A/N - SVM Characters belong to Mrs. Harris, original characters and story line are my own. You have me all happy and giddy with the exquisite reviews and feedback from the previous chapter. I am so thrilled to know that I have been able to keep so many of you on the edge of your seats. Stay safe this Holiday Season.
Chapter 29 - Old Bones
Scene 1 - PPOV - Assassin
My Master had me trailing after Victor and Sandy this evening, having traded off with Chow who was now stuck tailing the stinky Necromancer and his bitch Viola. I tugged on my cashmere sweater to settle it back around my hips, disdainful of the admiring looks I was gathering from other vampires. I knew I looked good in my designer pant suit and exquisite pumps. I let my scornful gaze fall on the pup that thought to approach me, probably offering his bed for my entertainment. He never had a chance, his plumbing was all wrong in the first place. I found very few men to be appealing anymore, preferring the softer flesh of a well built female. My fangs ran out when I thought of Sookie, now there was someone I wouldn't mind getting into my bed. Of course there was a more likely chance of hell freezing over before my Maker would allow me to taste her again.
I shook off the memories of the taste of her blood and that delicious kiss and discreetly followed the uptight vampire in front of me. Sandy Seacrest was the epitome of a bitch with a broom stuck up her ass. Watching who she had associated herself with while here, I also suspected she was a closet practicing witch, which made the broom even more likely. The woman had no sense of style and desperately needed a hairdresser to show her that pulling her hair so tight as to appear under torture was not attractive by any means.
I had dismissed personally Victor being somehow involved with whatever was attacking Sookie; he had been accounted for elsewhere during the encounters. Sandy on the other hand, I had viewed several times in the same vicinity, usually moving away from the area.
I dutifully trailed after her as we entered the large Ball Room that was set up for the evening's entertainment. There was to be a couple of live vampire bands and a banquet of several unique blood types, including fairy and demon which had been supplied by various sponsors, in short tonight was for dinner and dancing.
I swore as I lost Sandy in the crowd, sighting the Alabama contingent I started to push my way toward them knowing that would probably be her destination too.
My lip curled when I saw Madison and Felipe had claimed a portion of the room to hold 'court'. You would never see my Master doing something so ostentatious. He had no need of courtiers fawning over him. We served him out of love and loyalty, not out of fear. His form of rule had gathered to him the most powerful of allies and made his state one of the richest and most efficient, despite the attempts to over throw him.
I made a serious mistake, one I was sure my Maker would punish me severely for. I had lost sight of my prey during my internal dialog and was caught totally by surprise when I heard someone scream. I twisted around just in time to see Sookie leap across the room with one of her hair pins in her fist. Her face was split by an obscene grin and her eyes glowed with insanity. I could only gape as I watched her arm swing and impale the chest of Felipe de Castro, former King of Nevada. He collapsed into ash with Madison shrieking like a banshee next to him. I stared at the absurdity of the peacock hair pin lying in the ash that was all that remained of the King.
When I spun around Sookie was gone, though Sandy was now pushing her way forcefully through the gathered crowd.
Scene 2 - EPOV - Nonsense
I flipped the phone closed on the conversation I was having with Mr. Cataliades. He would be here within the hour to represent Sookie. While I knew the pain from the silver bindings was nothing compared to the pain Sookie has had to deal with before, I was not going to let her bear the pain on her own and had opened the bond fully to absorb as much of her discomfort as I would be allowed. The woman was stubborn in her own way and was hiding her pain from me.
I quickly wove my hair into a braid and tied it off while waiting for the others to arrive for a debriefing. Pam followed swiftly by Chow and Indira came into the room. Quinn and the others were circulating below gathering further Intel. My child was uncharacteristically subdued.
"Spit it out Pam," I growled.
She spilled to my feet prostrate, "Master I failed you. I lost track of my prey and did not act swiftly enough to stop Sookie."
"You actually saw Sookie kill the King?" I asked her punishment for being lax with my other instructions would follow later.
"Yes Master, she leaped across the room and killed him with one blow." Her voice was filled with admiration and a touch of guilt for not stopping the kill.
"I will set everyone's mind at ease with the knowledge that you Mistress did no such thing." I caught their gaze with my own. "Sookie was here with me during the whole incident."
Chow spoke up, "They will not easily accept your testimony Eric. They will claim that you are lying to protect your bonded."
