Hey!

Its been a while, eh?

So basically I've been really busy with school... but hey, school is over now!

Now, this is a short (like 3-5 chapter) story. I wont deny that my interest for my other stories has slightly faded. I need to gain my interest back, and what better way then to write? Before this summer ends, I hope to have continued working on all my stories. First, I wanna finish this story.

Now this story... is a little different. It takes time in the 1960's and it takes place in London, England. The characters are all from the Night World Series... maybe some OC's. They are all human.

Now, another thing you should know is that the 'facts' in this story are not accurate. I really do not know much of the English Monarchy. Neither do I know much of politics. I did some research... but most of the stuff in the story is off. So dont trust everything you read.

Of course, to make things work with the plot I had to change somethings. In all honesty, I think the only thing accurate is who the Queen is.

-o-

I think that is all I need to say. So please, do enjoy.

-o-

Disclaimer: I do not own the Night World Series.

-o-

The Cruellest Of Atrocities

Short Story

-o-

Summary: The royal family is gathering to celebrate the birthday of the Queen's favourite niece. Aristocrats are invited, but not assassins. Within an hour the unexpected happens and the life's of many take a 360 turn. The question is; for the better, or for the worse?

-o-

"Don't judge a thing until you know what's inside…"

-Bryan Adams

Blowing a cloud of smoke from his cigarette, Morgead Blackthorn studied the papers in front of him. It wasn't the first time he went over them and it probably wouldn't be the last. Those papers contained all the information he needed to complete his latest assignment. An assignment he was taking seriously because it was the first one he was put in charge of.

A grin spread across his face as he thought over the reasons why they chose him as the leader. He was reckless, uncaring and most importantly; daring. Those were the characteristics needed for the assignment. Morgead knew most people considered him a waste seeing how those characteristic could easily get you killed. However, they were the best characteristics to get the job done fast. And they needed speed.

This assignment had a time limit. If they took longer then needed, things would go wrong. It was a risky assignment- one mistake, would end it death. Morgead wasn't the type to make mistakes -another reason why they chose him. Four years working for those bastards and not once had Morgead disappointed. They actually trusted him now and they even relied on him. He was one of their strongest weapons and for him that was an honour.

Morgead let the grin on his face vanish as he heard the sound of the door behind him opening. He didn't have to glance back to see his 'team' enter, instead he silently waited until he heard the sound of the door being closed. Morgead threw the rest of his cigarette away before turning around to face them.

Three pair of eyes that reflected different emotions focused on him. Morgead's eyes simply narrowed as he noticed the three of them looked uninterested. He huffed with annoyance before crossing his arms. Face relaxed, he started explaining not caring if he spoke with his German accent. "Thierry Descouedres; fifth in place to the throne of England. That's our target." He paused to see the reaction of the three men in front of him. They didn't even move.

"He is a twenty-five year old with the mind of an elder. Brilliant and completely flawless in everything he does"

"Someone has a crush."

Morgead ignored that comment. "He worked as a general in the fight against the rebellions five years ago. He is a strategist and a perfectionist. He can handle weapons pretty well and it seems he is always carrying a pistol."

"Seriously dude, about the crush…"

"I'm just telling you everything these papers say, David. Shut up" Morgead scoffed with annoyance as he saw David's lips form a smirk.

David Blackburn. The self-centered asshole who is still alive no matter how much Morgead wishes he was dead. Morgead still remembers the miserable day he met David seven years ago. He had been informed David would be his partner and he had laughed. A partner for the type of work he did? Did they want him to work with someone who would probably screw up his assignments or probably end up dead? Morgead had thought they were crazy.

But he was proven wrong. David, no matter how childish and selfish he was, had shown to be more than capable of handling the job. Which is why he is still breathing- unfortunately. Morgead sighed deciding to ignore David from now on before he focused his attention to the other two guys in front of him.

Unlike David, he didn't trust these two. Galen Drache and Eric Ross. It was his first time working with them- not to mention the first time working with Frenchmen. To say that they already disliked each other would be an understatement.

Morgead had no idea what his boss was thinking when he decided to allow those two to join him on the assignment. If anything, they were going to bring unwanted tension that could result in failing to complete the job. But apparently Galen and Eric's involvement in the assignment was crucial.

With another sigh escaping his lips, Morgead glanced at the papers in his hands before he continued to speak. "Gillian Descouedres' birthday ceremony; that is when the job needs to be done"

"Gillian?" Eric mused. "The daughter of Louis Bonnefoy, qui?"

