A/N: I have the flu, and I am sad. But seriously, this represents an interlude from the main story (in regards to POV) and I hope you like it. Much love to Monsieur Leroux and Madame Kay. This story is still a 'work-in-progress'. Please read & review!

Erik 1853: Interlude I

I continued to laugh long after Erik had stormed from my presence chamber. So, my little silk worm had finally completed her metamorphosis into someone else's butterfly. But, Nājia had always served me in the past without question or hesitation. If it was a delicate matter with a head of state, I chose her — but I jest, she was only ever sent to delicately kill those heads of state who displeased my son or I; most importantly I chose her because she was the only girl who showed any kind of promise, even if she had needed countless beatings to become my perfect little accomplice.

The fact remained that she was mine to command completely, or at least she had been until that dark magician was summoned to court for my amusement. Mine. And I don't know what illusions he showed her, or what lies he deceived her with, but my beautiful nightshade had turned against me. I could feel it.

I refused to stand by idly and wait for her to turn traitor.

There were a multitude of options at my disposal. Erik could be made to kill her, but that reeked of imitation. Nadir could keep watch over her, but he had grown too fond of Erik. No, this matter demanded tact — something my merciless Angel of Doom accused my actions of lacking in past transgressions. I would prove to him that I could still learn … .

This time I would choose my weapons and my strategy with the utmost care. Nājia would be shadowed during the day by a trusted eunuch. One who could not be bought from my services for any price, and there was such a man bound to me by blood. A female member of the harem would track her movements at night. None of the girls readily sprang to mind as either trustworthy or incredibly intelligent. I might as well follow her myself; test my own stealth.

I plotted. I schemed. And I waited for the right opportunity to set things in motion. Fortunately, for me, I didn't have to wait long before my son brought me the most promising news of Erik's imminent demise. The time to turn words into action had arrived.

'Nājia, child,' I beckoned for her to sit at my side like an equal, 'it's been far too long since we sat together and gossiped.'

Her eyes sparkled, and I guess she smiled, as she sat at my feet. Her obeisance seemed genuine, but I knew better than to fall for courtly gestures. She had been taught how to lie — especially to those in power. Those like me. Hell, I had been the one to beat her until she did it right. There had been moments long ago when she would fight me with such vehemence that it made my black heart swell to strike her. Again and again. I enjoy torture. I enjoy death. And I certainly enjoyed moulding her into my grand design.

Carefully outlined eyes revealed nothing, while her face stayed hidden beneath a traditional veil. Yes, she should be commended for the convincing air she had about her person. I should be commended for creating her.

'Great Mother Who Stands Before Earth and the Shah,' she pressed her forehead against my sandal, 'I am yours to command.'

'There is no official business to attend to, little one,' I cautioned with a wave of my hand. 'I only wish for you to sit at my side and talk to me like we've done so many times before. Please, remove your clever mask so we can speak face-to-face.'

She looked at me, and for a moment I could see her working out some war of emotions inside her skull before she dropped the lace. Such a pretty head she had — soon it would join the other traitors on the gates to the palace. Unless she proved my suspicions false, and I had a small amount of hope in that regard, then she would be made an empress among her sisters. I would see to it at once.

'What would you like to talk about, mâhter?' Nājia eyed me warily, which denoted distrust. It was noticeable, but still an intelligent move. Proving only that I couldn't underestimate the woman before me.

'I wish to know what you really think of my delightful demon?'

'Cervantes once wrote, "where there's music, there can be no evil", and I think that holds true in his case. Why do you ask, my lady? He has already denied me in front of you and everyone else.'

'Such a pity, too. You were to be hand-picked to bring him to a most painful and disastrous end.'

She blanched, 'I-I was? But you said I was only to gain his trust and plant a few of your gems on his person. You never told me I had to … to … hurt him.'

'The rumours are true!' I watched her carefully, 'You've fallen in love with a murderer and a thief.'

'Your Imperial Highness,' she quickly dipped low to avoid eye contact, 'I do not love him. I simply respect his genius. Once you get past the hideousness of his face … he is just the same as any other man.'

Her true allegiance had shown itself at last. I could have let her suffer a little longer while I stared at her, but I wanted to be immediately satisfied in her horror of my good news. I am a creature of habit after all.

I took her hands and giggled like a young courtesan, 'In a fortnight, my son is to have Erik's head on a pike.' Letting the last word hang in the air, I gauged her reaction. It showed neither sadness nor glee. Neither regret nor surprise. Disappointment fell about my shoulders. 'Don't worry, my pet, Nadir will handle everything. I no longer require your services in the matter.'

'I do not mean to speak out of turn,' she might betray herself further, 'but Erik has done everything the shah's asked of him, has he not?'

Anger clouded my vision before I was able to compose myself. I pushed forward, 'He does only the bare minimum to keep my … dark habits … at bay. I might also remind you that he was brought here to please me! Not, my son! It's only fitting that a man of such varying talents should be expected to fulfil his duties to both his mistress and his master. Lately, we each have found him wanting.'

'He is yours to command,' she continued quickly. 'Why do you not confront him with his duties in your service before killing him?'

She made a convincing diplomat. Still, I could not read her true intentions. Was she trying to save him, or herself? It mattered little now, as I fully intended to follow every step, every conversation, and every breath she made for the next two weeks. The endless possibilities for torture made me laugh again.

'The shah's word is law,' I reminded her, 'and it shall be done to the letter.'

Out of the corner of my eye I saw a movement near my footstool. It seemed a little arachnid had found its way into my room. My actions were swift and precise. In seconds I had skewered the scorpion's body on a gilded ceremonial dagger. I tossed it to Nājia and delighted at their squirms.

'Go now, I tire so quickly of your gaze. I wish to rest.'

'Your name be exalted.' She made a pretty little dip and left with her back to the door.

Let the games begin!