My smile was feral, "You are correct. So it is in our favor is it not, that when the King was killed Sookie and I were entertaining a visitor and their entourage at that exact moment."
There were fangy smiles all around the room. "You have additional witnesses then?" questioned Pam, "If so then why is Sookie still held."
"They do not wish to show our hand quite yet. We need to find the one who killed the King and framed Sookie. I hope that I can count on you to make a more concerted effort to do so this time?"
The smiles dropped away and each officer dropped their gaze from mine in a show of subservience. They hadn't taken Sookie's hallucinations seriously, had treated it more like a chore than a necessity to find the culprit. Their Mistress was now paying for their laziness and they understood that if this did not end in her favor, all of their undead lives were forfeit.
There was a perfunctory knock on the door before Stan and Russell entered with their personal guards.
"Eric we do not believe your bonded to be guilty of killing Nevada," Stan claimed as he strode forward to join us.
"Indeed, I have seen Sookie in battle before and while the assassination was effective, it was far from the neat, tidy and discreet murder I know she is well capable of. I would expect one of her victims to fall with nothing but a slight breeze in the air." Russell's southern drawl was lazy with a hint of mischief. "So Viking, what do you intend to do about this obvious frame and how can we be of assistance."
I looked between the two of them, "You do not believe that Sookie has lost her mind?"
Stan laughed, "Eric that woman of yours could teach her peers about self control. I believe someone has been playing on her vulnerabilities, but if Sookie was going to kill Felipe, it would have been in the hallway when he laid hands on her."
I lifted an eyebrow; I did not remember seeing someone from Texas during that encounter.
"We all heard about it Eric," explained Russell. "That is another reason for our disbelief, someone was spreading rumors about that encounter seconds after it occurred. They wanted the seeds of suspicion planted swiftly."
Pam looked to me for permission to speak, "You may speak Pam."
"Your Majesties, your faith in our Mistress is welcome, but I witnessed the assassination with my own eyes, and if not for the bond between my Maker and I that make a lie impossible, I would find it hard to believe that it was not Sookie who landed the killing blow, and the weapon did indeed belong to her." Pam was attempting to hide her shame from me, she felt fully responsible for the current situation.
Russell looked me right in the eye, "Eric anyone who has seen the two of you together knows Sookie would not have killed Felipe in such an obvious way. It would cause you pain and possibly your true death. Sookie would not allow such a risk. So enough with our explanations as to why we are here, tell us what we can do to help."
I accepted their assistance without any more explanation and we spent the next hour dividing up responsibilities. Stan and Russell were willing to stand as witness to Sookie's character at the emergency trial that would be held in an hour. The trial would have to be swift, as dawn would only be a few hours away once it was called.
I left the suite with Pam at my back, Chow and the others would sweep through the crowd looking for more information and locating those who I felt responsible for this whole incident. I made my way to the ball room and entered to the deep rumble of electric guitars as the live band began to play one of Sookie's favorite songs. She liked to listen to it during training sessions. She said it was a glimpse into her own psyche.
I stood where de Castro spun his last tale and listened to the lyrics of the song while my eyes searched the room around me.
I tear on the leash
That keeps me contained and controlled
Let me go, I want to break free
And fight my way out of this hole
One last hope
To rise and break away
Above the fading line
Way beyond the ties that bind
This I know
The risk is worth the gain
It's worth the sacrifice
Way beyond the ties that bind
I run, but the chains
Pull me right back to the floor
You control, rattle the cage
I won't be your slave anymore
She had risked everything to defy Andre and her Queen. She had delved deep into herself to find the power necessary to break their bond before it killed her.
One last hope
To rise and break away
Above the fading line
Way beyond the ties that bind
This I know
The risk is worth the gain
It's worth the sacrifice
Way beyond the ties that bind
She had told me how she felt I had been her hope, the light that had kept her sane through the years.
You broke me into pieces
Don't tell me what to be
Damn you all
I'm gonna find my way
Freyda and her witches had tried to divide and conquer, had stolen her life while gifting her with another. But she still found her way back to me, my heart's desire.
One last hope
To rise and break away
Above the fading line
Way beyond the ties that bind
This I know
The risk is worth the gain
It's worth the sacrifice
Way beyond the ties that bind
She was right, the risk was worth the gain, and I would risk everything to have her safe in my arms again.
