Disclaimer – I do not own Legacy of Kain. If I did it wouldn't have been such a great series.

Author's Note – Sorry it's been such a long time since I updated. I know it's cliché but I've been so busy with college applications and auditions and everything. Umah isn't getting off as easy as it seems in this chapter.

Rightful Retribution

Umah lay on Kain's bed with her knees to her chest. The chambers around her offered little solace to the vampiric queen. The fallen angel could not flee from her punishment. Even if she flew away Kain would find her. Even if she escaped it would not be freedom. Even though she would soon be a captive she still had the right to fly.

She got up and stretched her wings, enjoying the tension of her taut muscles. She strode to the window and opened it. The cool air caressed her face as she stepped onto the balcony. She leaned beck against the railing and let the sun's rays embrace her. At least their embrace was never rough or demanding.

Suddenly she heard her door being thrown open. She silently leaped to the side of the balcony where her shape was obscured. There was a gentle padding towards the window, nearly silent. It ended an arm's length from the queen. Umah leapt into the air and unfurled her wings but felt an arm on her ankle. She stared into the face of Zephon, the arrogant weasel that had gotten Raziel executed. He sneered at her slow progress and laughed.

"Lord Kain demands your presence Lady Umah, but first we have some unfinished business." He snarled, pulling out a dagger.

"You'll die before you make one scratch Zephon." She warned

"Really, I'd like to see you try and kill me. Kain would have no pity for you then you amethyst bitch." Zephon challenged

Umah was hovering over the railing and used Zephon to push herself out over a chasm. She suddenly closed her wings and began to freefall. She forced herself to turn so she was falling head first. The chasm floor was only a few seconds away before she flared her wings and swung her legs towards the rock wall. A scream echoed through out the rocky valley.

Zephon lay on the ground stunned. He tried to stand and hissed in pain as he realized that both legs had been broken by the force of Umah's swing. He looked up and saw her hovering over him and he howled, enraged by her presence. He tried to reach her but couldn't and fell to the ground panting. She simply looked at him and flew off towards the sanctuary.

She was on the steps in minutes and sighed. She would most likely die or be tortured but it didn't matter. Kain had never been capable of controlling his jealousy or his anger. He would have retribution one way or the other, just or unjust. She should just get it over with and she would stand tall. She had tried to protect a fellow noble from the poison of hatred flowing rampant through the oligarchy.

She entered the throne room with her head held high. The guards and lieutenants turned to look at her as she walked to the foot of Kain's throne. He glared at her as she stood in front of him silent, but not afraid. He stared at her for what seemed to be eternity. She looked back at him unflinching but not defiant. In reality it had taken an hour for him to think of Umah's sentence. He met Umah's gaze and rose, fangs bared in anger.

"As the emperor of Nosgoth my word is law. My word was to have the traitor Raziel destroyed for his transgressions. My word was obeyed by my faithful sons. My word was opposed by my queen. The punishment for disobedience is severe. You will spend each day in your chambers, each night I will watch you personally. You are not to leave your chambers for any reason Umah. The length of your sentence depends solely on your obedience." Kain intoned

"Turel, Dumah escort your mother to her chambers." Kain said

"Yes my lord." the lieutenants answered.

Umah let the vampires grab her and drag her down the corridor. Any resistance, even trying to walk would be seen as insubordinance. Thankfully it wasn't that far from the throne room to Kain's chambers. She was roughly tossed inside and the door was locked. She heard Turel bellowing for guards but she didn't pay attention to the words that were said. She crossed the room to the pitcher of blood and poured herself a goblet. The crimson nectar was the only thing that was the way it should be. Her son's loyalty lied askew; her lover turned against her, and the world was turning upside down. She couldn't even fly decently in the chamber. She laughed at the way Kain had subdued her spirit so quickly. What could be worse for anything predatory or avian than imprisonment?