Viktor sat on his throne, contemplating the fact that neither of his daughter's seemed to listen to him when it matters most, yet he knew that if ever there was a time that they needed to show up for Council, Cheriz would be by his side in an instant, whilst Sonja would disappear and cause the Council to think her irresponsible. And there was another thing buzzing around in his mind, whom his eldest daughter would marry; he knew it would have to be one of the Twelve, yet he could not put his finger on whom he thought was worthy for his daughter's hand. The large, stone doors opened wide to reveal the Council members, led by Cheriz, and Sonja nowhere in sight. He sighed, what was he going to do with that girl?

Tannis appeared a moment later, walking up to Viktor's left, Cheriz up to his right, the two of them facing the Council members, the Elder nodded his head, "Sit."

Cheriz sighed, opening her eyes to find, as expected, Tannis not beside her, but a piece of parchment with the usual couplet.

In my darkest hour, when all hope seems to fade,

My dark angel rises from her daylight sleep and makes me whole once more.

She smiled, taking the parchment in her hand and getting out of bed, wrapping her robe around her as she placed the paper in a small box on her desk, where several other small pieces of parchment with the same, neatly scrolled handwriting, lay hidden from her father's prying eyes. After putting the new piece inside the box, she turned to her bureau and took out one of her more ornate dresses, being a member of the Council was tiresome, yet she wanted to make her father proud, and being the eldest of his two daughters she had to set an example. She knew that Sonja would not be there, so it was up to her to show the rest of the Council that the family of their ruler had some morals when it came to politics. There was a knock on her door, "My lady? The Council members are waiting for you," the chambermaid's voice came through the door.

The princess sighed, putting her hair up and sliding on her shoes, "I'll be right there," she took one last look in the floor-length mirror; she didn't dress like this to impress her father, she dressed for Andreas and only him. Cheriz walked out of her chambers to come face-to-face with the annoying Councilman Coloman, whom she was praying her father hadn't chosen for her to marry.

"My lady," he grinned slyly, taking her hand.

"Coloman," she sneered, snatching her hand away, "this way," she led them through the labyrinth of halls until they reached the throne room, the doormen pushing the large stone doors open wide. Cheriz's eyes fell upon the Coven Historian appearing at Viktor's left, as she walked up to his right and turned to face the Council. Her father nodded his head, "Sit," the Council took their seats, Tannis went to sit at his desk, preparing to take notes on the meeting, leaving her to sit at her father's side.

Coloman stood, "As you are aware, my Lord, the lycans have been attacking the human villages more often lately, ever since Marcus began his sleep."

Viktor sighed, "I am aware of all this."

"Then you are aware, that they lose countless workers every day, and William's pestilence remains unchecked. The mortals grow distressed."

Her father chuckled sarcastically, "Humans upset? Tannis make a note of how much that grieves me."

The historian's jade eyes flashed at the ruler, as he smirked at the sarcastic remark.

"Their lost workers means our lost silver," the Councilman deadpanned.

"I've heard enough. Have I not increased our incomes tenfold since Marcus and Amelia took their sleep?"

"I suggest that we give them some form of protection. Whilst our Death Dealers roam the night, perhaps a group of trained lycans can roam the day?"

Cheriz's eyes grew wide, looking at her father's incredulous gaze, "Lycans outside the Walls, have you lost your minds?!"

A female Council member stood, "If we were to treat them to better rations, finer living quarters, perhaps they would follow one of their own, one that followed your orders."

Coloman smiled, "Your pet Lucian? The one who saved your daughter's life earlier yesterday? In fact, I'd like to hear her thoughts on this matter," he turned to Sonja's seat, which remained empty, "it seems she is needed elsewhere."

Cheriz stood, "I can give you my opinion on this, Coloman."

"I asked for your sister's opinion, my lady."

"And as you've stated quite clearly she is not here so allow me to indulge your question with an answer," she snapped; oh how she hated when they treated her like an inferior when it came to these meetings, but she always rose to the occasion and defeated them all. "If my father were to allow a group of lycans to become day patrol who knows what they could do. They are not to be trusted even though some are more respected than others. As to your question of Lucian, I stated before lycans cannot be trusted, and even though he is a blacksmith under my father's advisement, that does not mean that he is tame. He is still a filthy mongrel and aside from his duties is to be treated as such. Is that clear, Councilmen?"

The two members nodded their heads, "Of course, my lady," she'd won.

Viktor smiled at his daughter's persistence, "We will deal with the wolves, as we always have."

Throughout the rest of the meeting, Cheriz remained silent, keeping her eyes only on the historian at his desk, diligently taking every word a Council member said and writing it onto one of his many scrolls.

"...Cheriz? Cheriz," her father's voice broke into her thoughts, notifying her that the meeting was over, all of the members had left, yet Tannis was still writing.

