"Well, here I am," I replied. "I'm Lissa, but then you already know that. Erland Morphis just told me that you were the first woman he ever wanted to go to bed with."
"Why did that idiot tell you that?" she asked, smiling and releasing my hand.
"Because he informed Lissa that she's the other female he wishes to take to his bed," Kifirin announced. I wanted to elbow him in the ribs for that.
"As if he has time for a female," I snipped. "His first love is Erland Morphis, and any woman would stand behind a long line of males on the rest of his list."
"Exactly what I always thought," Glinda laughed.
Roff walked into the room at that moment, followed by Giff, who was carrying a baby. "Roff," I whimpered, wanting to run to him. I held myself back.
"Is this our Queen?" Roff asked, coming forward. This Roff didn't know me. Had never met me, or kissed me or held me. I missed the Roff who'd done all those things.
"Honey, I've missed you," I said, afraid to touch him.
"You call me an endearment?" Roff was surprised, I could tell.
"Do you not want that?" I asked, worried.
"I should be kneeling at your feet," he said, shocking me.
"Honey, don't you ever do that," I said. "Ever." I couldn't help it; I went to him and hugged him.
"The Queen loves you, Roff," Kifirin said softly. Roff's arms went around me.
"Would you like to offer your blood, Roff?" Kifirin asked; his head suddenly next to Roff's ear. I wasn’t about to take much, just enough to give him satisfaction.
Roff couldn't speak, but he was eager. I held him away from me. "I won't hurt you," I said, leaning in to kiss him. Roff was ready now, and Giff watched in wonder as I leaned in, placed another kiss on Roff's neck and bit him as gently as I could. Roff cried out in ecstasy and I held him while his body convulsed against mine. He was now holding onto me as hard as I was holding onto him. The High Demons were watching all of this, I noticed, when I licked Roff's neck to heal it and leaned away from him.
"Did you like that?" I asked.
"Very much," Roff's voice was hoarse, his brown eyes still clouded with pleasure. "I would like to do it again."
"I didn't take much from you, but you still don't need to do this again for a few days. Is that little Toff back there with Giff? You need your strength to take care of him."
"Yes," Roff was still trying to gather his wits as he motioned Giff forward.
"Hey, baby," I played with Toff's little hands. He was adorable and the proud owner of a full set of teeth—I saw that right away when he yawned in Giff's arms.
"They eat animal protein, straight from the birthing sac," Kifirin informed me.
"Because you made them that way," I looked up at Kifirin, who shrugged.
"What would your first law be, if you were Queen on Le-Ath Veronis?" Kifirin said instead.
"That it would be a death sentence if anyone drank from a child," I replied instantly. "The rights of the comesuli should be considered first, don't you think?" Kifirin's eyes lit up as he smiled at me.
"I will bring you a copy of the old laws," he said. "The first of which levied a death sentence upon anyone who drank from a child." Roff and Giff were listening to us, their eyes shining.
"Their rights first?" Jayd asked as he, Glinda and Garde moved closer.
"You are looking at potential vampires. They are vampire young in that respect and I have it on good authority that Roff and Giff are winged Infilathi and will make winged vampires. I want to see that for myself. How would you treat your children, Raoni?" I gave Jayd a hard look.
"We have laws protecting our children," Glinda said. "We should have understood what the commons meant to your race."
"Avilepha, we should go," Kifirin said. I nodded. No sense getting the High Demon King all riled up—it could affect the way Roff, Giff and the others were treated.
"Sorry we barged in on you like this," I apologized. "Kifirin offered me the chance to see Roff and I couldn't turn it down."
"You came only to see me?" Roff asked.
"I came mostly to see you. And Giff, and little Toff. I hope I get to see you again soon." I gave Roff another kiss before Kifirin folded me away.
* * *
"Roff, I think you're special to the Vampire Queen," Glinda gave him a hug.
"I cannot believe it," Roff said. "Why did she pick me?"
"Why wouldn't she pick you?" Garde patted Roff on the shoulder.
