Sorry for the posting delay! This chapter didn't go at all like I expected and I had to rethink a lot of it, because Celina wouldn't let me take the easy way out and let everything magically be all better! Heee! I think it does make it a better story though! Sadly, there's not a lot of Jane/Lisbon in this chapter, but I'll make up for it in the next one! Jane and Lisbon plus royal party equals amazingness!

I'll be out of town for the weekend, so I won't be able to write more until Monday…. This makes me sad! Here's something that might amuse y'all. I dressed up like a cow today to get free food. I love Chick-fil-A!

A big thank you to CELINA, WILDDAISIES, JOLLYRANCHER, SHOPPING-LUVA, and INNOXA! (Welcome back, Innoxa! I've missed you!) All of y'all have been super fabulous with your reviews and encouragement!

Chapter 21

The return trip to the castle was full of silent tension. The Elders were furious that the Dreamers were involving themselves in vampire affairs. They were reluctant to acquiesce, but technically they were part of the Dreamer kingdom. They demanded to be a part of this so-called meeting and Jane and Lisbon were in no position to deny them. Treating him as a prisoner, they demanded Cayt's hands be bound.

"What is the purpose of this? We've complied with everything you have asked," Divinia hissed as the blond vampire was shoved roughly to the ground. You have no right to-" A loud slap echoed causing the rest of the clan to look up in anger as the Elder backhanded her across the face. Divinia sent them a warning look before lifting her eyes to meet the Elder's gaze.

"You would do well to remember your place," the figure reprimanded before brushing her aside. "You're in a precarious situation as it is," he coldly tossed over his shoulder and roughly pulled Cayt to his feet. Cayt shot Thread an urgent look and the other vampire gave an imperceptible nod as he made his way over to the Clan Leader who was still frozen in place. After a few whispered words, she allowed him to lead her to the rest of the group before heading off.

Jane looked over at Lisbon who was nibbling on her bottom lip as they followed the vampires back to the castle. It had been difficult to stand by and watch the situation play out, but they both knew they couldn't interfere especially without knowing the ramifications. Jane clenched his fists as the vampiress took a hard blow to the face. Standing her ground, Jane silently cheered when she stood her ground. He wished he could hear what was being said.

Lisbon was amazed that Jane wasn't interfering and she knew that his curiosity and urge to interfere had risen drastically since they had arrived. She took a deep breath as she thought back to the catastrophe that had been diverted. Apparently, there was a lot more to vampire customs that no one knew, and she was horrified by the primitive and violent nature of it. It seemed they still lived when it was acceptable to take an eye for an eye, no matter how innocent.

Urging her horse to speed up, she looked over to Jane who was studiously watching the Clan Leader. Divinia had an eerie calm about her as she walked vacantly through the forest. It was a similar stance Lisbon had seen mirrored in Jane after the latest Red John case, and that worried her. She'd seen what that case did to Jane and she wondered how the vampiress would handle it.

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Divinia was worried. Pulling her long hair back, she quickly braided it while she walked. She had streaked the silver with purple in an attempt to hide the similarities between herself and the royal family. Lost in thought, she could feel Thread by her side but she refused to acknowledge anyone. She didn't know what to expect at the castle. For all she knew, maybe the kingdom had demanded to bear witness to the execution. She didn't know if she could handle that.

As the group came to a halt, she was surprised to find herself already at the castle gates. A cold feeling of dread wrapped around her and settled in the bottom of her stomach as the doors were opened and they were ushered in. She concentrated on the sound of boots hitting the marble floor to enhance her false sense of calmness. She kept her head held high as whispers and scathing looks greeted them until they finally arrived at the throne room.

Elina sat in the center of the room with Arlia at her side. Several people she didn't recognize occupied a long table that was off to the side. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Jane and Lisbon edge around the corner of the room to sit by Colonel O'Neill and Major Carter. She took a deep breath and tried to clear her mind to present a strong front. It wouldn't be appropriate to fall apart now.

"We are here at your request, Your Highness," she said with an even tone as she kneeled before Elina and Arlia. Her voice did not hint at the hopelessness she felt. The rest of the vampires followed suit.

"There is no need for that. You're a friend, and friends call me Elina," she answered as she studied the group in front of her. She was surprised to see the Elders. Most customs of vampire life were secret and the Elders were rarely seen. Her eyes wandered until she spotted Cayt. He looked relatively unharmed, but his hands were tied. He looked tired and his mouth was drawn in a tight expression. Although her sister seemed to exude a calm authority, her eyes betrayed her painful inner turmoil and there was a slight edge to her expressions.