"I am so sorry Eric, is there anything I can do?" Her voice was an irritant, rubbing against the memories of my lover. My lips were peeled back into a snarl when I turned to Viola, "What do you want witch," I asked as I observed her injured hand was almost fully healed.
Her violet eyes flashed with anger though her lips curved in a sweet smile, "Why Eric is that any way to speak to your, how does a human say, future sister in law?"
"You think the brief time you shared a Maker allows you to place a claim on my affections?" I asked, amused.
She dropped her sweet facade at my amusement and snarled back at me, careful to keep her voice from traveling. "You made me Queen, and then you allowed them to take it back from me. I killed her Maker for you, yet you left me to the vultures, how could you?" Her voice was a soft wail and gave answer to the reason for her failure.
I decided to respond so that there would be no misunderstanding, "You made yourself Queen Viola, not I, when you struck the final blow to your Maker. You ended your Maker for your own reasons. Sookie had already destroyed the maker bond between her and Freyda. Freyda could have recovered and faced trial for her atrocities. If she had been allowed to live and only banished, Sookie would have been free of her influence. But you Viola would still have been bound and probably banished along with your Queen. You took a chance, and you failed. I wished you luck Viola and I meant it, but the luck was yours to make."
She gaped at me like a fish tossed upon the shore, "You owed me Northman, for helping you find your bonded."
I was wasting precious time, "I owed you nothing Viola. I warn you now though; you pray to your gods I do not discover you are involved in the attempt to harm Sookie. If you are, you would be better served in taking your undead life here and now, for I will grant you no such mercy."
She blanched and tried to recover, "I would never hurt my Sister Eric. She is all I have left."
I lifted a lip in contempt, "My bullshit meter is screaming Viola, and that my dear, is why you are not a Queen." I caught Indira's eye behind her, she nodded at me. She would not allow Viola out of her sight. If Viola tried to run Indira would make sure she was present at the trial, willing or not. My phone vibrated indicating a text message. I glanced at it and made my excuses to Viola, Mr. Cataliades had arrived and the trial was starting shortly. We had nothing concrete that would allow us to name the assassin, only speculation.
I made my way to the conference room that had been set aside for the trial; it was where we had held the fledgling discussion panel. The five chairs had already been filled with the Monarchs that would be representing the council. Neither I or my allies or Madison could be involved so the council was made up of Kentucky, Tennessee, Missouri, Ohio, and Michigan, with Isaiah of Kentucky as chair and the Ancient Pythoness as Judge.
Mr. Cataliades was already seated and waiting for me, with his paperwork spread in front of his round figure. We had a half hour before the trial would begin, Sookie would not be allowed to appear for the first portion which would be concentrated around who was now the ruling Monarch, apparently there were three claims, Victor, Sandy and Madison. Victor and Madison I had expected, Sandy was the dark horse.
The room was beginning to fill. The Alabama contingent arrived first, including the more likely suspects, Viola, Pari and the others. So it appeared that Viola had the good sense not to attempt to run. Stan and Russell arrived side by side and took seats behind us. Mr. Cataliades was asking me questions about Sookie when I felt the first brush against my mind and a sense of urgency. I kept speaking with the lawyer as I scanned the crowd around us. It took me a moment to realize that I was no longer feeling Sookie's pain through the bond. I dropped the mental shields that she had taught me and allowed her to enter my mind.
Read them, she whispered.
My lover was full of surprises. I had forgotten this particular ability to share her talent. She couldn't read a vampire's mind directly, but I could if I allowed her to guide me. I yielded to her control and she showed me how to split my attention. I continued to answer the lawyer while reading the room at the same time. I was surprised by some of what we found and satisfied to have some suspicions confirmed by others. I interrupted the lawyer and gave him a list of witnesses that I wanted called and the questions I wanted him to ask. I could feel that Sookie was weary, so I sent a pulse of love through our bond and gently nudged her from my mind. We could not be caught during the actual trial performing such a stunt.
Stan was like Felipe, in that he was here at the summit only because of his involvement with the business dealings of our Clan and the information he had shared about the fledglings. He was respected, but he would not be taken seriously, unlike Russell who belonged to the Clan. If Madison was found to be involved in the deception yet allowed to live or acquire Nevada, Russell had already stated that he would be willing to take over Alabama if it became necessary, with Stan providing additional forces.