"Perhaps we should take Toff to the kitchens, he looks hungry," Giff said.
"Do you think so?" Roff lifted his youngest child out of his oldest child's arms. "Let us go feed Toff, then," Roff agreed, smiling as they walked out of Glinda's suite.
"In less than half a click, this story is going to be all over Veshtul," Jayd moaned.
"Stop whining," Glinda slapped Jayd's stomach with the back of her hand.
* * *
"The Queen gave the rapture? Truly?" Those words were spoken from one comesula to the next until it was all over Veshtul, just as Jayd said.
* * *
Kifirin spent the night with me, but left early in the morning after kissing me while I was still asleep. Just as well, I had things to do. More gates waited and I got another five, for a total of fifty-four nesting pairs. Flakkar were just filthy and foul and if I'd had more time and energy, I'd have Looked to find where they came from and what their natural enemies were. I might have also gone Looking to find how they'd gotten there to begin with, but that would have to wait. People were dying in the meantime and I could only do so many things at once.
My nap came next and when I came out of my suite later to find a snack, Karzac was sitting at the island having a cup of tea.
"Hey, Karzac, I haven't seen you in a while," I said, unable to resist rubbing his back.
"I have been giving inoculations on Ooblerik," Karzac sighed. "Jeff and I volunteered to help the indigent population there. This does not violate the noninterference rules since we only use normal abilities for this."
"How's it going, then?" I poured some juice and sat beside him with my glass.
"We are currently in the middle of what should be classified as a jungle," Karzac replied. "Conditions are deplorable and many children are ill already. A border war is also threatening, so time may be short."
"That sounds awful," I said. "Why are they trying to wage war if people are sick? That makes no sense at all. Seems to me you're putting your life and the lives of your soldiers in danger if you send them into an epidemic."
"I think this as well, but often dictators and despots only think of the ground to be gained, the revenge to be had or the notoriety to be earned. They care nothing for the lives of the people." His words made me think of the High Demons who made a pact with the Ra'Ak, but I didn't voice those thoughts aloud.
"When are you going back?" I asked.
"When I finish my tea," he said and emptied his cup.
"Please be careful," I said, patting his shoulder as he stood.
"I will," he replied and folded away.
I was still sitting there sipping my juice when something happened, and if I'd thought my skin itched before when something terrible was about to happen, well, it was on fire now and all I could think about was Karzac. I didn't even take time to Look or worry about folding where I wanted to go, I just did it. I flung myself out and found myself in the middle of the jungle Karzac had described, with an army advancing toward a village and firing weapons as they marched in. The village was in chaos while people screamed and ran away from the encroaching troops. Children wept as parents shouted their names—the adults were frantically attempting to get the young and the old ones away while others fought off the invaders. Karzac was there, too—I just knew it. I had a choice to make and I made it quickly.
People are frightened when they're turned to mist and they don't know what is happening or how it happened, but it couldn't be helped. I'd chosen to take them out of harm's way instead of gathering up the ene
my forces right then. Karzac and Jeff were both in the group I gathered, with sixty villagers, including their children. I dropped them off two miles away, and they were still screaming and crying when they materialized. I'll be back; I sent to Karzac and headed toward the advancing army.
Weapons misted out of hands and I dropped them into the nearby river before going back for the soldiers. I figured I could find where they came from easily; I had the resources, now. It didn't take long to gather them up, although a few had scattered in fear. There was one more thing I collected before heading toward their village and the schmuck who'd sent them.
The soldiers were dropped (not gently) in front of the despot's home, all screaming and shouting, and when the despot himself came out to see what had happened, I left the last gift with him. The young man's body dropped right on the despot's head after I released it. The body had been ravaged by the disease and hadn't been dead long. The despot went down under the dropped weight and he was cursing and flinging the body away as I misted over his head, flying toward Karzac and the others.
The medical personnel were still trying to calm the villagers when I arrived. I did my best to appear behind a stand of trees before going to help if I could.