"Bonnefoy? Her father is Alexander Descouedres-"

"Non. Her father was French. Mr Bonnefoy. " Galen stated. "He was assassinated by a British spy twenty years ago. Right after her birth."

"That is impossible" Morgead declared.

"Non." Eric said which slightly annoyed David, who was quietly watching the conversation. Did the bastard have to speak French…? "Not many know of this, but Gillian is actually part French. Her mother, Adelee Lennox got involve with Bonnefoy a year before her marriage with Alexander."

"Who was this Bonnefoy?"

"He was a French Aristocrat. Worked as a representative of the French trading market."

"He was important?"

Galen nodded. "The Queen of England knew of his existence, and she even knew of his relationship with Adelee. But we all know the Queen doesn't have much say in diplomatic decisions, no matter what the people believe."

"Diplomatic decisions?" David asked amused with the information he was given.

"His assassination. It was ordered from the royal family- not to mention the assassination of everyone who knew of Adelee and Louis."

"So why aren't you dead?" David remarked boldly.

"They cant kill what they cant find" Eric replied with the same tone before narrowing his eyes. "Gillian is still quite respected and her name is in future plans for France, I hope her involvement in this is minimum, Morgead."

"Gillian is ninth in place to the throne. Quite shocking if she is part French" Morgead mused before shaking his head and sighing once again. "Gillian should not even be involved in this. Her birthday is tomorrow, and the royal family is celebrating the event."

"They want us to assassinate Thierry at a royal event?" David nearly laughed. "Most of the royal family should be there, meaning most of the security in England will be there. Talk about a challenge."

"It should not be that hard, non?" Eric spoke with his French accent as a smile played on his lips. At this Morgead couldn't help but agree. If he was to like anything about the Frenchmen, it would be their confidence.

"Ja."

-o-

"It is a pity he will die" Rashel Jordan spoke ending the silence in the room. "He is quite handsome."

"He is English," Keller Jordan stated with annoyance turning to face her sister. "He deserves to die." Keller glared at her sister as she simply smirked. With a huff she turned to face the window her eyes had previously been focused on.

It was a beautiful afternoon, Keller had to admit. She had heard rumours of England's poor weather, and at first she hadn't been excited at all. In fact, she still rather be in Paris. If it wasn't for the fact that the ceremony celebrating Gillian Descouedres' birthday she was invited too had turned into an event she must forcefully assist, Keller would not be in London right now.

But orders were orders, and she could not disobey. Not with so much at risk. Sighing, Keller started making her way towards the cabinet that contained a few bottles of whine. She was not allowed to have any drinks tomorrow, therefore if she was to drink her sorrow, it would be today.

"What are you doing?" her sisters voice echoed in the room as Keller froze.

"Nothing."

"You can't drink"

"I wasn't going to."

"Mon dieu, Keller! Just take a nap, you must be exhausted." Rashel ordered with annoyance as she went to stand next to her sister. "Drinking wont help."

"Why did I bring you again?"

"Because you had no other choice?" A third voice echoed in the room before the sound of a door being slammed was heard. The sisters turned towards the entrance to see the German aristocrat standing with a few bags that seemed to be filled with food. "I hope you girls like soup. I am afraid that is the only thing I know how to do." With a soft smile, Hannah Snow slowly started making her way across the room.

Hannah was a lady travelling with the sisters. Just like them, she was of high importance in her country, and of course, she was also invited to the ceremony tomorrow.

"Soup is fine Hannah." Rashel smiled sweetly before offering her assistance and starting a conversation. Keller simply rolled her eyes as she watched her sister interact with the German. Of course, Keller was French meaning she did not particularly like Hannah, however her sister seemed to feel differently. She had befriended Hannah right after she met her and much to Keller's annoyance, Hannah and Rashel now acted as if they were the closest friends.

Of course, Keller couldn't really blame Rashel. After all, Hannah was a person easy to like. Keller herself was finding it difficult to not enjoy her company. In all honesty, she wasn't really trying either. Mon dieu, I must really be exhausted.

"The gowns arrived" her sister was saying. "They are quite dazzling." Rashel sighed with a hint of frustration before crossing her arms and leaning against a wall. "I rather wear pants- actually, I rather not attend tomorrow."

"We do not have much of an option."

"Unfortunately. Why couldn't I be the one assigned to do the killing-"

"Rashel!"

"Mon dieu! It is not like I haven't killed before!"

