Mercy tugged at the restraints that held her to the chair. She wasn't sure how long she'd nodded off, but it couldn't have been too long. She still had feeling in her hands and wrists. At least Ava hadn't been taken with her. Alcide and Debbie should be able to keep her safe.

She stopped tugging when the door opened. So far everyone she'd seen had been human, but one of her captors had told her they were at the home of the Louisiana King. She'd been expecting a visit from either him or Vincent since she was handcuffed to this chair. She was shocked when the door opened and it was neither of them.

"You've caused quite a bit of trouble, little human. Trouble I don't need."

The ballroom was absolutely teeming with bodies. It was the first ever publicly held fundraiser given by vampires, and it had somehow become an event that no one of importance wanted to miss. Mercy felt ridiculously out of place in the turquoise silk ball gown she couldn't ever hope to afford on her teacher's salary. Only Godric's hold on her arm kept her from bolting.

"You're doing wonderfully, Mercedes."

"You're a horrible liar," she hissed at him, wanting the humans at least to remain ignorant of her nervous state. She couldn't hope that the vampires wouldn't hear her, not with their supernatural abilities. The man-child had the nerve to smirk at her as he led her further into the room. Mercy tried her best to keep it together as she glided past politicians and oil magnates, all vying for the vampires' attention, and money.

The majority of vampires who greeted Godric Mercy didn't recognize. Vampires had come from all over Texas and beyond for this event; the ballroom was full of strangers. Isabel had briefed her on what would happen at the fundraiser, and what she could expect, including nearly every vampire present paying their respects to Godric as Sheriff of the area. She noticed that they were also stopping to pay their respects to Vincent, who had set up his own little area for holding court. She'd met the King of Texas twice before, and each time he gave her the feeling that she needed to take a hand-sanitizer shower. Ugh. If Godric wanted her cooperation, he would keep her away from Vincent for the whole of the evening.

There was one unknown vampire in particular that Mercy was especially wary of. He stood apart from the other vampires who mingled with the humans, viewing the proceedings with a look of utter distaste. She had to wonder, if he was so opposed to this even, what he was even doing here. The look he gave her whenever he happened to catch her eye gave her a chill.

"What is wrong, Mercedes?"

Godric was looking at her with some concern.

"I'm fine. This one guy is just creeping me out."

"Who?"

He followed her gaze, and she could have sworn she saw him wince.

"Of course. Let's just get this over with then."

Before she could properly object, he was guiding her over to the very man she'd just decided to completely avoid at all costs.

"Lucian, I don't believe you've met Mercedes. She is my human. Mercedes, allow me to introduce Lucian, Magister of North America."

"I didn't ask Vincent to chase me across state lines, Magister. That was all his own doing."

He smiled, and it was no more reassuring now than it was the first time they met.

"He claimed that you are a necromancer," Lucian continued as he pulled up another gilt chair and took a seat directly in front of her, "That Godric had met the true death, and you brought him back. That is a serious charge, human. What do you say to it?"

"That being King apparently doesn't preclude one from being an idiot."

That earned what seemed to be a genuine laugh. Mercy idly wondered whether that was good or bad sign. According to Godric, Lucian could be quite sadistic when he wanted.

"Vincent was a fool, I'll grant you. But he had a more than academic interest in you, and Godric. Why is that?"

"You'd have to ask him. All I know is that he's afraid of Godric, for some reason."

"And you don't know why? Convenient."

"I'm telling the truth. I don't know why Vincent was so interested in me; I'm only human. And I have no idea why he would be so afraid of Godric, apart from his age. I knew very little about the man, and I was happy to keep it that way."

If she could see any benefit in lying, she might be tempted to try it, but she couldn't. If the Magister, the vampire responsible for administering justice over all of North America, thought she was lying, he could easily rip her apart. She'd prefer not to meet that unpleasant eventuality.