"Lissa, if you can place compulsion, now would be a good time," Karzac was desperate when I reached his and Jeff's side. I nodded; Karzac, Jeff and the others were dealing with mass hysteria.
"All will be well," I said to the small group they were tending. Cries and screams ceased immediately. I went to the next group, doing the same thing until everyone had been calmed. I turned to the volunteers next and told them they'd gotten advanced warning and managed to get the people to safety. They all nodded at the suggestion.
"Is it safe to take them back?" Karzac asked when I was done.
"For now; I dumped weapons in the river and then dumped soldiers in the despot's village," I said. "And I dumped a dead body on top of the despot. I hope it was still contagious."
"Did he touch it?" Karzac asked.
"He had to—I dropped it right on him," I replied.
"Good," Karzac nodded. "It takes two weeks for the virus to incubate and he hasn't been immunized. He thinks the gods are sending the disease."
"Maybe they did—for him, anyway," I grinned at Karzac. "Do you need help getting everybody back home?"
"We have it covered," Jeff came over to talk. "It's better if they don't remember you." He was definitely Merrill's son, but he didn't look as much like Merrill as Franklin did. I sighed.
"You're probably right," I agreed and folded away. I did a victory dance when I reached the villa again—I could fold without even thinking about it! How cool was that?
* * *
"Radomir, I haven't seen you lately," I said when I went back to the kitchen after my little side-trip. I wanted a glass of water; Radomir was sitting at the island having a sandwich.
"Lissa, I have been with Mack and Justin at the beach house on Kiarra's private planet. It is quite nice there at the moment. Warm, sunny days with little rain. You should go there sometime."
"Mike said something about that," I hedged. I sure didn't want to go if Merrill was going to be there.
* * *
Radomir watched Lissa closely. He'd spoken with Flavio and Wlodek. He'd heard all the stories, now, about the Council, as well as Gavin and Tony. Somehow, they'd all remembered Lissa. An unseen hand had delivered the memories, and now all were clamoring to see the little Queen. Wlodek had warned him, however. He'd said Lissa might bolt if she learned the Council was asking to see her. Radomir didn't know what to do.
* * *
"Is this what you wanted?" Flavio handed the small card to Gavin.
"Thank you, Honored One," Gavin reached out to take the card—it was an old driver's license, something made obsolete by the introduction of ID chips. Specifically, it was Lissa's driver's license; the forged one she'd gotten when she'd first been made vampire. Gavin had kept it in his wallet since he'd taken her to the Council; hadn't been able to part with it until it, like his memories of Lissa, had disappeared. The photograph of Lissa was a good one; she'd been smiling in it. More than likely, the one who'd created the ID had said something to amuse her. Gavin had so seldom accomplished that.
"We're trying to get her to a Council meeting; I could use her help," Flavio muttered. "We have those two we're holding and if she knows who sired them," Flavio didn't finish his statement. So many times over the years, that talent would have helped them in their decisions. Now they had her back—but would she consent to come?
"The meeting is tomorrow night, Honored One," Gavin pointed out.
"And I'm working on this," Flavio rubbed his forehead. Gone were the days when they could command that she come. Not only was she a Queen that they could no longer threaten, but she was protected. Flavio didn't want to think what the Larentii alone would do to them if they tried to coerce Lissa. And Wlodek worried that Lissa would simply disappear if she heard the Council was seeking her.
"This is a quagmire," Flavio rubbed his forehead.
"I was told she died. And then was brought back, somehow. Is that true?" Gavin heard that rumor from Will—he and Tony had found the former vampire in a London pub. Will had probably tracked them down, but Gavin didn't object; Will had provided information when asked.
"Yes. Wlodek says that is true. I fail to understand the how or why of it, but we are all grateful." Wisely, Gavin didn't inform Flavio of the visit he and Anthony had gotten. Gavin imagined Lissa's life might be tied up with that one somehow, but was afraid to speculate over it.
"If she consents to come, I wish to be there. Only I wish to come in later, before the meeting ends."