"Don't remind me." Keller growled sending a glare towards Rashel's direction.

Silence took over the room as the sisters glared at each other and Hannah continued to prepare the soup. She watched for a few minutes before decided to ignore them. It was probably just a sibling thing to do…

Hannah focused on the soup she was preparing. Fortunately, she had managed to get her hands on all the ingredients necessary. She had first been afraid her German accent would be to thick for anyone to understand her, however, her English had been fine. The store owners had noticed her accent but they had indeed agreed her English was understandable.

That was definitely a good thing seeing how tomorrow she would have to converse a lot with the guest. She was the only German aristocrat present for the event. She was practically representing Germany, and she knew she couldn't let her country down. As long as her English was understandable, things would be okay.

At least she hoped.

-o-

Entering the study room as he watched his brother pacing back and forward, Ash Redfern couldn't help but to grin. Delos looked quite pathetic from where he stood. Ash could clearly tell he was lost in thought seeing how Delos never bothered to tell him to leave. Actually, Ash was sure Delos had yet to even notice his presence.

Ash fixed his suit as the smile on his face never left. He carefully walked towards the other side of the room where he noticed his sister sitting. He raised a brow at her while she simply shrugged. He noted Jez looked to be in a horrible mood by the way she was flipping the pages through a book she seemed to be reading.

Ash sighed tiredly before getting himself comfortable next to his sister on the sofa. She huffed in annoyance before rolling her eyes. Ash ignored her as his eyes focused on Delos who was now trying to kneel down properly with one smooth move. Ash noticed the small box he was holding with a shaky hand and that is when he realised what exactly was going on.

"So 'Mr. Heir' how is the plan coming out?" Ash asked loudly causing Delos to jump. He then proceeded to laugh which caused Delos to blush before he shook his head and leaned against the bookcase in the office.

"What are you doing here?" Delos questioned with clear annoyance.

"Thank you for answering my question." Was all Ash said causing both Delos and Jez to roll their eyes.

"The plan is working out brilliantly, Ash. Now please answer my question."

"Brilliantly? You cant even kneel down without loosing your balance" Ash remarked with amusement.

"Can you get him out of here Jezebel?"

"Only if you convince mom to let me stay home tomorrow."

"Not going to happen."

"Then I guess Ash is staying here."

"It is not like I was going to leave anyways."

"There is a party and I wasn't invited?" The voice of their youngest sibling silenced their bickering as he entered the room. "How rude." he huffed in annoyance before noticing they weren't even looking at him.

"Go away James," Ash growled not bothering to turn to face him.

"That is no way to speak to Jamie." A fifth voice said as it caught everyone but James by surprise. James rolled his eyes as he saw the three heads of his older siblings turn completely shocked.

"Quinn?" Jez asked with disbelief before starting to make her way towards him. "Wh-What are you doing here?"

"You don't want me here?" Quinn questioned jokingly before reaching out to hug his sister. She growled softly before giving in and tightening the hug, but just as fast, she pushed him away.

"It is not that. I just thought you would be staying in Scotland for another week."

Quinn nodded, "I was suppose to, yes, but I received an invitation from the Queen a week ago."

"Gillian Descouedres' birthday celebration?" Delos asked as he gave his younger brother a short hug after he nodded. "She did mention she wanted to see you." Delos mused.

"Gillian?"

"No, the Queen."

"Ah,"

"Nice to see you again, Johnny!" Ash spoke with fake enthusiasm before giving Quinn a cunning smile.

"Couldn't agree more, baby brother." Quinn said with the same smile Ash was giving him. Soon after however, the smile on Ash's face vanished as he rolled his eyes in frustration. "You okay, lad? You look a little red." Quinn remarked.

"Your presence just annoys me."

"Brilliant! I should bless you with my presence more often then!"

"Comical."

"Cant there be a day in which you two decided not to argue?" James asked bitterly as he went to stand next to Jez who seemed to be ignoring them all.

"Nope." Ash and Quinn agreed as they gave their younger brother a sweet and sly smile. James simply growled before sending them both a glare.

"Boys" Delos warned. "Mind taking it outside?" he asked however with the way he spoke, it sounded more like an order.

"Sure thing 'Mr. Heir', I'll leave you so you can practise how to mess up in front of Lady Neely"

"Ash…" Jez warned as she shooed James away. "You should honestly know better." She mumbled before grabbing his hand. "Good luck!" She exclaimed before leaving the room as she pulled Ash with her.