Her ice blue eyes locked with her father's, "Father."

Viktor nodded, "I wish to talk to you about something," he turned to Tannis, "you can finish those in your office, Tannis."

Tannis looked at the two of them, a little confused, but nodded his head, "Yes my Lord," he collected his scrolls, bowing to the two of them as he left.

"What is it father that you wish to speak to me about?"

"I wish to talk to you about the prospect of you marrying."

Her eyebrows shot up, "Marry? Father."

"I have considered several Council members who have asked for your hand, but I would like you to give me someone you could see spending eternity with," his eyes looked at her intently, but she knew how serious he meant this.

"Um...I could see myself spending a, considerably sufficient life...with Tannis."

Viktor's face went into shock, "Tannis? Wh-Why on Earth would you wish to marry Tannis?"

Cheriz had to think quick on her feet for an excuse other than she loved him, but luckily she was good at that sort of thing, "Well he's always been there, around Sonja and I, and he's a very decent man."

"Yet he's not a member of Council," her father stated.

"I know this father, but would you rather me marry someone I knowI'll be unhappy with, or would you rather give me the chance of happiness. I'm sure in time I may grow to love Tannis as a husband rather a loyal historian. If you were to have me marry someone on the Council I know I'd be unhappy for the rest of my eternal life," she tried to hide the plea in her voice, but at the end she knew it slipped out.

He sighed, placing his hands on her shoulders, "My darling, I was hoping you'd name someone on the Council, making my choice a bit easier, but I'm afraid, I can only choose someone who has asked for your hand. I cannot force Tannis to marry you."

"What if you wouldn't have to?"

"Then I'd consider him."

She bowed her head, "Yes, father."

Viktor smiled, kissing the crown of her head, "I know you will make the best of whatever choice I make for you, Cheriz."

His daughter said nothing else, but strode out of the throne room, heading down the winding halls towards Tannis's office, only to run into her sister.

"Sonja! Where were you?!"

Tannis had heard the entire conversation between father and daughter, if he asked Viktor for Cheriz's hand he'd consider him. Consider; what a feeble word for absolutely not. He sighed, now turning back to the scroll he'd been finishing, the room illuminated by dim candlelight allowed shadows to dance around on the walls. He'd heard the Council members ask for the eldest princess's hand in marriage, even Coloman had done so, but he couldn't see Viktor consenting to Cheriz marrying any of them. Then he'd heard Cheriz's offer to marry Tannis, how in time she may come to love him as a husband, which he knew was just a cover for her father. What she'd said made him smile, then Viktor's remark, I cannot force Tannis to marry you, he wouldn't have to force the historian into anything, he'd marry the princess in a split second if he could. The scroll in his hands now held no interest to Tannis, he rolled it back up and left it on his desk, removing himself from his own office and heading down the halls towards Cheriz's room, when he heard the most dreadful conversation his ears could overhear.

Sonja sighed, facing her sister, "I went out for a ride?"

"And missed Council yet again! Father is getting impatient, Sonja as am I."

"What do you have to be impatient with?"

"I don't know where you go! I am your sister!"

"And that means you have to know where I am every minute of the night?"

"Sonja, please don't make me argue with you," the eldest sister sighed, putting her hand on Sonja's arm, "where were you? Truly?"

The young vampire looked at her sister, "I was out. I told you."

Cheriz did not let her sister pass, "If I find out you're lying to me, baby sister, I promise you father will be the first to find out."

"Find out what?" the two sisters turned in shock to face their father, who was walking down the halls with Coloman.

Cheriz sighed, "I was asking Sonja as to her whereabouts during the Council meeting. I told her if I find out she was lying then you'd be the first to know."

Viktor looked at his youngest daughter, "And where were you, Sonja?"

Unruly, brunette hair covered bright blue eyes, "I was out riding, father, and lost track of the time. I apologize, it won't happen again," she stalked off down the hall and disappeared, Cheriz turning to do the same.

"Cheriz, do wait a moment," her father ordered.

The eldest sighed, turning to her father and the Councilman, "Father?"

"I wanted to tell you the news, but I think I will let Coloman tell you."

The Councilman stepped forward, "I have watched you perform the dance of politics well beside your father, Cheriz, and it has intrigued me. No doubt your father has told you he has been considering Council members for your marriage."

Cheriz was confused, "Yes, he has."

"Well...your father has granted me with the wonderful privilage, of promising you to me, when the full moon rises."

The princess's face fell into one of shock, her eyes looking longingly at her father, "Father. Tell me this isn't true."

Viktor sighed, "You will marry Coloman in five days time, and you will do so because I have said so."

Coloman extended his hand to her, "My darling, do not fret. I shall make you the happiest vampire in this Coven."