"I have a better idea," Flavio said. "And if Anthony weren't in Barcelona, now, I'd include him as well."
"He can wait," Gavin muttered. "What do you have in mind?"
* * *
"Lissa, you got away last night before I could talk to you," Wlodek was suddenly beside me as Radomir and I were talking.
"Wlodek," I gave him a slight nod.
"Child, you once called me father."
"Is that what you wanted to talk to me about?" I asked, searching his nearly black eyes for an answer.
"No. Flavio has two prisoners who have killed humans, and he needs help that only you might provide. There are two others he suspects of siring the criminals, but he cannot be sure and has no desire to bring charges against the wrong one. He worries that the prisoners' sire instructed them in the killing of humans, but they were taught never to reveal their sire's name. As both were never properly registered with the Council, you see how this might turn out." He was right—I could definitely see how this might turn out. "And the laws have changed, daughter," Wlodek added. "If a vampire is not formally charged with a crime, he cannot be placed under compulsion by the Council. The two suspected sires will only be questioned."
"Are the prisoners really criminals or were they just turned and allowed to roam free?" I asked. If they'd killed accidentally while feeding themselves, there was no easy answers on this.
"Lissa, they have been questioned under compulsion and both have admitted to killing donors. It gave them pleasure to do so. However, as they were instructed not to reveal the name of their sire, Flavio cannot get around that. I can obtain copies of the records; Charles will be happy to bring them to you if you wish. Flavio only wishes to get to the bottom of this before sentencing. I told him you could give him the necessary information."
"When is the meeting, father?" I sighed, resting my head on my arms at the island.
"It is tomorrow night, child," Wlodek rubbed my back gently. "Gavin always said you carried stress in your neck and shoulders." He rubbed my neck carefully before moving to my shoulders. "Merrill and I will take you to the meeting and ensure you remain safe there." I stiffened when he mentioned Merrill's name, but nodded while his hands carefully worked the kinks from my shoulders. Once upon a time, I'd have scoffed at the mere suggestion that any gentl
eness existed in the Head of the Council.
* * *
Flakkar were waiting for me the following morning. I got four gates that day, but they were very far apart and difficult to reach. Nevertheless, the Flakkar died as quickly as I could make it happen. Two of the worlds were preindustrial, which made it worse.
"Baby, where have you been?" Drake and Drew were both in my bedroom when I returned to the villa.
"Cleaning up a mess," I yawned. Either the gating or the killing of the Flakkar always tired me out. Or perhaps it was both, how did I know? "I could ask you the same thing." I gave the twins a weary smile.
"All you have to do is call our name and we'll be right there," Drake said. He sounded disappointed that I hadn't done so.
"I really need a shower and a nap," I pointed out.
"Then we'll help," Drew slid off the bed and came to me. I laid my head against his chest and wrapped my arms around his waist. He pulled his arms around me and they were warm, thick with muscle and the best thing in the world right then. I got my shower without any extracurricular activity. Drake did tell me I wasn't eating enough—he said I wasn't gaining my weight back as quickly as I should.
"If Karzac takes the time to check on you, baby, he might be upset," Drake breathed against my ear as he covered me up later with a light blanket. I was left to take my nap but got the impression they'd be waiting when I got up.
Dinner was waiting when I woke and shuffled into the kitchen. Grace and Devin cooked since it was Sunday and one of Mike and Jamie's days off. Somebody asked for turkey and dressing. Who knew that somebody would cook it outside the normal holidays? I was glad to get it—hadn't had anything like it in a long time and I stuffed myself.
"She's eating a decent meal," Drew hugged me as I had more dressing. Before, food like that would have made me blow up like a balloon. I changed into a nicer outfit later; black slacks with a cranberry blouse. Then I brushed my teeth and braided my hair for the Council meeting. Wlodek and Merrill did come to get me just as Wlodek said. Drake and Drew would have come along too if they'd been allowed. Merrill had to promise them I'd come back in one piece before they stopped grumbling.
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