"What was Ash talking about?" Quinn asked as he closed the door before locking it, making sure his annoying siblings would stay out.

"I'm proposing tomorrow."

"Who is the lucky lady?"

"What do you mean who!" Delos exclaimed with disbelief. "Who do you think?" He asked roughly as he sat on the sofa feeling even more tired than he expected.

"I don't know." Quinn said defensively.

"You git!" Delos mumbled before letting out a heavy sigh.

"If you haven't noticed, I have been away for three months! Not once have I received a letter from you informing you were getting a little intimate with a lady. I knew nothing of you for these three months! So don't expect me to know who the hell you plan on proposing to!"

"I never received a letter from you!"

"Well sorry, I was slightly busy with the work you should be handling!"

"You are the one that chose to do the work for me!" Delos growled feeling his anger rise.

"Because I wanted to leave this rotten place!"

"Brilliant! Why are you back then?"

"Why do I even bother with you?" Quinn cried out as anger took over him. In one quick movement he pulled out a cigarette from his pocket before lighting it with a lighter he seemed to have been holding all the time.

"Ungrateful git. I am away for three months working for your bloody arse and I don't even receive a thank you? Well then, like I fucking care." Quinn wasted no time in opening the door, however before he left he shared a few last words. "I wish you the best with that bloody whore of yours. I can not imagine what dyke would willing marry an arse like yourself. Send her my condolence."

Delos reacted quickly. He grabbed the nearest thing to him and threw it at Quinn in one smooth movement, however Quinn managed to close the door before it made contact causing the object, which had been a bottle, to break in countless pieces.

Delos swore as he grabbed another object, this time throwing it against the wall. It had been a book that belonged to his father. He regretted throwing it, seeing how it was in poor condition so he quickly went to pick it up. Not recognizing the book Delos simply placed it back where he found it before making himself comfortable on the sofa.

Quinn's bipolar attitude wasn't surprising. Of course this time he had gone too far by insulting Maggie. He knew his brother would eventually apologize once he started feeling guilty. Delos also knew Quinn would definitely feel horrible once he finds out the lady he called a 'whore' and a 'dyke' is the same lady that helped him arrive to Scotland without a scratch.

The lady that he had once liked, Delos knew. It wasn't hard to read his brother, so three months ago when he had caught him staring at Maggie he had recognized the lust hidden in his eyes. Of course by that time Maggie and himself were already seeing each other. Delos had refused telling Quinn anything seeing how he knew he would forget about Maggie after his trip to Scotland. Maybe Delos had made a mistake by that. For all he knew, his brothers feelings for Maggie had grown- although he doubted that.

Delos simply sighed as he chose to worry about this issue later. His eyes were getting heavier and the fact that the sun was slowly starting to vanish didn't help his state. He was dreadfully tired and the idea of resting was sounding better every second that passed. However Delos couldn't waste time. He still needed to practice…After all, like Ash had said, he cant even kneel down without losing balance.

Goddamnit…

-o-

"You look beautiful." Gillian Descouedres looked behind her to see the owner of the voice before shaking her head disagreeing.

"Don't say such lies." Gillian huffed embarrassed as she looked at the reflection in front of her.

With a small smile, Thierry said; "I don't usually lie."

"But that means you do lie."

"Everybody lies."

"Sad, but true." Gillian agreed. "Are you sure the gown looks fine? I feel like it makes me shorter than I already am."

Thierry tried his best to hide the amused smile his lips formed before walking towards his cousin. He offered her a hand and waited for her to take it. After hesitating, she did and with one quick move, Thierry pulled her towards him as one of his hands made itself comfortable on her back and the other stayed grabbing her hand.

"Lets see" Thierry mused. "I am quite tall and you seem of perfect height for a dance." As if to prove his statement, Thierry started moving gently as he slowly led Gillian to a few dance moves. "Your body seems to fit perfectly in the dress, the colour suits your eyes." Of course, Thierry thought, her eyes could look marvellous with any dress. "I do however question why you picked such colour."

"My father picked it."

"Blue?" Thierry hummed. "Interesting." With that said, Thierry came to a stop letting Gillian go. He held her hand as she found her balance before brining her hand towards his lips. "You look beautiful, Gillian" he mumbled while placing a soft kiss on her hand.

"Thank you, Thierry." Gillian smiled shyly as he finally let her hand go. With a small bow she found herself walking towards the small balcony in the room. She heard footsteps behind her as she realised Thierry was following her. She turned to look at him and quickly noticed his face seemed to be hiding something. She studied him for a second before noticing the look on his face. That look… she recognized. It was the look people gave her when they wanted to do something… ah! Gillian thought happily before finally understanding. Thierry wanted to tell her something.

