Chapter XVII

A New Order

Amelia sat on her throne watching over the Great Hall of her New York mansion. She was dressed all in black, with a delicate mesh vale concealing her face. She had declared a week of mourning for her fallen chylde upon her return from Hungary. All of the tables that usually occupied the hall had been removed. In their place, a single raised structure supporting a jet black oak coffin. The coffin was surrounded by floral tributes left by members of the coven as well as an honor guard of Death Dealers in ceremonial armor; his cane lay upon the coffin lid. Amelia watched as her subjects filed past the coffin to pay their respects, Eli, her oldest confidant sat in his usual chair just to her right, the chair to her left however remained empty, for Nina had refused to sit on the throne platform during Amelia's public appearances, instead she stood, silent just to the side of Malachi's coffin. She had not said a word to Amelia since they returned to New York; in fact she had hardly said a word to anyone since the Death Dealers dragged her away from Malachi. Amelia, rose from her throne and descended the stair case to the floor of the Great Hall, she walked up behind Nina and placed a hand on her shoulder.

"I know you grieve child" she began "But if you want to talk about anything I am here for you, as Malachi would want me to be."

Nina slowly turned to face Amelia, her hollow expression suddenly allowed emotion to manifest itself "Oh there are some things I want to talk to you about" she said angrily, her voice shaking all the while trying to hold back the tears she could feel coming. "Let's talk about why he's laying in that coffin, instead of standing here with us. You sent him after that hybrid, you let him take on what you called the biggest threat the covenant ever faced all alone, while you sat in your office reading reports from Director Holtz."

Amelia was unsure how to respond to such an outburst, the other Vampires in the room were silent "We will discuss this in private" she said coldly, before turning to exit the room through the door behind her throne. "You should not have allowed her to talk to you like that my Lady" whispered Eli as she passed him. He followed her out of the door and down the corridor. "My Lady!" He followed her until they reached her chambers, Amelia removed her vale, revealing eyes filled with tears.

"I did not want to cause a scene in front of Malachi" she said sorrowfully

"My Lady" Eli sighed "I know you cared deeply for the boy, but he is gone, fallen in battle. You are the last remaining elder, you must stay strong! You can not allow anyone to talk to you like that in front of the coven." The ancient looking Vampire pleaded with her.

"I loved him Eli" she said, turning to face her viceroy "I loved him so much"

Eli watched as a tear flowed down the cheek of his Princess "Of course you did My Lady" he said, in a futile attempt to comfort her "He was your Chylde, and most loyal subject."

"No" she sniffed "I really loved him. I wanted him everyday for the past ninety eight years, and now he's gone."

"You must not speak like this Amelia" the viceroy insisted "You can not show weakness."

"Don't tell me how to act!" she hissed "I am now the supreme ruler of our people, and I will not be spoken to like a child by anyone." That single statement had allowed Amelia to compose herself; in saying she was the supreme leader of the Vampires she had experienced a moment of clarity. Her grief would have to be private, her feelings suppressed, there was much to do. "You are dismissed Eli" she said coldly "You are to return to my chambers in one hour, when I will give you the names of the courtiers that will make up the new council."

"Very good My Lady" he bowed "What of Nina?"

"Her outburst will be forgiven Eli" she said coldly

"Are you sure?" he asked, being careful to avoid Amelia's scorn.

"Put yourself in her position Eli" she began "She lost her human parents at a young age, and then while still a child she was turned into an immortal against her will while being violated by a vampire whom we should have killed centuries ago. Then, after living in squalor for weeks she finds Malachi who dotes on her, spoils her and gives her everything she could ever hope for, for fourteen years, until suddenly her only stability is taken from her, while on a mission I authorized. She is still a child Eli, she hasn't had to grow up, she needs someone to blame."

"A child with enormous influence in our court My Lady, she must realize that…"

"We will speak no more of this viceroy" Amelia snapped "A good leader must care for her people, as well as rule them."

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The period of mourning had now ended; Malachi had been buried in the grounds of Amelia's estate along with the other fallen members of the coven. This was a busy time for Amelia, as many Vampires who had been away from the Mansion during Marcus's massacre were coming to New York. Though there were a few Death Dealers it was mostly the aristocratic Vampires who had been forced to leave their own estates that were now joining the New York coven. In the aftermath of Malachi's battle with Michael, Amelia had to make certain decisions before returning to New York. She faced not only a continuing war with the Lycans, but also demanded vengeance on Selene and Michael. With Viktor and Markus gone, and the bulk of the Budapest coven destroyed she came to a difficult decision. A peace treaty with the Lycans. Following the Death of Lucian and the Lycan elder William there was a struggle to fill the void, with rival packs all lobbying for power. Amelia had sent her envoy Dmitri to meet with one of these packs. Its leader a centuries old Lycan named Andre, who had been a slave of Markus before Lucian's rebellion. She had agreed that if he were able to bring the Lycan hoard under control, then the Vampires would give their full support to his leadership. Amelia also offered other concessions, although the Ziodec pharmaceutical empire would continue to generate income and be the Vampires political face that would be the only Vampire presence in Europe. All other Estates and properties were to be left for the Lycans. In essence Amelia had surrendered the Entire European arena of the Underworld to the Lycans. This however did not come without a price, for in exchange for these estates the Lycan had agreed to keep their numbers to a minimum, and also to stop feeding on humans, they were now dependent on Ziodec for blood and food, and more important to Amelia the Lycan had agreed to use all of their resources to hunt down and bring Amelia the heads of both Michael and Selene. Many voices in her coven thought this was a betrayal of the covenant, however it was a clever move on Amelia's part, for she had done what neither Viktor nor Markus had been able to do, she had brought the Lycans back under Vampire influence, they were now dependent on her for food, security and political protection. She had once again brought the Lycans under the rule of the covenant, she had once again brought the dogs to heel and all it had taken was the sacrifice of a few European estates that had cost more money then they made.

