Queen of Darkness

by Patti Larsen

  Would have to do. Time to change the subject to one near and dear anyway.

  “Tell me I'm going home?” Mom's eyes gave me the information I needed before she opened her mouth.

  “Not yet, I'm afraid,” she said.

  “Maybe never.” Margaret sank to a chair, ankles crossed as she scowled at the carpet. “The Queens are both adamant and, frankly, I'm on their side in this.” She met my gaze, not as openly hostile as she had been, but guarded nonetheless. “You do have vampire power. The source of their magic, if they are to be believed.” I nodded. That much was true. “They have the right to it.”

  They don't, my vampire snapped.

  “She begs to differ.” It was hard not to sigh and stomp my foot in frustration.

  “I can't have a race war in my territory.” Margaret's hands clung together in her lap. “I won't have it, not over a witch who isn't even one of mine.”

  “You may not have a choice.” Mom tapped her chin with one finger, the lines I'd started to notice on her face prominent as she frowned.

  Of course. “This is the plan,” I said. “The Brotherhood's goal. They don't care who wins, who they recruit.”

  Mom nodded, face smoothing out as she dropped her hand. “They just want a war.”

  Margaret looked quite horrified as it sunk in at last. She pushed up, almost standing before falling back to her seat. “It's really happening,” she said. At least she was admitting it to herself.

  “It is,” Mom said. “The Brotherhood isn't ready to move openly, but they've begun to undermine us. Stirring up trouble to deflect from what they are doing.”

  I reached for her hand and squeezed it as Margaret finally gained her feet, a little, round thundercloud.

  “The hell they will,” she said. Paused. “I'm almost done my term. So close, Miriam. And you had to bring this to me.” Sighed. “Well, I'm not leader for nothing, am I?”

  Mom's smile lit her blue eyes, the only ageless part of her. “I have every faith in you, Margaret.”

  “Hrumph.” The older witch shook herself a little. “I suppose that means we need to find a way to save this daughter of yours.”

  “Yes, please,” I said.

  Margaret bobbed her head. “I'll alert my Enforcers,” she said. “Time to dig out the weeds in my garden. And in the meantime, we'll work out some kind of solution. Hopefully one that doesn't start Armageddon.” She rolled her eyes, offered a wee little smile. “You do realize how hard this is going to be? Damned vampires. Never met such a bunch ready to kill each other at the slightest provocation.”

  I grinned. “You haven't been to Demonicon,” I said.

  She shuddered. “No,” she said. “And I have no wish to.” Margaret had gone back to being someone I kind of liked. She may have been a bit hide-bound, but she was stepping up.

  Couldn't ask for more than that.

  “We'll do our best, sweetheart.” Mom hugged me again.

  “Let's just hope the solution we reach is one we can live with,” Margaret said. “Though I don't think you're going to end up with everything you want.”

  There was a shocker.

  Snort.

  ***

  Chapter Fourteen

  Margaret left us, presumably to talk with her Council, and even though she'd come around, I was still happy to have Mom alone for a little while.

  She hugged me again, not letting go this time as she led me to a settee and drew me down beside her. The segment of her magic tied to vampire power, thanks to Batsheva herself no less, connected with mine and, in that moment, the world opened up again.

  Beginning with a very angry tirade from Gram.

  When I get my hands on that tart of a bitch with a capital 'B'—

  She wasn't alone.

  —can't say out of trouble for ten minutes. That was Sassafras, piggybacking into our conversation. I didn't mind. Not even a little.

  Enough, you two. Mom stroked my hair while I leaned against her and just let her be my mother. Syd's been through a lot in the last few hours. And none of this is her fault.

  Of course it isn't, Gram snapped.

  What's the hold up? Sassafras's amber magic snaked inside me. The moment it did, I felt his panic. I thought you were just out cold, his mind's voice fell to a whisper. Syd. What happened?

  A quick recounting of the story since I was kidnapped followed. Mom must have been blocking out the pair of them because they reacted to each revelation with shock and anger.