Gillian realised that it was probably why he was even here. Thierry hated family reunions, especially ceremonies in which not only the family was present, but also a great amount of aristocrats. She found it quite shocking Thierry would be here the day before the event. She assumed he would simply show up the day of, so he could wish her a happy birthday and then leave.

"Is something bothering you?" She found herself asking.

Thierry looked startled and even slightly pleased. He gave her a small smile before nodding. "You are very observant" he stated as he went to stand in front of her. They were standing on the balcony, the ceiling being the sky. It was almost dark and Gillian couldn't help but to feel excited. She would be seeing the stars soon.

Thierry found himself giving Gillian a gentle smile as he reached out for both her hands. He grabbed them tightly before rubbing both his thumbs on her soft skin. "Gillian" he whispered sadly, "I heard…"

Gillian gave him a weird look before her eyes widened in realization. She snatched her hands away as she roughly turned around giving Thierry her back. Her hands shook softly as they reached out to touch he shuddering lips. She wanted to say something… anything… but she found herself unable to speak. She didn't know what to say, so she silently stood still until she felt two hands press on both her shoulders.

"Gillian…"

"Who told you?" She snapped allowing a funny feeling enter her gut.

"Your father." Thierry answered knowing there wasn't a point in hiding the truth. "He thought I could be off comfort seeing how you did not take the news well." Gillian said nothing as she felt Thierry give her shoulders a soft squeeze. She noticed her eyes were getting watery and before she could stop them, the tears escaped her eyes as her lips let out a soft sob.

"Gillian…"

"Heartless," Gillian whispered. "That is what he is! Heartless! He is selfish and uncaring-" Gillian broke out into a fit of sobs before Thierry turned her around and gently pulled her towards him. "Oh, Thierry! Why! Why is this happening to me?" Gillian cried out as she buried her face on his chest. "It is not fair!"

"I agree." Thierry simply murmured as he allowed Gillian to let her tears fall. "He has no right forcing you into this."

Gillian nodded as her body started shaking with every sob she let out. "Yet…" she whispered. "Yet tomorrow he is giving me away…"

"Don't say that."

"It is the truth." Gillian cried. "Tomorrow he is giving me away to some…" she trailed off not being able to finish her sentence.

"He is giving your hand in marriage." Thierry mumbled trying to make it sound sweet for Gillian, however, she didn't buy it.

"My birthday present." Gillian snorted with bad humour. "That's what he calls it."

"Maybe it wont be-" Thierry never got to finish his sentence because he was silenced with one simple move from Gillian. She had lifted her head and gently placed her lips on the side of his lips. Thierry completely shocked refused to move. He stood frozen even after Gillian moved away. She blinked a couple of tears before wiping them away. Then her eyes locked with his own.

"I refuse to marry someone I do not love, Thierry." She mumbled before she turned around to face the sky. "You say it might not be that bad…" she trailed off as her eyes narrowed towards the ground. Then, with a sigh she continued; "…yet you know how bad it really is."

Thierry blinked. "Gillian…?" He finally managed to mumble but by then Gillian had decided to drop the topic.

Gillian turned to face him. She smiled. "Do you usually lie?"

"Everybody lies."

"Do I?"

"You deceive." Thierry stated.

"Have I deceived you?" She questioned as she turned once again to face the sky.

"You have…" Thierry started, "…you have given me the truth…" he turned and walked towards the door before he opened it softly and stepped outside the room, "…in the disguise of an illusion." And with that said Thierry closed the door behind him leaving Gillian behind as she stared at the sky.

"Then I have deceived myself."

-o-

So who is slightly confused?

Hehe... anywho!

That is it for chapter 1!

So what do you think?

Like it?

Hate it?

I personally like it. I have the main plot going on... which is Thierry's assassination. Then, there is the subplots... which are the engagements and the family relations. Now just wait for the other subplots! Wooo! OH! And just incase you are wondering...- actually, never mind. I wont tell you, you will just have to read. But I can already see a few of you asking me this one question...

oh well.

Before I forget... I just want to let you all know I am not German, or French, or English. I am no expert in the way they speak... I am just taking a wild guess. If you feel slightly offended for whatever reason, let me know. Kk? Cool!

I hope you liked this first chapter!

Review?

Please?

=D?

-Maria

God Bless You!