This assassination had the potential to cause a domino effect. Killing de Castro removed one of the strongest monarchs from the board. Of the three claiming his throne, only Victor had the connections and the ability to hold on to de Castro's assets. Madison would assuredly lose Nevada to California and Arkansas to Missouri or Tennessee; possibly even Illinois if Russell's husband decided he had enough of the posturing. Such continued political turmoil would leave us vulnerable to the human maneuverings. Sandy as the dark horse had connections I was unaware of, she was a good lieutenant but she was another who appeared to rule by intimidation. She might be able to hold Nevada, but I doubted she would be able to maintain Arkansas.
The effect on me would be the loss of my bonded if Sookie is found guilty. She would be executed right in front of me, and though she was now vampire our bond was as strong if not stronger than it was while she was human. Without the Fae to shield me from the pain, I could be pulled to my true death with her. If I did survive, I would be weak and the State vulnerable. There is also the chance that if Sookie is found guilty, I could be tried as an accomplice. The punishment for one found guilty would also be true death. My child could also be punished. I leaned over to Mr. Cataliades and made some urgent requests. He sent off one of his assistants who shortly returned with some paperwork that I read then swiftly signed.
I sat back feeling secure in my decisions. If we failed in our task and both Sookie and I fell, Pam would be named Queen. If Pam fell, then Thalia would be Queen and Paulson would be her second in command. If I survived but was greatly weakened, Pam would be named Regent. Indira would be responsible for Hunter's safety regardless and he and Pam would share in my wealth.
Kentucky stood and called the court to order.
"This Emergency Court is now in session. You will all rise for the Ancient Pythoness our judge for the evening."
The Ancient Pythoness was escorted to the large chair that was set to the side. Her face turned toward the crowd, her eyes blind but all seeing as she took her seat. The room shuffled and there were creaks and groans as the crowd returned to their places.
Isaiah spoke again, "We are here to choose the new King or Queen of Nevada due to the untimely death of her King. Would those that feel they have a claim please step forward?"
Victor, Sandy and Madison all moved forward accompanied by their various lawyers. It would be amusing to see so many demons and half demons in one room if it wasn't so serious.
Madison with the strongest claim was allowed to speak first. She explained that she was the wife of the former King, and according to their marriage contract had full rights to his Kingdom and assets without prejudice. She allowed her lawyer to present copies of the nuptial contracts. Then suffered through questions about her states financial stability and whether she felt she had to power to keep Nevada and Arkansas protected from take over while ruling from Alabama. She stated that she would gladly move her center of power to Nevada, words that caused some growls from her own people. It would be a good move, as Nevada was the most secure financially and strategically.
Victor stepped forward next, he was nothing if not predictable, stating that as one of de Castro's lieutenants he had the knowledge and contacts necessary to keep both Nevada and Arkansas safe. He was willing to assume the marriage contract and keep Madison as his wife and Queen. I could see both Viola and Sandy flinch, interesting. Madison was caught gaping; she wasn't expecting Victor to be willing to take de Castro's place at her side. It was a brilliant move.
Sandy was last to speak. She used the same argument that she was also a lieutenant. She claimed that where Victor was the muscle she had been the brains. It wasn't Felipe who had come up with all marketing strategies, but Sandy. She was the woman behind the throne, the person that helped Felipe on his climb to power. She was his banker, his accountant and his secretary. She also was having a difficult time holding back her emotions. It did not take a mind reader to know she also appeared to be a woman scorned.
The Ancient Pythoness declared that she had heard enough to make her decision, and rose to her feet. There was a commotion at the rear of the room, near the entrance doors. Before I turned, the Ancient Pythoness' blind eyes caught my gaze...and winked.
Chairs were scraping back and falling over as vampires scrambled to fall to their knees before the figures that strode through the crowd, parting them like the red sea. They were the Clan Elders, led by Amun and followed by Narayana, Zeus and Moshup.
I would not have known Amun to be the same man that had visited us in our rooms. That was the magic of our Elders. When a vampire was chosen to become an Elder he or she gave up their identity and took up the mantle of their Clan. They became the Clan not only in name but in physical form. No one looking upon these four figures would be able to identify them with their former life. Nor would they be able to identify them once they left these rooms, unless they allowed their power to show, they were Masters of Illusion.
Amun would always appear as a male Egyptian with a feathered Headdress. He was the leader of our Clan, the states of Louisiana to Alabama in the south all the way to Minnesota and Michigan in the North.
