Chapter VIII

Regent Kraven

Kraven and Soren walked with a purpose threw the corridors of the mansion towards the elders resting place, his stride however was interrupted by a voice that once captivated him, but now irritated him beyond belief. "My Lord" it called out.

Kraven stopped in his tracks and rolled his eyes "Yes Erika?" he said impatiently.

"I just want you to know whatever Lord Viktor's decision is, you will have my undying loyalty." She looked up at him with wide needing eyes, craving his attention.

"Thank you" he said unfeelingly "Why are you telling me this."

She hesitated for a moment "I do not know why you chose to bless me with this gift of eternal life, but I want to help you in anyway I can."

Kraven was not sure how to answer the girl; he could see Soren in the corner of his eye trying to resist the urge to laugh. "We all have a purpose Erika" he told her, placing a hand on her shoulder "I will tell you when you can assist me, now run along."

"Yes My Lord" she nodded eagerly, as she headed off back down the corridor.

"Why did you bless her with this gift of eternal life my lord?" Soren repeated sarcastically, in his usual cold voice.

Kraven shook his head "Normally I wouldn't mind, but I don't even remember sleeping with her." He began to laugh "I didn't even remember her name until she came around."

The two men laughed a little as they completed their journey to the elders resting place, when they entered through the huge doors, the council were already assembled, in front of Viktor's throne. "Lord Kraven" a council member greeted him. Before Kraven had a chance to respond, Viktor made his grand entrance, flanked by his beloved Selene and two Death Dealers. Everyone in the room dropped to a knee as Viktor took his seat on the huge stone throne that overlooked the elder's tombs. Viktor surveyed those gathered before him before he commenced his speech in his usual authoritative tone.

"As you all know my reign is coming to an end, soon it will be Amelia's turn to rule. Though this is not the first time I have slumbered, the world is a different place now. We no longer rule these lands directly; the humans have their own dynasty for these lands, this Austro-Hungarian Empire. As such I have deemed it necessary to leave someone in charge of my affairs. Make no mistake, I am by no means undermining the rule of the Princess Amelia, her word will be law, as the covenant demands. Now as the council is aware, I have had a choice to make, do I leave my beloved Selene in charge of my affairs?" Selene allowed a slight smile "Or do I trust the steward of my coven, Kraven?" Though it has been a difficult decision I have come to a choice. Selene, you are without a doubt the fiercest warrior I have, you will be made Head of the Death Dealers, and I will request that Amelia give you all the responsibility that she would usually bestow upon Nathan."

"Thank you My Lord" she smiled gratefully.

Viktor did not return her smile "But you shall not be left in charge of my affairs, that is to fall to Kraven."

"I bow before your wisdom My Lord" she said humbly swallowing the lump forming in her throat.

"Kraven" Viktor bellowed "Do you swear to carry out my instructions while I slumber?"

"I do swear it My Lord" he said dropping to a knee.

"And do you swear to serve the Princess Amelia as you have served me?"

"I do swear it."

"Then rise Kraven, and take your place as regent of this great coven."

……...

When Kraven and Soren exited the resting chamber they found a quiet corner to speak "Its all mine" said Kraven in disbelief

"Does this mean we can make our move now My Lord?" asked Soren

Kraven nodded "This will be Amelia's last reign" smiled Kraven "Get in touch with Lucian; tell him, the war ends in a century."

………………………………………………………………………………………………

Kraven and Selene stood in Viktor's private chambers, he wore his black burial skirt and red leather robes. This was to be the day Viktor woke Amelia.

"Is everything ready?" he barked at Kraven

"Yes My Lord" he bowed "The blood is prepared, and there are guards on the door."

"Good"

"I wish you would let me come in with you My Lord" Selene pleaded "To say goodbye"

Viktor ran a hand through her hair "I am sorry My Child, but Amelia does not want anyone to see her during the Awakening process, she finds the whole thing distasteful."

"I will miss you My Lord" said Selene with a heart full of sorrow "I will miss you everyday you slumber."

"Leave us" Viktor ordered Kraven as he embraced Selene and began to stroke her hair "and I will miss you Selene, my beautiful chylde. He wiped a couple of stray tears from her porcelain like face and gently kissed her forehead "Come child" he said soothingly "Walk with me to the tomb."

Viktor and Selene exited his chambers, the Vampire elder was holding his chylde's hand, as he lead her past Kraven, Soren and a group of men. The men were all wearing the same suits and had revolvers on their belts. "Would you like me to accompany you My Lord?" Kraven asked with a bow.

"That will not be necessary Kraven" Viktor said coldly "Just be ready to receive orders from Amelia."

"Yes My Lord"

"Good luck regent" Viktor said sternly, holding out his free hand, Kraven immediately took the hand and shook it.

"You honor me My Lord" he said with a genuine sense of pride.

Viktor and Selene continued their hand in hand journey to the tomb, where he would awaken Amelia and condemn himself to slumber. As they made their way through the mansion they saw members of Amelia's court hurrying round, getting things ready for her return. "What troubles you my child?" asked Viktor

"Its like they have already forgotten you My Lord" she said quietly

"Amelia is their Lady" smiled Viktor "They have been without her for two hundred years."

"Even so" she pouted "And what about Kraven?"

"What about him?" sighed Viktor.

"You saw the men he was with, they were armed, and they're not Death Dealers, you are not even asleep yet and he's disrespecting you by building his own force."

Viktor let out a heavy sigh "They are just a status symbol my child." Viktor and Selene stopped at the heavy doors of the burial chamber "Be brave for me Selene" he instructed her "Stay safe"

"I wish you did not have to do this My Lord" she pleaded in a whimper

He again embraced her and gently kissed her head "I love you… like a daughter." He then turned his back to her and allowed the heavy stone doors to close on a tearful Selene, as a smiling Kraven looked on from the shadows.