Chapter XVIII
The Alliance
It had been two months since Malachi's funeral; Amelia's peace treaty with the Lycans had been highly beneficial for the coven. Canceling the war had freed up millions of dollars in finance as well as increasing the amount of man power at her disposal. However not all was well in the New Order, for even with the Lycans, Amelia had come no closer to tracking down Selene and Michael. She did not worry, she had the resources, money and all the time in the world to get revenge, and she would have it, even if it took all eternity. There was something causing her trouble, Nina. Her chylde's lover seemed to be growing more resentful of Amelia with each passing day. Since the day he first met her Malachi had always sought to increase Nina's influence within the coven, not only had she become Amelia's chief of staff, organizing work patterns for the coven, but she had also gained a position of authority in the legitimate face of the Vampire Empire, possessing a controlling share in New York's Ziodec operation. This influence now appeared to be too much for anyone in the coven to control.
In the aftermath of the Hungarian expedition Nina had allied herself with Duval, a European nobleman sired by Viktor during the early stages of Lucian's rebellion, in order to increase the lands under Viktor's control. He had been a minor player in the Vampire community in recent years, however following Amelia's treaty with the Lycan he had been forced to surrender his lands to his ancient enemy, something that did not please him. His alliance with Nina has automatically made him a powerful man in Amelia's coven, with his original security detail expanding from four men to twelve, making them second only to the Death Dealers in fire power. Amelia watched as she saw more and more of her coven sympathizing with this new alliance. After protests from the Council Amelia had called a conference, she sat on her throne, as always Eli sat on her right, and for the first time since their return from Hungary Nina resumed her seat on the Platform, sitting just to Amelia's left. Dmitri and the council Members occupied their usual table, however unusually it was not just Death Dealers providing Security in the throne room, Nina had been accompanied by her own guards. The silence in the room was interrupted by the sound of the great doors of the throne room swinging open, Duval strode into the middle of the throne room flanked by two of his men, he stopped before Amelia's throne and dropped to a knee.
"I'm sorry to keep you waiting my Lady" he bowed in servitude "I was delayed returning from one of our research facilities."
"No apologies necessary" Amelia responded, clearly unimpressed with his explanation "Now that we are all here, it is about time we cleared the air, the Council have some questions they would like to put to you."
"We are your loyal subjects My Lady" Nina said dryly "If it pleases you, we will answer any questions the Council puts to us."
Dmitri rose from his seat and turned his attention to Nina "What is the meaning of this treachery?" he demanded
"There is no treachery here Dmitri" she answered him "we all serve the same Mistress here."
"Then would you care to explain why you are building your own security regime to act as a counter balance to the Death Dealers that have protected us for centuries!"
"They are there for Lady Nina's protection" interrupted Duval "To ensure her security after the tragic Death of her beloved Malachi"
Lady Nina?" repeated Eli.
"Yes" stated Duval "she has more responsibility than most of the aristocrats I see lounging around here, and she was consort to our Lady's heir, why shouldn't she be called a Lady?"
Before Dmitri could answer him Amelia spoke up "Nina if you have any concerns, you should come to me, I will guarantee your security."
Nina smiled insincerely "You are busy My Lady" she began "And I would rather not leave my security to anyone else, even someone as powerful as you."
"What exactly is your concern Nina?" asked an impatient Dmitri
"When I first came here there were many people who were not happy with me gaining any position above that of a maid, in fact many of the people in this room were quite outspoken on the subject." Nina hung her head and lost her confident tone, her voice shaking slightly she continued "But while Malachi was here none of you dared do anything about it, but now he's gone" the room watched on as a tear rolled down her cheek "And I've been here long enough to know that people have a nasty habit of disappearing."
"And what is your role in this new alliance Lord Duval?" asked Eli
"Oh I'm just trying to find a place in this new world" he smiled
The ancient looking viceroy rose from his chair "There can not be two armed forces in a coven, the Death Dealers, and the Death Dealers alone must provide security."
"Malachi was never a Death Dealer" said a still upset Nina "And everyone was happy enough to let him protect us."
"Malachi was different' said Amelia
"Why?" sighed Nina "Because you could exploit his love for you as cheap source of labor?"
Amelia glared at Nina "Get out of my sight!" she hissed
"Not a problem" sobbed Nina as she ran across the floor of the Throne room towards a door. Duval glanced at one of his men, and waving a hand indicated for him to follow her.
"My Lady…" he began trying to salvage the situation
"I do not want to hear it Duval!" she hissed, I brought you and your men into my home, and I will not tolerate any threat to my rule. You are dismissed." Amelia rose from her throne and exited from the door behind the ornate chair, accompanied by Eli and a Death Dealer.
Dmitri approached Duval "What ever your planning, don't" he whispered menacingly "Nina may be useful to this coven, but your just another washed up nobleman."
"Don't threaten me Councilor" he hissed "I don't respond well to threats"
At this two Death Dealers stepped forward to move Duval away from the council, however their advance was halted by the sound of Duval's men pulling back the hammers on their weapons. There was a standoff between Duval and his men, and the Councils Death Dealers. With Neither side wanting to be the first to fire Duval and his men silently backed away towards the door.
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An angry Amelia entered her chambers followed by her Viceroy; she headed straight for a bottle and began drinking glasses of a very strong spirit.
"My Lady we need your guidance" pleaded Eli
"Not now Viceroy" she snapped taking another drink
"This Duval is using Nina's influence to build his own powerbase" Eli emphasized
Amelia began to laugh "No Eli" she smiled "He's not using Nina, she's using him. She thinks I am responsible for Malachi's Death, the poor child wants revenge, and she knows Duval's men may be the only way to get it."
"My Lady, you must do something about this, her grief can not excuse her from treason. She is an influential member of the court, building her own alternative to the Death Dealers, who does that remind you of?" he asked his mistress.
"I know" sighed Amelia
"Who does it remind you of My Lady?" he encouraged her.
"Kraven" she hissed, taking another drink.
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Hours had passed since her meeting with Eli, she had paced up and down her chambers trying to reminisce, she had sat on her bed clutching a photograph of Malachi, however her mind kept wandering to the tension within her court. She walked over to a wardrobe and opened the door, inside was a glass cabinet. It contained a suit of armor, and a crossbow, she had not worn the armor for centuries, she had worn it when she captured William, and again during a later encounter with Lucian's forces. She stared at the armor wondering if she would need it again. However her thoughts were interrupted by the sound of her chamber doors opening quietly, a series of soft, delicate footsteps walked gently and nervously into the centre of the room and came to a stop. Amelia did not bother to turn around, for she knew who this visitor was.
"Hello Nina" she smiled "You've come to kill me haven't you?"
