break up a family because of duty and necessity? Could I break hearts I loved because of the maji and the Brotherhood?
I had no choice.
It wasn't long before Piotr entered and bowed to me, eyes going to the crystal full of power in my lap.
"The leaders of your clan have gathered," he said. "My Queen."
I rose and went after him, Gram hooking one arm through mine as we made our way back to the throne room.
Pannera was still there, only her side was greatly reduced in number, only a handful of vampires with her.
"If I might remain," she said, eyes narrowed.
"I have nothing to hide," I said. Turned my back on her. Walked the length of the carpet to the throne.
I turned as if to sit, caught the flare of fury in Pannera's eyes and addressed the room.
"I was made a member of this clan by your last Queen, Batsheva." My eyes scanned the crowd and, for the first time, I found myself swearing internally. I'd forgotten someone very important in the whole mess with Batsheva.
Celeste was nowhere to be seen.
Damn it.
No time to deal with her now. I had to finish this before Pannera started another war.
"I fought her, defeated her with her own power. And drained her magic, the magic of the clan." Yeah, I'd cheated too. Used sorcery to do it. But none of the gathered vampires seemed to know or even care. They stared up at me with a mix of hope and anger, awe and fear.
"There is one problem," I said. "Though I possess the clan's power, I can't lead you." I held out the crystal pulsing with contained magic. "I have other responsibilities, a coven to protect. And I know you will never accept me as your own unless I become a true vampire. Which I can't do." A mutter of agreement, less anger, more curiosity.
"You have been hurt by this conflict," I said. "This family has been broken and damaged by lies and deceit. You need strong leadership, someone you trust to take you forward."
Piotr actually had the balls to step toward me. I had to hand it to him, he was pretty full of himself. Even Pannera's eyebrows shot up as he held out his hand.
"Queens have ruled for centuries," he said with a smile. "Perhaps it is time for a King's leadership."
Like hell. I struck him with a fist of spirit magic, sending him flying backward to crash to the floor as his fellow vampires scattered to let him fall.
"I have no proof you were involved or had knowledge of Batsheva's treachery," I said, "but I don't think I'm the only one in this clan who will never, ever trust you."
They snarled at him, power curling around them as they glared.
Piotr took the hint.
"No," I said, "there is only one vampire to lead this clan. Only one who can repair the trust and create a strong, healthy family worthy of your name." I caught Sunny's eyes, saw the dawning understanding in her face as I held out my hand to her.
"Teresa Wilhelm," I said, calling her by her real name, the one etched under her portrait, hanging by Yvette, "come and claim your throne."
***
