Authors Note:

I love history and have read about King Henry VIII and wives extensively. The information about what happened to royal children is factual as is the information about Henry's mother. Sorry for the history lesson included in this chapter!

Chapter 6 - Deal or no Deal

After settling into the car Vicki turned to her mother to make the offer again. "Mom are you sure you don't want to stay with me while your visiting?"

"No Vicki, I love you dearly but we were not meant to stay together for any great length of time as adults. Plus you live in a tiny apartment which would never do" she said turning her head to look at the window ending the discussion.

Vicki made a humping noise sliding down the seat in frustration.

"There's no need to slouch" came the voice of Vicki's mother from the back seat.

Henry smiled over to Vicki trying to give her some of his loving support. No wonder Vicki was edgy going to the airport.

Henry had never experienced a mother in his life. Henry was born in 1519, his mother was just 17 years old and already the Kings mistress for over 2 years. Elizabeth Blount was a very minor figure in court, the daughter of Sir James Blount a loyal but unremarkable servant of King Henry the VIII.

Henry was taken from her the moment he was born as most royal babies were. He never suckled at her breast but was given to a wet nurse with a household of staff to take care of all his needs and education. His mother Elizabeth was married off three years after his birth and moved away from court life and out of his life.

Henry was initially raised at Windsor and it was clear that his father envisaged a significant role for his son. In 1525 the six year old Henry was created a Knight of the Garter awarded the titles titles of Duke of Richmond, Duke of Somerset and Earl of Nottingham also appointed Admiral of England, Ireland and Normandy.

These and several lands gave him an income greater than any man in the kingdom other than the king himself. Henry was also given his own palace at Sheriff Hutton in Yorkshire. There under the supervision of the Cardinal Wolsey he was educated in Latin and French and introduced to the gentlemanly pursuits of archery, hunting, dancing and music. Sometimes Henry felt his choice of becoming a vampire wasn't just for the love of Christina, but to escape the oppression of his life. A life without freedom or choice or passion.

Reaching over he wrapped his fingers around Vicki's hand, running his finger over beautiful engagement ring, a family heirloom no less. An antique cut ruby set in gold.

Vicki smiled at the touch, thinking how just three months ago she would have pulled away to protect herself from this kind of vulnerability with Henry.

"I'll make you a deal mom" Vicki held up her hand to stop Maggie from interrupting. Let's just pretend we just picked you up and you haven't been a pain in the ass this last half hour."

"Pain in the ass, thank you very much. I'm tired Vicki, just drop me off at the hotel, I promise I'll be in a better mood after I've had a rest."

Henry and Vicki dropped Maggie off at her hotel and both parties looked relieved at having a break from each other.

"Well Henry, how do you feel about arranging the wedding with mom now?" asked Vicki raising an eyebrow.

Henry turned to Vicki outside the hotel and dragged her into a small alley between two buildings. Pressing against her, driving all thoughts out about the wedding or her mother.

He leaned down to gently sniff her neck taking in her scent, watching the glowing pulse beating under the skin. Without pause to ask permission Henry plunged his fangs into her neck, using her hair to protect them from un-welcome eyes, pressing his body against hers. Vicki trembled at the passion flowing through her body.

...the assassin...

Across the street the assassin watched on dispassionately through the telescopic lens. She was the last of his prey to kill, these were her loved ones. Twenty years of tracking down, torturing then killing those who were his enemies, so much pleasure which was now coming to an end with this last member of the Special Forces Group 9.

He lifted the rifle away. No, better to make this one last, enjoy the terror and slow killing, one piece at a time. Let the lovers have their pleasure now as his was soon to follow. There would be no mercy, no deals, no salvation.