Moshup was a Native American giant in form and features. The harpoon he carried was massive, a symbol of the whale. He was the leader of the Eastern Coastline, from Maine to Florida.
Zeus appeared in silken robes with his flowing beard, power crackled and sparked around his fingers. He was the leader for the Western States, Montana and North Dakota to the north to New Mexico and Texas in the South.
Narayana appeared to be the most inhuman. The Hindu had four arms and light blue skin with piercing solid black eyes. The scent of the ocean hung heavy around him. He was leader of the West Coast from Washington to California and Arizona.
The four gathered at the head of the court room and stood waiting. The Ancient Pythoness spoke first and dismissed the lesser States Council.
"Ladies and Gentleman it appears that we have a new council for these proceedings, please sit with the rest of your associates."
In only moments the seating had been rearranged with all the Elders but Amun seated where the council had once been. The Ancient Pythoness turned her blind eyes to Amun. He gave a brief nod then took control of the court.
His voice rolled out with the power of a gale and the whisper of a breeze, "We are here to put an end to these foolish games. Our people have lost a ruler that though greedy, cared for those under his rule and served them well. We will not lose another to such nonsense."
"You three," Amun pointed to Victor, Sandy and Madison, "you will remain silent unless questioned. The question of who will rule Nevada will be resolved after the trial of his Murderer. The results of this trial will severely impact the decision as to who will rule."
There is dead silence, no one dared to raise their voice against the Elder. Sookie was led in and seated at my side; she was no longer bound in any way. There was a mutter among Alabama, but was swiftly silenced when Amun glanced their way.
He spoke again, "This woman is not bound as I see no need for it. There will be no magic in these court proceedings, unless I allow it, are we clear? He looked deliberately at Pari and his crew in the corner before glancing at Sookie and me. We all nodded. Sookie reached for my hand and love and courage poured through the bond.
Amun spun on his heel and took his seat, "Now that is settled, Mr. Cataliades as representative of the accused you may call your first witness, you have the floor."
"Thank you my Liege," Mr. Cataliades bowed briefly; "I would like to call Pari Liam to question, if it may please you."
Pari looked confident as he strode forward. The tattoos across his face and arms writhed in the light.
"Mr. Liam," the lawyer began, "or may we call you Pari?" he asked.
"Pari is fine demon," the witch rumbled his voice a rich bass.
"Thank you Pari," continued our lawyer, "You are a witch of some power are you not, and in fact known you prefer to be known as a Necromancer?"
"Yes" This was common knowledge after all.
"Would you please tell us who your current employer is?"
"I am contracted with several states, including Nevada and Alabama."
"You were formally attached to Oklahoma, were you not, and involved with Queen Freyda's attempt to blackmail Mr. Northman into marriage using his Bonded Ms. Stackhouse?"
Pari's eyes narrowed but he had to answer, "I was there as a member of the Queen's Coven."
One of the other lawyers interrupted, stating he did not see what the questioning had to do with the assassination. Mr. Cataliades answered smoothly that he was working toward showing that there were those present with reason to frame his client. Someone else shouted out that there couldn't be a frame when so many witnessed the murder.
Amun's eyes glowed silver and an icy breeze blew through the room, no one else spoke. "You will continue Mr. Cataliades."
"Did you cast a spell on Mr. Northman's child Pamela that evening in Oklahoma which would allow you to call her to you; in effect you attempted to bond her to you, is this correct?"
The Necromancer blinked, "Yes I can call her if I wish."
I could feel both Sookie and Pam stiffen. I sent calm and confidence to both my women through our bonds. This is one of the questions whose answer I had gathered earlier.
"Did you call her to you this evening Mr. Liam?"
I could smell his fear, so could everyone else.
"Yes I called her at first dark."
"Did you give her instructions Mr. Liam, and if you did what were those instructions?"
"I commanded her to bring me one of her Mistresses possessions."
"What was that possession?" asked Mr. Cataliades with a smile.
"A painted Ebony hairpin."
The crowd immediately began to talk amongst themselves, especially in the Alabama corner. I let the triumph I felt show with a fangy smile.
Scene 3 - SPOV - Avoided
I had recovered swiftly from the silver burns, thanks to a quick pit stop at our rooms where they allowed me to clean up before the trial. Eric had a stash of Royalty Blended for emergencies. I promised myself that I would stop teasing him about his overly expensive first aid kit.
