A/N: I just finished the other chapter yesterday… usually I'm stuck on writers block for a least a day and a half between chapters… I must like where this story is going. Or I'm so totally bored out of my mind that I have nothing better to do…
Disclaimer: Well, since I have no other way to preoccupy my time, I'll humor a bunch of idiots who are standing outside my house, chanting that they want to know who Trinity Blood belongs to. I do not own Trinity Blood.
Pope Alessandro smiled with anticipation. Out of the corner of Abel's eye, he noticed that the new non-priest at the Pope's right hand was smiling as well. "Miss Iceheart, I'm afraid I have to inform you; in your brother's current unmarried state, and having no heirs in a monarchy, any relation to him are possible successors for the thrown. That being said, as you are the only current heir, you are an ambassador. Now, because of your civil disobedience and refusal to repent, you are aware that your stubbornness could lead to a war between Kenpei and the Vatican, correct?" Everyone in the room was grossly aware that the Pope thought he had her there. Abel snuck a look over at Caterina. She seemed aghast of her little brother's sudden personality shift.
Stella let him finish with an emotionless expression. She replied smoothly and without raising her voice. "Pope Alessandro, to make the claim that you have just made, there are several things that you are evidently not aware of that might change your views on whether or not my 'civil disobedience', as you put it, will result in a world war."
The Pope seemed surprised and slightly amused at her response. "Then please enlighten me."
Stella smiled. "Gladly. The first thing you might want to know is that both the Empire and Albion will not stay neutral in this world." She pinned him with a look and her voice grew momentarily hard. "You might want to consider which side they will choose." Her tone told the room what would happen.
Abel glanced at Virgil and Seth. Neither seemed surprised that Stella had said this; in fact, they looked as if they had been expecting it. They kept their eyes trained on Stella while the priests across the room glared at them, but when the Pope looked at them they each met his gaze.
The Pope seemed at a loss as to what to do. His eyes turned back into their normal, afraid and tentative look before they changed back to emotionless. "And care to tell me any other unprecedented information, Miss Iceheart?"
"Why not?" Stella gave a reckless smile. "I have two more facts to state that might just convince that war is not an option." The Pope inclined his head, to tell her to continue. "The first is to correct you on an earlier statement made. I am no longer the single ambassador of Kenpei. As of eleven thirty-four two nights ago, my brother, Demetry, Leader of Kenpei, was engaged to Vanessa Walsh, ambassador and leader of the Movement in Albion."
There was moment of shocked silence as everyone processed her words. Slowly, all eyes in the hall turned towards Demetry and Vanessa. Demetry, looked slightly down, seemingly reluctant. Vanessa rolled her eyes and quickly slipped off her white glove. On her hand, there was a beautiful diamond ring. Several gasps could be heard around the room and attention quickly turned back to the Pope.
His fingers were steepled and his expression was far-gone from the triumphant smirk that had been there before. He cleared his throat after a moment of silence. "We will have an hour break for midday meal. Miss Iceheart, you have my permission to dine with your friends and family for what may be the last time for a good long while. Prepare yourself, Miss Iceheart, for I believe that there is nothing short of God's will can change my current state of mind at this point and that final ambassador or not, you are an ambassador nonetheless and war is imminent unless you hand me an extraordinary piece of evidence is presented to me after lunch. That is all." The Pope rose and everyone stood as he exited the room through the same door he had entered from.
Abel was shaking, though he hadn't realized it until then.
A guard swiftly came across the room and undid Stella's handcuffs (Abel silently pleaded with Stella not to run) and placed a standard police pair around her wrists. She was led out of the room quickly, towards a small cafeteria within the building.
They all filed out of the room, Abel looked back at Vanessa and Demetry, who were talking with each shyly. He smiled. Young love. Demetry might be close to my age, but I'm far the wiser, contrary to what everyone may think. Abel left the 'young lovers' (Though in reality, they're each over a century old) to their talk while falling the raucous sounds coming from the cafeteria.
Stella was surrounded by her friends, trapped in hugs as well as berating statements, mostly coming from the older groups. Huge sat on the edge of the group, seemingly not paying attention while taking in everything. Abel knew he would be able to talk to Stella in a few moments, when the Cardinal and Sister Caterina got done yelling at her. He sat across from Huge and spoke in hushed tones.
"I'm surprised to see you here, my friend."
Hugue nodded. "It is very interesting, and not all seems to be right, Father Nightroad."
Abel nodded. "I noticed him too." He said, afraid to say it out loud in case there were any sharp ears about. He frowned as he saw Leon Sr. slip Stella something, which she stowed quickly in her boot, making it look as if she had an itch.
"That is not all. Something is different about our fair leader, and more than likely it has to do with his new council."
"I wonder where Brother Alexos is now." Abel mused, thinking of the old man that he had rather liked, and used to be the Pope's right hand advisor.
"That is something we will have to wait and watch for." Hugue said, quietly folding his arms on the table.
Abel nodded his head. He looked at Stella, who was for the most part, ignoring Caterina and Kate, earning laughs from both Leons. "By any chance, my friend, do you know what Stella is up to?"
"…. No. I wasn't under the impression she was up to anything." Huge said, watching Abel carefully.
Abel nodded absently, while studying his friends' faces. "Yes… I'm sure Leon is in on it as well. I just hope they both realize what they are doing."
"Don't worry, we do." A voice whispered in his ear. Abel jumped up quite literally from his seat. Stella flashed a fang at him before sitting across from Leon Sr. and joining in his complaints about prison food.
They finished lunch as if they were any other day. They laughed and joked, and Abel had to call someone cruel at least twice. As they were leaving, however, Abel tried to be the last one in the room, so he could talk with Stella privately.
"Go on, Father Abel. I've go tot fix my dress." Stella lied smoothly enough to fool the rest of the stragglers, but not enough to fool Abel. He knew this girl. And he knew she was staying behind to cry. He could already hear the small tears (Not tears, tears like rips) in her voice.
He left the room. A few minutes later, they were all seated in the same positions as before. The Pope smiled delicately at Stella.
"Well, Miss Iceheart. Here in front of a room of priests and sisters, and under God's almighty eye, present your last piece of evidence.
Stella bent down, and took something from her boot. She brought it up easily in her long fingers, as the old handcuffs had not been replaced. She handed the paper to a guard and said the words very clearly, her tear ducts filling but not spilling.
"I, Stella Icheart, have been disowned by my brother, Demetry Cheheart, Leader of Kenpei."
A/N: I love throwing twists at you guys. So what do you think of the Vanessa thing? It might go somewhere… ignore my evil plott… I mean happy bunnies! Review!