Lucian stared at the human who'd managed to stir up so much trouble for him. He admired her spirit; she faced him unflinchingly even when he could see how afraid of him she was. She was brave, for a blood bag. He thought he might even be able to like her, if not for their current situation.

She was right; Vincent was a fool who didn't know when to leave well enough alone. He was would be inclined to ignore the entire event, was it not for the fact that Vincent was a king. She was telling the truth when she claimed she knew of no reason Vincent would come after her; he could tell that she was human. He was inclined to believe that Vincent had used the necromancy claim as an excuse to pursue her.

"An unusual name; Mercedes. How did you come by it? I've not heard it use in quite some time."

Mercy blinked at the abrupt change in subject, but hoped that meant he'd decided not to torture her for information.

"The Count of Monte Cristo was my father's favorite book. And since my mother's family descended from President John Adams, my middle name is Abigail, if you're curious."

"Interesting. But tell me, after being involved with Godric for so long, how have you managed to remain human? Godric is not known for waiting so long for something he wants."

"Yes, well, not two months after meeting him I was handed the responsibility of raising a half-brother I never knew existed."

The explanation wasn't satisfactory. Lucian had never known Godric to give consideration to the humans involved in something he wanted. Then again, he had gotten rather strange in the last decade; probably due to this human.

Of course now the problem was what to do with this human of Godric's. Letting her go back to Texas would paint a large target on her back for those who were loyal to Vincent. And once he carried through on his sentencing for Godric, there would be plenty of others who wanted to harm the girl, for other reason. He would hate to see such a spirited human killed by petty vampires; she at least deserved a useful death.

There was also Godric to consider. He had the perfect opportunity to force Godric into taking the post he the Authority was anxious to have him fill; a post Godric would absolutely refuse to fill without proper incentive. If what he'd heard about Godric offering himself to that lunatic human Steve Newlin was correct, the threat of the true death wouldn't be enough to force his acquiescence. This human, however, just might be the necessary catalyst. Plus, just on principal, he hated the thought of simply letting her go.

"And so he left you human. Interesting."

Mercy was shocked when he didn't try to torture her, and even more shocked when he stayed another half hour making conversation. She couldn't' guess what he might be up to and it worried her. Especially when he said he'd have someone bring her some food after he heard her stomach growling .What was he playing at?

TB-TB-TB-TB-TB-TB-TB

Debbie was growing worried. And worse than that, she was growing angry. She saw how concerned Alcide was over Mercy's disappearance. She couldn't blame him, since she was concerned herself, but they should never have been involved with this in the first place. It was vampire business. It was Eric fucking Northman's business, which Alcide had sworn off doing.

"I don't like it. She's been gone too long," Alcide all but growled, and Debbie darted a quick glance at Ava. She liked the quiet little girl. Maybe one day she and Alcide could have one like her. What would it do to this child if her aunt didn't come back? This was why she hated vamps; they destroyed everything.

"Maybe you should call that number she left."

As soon as the humans in black suits armed with some wicked-looking firearms showed up on the front porch, their guest had written down a phone number and told them to call it if she didn't come back. Debbie was hesitant to use it; it belonged to a vampire for one thing, but it also meant giving up on the woman being alive. Still, it was almost sundown, and Mercy had been picked up even before breakfast. She'd been gone the whole day.

"Not yet," Alcide insisted. He shared Debbie's worry, but he couldn't bring himself to make the call. Not only would he have to call this Isabel, but he would have to call Northman and tell him that Mercy was gone. He would love to know who those suits were. He'd never seen them before in his life, but for some reason Mercy had elected to go with him.

"When is Aunt Mercy coming back?" Ava asked nervously, and Alcide turned his attention to her.

"I hope she'll be back soon, sweetie."

"C'mon Ava. I know where we can go that has a huge trampoline. We can play until it's time to get ready for bed."