I was apprehensive when I took my place at his side in the court room. I could see so many ways that this could still go wrong. I reached for his hand and the love and comfort that passed between us bolstered my courage. He had a plan, he always did. It had been a strain to use my magic and telepathy through him earlier. I was not even positive that he had been able to gather any worthwhile information.
My undead heart had caught in my throat when I viewed all the Elders for the first time. This is where the true power lies. Eric had told me that these were the rulers who had made the decision to undertake the Great Revelation. These were the vampires who dealt directly with those in power in the Old World and who worked with their associated representatives in the other supernatural communities, even the Fae. There was power beyond my imagination rolling between their seated forms, power that Eric had turned down earlier that evening.
It was a joy to watch Mr. Cataliades work. The unassuming pudgy lawyer had a wicked intelligence and almost flawless timing, when he was supported by Eric's Intel he could have a virgin swear to be a whore and believe it. He was currently playing Pari Liam like a fine instrument.
I despised that this creature had the power to call Eric's child and felt guilt that I had not ended his life when I had the chance. I would not make that mistake again. The room was in chaos with the announcement about the murder weapon, and Eric used the turmoil to lean over and speak to me.
"It was not your fault Sookie. I can feel your guilt. If not this witch they would have found another one to use, he was just a tool. A tool I suspect who has also been used by the Ancient Pythoness." I glanced at him, silently asking for more information. He shook his head and resumed his relaxed position. Amun warned the room to settle back down, the questioning was about to continue.
"Thank you for your honesty Mr. Liam," Mr. Cataliades said, as if the vampire witch had any other choice in the matter. "Do you have the capability to create illusions or hallucinations through your spells?"
"Yes"
"Did you cast such spells on Ms. Stackhouse?"
"No I did not," he was very firm in his conviction.
"If you did not, have you taught anyone else how to do so?" Mr. Cataliades pressed.
Pari did not hesitate, "I have taught many my skills, but few are able to sustain them for long. I name Viola Torkel, Sandy Seacrest, Mathune Sanderson, Regin Lauders and Tomas Garcia as those present who are capable."
"Then of those named, who was the one who hired you to steal a simple wooden hairpin?" Mr. Cataliades smile was beatific.
"Sandy hired me, there was no other involved." Pari knew he was defeated. I was curious if indeed Viola had not been involved, let alone Victor. I trusted neither.
"Thank you Mr. Liam, you are dismissed. I suggest you do not go far." The Necromancer nodded and returned to his seat, where his former compatriots studiously ignored him, hoping not to be caught in the deathly net with him.
Sandy was talking furiously with her lawyer who had her by the arm, apparently she felt that she could just stand and walk away.
Mr. Cataliades faced Amun and spoke, "We call Ms. Sandy Seacrest to the stand, if it pleases your liege." Amun nodded and everyone watched Sandy expectantly.
I appraised her curiously. I had not met the woman previously. I only knew her by reputation and the snide comments Pam would make about her tight assed appearance. Pam was very astute in her observations; the woman appeared to be painfully straight-laced. She was obviously in emotional chaos, yet her hair was perfectly in place, tied back so tightly as to be painful. Her casual dress was elegant and business like, without a wrinkle to be seen. She marched to stand in front of the Elders and faced our lawyer with a scowl on her face.
"Thank you for joining us Ms. Seacrest. I only have a few questions for you, if you would indulge me?" Mr. Cataliades purred.
Just like Pari she really had no choice, "Go ahead and ask what you will."
"Ms. Seacrest are you a practicing witch and is Mr. Liam your mentor?"
"Yes"
"Did he teach you the illusions you used on Ms. Stackhouse?"
"Yes"
"Can you tell this court why you would wish to cause harm to Ms. Stackhouse?"
Sandy shrugged like making my life a living hell was no big deal. "She was already suspected of being mentally unstable before she was turned. Felipe was fascinated by her and had his minion Rasul gather video intelligence of Andre and Sophie-Anne's abuse to use later. He hoped to call a hearing and have her moved into his possession. He thought he could win her trust. He craved her telepathy."
"Then what happened?" encouraged our lawyer.
