Maurelle: Hey everyone. I'm aware it's been some time since I last updated this, but school and Sunday Morning have been taking up alot of my time. I'd like to thank Gothicvamp, Anyashojo, Epona, and Chicita. Without their badgeringyou wouldn't have a chapter.Sohere's the next chapter.

Voltaire watched as the last of her trunks was hauled into the Carriage. She had accumulated a lot of junk and clothes in the three weeks since she had arrived. The clothes had been a gift from Jaenelle. She said she didn't want her going to a foreign court without the proper attire. She was wearing one of the new outfits now. A pair of sleek tight pants, and soft leather tunic with fur around to collar, and a pair of turndown boots. She had no intention of having this court think her a normal female. No, she had her mission: to find the last infections in the Blood, and wipe them out.

Why must you bring so much? Surely hunting is plentiful where we are going. Blackfury asked curious. She sighed. That was a good question. Why did people have so much stuff?

"Hunting will be good, pup, but we don't have fur coats to keep us warm, so we bring clothes," she explained. Wilhelmina still hadn't showed, though all her things had been loaded in earlier. Voltaire hoped she wasn't getting cold feet. Blackfury just nodded and eyed the blankets on the floor. He and KaeAskavi would be sharing them for the entire eight hour trip. He found himself questioning the sanity of the women he had chosen to serve. That long without moving?

"Where's Wilhelmina?" Daemonar asked. Voltaire smiled as she looked at the simple bag he had in his hands. He looked excellent in the green tunic, and buckskin pants he wore. His big black boots were polished to the point that Voltaire could she herself in them.

"Probably in her room. She'll be here. If she isn't I'll kick her ass for making me get up at four in the morning so I could leave at dawn," Voltaire said smirking. She had no intention of doing any such thing.

That will not be necessary, Lady Voltaire. KaeAskavi told them as he and Wilhelmina came into view. Voltaire grinned and waved.

"Nervous?" Voltaire asked hugging her friend in greeting. Wilhelmina looked down at her hands. She was wearing a sapphire dress, the collar a V, with soft gold scrollwork on the hem and cuffs. She looked quite lovely.

"A little. Ask me again when we get there. Are you sure that this is the right thing to do? I can never be their queen, or the one they need," Wilhelmina sighed. Voltaire just grinned.

"Don't worry. Letting them die or get taken over by others isn't the right thing either. Sometimes we have to do things that may not at first seem right. As to whether or not you should be queen, you need to at least see if there is someone who could take your place. That's what we're going to do," Voltaire told her friend as she walked into the carriage.

Ú

Eight hours, two fights between Daemonar and Blackfury (mostly over who got to sit next to Voltaire), and one I'm not going to do this fight from Wilhelmina later, they arrived at Chaillot. They were lucky that the carriage was big enough to do last minute wardrobe checks. Daemonar thought they were being silly. Well, he wasn't trying to impress a court who had nothing left but ritual and glitter. Finally, they deemed themselves presentable and opened the door. Daemonar was the first out as protocol required, gently helping Wilhelmina down the steps. He gently gave Voltaire his other hand.

The gasps as she stood next to him were loud. She was aware from Jaenelle's memories that this court was arrogant and set into their ways. The change that Voltaire represented was not going to be well received. She ignored them and moved so the Kindred could exit. She was aware of the suspicion that the nobles of this court would have. They saw the Kindred as Blood eating monsters. She squared her shoulders. Well, that was one more thing they would have to used to.

"Milady," the elderly steward of court said leaning over to kiss Wilhelmina's hand. He was ancient looking and Voltaire wondered just how old he was. A small smile tugged at the corner of her lips as she thought of the reaction he would have to her asking. Minna inclined her head in respect and turned to the other members of her greeting party. These were the nobles that made up the last Queen's inner circle.

"Milady, this is Rylina. She is your very distant cousin," he motioned toward a small woman. She was petite, with long curling hair the color of fresh blood. Her green eyes reminded Voltaire of a caged panther. Power and bloodlust barely in check. The others stood away from her. It was almost as if her aura shielded her from them. The smile she gave Wilhelmina was a sharp contrast to her eyes. The large opal on the gold chain seemed out of place.

"Milady, it's quite a pleasure to meet you at last," her voice dripped honey, and put all of the others on edge. Wilhelmina, however, did not seem to notice. Voltaire suddenly understood what Jaenelle had meant when she said to keep Wilhelmina out of trouble. The other lords and ladies were introduced, none of them making an impact of even half that of Rylina.

They were shown to their rooms, Daemonar and her own on either side of Wilhelmina. This was so that they could reach her at all times. Voltaire dismissed the young servant they had sent to unpack her things. She could do it herself. Besides, there was truth to that old cliché, if you want something done right do it yourself.

Voltaire, I do not like this place. It is cold, and smells of corruption. Blackfury whined watching her place her dressed into the wardrobe. Voltaire sighed. She should've know that the Kindred would pick up on the lingering scent.

"I don't either. That Rylina gives me the creeps. But we can't leave. We have to track down that smell of corruption and stamp it out," Voltaire said her back to him. She was startled as strong arms wrapped themselves around her waist. She turned ready to let whoever it was have it, when she noticed it was Daemonar.

"Do I get to help? That seems like an offal big job for just one witch and her Kindred," Daemonar said grinning. Voltaire gave him a playful slap.

"Maybe if you're good," she said breaking out of his embrace to finish packing. He sat on the end of her bed watching the way she swayed as she walked.

"Volt, I don't know if you're ready for this court," he began clearly expected a fight. She gently closed the wardrobe and turned to face him.

"Really? Why is that?" her voice was low. She was mad, but determined to keep her temper. He might have something important to say.

"This place is nothing like the courts you and even Jaenelle are used to. Jaenelle didn't even stay here long, getting sent away to Briarwood. This place is seething with intrigue. I just don't want you to get hurt," he moved so that his arms were around her shoulders.

I hate to agree with him, but he speaks to the truth. You call me a pup, yet in comparison with these people you are the puppy. Blackfury looked up at her.

"Then I'll just have to learn. I'm not going to leave Wilhelmina here to drown in it. I'm the only lifeline she's got, and if I have to go to hell and back to help her I will," Voltaire said determined. She kissed Daemonar on the cheek and turned to Blackfury. "Your concern is touching, but I have an hour to make myself presentable for tonight's feast, so out," she pointed looking at Daemonar. He pouted, but left.