Alcide wanted to protest that it wasn't safe, but he could see how worried the kid was getting. Besides, over at Elizabeth's Ava would be surrounded by she-wolves. There probably wasn't a safer place in Shreveport. The females of the pack had been nothing but nice to Debbie, even while he was delaying joining the pack himself. He probably ought to join, if only for Debbie's sake. It might do him good, too. He just didn't like what he'd seen of their leader.

"I think that sounds like a plan. How 'bout I drive you over there?"

He knew Debbie wouldn't ask him to go to any of the 'wolves homes, since he was set on not joining. The smile she direct his way told him he made the right call. And this way he could keep an eye on Ava too. He might have failed at keeping Mercy safe (even though her volunteering herself to those men couldn't be blamed on him, as Debbie said more than once) but he'd be damned if he failed at keeping this little girl out of harm's way.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Godric was awake; long before Eric, and long before sundown. His child lay still, deceptively innocent looking when he was dead to the world. He would never regret bringing this remarkable creature into their world. They'd stayed up past the dawn, sharing memories as more of his own returned to clarity. He was glad of the time spent with his child. He only wished he could remember this other progeny Eric spoke of; this Nora. He would like to have remembered having a daughter.

He was anxious for this evening to proceed. With Mercedes safely with the werewolf Eric trusted, he could face whatever judgment Lucian might pronounce with a clear mind. Even if this meant years in a silver-lined coffin, he couldn't regret ending Vincent. If he had it all to do over again, he would have acted no differently.

Curious as to what Mercedes was doing at the moment, he dug out his cellphone and called her. It went to voicemail, but he wasn't concerned. If she was occupied with Ava she might not hear it ring, or she might just choose to ignore the call until it was more convenient to answer. He left her a brief message and stated that either he or Eric would call her back once tonight's business was concluded. It would be pointless for her to try to return his call.

"Awake already?"

He looked over to see that Eric had woken, and was busying himself with stretching his impossibly long body.

"For some time now. They'll summon us soon."

It was nearly sunset; Lucian wouldn't wait long after that. He would want to be done with the whole thing as soon as possible.

"Then you should feed. Going to see the Magister on an empty stomach is not a wise idea."

He had to agree that Eric had a point. If he did end up in silver by sunrise, it would be a very, very long time before he had the chance to feed again. He let Eric summon one of his human employees, and he quickly glamoured her into submission. He had no desire to terrify the girl who worked as a housekeeper simply to flavor the blood. She was good at her job. Eric would hate having to break in a new one. He was surprised to find that Eric did not feed; he simply watched, and waited for his maker.

"Eric?"

"I can wait until I get to Fangtasia. Do you require more?"

Eric's concern would be endearing was he not hovering over him as if he really was the adolescent he appeared to be.

"No, Eric. She is sufficient."

The ringing of the house phone interrupted whatever Eric might have replied. It was strange that anyone would call the house phone. Anyone who had business with Eric called his cell, not the land line. They both heard the day man answer it, and Eric felt as though his stomach dropped to his feet as Godric calmly changed his clothes, preparing to face the Magister.

"You don't have to do this, Godric. You can run. The Magister won't follow you if you're out of North America."

Godric smiled slightly at his child's concern. Given Lucian's feelings towards Vincent, he would be unlikely to pursue if Godric chose to leave the country. But he would not abandon Mercedes, and she was unlikely to want to leave.

"I could not leave Mercedes, Eric."

He child only barely bit back a growl at that declaration. He did not expect Eric to understand what he only barely understood himself; this bond with a human that was strong enough to override even his sense of self-preservation.

"If he decides to lock you in a silver coffin for a decade, you'll still be leaving her. Take her with you and run, Godric. Get beyond the Magister's reach."

"It will be alright my child."

"You can't know that."

Eric swore softly when his day man knocked on the door and cautiously opened to inform them their presence was required at Compton's mansion. He swiftly changed his clothes and joined Godric. Even if he wasn't needed as a witness, he would not leave his maker to face this alone.

