Sorry for the short chapters previously. I've just been establishing the characters and their families/backgrounds. This one is a bit longer. Also just replying to the reviews, I thought that Anne implied that Daemonar was older than Orian, because he makes some comment about her being a 'baby' or something. I just gave them ages around what I thought their age difference was.

Note: Since the process of Queens inheriting or getting elected to rule is not really mentioned in Anne Bishop's novels, this is my take on how it happens. None of these characters are mine except for Lorian. They all belong to Anne Bishop.

A few minutes later,Daemonar growled quietly with impatience. Why was he being kept waiting? He began to pace, his temper rising. A door opened and he turned around, caution arising as he studied the young woman at the door where he had come in. She had apparently just arrived also.

She was Eyrien like himself and wore a Red Jewel on a gold chain around her neck. She had long curly black hair, a jump from tradition, he assumed, justlike his long hair was. She was also a Queen as well as a Black Widow, making her very powerful and important. Her psychic scent smelt familiar, sending a wave of confusion through him. He didn't know any Eyrien women that were anywhere near as powerful as the Red.

He began to feel hungry, and a feeling he hadn't experienced before went racing through him. He didn't understand, so he watched her approach.

Noticing him, Daemonar, she paused, and came towards him. He noticed she had become a little scared since she realised what he was. Being a Warlord Prince meant he could be very deadly if he was pushed too hard. Putting her hands out in greeting, Daemonar returned the gesture putting his underneath and apply the correct amount of strength for when a Warlord Prince was addressing a Black Widow Queen.

"Hello," she smiled shyly. "I'm Orian. I serve in Queen Lorian's First Circle. Have you been called to see her too?"

Too? Daemonar thought. This woman has been called as well then. But why has she phrased it as if it were a formal request issued only to a few. And her name is Orian. Could she be the daughter of Endar and Dorian that I'm supposed to meet later? Orian isn't exactly a common name around here. But it can't be – this girl is too powerful to be from that family. Anyway, I should tell her of my heritage just so she knows that I'm from a strong family.

"Yes, I have. I'm Daemonar Yaslana, son of Lucivar Yaslana, and grandson of Saetan SaDiablo." At her surprise, he paused. "Do you know them?"

Daemonar. Yaslana. Why do those names sound so familiar? Do they have some importance in my past? I should remember. Daemonar isn't a common Eyrien name – more like a Hayllian one with an Eyrien ending.

"They sound familiar, but I don't know where I've heard them before." A maid came into the room and told them to come out to see the Queen. "Well, we had better go. She isn't as well as she used to be. We shouldn't keep her waiting. Come on."

As they approached Lorian, Daemonar sent a thought on a Red spearthread to Orian. How old are you?

Orian smiled. I've just recently turned 20. I made my Offering last week.

In the room was all the elected District and Province Queens of Askavi, as well as Lorian's First Circle, Consort, Steward and Master of the Guard. From her wheelchair, Lorian indicated a seat set for Daemonar, and motioned for Orian to stand with her. Moving forward, Lorian addressed them.

"I have called you here today because of a very important issue. As you know, Orian has recently made her Offering and is ready to form her Court. Also, as you can see, she now wears the Red Jewel, making her the most powerful Queen in all of Askavi. I am getting old and am constantly suffering from ill health." She raised her voice to a commanding tone. "I now hereby announce that I am going to step down as Territory Queen and let another be elected in my place. Until that time, my Court shall remain formed.

"I propose that Orian be elected Territory Queen. Of all of us, she wears the strongest Jewel and because of this, it is her right. Those of you in my First Circle know her – she is strong, caring and decisive, and I know that she could be a marvellous asset to Askavi. But the Queens must vote on this. Please weigh up what I have said and vote accordingly. But if you will not vote for her, remember you must nominate another."

There was whispering amongst the Circles and the Queens. Daemonar sat with some other males, wondering why he was present. He was not in any of these circles, but maybe it was because he was a friend of her family, if she really was the Orian he knew about, and Lorian wanted to do a favour to them.

I think you should rule, Orian. From what I know of you, and from what this woman says, you seem to be suited for the position, he sent on a thread.

When Lorian had nominated her to be Territory Queen, Orian had blushed, though as the Queen where quietly discuss the sudden events, she had become normal. At Daemonar's comment, she went red again.

Mind your manners about my Queen while she still rules. And thank you for your vote of confidence, she sent back.

"It is time to vote," Lorian announced. "All those in favour of Orian becoming Territory Queen, raise your hands."

Orian surveyed the crowd. Many of the District Queens and Province Queens had raised their hands, including those who were in Lorian's First Circle with her.

"So be it." Lorian said, after a quiet conversation with her Steward. "By a majority of votes, Orian is to be our new Territory Queen!"

The Queens erupted with cheers, though a few yelled insults at her.

"You're a bastard child! You don't deserved to rule an Eyrien Territory!"

"She's too young and inexperienced! She'll ruin us!"

But they were only few, and as she turned to Lorian to arrange details about formally setting up her Court, she smiled at Daemonar as he was hustled from the room.

Wow. This is considerably longer than expected. I hope it all makes sense. R&R please!