"Forgive us, Your Highness," one of the Elders spoke. "But what is the point of this. You have no authority in our system."

"Actually, we do," Arlia said with a hint of disgust. "The last treaty gives us some leeway in your customs in exchange for the opportunity to leave on our land. We haven't interfered before, but we feel this situation warrants our attention."

"It wasn't a fair fight. They were outnumbered 20 to 6 and were at a disadvantage. My parents did not elaborate on the situation, and so there was no reason to assume there would be any foul play. I drop any charges against him," Elina said angrily.

"That's all nice and well, but a vampire's word is an important thing. The trust it establishes must not be tainted. Someone must be punished," another Elder added.

"Then punish me!" Divinia exclaimed as she whirled around. "You've never cared about the individuals or the circumstances around the situation. It's all political, so why not find the biggest scapegoat for this witch hunt and be done with it."

"You're out of line!" an Elder said as he stepped threateningly closer. "You know the rules."

"The rules are outdated!" Divinia was breathing heavily from her rant while the others stared at her in shock. "This whole fiasco was my fault. The contract was made for selfish reasons and in doing so, I was negligent in my duties."

"Divinia…," Cayt growled softly.

"Fine! You will be stripped of your position," the Elder roared. Elina cleared her throat, hoping to break up the escalating fight that threatened to explode any minute.

"What if we grant them royal immunity?" Elina asked.

"We have no basis for that," Arlia answered with a frown. Elina locked eyes with Divinia and the vampiress shrugged.

"Actually, we do," Elina said with a sigh as she thought about the possible consequences for both of them.

"Please elaborate, Elina. I'd love to put an end to this messy situation," Arlia said with a baffled expression.

"She's my sister." She almost laughed at the stunned silence that greeted her as everyone turned to stare at Divinia. Arlia gasped.

"Why didn't I see it before?" she whispered. "She looks just like Kalina when she was younger."

Whispers filled the room, and Divinia almost felt like she was an exhibit at the zoo. The Elders broke off and whispered amongst themselves. Cayt had a small smile on his face as he quietly came up beside her, while the others in her clan were staring at her with wide eyes.

"Should we call you princess, now?" Pike asked with a teasing smirk that caused her to groan. Hopefully, this would help them and not blow up in their faces. The lead Elder stepped forward and cleared his throat after shooting Divinia a nasty look.

"I believe we can work out an arrangement," he said before turning to Divinia and Cayt. "You will be stripped of your position. We forbid both of you contact with your clan or any other clan for a period of 50 years starting in one day's time. You will effectively be banished from our society during that time. That is our final offer." Elina started to open her mouth, but was quickly silenced by a look from Arlia as Divinia nodded.

"We understand," she stated as the Elders walked out in a huff. The tension started to dissipate as a collective breath was expelled in relief.

"Talk about a tough crowd," Jack whispered as the Elders stormed out.

Jane released the breath he didn't know he had been holding when he watched Divinia's eyes light up when Thread pulled out a small knife and cut through Cayt's restraints. The vampire rubbed his raw wrists as Divinia practically leaped into his arms, kissing him soundly. Jane smiled at the first real public display of affection he'd seen from the couple as they held each other tight. Sliding down from him, she turned to the rest of the clan with a sad expression.

"I'm –" she started when Thread cut her off.

"Don't say you're sorry," he said with a grin. "You've taken enough of the blame today."

"We'll be okay," Pike added. "It's only 50 years. I'm sure we'll find something to keep us busy," he said as he pulled her into a hug. "You did the right thing," he whispered in her ear. Elina let the vampires have a moment before she walked down and was practically tackled by Divinia.

"Thank you, little sister," Divinia whispered.

"It's not like I don't owe you a few thousand things for all you've done for me," Elina added with a grin. "You're both welcome to stay here, you know."

"We'll definitely think about it," she said as she glanced over to where Cayt was standing with Thread and Pike as if she still expected him to disappear any second.

"I do want you two and Pike and Thread to stay till tomorrow. We shall have quite the party!" Divinia rolled her eyes at her sister's laugh. Turning she searched the crowd until her eyes met Jane's and she smiled.

"I think now I need to sleep before I collapse," she said as Cayt wrapped an arm around her. Elina just laughed as she led them off.