They were ushered into the King's private study when they reached the mansion, and Eric fought hard to keep his expression neutral as Nan Flanagan glared at them both. He wanted to wipe that expression off her face. Godric simply ignored her, his eyes focused solely on the Magister.

"Well you showed up quickly. That's in your favor."

Godric took a seat in a chair, and Eric assumed a stance behind him. He kept his eye fixed on Bill Compton, who was silently watching the proceedings. If things went badly and Godric needed to flee, it would be necessary to eliminate all witnesses quickly. He would start with Compton, who would be the easiest to kill.

"Roman wants to know why you didn't handle this last night," Nan directed at Lucian, and Godric managed to suppress a smile. The woman still didn't seem to realize what a fine line she was walking, or how dangerously close she was to over-stepping.

"Roman will simply have to get over it, and you may tell him I said so. This required deliberation. Now, Godric,"—and just like that Nan was dismissed from Lucian's mind as he turned his full attention on the smaller vampire. This was a delicate situation, given how likely Godric was to initially rebel at his sentence, and the Viking hovering protectively over him.

"It's unfortunate that this turned out the way it did."

"Vincent brought it upon himself."

"Of that I have no doubt. But he was still King, which complicates things. Normal judgment for such a crime would be the True Death, but I don't necessarily think it's appropriate here."

Godric waited for Lucian to get on with it. The older looking vampire was more—theatrical—than he remembered. Or perhaps he was simply trying to build up the anticipation, and prolong the dread of his judgment.

"Godric, you have not only destroyed one our number but you have deprived a territory of its king at a critical time, and you must answer for both of these. Therefore you must not only fulfill Vincent's responsibilities by taking his place as king, but you must make a new vampire to take the place of one that was lost."

Godric gripped the armrests so tightly he was surprised they didn't break. Lucian couldn't have concocted a more agonizing punishment if he'd tried. To have to serve as king of any territory—the bastard was enjoying this. Godric could see it in his face.

"And how long is this sentence to last," he managed to grind out behind clenched teeth.

"Oh, I think at least half a century, before we re-evaluate you. As for the other half of your sentence, it will be carried out tonight."

A nod from the Magister was all that was necessary to send the king's human bodyguard out of the room. They must already have someone in the mansion that Lucian intended to be Godric's third child. He gave no thought to the poor soul whose life was about to be so irrevocably altered; his thoughts were all for how Mercedes would handle this sentence of his. A baby vampire would demand the little free time that would be his as king. It would make sharing his evenings with her next to impossible.

Something was wrong. He could hear the extra heartbeat that meant the guard wasn't returning alone, but he knew that scent. It was a scent that shouldn't be anywhere in the vicinity of Bill Compton's home.

"What is the meaning of this Lucian?" he demanded as the door opened again and his Mercedes was hauled into the room, her hands shackled together.

"I would say meet your new child, but I believe you already know each other."

Godric was out of his seat too fast to be seen, and the human guard who dared to lay hands on HIS Mercedes was against the wall, dangerously close to having his neck snapped.

"Godric, control yourself!" he heard Compton hiss before being silenced by Eric.

"I wouldn't do that if I were you. You wouldn't want to terrify the girl now, would you?"

"Release her, Lucian!"

"I don't think so. Not until you've calmed down."

Godric growled but released the human. Lucian had his hands just resting against Mercedes' throat and he could not risk her life. He couldn't risk Lucian snapping her neck before he could reach them.

"Good. I'm glad you can be reasonable about this."

"You've got to be fucking kidding me!" Nan exploded. "He admitted to murdering a king, and you want to hand him Texas and turn his little pet?! You've lost your mind. The Authority will never stand for this!"

Lucian paused from unlocking Mercy's shackles to glare at the woman who'd dared to yell at him.

"I am the Authority's representative in this case, not you. So I strongly suggest you back your shit down now, Flanagan! Or I'll have your fangs for interfering with my verdict."

Nan quieted, and resumed her seat. Godric almost wished she'd continued her challenge; it would have given him the chance to get Mercedes out.