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Amelia sat at the head of a large oval table, in one of the many function rooms of her New York estate. Directly to her right sat Eli, to her Left Nina, with whom she had still not spoken with, and occupying the other seats were Dimitri and the five other noble Vampires she had handpicked to be in her new council.

"Welcome" she said simply "I would like to begin by offering my congratulations to the new council members, especially my former envoy, Dmitri who will act as Head Councilor."

"You honor us all My Lady" bowed Dmitri

Amelia acknowledged his gesture and carried on "I'm sure you are all aware of our European situation. Although some of you may not agree with it, my decision stands. The Lycans will inherit our European estates, while Director Holtz will oversee all of our European operations."

"What of the other European nobles My Lady?" Asked Dmitri "Are we to offer them all quarter."

"Yes we are" answered Amelia "Most of our Kindred are already here, however we are expecting more to arrive over the next few days."

"Who my Lady?" asked one of the Council members

"Lady Gwendolyn and Lords Duval and Drake" answered Eli on Amelia's behalf.

"If My Lady would allow" began Dmitri "I have some point of interest I would like you to clarify"

"Such as?" asked Amelia

"Replacements my Lady" began Dmitri "Recent events have left several vacancies in your court. Who do you intend to replace me with as your envoy?"

"I have thought about this Dmitri, and I will offer the position to one of our new members from Europe, Count Dante perhaps. Let them see that they are not just guests, but full members of the coven."

"An excellent idea My Lady" he said somewhat sycophantically "What about a replacement for Nathan?"

Amelia hesitated for a moment at the mention of her deceased head Death Dealers name; she remembered the horrible death he had experienced on her train at the hands of the Lycans. "I have not had time to consider a replacement for Nathan" she said with a hint of regret in her voice "I am willing to hear suggestions. Nina, what do you think?"

Nina didn't bother to look up, she just sat there twiddling her thumbs "You should go for either David or Thomas" she said in a very bored tone.

"And why is that?" asked Amelia

Nina shrugged her shoulders "because David has the most leadership experience, but Thomas is more powerful."

"Which would you suggest?" Amelia asked her, trying to coax a straight answer.

"David" responded Nina in the same depressed tone

"Very good" declared Amelia "Inform David of his promotion. Is there any other business?"

Dmitri hesitated for a moment "Who is to replace Malachi My Lady?"

Nina reacted adversely to his question "excuse me" she said briskly as she hurried from the room.

"There is no replacement for Malachi" said Amelia "I will do without a head of security."

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Amelia sat on her throne ready to greet another of the new arrivals; a tall man dressed in black came before her and lowered to a knee. He had slicked black hair and a thin moustache. What was most alarming to Amelia was the fact that he was flanked by armed men. Another European nobleman sired by Viktor and Markus to gain more territory or man power, after the initial pleasantries had been exchanged Amelia had to affirm her superiority.

"I understand you must be upset at the loss of your families lands to the Lycans" she said firmly "however you must realize that your loss will strengthen the covenant for centuries to come."

"Of course My Lady" he bowed "I am just thankful that you were able to survive the tragedies that have recently befallen our people, we are safer with your guidance."

"Your loyalty is appreciated"

"My men and I are yours to command Princess Amelia" he stopped in mid speech as he saw someone move in the corner of his eye. He briefly turned his attention away form Amelia, to see a petit, graceful creature walking across the end of the throne room, not even taking the time to bow to Amelia; she briefly looked his way and carried on unimpressed.

"Who is she My Lady?" the man asked with a smile.

"She is off limits to you" hissed Amelia

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Nina sat in a corner of Amelia's estate hugging a teddy bear, the one that Malachi had brought to her all those years ago to try and comfort her, she clung to it desperately trying to gain the same comfort from it. Her mind wandered back to happier memories; however she was interrupted by the sound of an unfamiliar voice.

"Why such a beautiful creature would be sitting alone is a complete mystery to me."

Nina turned her head to see the man who had been talking to Amelia standing just behind her flanked by his armed guards, she let out a sigh of disgust and turned away.

"I'm not used to that" he laughed "I'm told you're an important person around these parts, is that true?"

"Go fuck yourself Euro Trash" Nina began coldly "I'm not in the mood to be seduced by some wannabe nobleman."

"My dear you misunderstand me" he laughed "As astounding as your beauty is, I am not here as a suitor."

"Then what do you want?" she asked her attention still fixed on her teddy bear.

"An alliance" he stated.

Nina turned to face him and raised an eyebrow "What do you mean?"

"My men and your influence, it would be to both our benefit."

"Why me" asked Nina "What makes you think I would want such an arrangement?"

"Because I saw the way you were in Amelia's throne room, and I'm told she played a hand in your Lovers death."

"You seem to be well informed" observed Nina

"Do we have an accord?" he asked her

"You would allow me to command your men, in exchange for my influence in recruiting a larger power base?"

"That's the idea" he smiled

"We have an accord" she said holding out her hand

The man took her hand and kissed it "I'm glad to hear it…… My Lady"

"Who are you?" she asked

"My name is Duval"