  Tell me you've ripped out Batsheva's black heart and force-fed it to her? Gram shared a helpful image.

  Mom sighed inside my mind. Mother, she sent. Chided, actually. Though I firmly agreed with Gram's desire to wrench the evil woman's life away in as painful and humiliating a fashion as I could muster. You're not helping.

  This is ridiculous. Sassafras actually spluttered. They have no right. Not only is Syd outside their territory in the first place, possession is nine-tenths of the law.

  He was watching too many procedural cop shows again.

  Or was he?

  You're correct, Mom said. And were this my territory, I would deal with the two vampire Queens with a very firm hand. But it isn't. And I can't.

  First things first, Sassy sent. We have to find a way to free Syd's other powers. No offense to the vampire inside you, but you're on much firmer ground if you have personal backup.

  None taken, the vampire sent. Might I intrude?

  Bless them, my family sat stunned a moment before Mom piped up.

  Of course, she sent. Your existence is as much at risk as Sydlynn's.

  Thank you for understanding, she sent. Because I'm standing my ground. I will not be divided, nor join efforts with one of those... creatures. Her disdain rang clear as a bell. I will flee and live alone before I allow that to happen. But I would much prefer to stay right where I am. As for your suggestion, Sassafras, I have grown accustomed to the others who live with me and would very much like to have their support again.

  Nice to know everyone living in my body was getting along.

  How did you free yourself when Demetrius used the powder on you last time? Mom. I guess I never told her.

  Sebastian. I sat up abruptly. Stupid, stupid. I had him here, alone with me. Why didn't I have him repeat the performance? His power had "bitten" me, the spirit magic of vampires helping my body shed the influence of the powder. Hope faded a little. I was dosed under orders, I sent. Which means he might not help me.

  Gloom settled over us. All we can do is ask him, Mom said.

  Ask? Gram snarled. Let me at him and he'll be begging to help. He thinks he's scared of that Queen of his? I'll show him scared.

  There was no way I could hold in my laughter. I love you, Gram.

  She grunted, but her mental touch softened. I feel useless, she finally sent.

  So do I. Sassafras's demon power felt different without my own, but his worry came through anyway.

  We all do, Mom sent. But we've faced hardship before. And we've always survived it. I have faith this will resolve itself.

  Good thing someone did.

  Patience, the vampire sent. There is a time for action but there is also a time for learning, understanding. We must wait and see what unfolds through diplomatic channels. Perhaps there will be a way to turn whatever ruling comes out of it to our advantage.

  Okay, I'd buy that. As long as it doesn't involve me dying, I sent, or becoming a real vampire, it's all good.

  She shuddered, my body suddenly covered in goosebumps. Agreed, she sent. I like you just the way you are.

  So do I. Gram's gruff words were followed by a mental hug and wet smack. Keep us posted.

  Sassafras's farewell feeling was much less optimistic, but included a hug of his own before he was gone.

  “Time for me to do some research.” Mom rose from her seat. “I'm not up on European law, or their treaties. I felt out of the loop in negotiations last night.”

  I didn't want her to go, but knew she had to.
“Need some help?”

  She smiled, stroked my cheek. “You get some rest,” she said, kissing me softly in the same place her fingers had touched. “I'll see you shortly.”

  I had every intention of doing as she told me. But I just couldn't seem to settle. Food arrived twice through that endless day while I paced and napped and paced some more, Charlotte kindly steering clear.

  Unable to relax enough to allow a full sleep, I went exploring in my room as the shadows started to lengthen, the sun finding its way to the horizon. An antique shower was a welcome sight, a happy surprise to find in an old castle, but I supposed even vampires appreciated more modern amenities than heating water with fire. I scrubbed down under the fall of hot water, emerging to a large terry robe and a giant closet full of dresses.

  Charlotte had already sniffed her way through it and deemed it safe for me to enter. Like there was some fabric monster in there ready to eat me. Though from the look of some of the gowns, it was a distinct possibility. I glanced at my sundress laid out over the back of a chair, now a wrinkled, dirty mess and sighed. At least the clothes in this closet weren't so avant-garde as to be unrecognizable as attire. I still puzzled over some of the pieces I'd come across in my Demonicon selection and felt sure I'd never find out what they were for.