"Godric, proceed."

"I won't do this."

He couldn't' turn her. Much as he wanted her, he couldn't force her into this life knowing that she didn't want it. He would end his own life, again, before he hurt her so badly.

"You're mistaken if you think this is a negotiation, Godric. This is my judgment. And you will turn the girl, or I'll drain her dry, right here and now. It's your decision."

"Not her, Lucian!"

"Yes, her! Now do it before you try my patience. I can always end you both."

Godric looked to Mercedes, but she shook her head. She didn't want to be turned, even if it was the only way for her to survive. But Lucian didn't make false promises; if Godric refused again, he would kill them both. He couldn't let her die.

Nor could he deny how much he wanted what Lucian offered in this command. He wanted her immortal; he wanted her as his. This verdict was the perfect chance to take exactly what he wanted while giving Mercedes someone else to blame. Only a fool would deny themselves such an opportunity.

"Forgive me, Mercedes," he murmured before pulling her to him and striking. She pushed against him, but her struggles were ineffective. Her blood was rich, and he had to force himself not to drain her completely. As soon as he heard her heartbeat falter he pulled his fangs from her neck and tore into his wrist, pressing the wound against her lips.

It was always a strange feeling, giving his own blood to another. Perhaps because it was natural to take others' blood; the idea of giving his own was repugnant. The blood was sacred. Yet he willingly spilled his so that Mercedes would rise tomorrow night as his progeny. He encouraged her to take far more than was necessary to turn her, until finally Eric had to separate them. He felt her shudder in his arms and he held her close as her body died, and she went completely still. The missing heartbeat alerted everyone to the fact that it was done.

"Are you satisfied, Lucian?" Godric asked around his fangs, never taking his eyes off Mercedes. At the moment he neither looked nor felt anything like the boy Mercedes knew; he was every in the monster those at the AVL accused him of being.

"Judgment has been rendered and the sentence carried out. I'm satisfied. I'll give you four nights before I come to Texas to check in on the both of you."

Lucian rose to his feet, ordering Nan to join him. Eric stood closely by his maker's side when the Magister stopped in the doorway.

"Consider the girl a gift, Godric. Compensation for the post you'll be assuming. Don't make me regret giving her to you."

Godric nodded, not trusting himself to speak until they were gone. In his current mood he would tear Nan Flanagan to pieces if she made just one more remark. He didn't trust that he wouldn't react similarly to Lucian saying anything more.

"How did he find her?"

He looked to Eric. Lucian should never have found Mercedes; only he and Eric knew where she'd gone. Not even Bill Compton knew, as he'd arrived after the fact. Eric looked him directly in the eye, only the barest twitch alerting Godric that his child knew something about how she ended up here.

"He threatened to kill Pam if I didn't tell him where Mercy had gone," he answered unflinchingly.

"You handed her over to him?"

"I did. And you can take your vengeance later, but right now you need to put her in the ground."

He knew that; he knew he needed to bury them both in the ground until the next night. But it wasn't as if he'd planned for this possibility, and prepared a place to take her. Louisiana was Eric's home, not his, and they weren't in Shreveport anyway.

"You're welcome to use my property," Compton quickly made the offer, "the grounds are plenty large enough, and the cemetery borders the property. You can go to ground anywhere you wish."

It was as good a place as any, since he certainly didn't intend to fly back to Texas with her and try to put her to rest there. He accepted Compton's offer, and all too soon he found himself digging a grave near the cemetery, where it wouldn't be readily noticed. As soon as it was deep enough he gently settled Mercedes inside, they lay down in the dirt, arranging him around her. Eric looked down on them from the edge of the hoe.

"You will see to the child until Mercedes wakes."

"I'll take care of her," Eric promised before he started filling in the hole, tossing dirt on top of them. Godric settled, pulling Mercedes into his arms. When the sun set tomorrow night, she would rise a vampire; and she would be all his.