"Northman took over the state and took possession of Ms. Stackhouse. Felipe turned his attention to Arkansas and teamed up with Freyda to try to take over Louisiana. Sookie was turned and Rasul was executed as a traitor. Then Oklahoma lost her Queen and Felipe a valuable ally. With the appearance of the Fae supporting Louisiana and her allies, Felipe determined that Sookie was extremely dangerous and now that she was a vampire, a Queen that could not be allowed to stand at the Viking's side. We used the fledgling paranoia and her memories of Andre to terrorize her. We hoped that she would break here and have to be purged." Sandy's voice was emotionless as she spoke.
Mr. Cataliades asked gently, "Why did you kill Felipe?"
Her eyes snapped up to glare at him and fury resounded in her voice, "He had to die, it was the only way. I was supposed to be the Queen at his side, not that bitch over there," she pointed over at Madison who snarled at her. "He promised I would rule as his equal, as payment for all the blood and pain I endured building and caring for his Kingdom. He had to die. I couldn't let my entire work spill away to pay for Alabama's debts." She broke down weeping, blood tears spilling down her face as she swore and railed against Felipe.
I caught the look of relief on Viola's face and the one of satisfaction on Victor's. Both had been involved in their own way I was sure but without proof they would go free. If Eric had any, they would have been questioned before Sandy. Mr. Cataliades turned away from the weeping vampire and spoke directly to Amun.
"You Liege, as Ms. Seacrest have admitted to the assassination of Felipe de Castro I ask that my client Sookie Stackhouse be found innocent of all charges." Mr. Cataliades then took a seat on the other side of Eric with a sweet smile. Eric squeezed my hand and I found myself holding a breath I did not need.
"So it seems Mr. Cataliades," Amun replied with a wry smile. "I believe the Ancient Pythoness is the Judge for these proceedings. We will allow her to have the final say. I ask that Pari, Sandy and Sookie come to stand before us."
I stood and threw my shoulders back, determined not to show weakness in front of those gathered and strode to stand in front of the Ancient Pythoness.
Her blind eyes burned into my own and I saw her lips curl slightly, "You are declared innocent my Child, please come stand next to me." I moved to her right side as requested. She turned to Pari next.
"You were brought before us earlier this year, your life spared by the one who you aided to harm. She showed you mercy and it was our decision to allow you to continue your undead life. You disappointed both of us. I claim your life to be forfeit, your blood a waste of our kind." She nodded to one of her handmaidens who in turn staked Pari. His remains settled to the floor in a dusty pile, which the handmaiden swept into a plastic bag. "His remains will be scattered across the four clans," the Ancient Pythoness pronounced.
Sandy seemed to come out of her trance when Pari was destroyed in front of her. She looked around with wide eyes and proclaimed, "You cannot do this to me. I have to rule. I am the Queen!"
The Ancient Pythoness' voice was hard as glass when she spoke, "Sandy Seacrest you killed your sovereign and attempted to frame another. Risking the life of a powerful future Queen for your own ambitions. Your life is now forfeit and in her hands." She turned to me where I stood at her side. "This woman's life is yours to take, what is your decision?"
I looked over at Amun and asked a question, "May I use magic?"
He nodded, "It is your heritage Sister of the Wind."
The power I called was invisible to all but the Elders. There was a slight breeze and then Sandy was nothing but ash at our feet, her head taken by the wind's bite. It was Andre I saw fall to ash in my minds eye not Sandy. I was now truly free. There was a murmur through the crowd and an exclamation from Russell.
"I told you that was not her style, magnificent is she not? You are one lucky devil Viking!"
Eric's stoic face cracked a smile and lust and desire poured over me through our bond.
Amun came to his feet and the throng ceased their chatter. "Our decision has been made. Victor Madden will be crowned King of Nevada and Madison will remain Queen at his side. You are all dismissed for dawn grows near. I suggest you enjoy the time you have left this evening. We will see you all at tomorrow's gathering."
The Elders left as swiftly as they arrived and I leaped into Eric's waiting arms. I ignored the smirking and back slapping around us and pulled him down for a kiss that I felt to my toes. My Viking had pulled another victory out of his hat without having to reveal the Elder's interest in our lives. I could feel the pull of dawn and regretted that I would not be able to enjoy a round of celebration. Eric returned us to our rooms where he tenderly took care of me and tucked me into bed to snuggle against his chest. Tomorrow would be another busy evening of politics and then it would be our time to shine.
A/N Lyrics in this song are by Alter Bridge and the link can be found in my profile. They served as part of the inspiration for this story along with the scarification.