Cheriz shook her head fervently, pushing the Councilman's hand away and running down the hall, away from her father's calling voice, "Cheriz! Cheriz get back here this instant!"

She slammed her chamber doors shut and locked them, collapsing against the woodwork in hysteria; how could her father do this to her? How could he promise her to Coloman of all people? Why couldn't he see her happy and take her suggestion of Tannis? Why not listen to her for once and allow her to marry someone she truly loved? Yet, her father did not know that. Her father did not know that Cheriz loved the Coven Historian...but no: she would never love Coloman, she'd kill him if she had to. There was a rustle in the corner of her room, within the shadows, her head snapped up, "Who's there?"

Tannis felt his heart break within his chest when he heard what that wretched Councilman had stated: Viktor had promised Cheriz to Coloman, it couldn't be true. He fell back against the hallway wall, gasping in shock and sorrow. No, he wouldn't allow it to be, Cheriz had made a promise to him, that they'd be together for eternity. He strode down the hall to her chambers, hiding within the shadows until he heard her fast footsteps approaching. His jade eyes watched as she slammed the doors shut and locked them, then as she collapsed against them hysterically crying; the sight killed him. He stepped forward once, her head snapping up, "Who's there?"

Tannis revealed himself, arms at his sides in defeat.

Cheriz ran to him, throwing her arms around him, "Oh, Andreas! What are we going to do?" she sobbed into his arms, he said nothing but held her close as tight as he could, "Andreas speak to me."

He sighed, pressing his face against her silk hair, "I won't let this be. I won't lose you."

She sighed, looking up at him, "We have to tell my father. We have to tell him."

Tannis took her face in his hands, wiping away the tears, "Sssh, sssh, sssh, my love calm yourself. We shall, I promise you we shall."

Her slender hands cupped his face, arctic blue eyes filled with tears stared at him, "Can you love me even though I've been promised to another?"

"Cheriz."

"Answer me."

"Why would you ask me that?! You know I love you!"

"Could you love me if I were to marry Coloman?"

Tannis dropped his hands in shock, "W-What are you saying?"

The princess sighed, wiping her eyes with the back of her hand, "I have to keep my loyalty to my father, as do you. If we were to tell him about this he'd kill you without a second thought! I'd rather marry someone else and see you alive than confront my father and watch you die!"

He shook his head, "No, don't say things like that! You can't mean that!"

She faced him, "Andreas don't you understand?! We can't tell my father he'll kill you!"

"I don't care!"

"I DO!" she yelled, slamming her fist against the stone wall, making a hole. She sighed, her hand still pristine as ever, dust and small rock fragments littered the floor beside her, "I will not watch you die. If you pursue this and confront my father, and he decides to kill you, do not expect me to watch."

Tannis took her in his arms, forcing her to look at him, "I know how you can get out of this, I know information that will have your father indebted to you."

Cheriz looked at him, "What could you possibly know that would do that?"

"What Sonja has truly been up to during these disappearances."

The princess's attention was at full alert, "What has she been doing?"

"Your sister, has been consorting...with a lycan."

Cheriz's ice blue eyes turned brighter with anger, "What?"

"Lucian to be exact. You don't believe me, darling?" he extended his pale wrist.

She looked at her lover, of course she believed everything he said, but this she had to prove. Taking his wrist in her hand she bit down, allowing the blood to flow and memories to flash through her mind: what she saw made her entire body shake with fury. Cheriz released her mouth from Tannis's wrist, facing him with blood-stained lips and anger-filled eyes, "How could she do such a thing?"

Tannis smiled, "That is not important, the important thing is that your father will allow you to do anything you want after that."

Cheriz smiled with him, "How I love you."

He pulled her to his chest and smashed his lips against hers, tasting his own blood on her lips as he pulled her dress off, unclasping his robes and letting them fall to the floor. Cheriz sighed into her lover's mouth, feeling her bare back press up against the stone wall, tangling her fingers within his brown hair. She sighed, her lips against his ear, "Make love to me."

Tannis kicked off his boots, and pulling his breeches down to step out of them he pressed his lips to hers once more, his arms wrapping around her, one around her back the other held onto her thigh, keeping her supported against the wall as he plunged into her. The princess gripped his smooth shoulders tightly, gasping against his kiss-swollen lips as she felt him push deeper and deeper inside her. The historian moaned, latching his mouth onto her collarbone, sucking and nipping as he trailed fire-hot kisses down to her chest, taking each supple breast in his mouth in turn and suckling them.

"Oh," Cheriz moaned, clawing at his back as she felt him press her higher up against the wall, allowing him to thrust harder. His strong, soft hands held onto her lovingly, his mouth connected with hers once more.

The two lovers were so engrossed in their sexual passion, that they did not notice the prying eyes in the doorway of Cheriz's chambers, prying eyes that would tell their secret.