  Or want to.

  Ball gowns at least were familiar, though I did spot a few riding outfits, complete with tall leather boots and velvet jackets, lacy blouses spilling their guts over the front of sheer white shirts.

  No way was I doing skin-tight pants in this company. So a dress it was. My eyes went immediately to the blue selection, my best and favorite color. At least if I was going to put on a show when they called me to my doom I could look my best.

  And who knew Charlotte had a way with hair and makeup? When she caught me dabbing on some mascara and a bit of gloss, my wet hair hanging over my bare shoulder, she rolled her eyes and took me firmly in hand.

  Firmly.

  By the time she was done, I felt like I was going to prom. Only this time, instead of the caked-on perfection Erica insisted I wear, the accenting colors my wereguard chose were subtle, enhancing my appearance rather than changing it. My dark hair, no pile of curls for me, spun in ringlets from a low ponytail tucked to one side, strings of crystals woven through to catch the light. The cut of the heavy dress left a little more of my chest exposed than I liked and Charlotte was every bit as vicious with the ties on the corset as I expected, but I had to admit the end result was startling.

  I told you, the vampire inside me said. They need spirit power to enhance their beauty. You already have it.

  Well now. Blushing.

  I stepped out of the bedroom and into the sitting room as the sun set behind the mountains, plunging the room into darkness. Skirt swishing over my heels, I turned to Charlotte only to feel the compression of air preceding a vampire teleport. I spun back just in time to catch Batsheva’s errand boy, Piotr, as he appeared, latching onto my arm and dragging me away with him.

  I was stunned and drugged last time he tried it. Not so this time. The moment he teleported us away, I let the vampire out. She sliced through his defenses with knife cuts of spirit power, staggering him as her magic took control of the teleport and brought us to a halt.

  You were expecting this? She sounded approving.

  We both were. I fretted a moment over Charlotte. She had to be losing her little werewolf mind back in my room, but she wasn't my focus. Couldn't be. What now? I already knew.

  My vampire was kind enough to offer options. We can go back, she sent. Or we can deliver a message.

  I liked how she thought very, very much.

  After a moment of jerking free memories from Piotr’s nasty little brain, my vampire found the location she went looking for and we were off again. We emerged in a massive chamber of stone and wood, a fire roaring in a giant hearth, a crowd of exquisitely dressed vampires turning to face us with shock and fear while Batsheva rose to her feet, a scowl on her face, one that deepened as I dumped the unconscious Piotr to the carpet and gave him a firm kick in the ass.

  “I accept your invitation,” I said.

  Celeste leaned in and whispered to her, but Batsheva shoved the vampire away, surging toward me with fury in her eyes.

  And... madness. I'd always thought she was crazy, but in a brilliant and conniving kind of way. The level of nuts I saw in her at that moment was the first time I ever doubted my judgment.

  Either she'd lost some of her mojo when she'd become a vampire or I'd given her way too much credit all along.

  “Seize her.” Batsheva's order sent that group of stunning undead toward me, though I saw them fighting her, faces twisting as though in pain.

  A blast of magic sent them back. “I said I accept your invitation.” I felt certain I could take them, but then again, neither my vampire nor I knew our limits without my alternate magicks as backup.

  Damn it. At least I could put on a good show. Sebastian, I sent.

  I'm here.

  Batsheva kidnapped me again. I let him feel my rage in a sharp shot of power. I'll be leaving shortly.

  Spirit magic jabbed, cutting me off.

  “Your pet can't help you,” Batsheva hissed, face twisting. No amount of vampire goodness could make her beautiful at that moment. “This is my castle. No one is permitted entry unless I allow it.”

  Vampire rules. They had more idiotic edicts than demons. I hated them so much.

  “What do you want?” I know, I know. It was pretty obvious.

  Batsheva bared her teeth, showing me the glittering points of her fangs. “Why, just to talk.” She cackled a laugh, turning in a circle, stopping to eye me up and down, her smile fading to a vicious smirk while her fingers played with one of her curls. “Aren't you just sweet in your little outfit?” Hmm. Jealous much? “Though, you're nothing compared to me.” Laughter again. She'd clearly lost her mind when she'd lost her life. “Tell me, Sydlynn—what do you think of my new look?” She spun to the left, waving her hands as three vampires scrambled out of the way so she could look at herself in a huge mirror. “You had no idea it was me, I'm so beautiful now.”

  “Impressive,” I said. “Death becomes you.”

  She shot me a smile, a real smile. Was she that deluded?

  What the hell was wrong with her?

  “I am, I know.” She turned to the side, ran her hands over her thin waist once chunky. “And I'll be this beautiful forever.”

  “On the outside.” It slipped out, I swear.

  No more smile, just a look of venom so deadly I waited to keel over.

  “Enough of your insolence,” she snapped. “And enough of you and your precious little coven.” Celeste hissed at her, but Batsheva ignored any attempt to silence her. “I will have your death and nothing will stop me.”

  Unhinged and undead. Not a good combination. I almost felt sorry for her while my mind whispered the question of how much of it had always been her and how much was the Brotherhood.

  That was a very scary thought.

  I spotted Demetrius, hovering behind the vampires, his blue eyes locking on mine for a moment before he hid again. Seeing him reminded me to prod her further. Maybe she'd become so unstable she'd implode.

  Wishful thinking.

  “How's Ameline these days?” As casual as asking about the weather. But it had the desired effect.

  Batsheva spit like a pissed off cat as her skin glowed suddenly with power, fangs growing and retreating in a moment. “That girl has no sense. I offered her a perfectly good deal and what did she do?”

  The other vampires backed away from her, fear and loathing on their faces as she tossed her hands up, lighting strikes of power lashing out around her. Nice to know they might not back her if they had the chance to take her down.

  Wasn't counting on it.

  “I couldn't begin to guess,” I said.

  “She ran off, chasing some stupid pipe dream.” Batsheva jabbed one sharp index finger at me.
“And, as usual, it's all your fault.”

  Mine?

  “The Brotherhood offered her an excellent deal.” Batsheva fanned herself, irritation growing.

  Celeste's face morphed into rage for an instant before settling again, her eyes snapping fire at me. I guessed she had no idea that particular Brotherhood-loving feline was long out of the bag.

  “Excellent!” Batsheva's eyes glittered from the affront. “Instead she's out there, stealing bits of magic like a common thief, thinking she's the next evolution. Whatever that means.”

  My.

  Heart.

  Stopped.

  Beating.

  “What?” I had just enough air to push that questioning word out of my vibrating body.

  “Foolishness,” Batsheva said while my heart stuttered back to life, though the anxiety in me didn't fade. “As if she could be anything more than she is now. As if demon power, vampire power, Sidhe power could help her find some kind of greater fate.” Batsheva shook her head, anger gone, laughing softly as though the benevolent leader chastising an errant child. “She'll be disappointed and come back to me on her hands and knees.” Vicious again. “And I'll crush her when she does.”

  I wasn't even really listening to Batsheva anymore. Not while I struggled with the truth, wanting to deny it, shut it off, find a way to unhear what I'd just heard.

  None of this mattered anymore, not the vampires or the treaties or even my own fate.

  Not while Ameline was out there trying to become maji.

  ***

  Chapter Fifteen

  Batsheva rambled for a while until even Celeste began to look embarrassed by her leader's behavior, all about her plans for dominance and what she was going to do to Pannera, to my mother, to Margaret, on and on in a spiraling downward vortex of cray-cray.

  I watched Celeste carefully and realized very quickly the force of power had shifted between them. Though Batsheva came across as the leader, from the moments of hatred puncturing her calm, it was clear Celeste now held the reins, allowing the other woman to act as some kind of deranged figurehead. And though I wasn't sure why, just yet, Celeste must have had a plan. Possibly with the help of the Brotherhood.