- Don't be mad at her, Samantha. – Carter heard Virtus'es voice behind her.

- Your Majesty – Sam turned around and bowed her head awkwardly.

- You don't have to bow before me, and I insist that you call me by my name. – Virtus looked at her seriously, coming closer to her. – After all, you are my Queen's daughter, which makes me your step-father.

- Technically, she is not MY mother… Helen Magnus in MY reality is. And I am not mad… I am confused.

- I don't understand your confusion, Samantha. You were given an incredibly sharp mind and strong character. You are a scientist. A warrior. Calculate your situation. Use your beloved logic. There is nothing in this situation, that you can or should be confused about. The woman who gave birth to you left you with your father and his rightful wife, so they could assure you a great future and happy childhood. Were you unhappy with your family?

- I… - Sam gaped at him, shocked by his opinion, and by the fact, that he was right. – I was happy… I am… Maybe not with the fact my mum died when I was young...

- But would you have accepted your true mother if she had stepped in after that? If she had claimed her right to raise you?

- I don't know.

- Samantha, you have to stop letting your past define who you are now and who you become. You can either accept the chance to have a mother again, learn to love, respect, obey and learn from her, or deny yourself a chance to gain all that. I can't imagine Helen Magnus from your universe to be any less fascinating and genius than the one you met here. With your potential, and skills you will be taught here, and your mother's knowledge, experience and resources, both of you will be the first line of defense against the threats from galaxies around you. You could also become pioneers of your society's development. – Virtus was now standing few inches from Sam, and his eyes were glowing with passion. The gaze was so intensive, that Carter could almost feel it on her face. – Don't let this chance go only because you are afraid or insecure.

- You don't know me. How can you be so sure about my potential? – Sam backed off a little bit.

- I know everything I want to. I am the King of the greatest race ever that has ever existed for a reason, Samantha. And I know humans. I used to live among you, on Earth for far too long, to NOT know, that right now, even though you think you are advanced, and that you can handle your world on your own, you are failing to develop yourselves miserably. You are fighting over territories, wealth, influences, ruling… You are weakening your own race, you are unable to stop or control diseases and natural resources of your planet. You destroy it with your primitive weapons and industries. - He was calm and cold again, as he was looking outside the palace through the force shield that was covering the whole building. – You can change it. Magnus can change it.

- How? – Sam was feeling ashamed, but at the same time, incredibly curious.

- By learning. You will be Vampires' ambassador on Earth, when we teach you everything you need to know. You will also be the most powerful being on your planet. – he turned to face her again – But fair warning, Samantha. With great power…

- Comes great responsibility. I know. – Sam cut into his sentence.

- And an awful curse. – Virtus looked a little bit irritated – Curse of having the fate of your people in your hands, and the awareness, that your decisions will influence billions of lives.

They stood in silence for a very long minute, and Sam finally gazed Virtus in the eyes.

- I can't do it. I am not a person capable of handling such a burden.

- And that, my dear Samantha, is what makes you a perfect candidate. You don't have that vampiric thirst for power, your mind is pure enough to doubt your abilities. Your character is strong, but you don't fight to dominate. You are full of compassion, but not weak and foolish. – Suddenly his mouth budged like he was trying to stop a smile – You would probably make a better Queen then I am a King…

- You once said the same thing about me, Virtus – Helen approached them, carefully looking at Sam.

- Virtus laughed out loudly, embracing her with his arm.

- That is just one more proof, that you both are of the same, noble Sanguine Vampiris blood, my love. I was just explaining to Samantha her future. And I have a strong feeling, we reached an agreement. – He put his hand on her arm.

Sam responded with a cold, decided gaze, but one could not see any fear in her eyes.

- I believe we did.

- Excellent. I will leave you now, ladies. I have some lessons to arrange… - he bowed his head and disappeared in a flash of green light.

Both Helen and Sam looked around, in a very uncomfortable silence.

- So… - Sam started – what is it, that you really do on Earth? In your reality.

- I'm glad you asked – Helen was clearly happy to talk about her work instead of her feelings – I run a network of private research facilities called Sanctuaries around the world. We study and protect unusual creatures, forced out of the people's consciousness and brought down to the role of legends to scare children…

- Monsters?

- Abnormals, as we call them…You have an annoying habit of cutting into other people's sentences… - Magnus gave her that disapproval look Sam knew from the serviette situation.

- Sorry… - Sam blushed a little

- As I was saying, we work with abnormals, from whom we can learn. Sometimes we also have to protect humans, because like in every society, among the abnormals there are true monsters and beasts. That's mainly my work.

- Cool. And I thought I have the weirdest job on Earth… You know…working with aliens and stuff… - The awkwardness between them seemed to be melting down, as they started to walk through the amazingly decorated corridors.

Sam closed the door behind her and leaned against it, sighing deeply.

- Tough day? – Janet looked at her from behind her desk.

- I can't move my arms… Virtus is worse then my sergeant at the academy… Not only he wants me to keep his pace, but he also expects that I won't be tired! I'm only quarter vampire for cryin' out loud!

- It's not how much you have…it's how you use it – Janet smiled – What are you up to now?

- I think I will join that brown-haired guy…what's his name…

- Sonnon?

- Right. He promised me to try to explain that changing dimensions and timeline wormhole effect… To be honest, my brain works out pretty much as intensively as my muscles. Some of the theories are incredible! And they share it with me like it's no big deal!

- Exactly! I already have answers to some of the major mysteries of our medicine… We will indeed have all means to change our reality, Sam… - Janet stood up, and walked to the window, looking out at the city – It scares me a little…

Carter came closer to her, and embraced Janet from behind, gently squeezing her hand and kissing her head.

- We will be fine. I don't know a person more caring and wiser then you are, and those two qualities will let you use the knowledge you're gaining properly. I am happy that you are here with me, Janet.

Frasier turned to her a little, and gazed Sam in the eyes.

- You still have that crush on me, don't you? – she said, smiling cheekily.

- That's not fair! I would said that without it! – Sam tried to act indignant, but she couldn't stop the giggle.

- So you admit it!

- Well, I wouldn't have had passionate sex with you for the last two months just for the amazing fun of it, Janet… I may be blonde, but I'm not that shallow…

Both woman laughed and Sam stepped back, heading to the bathroom.

- But it took you four months to finally visit my bed – Janet followed her, and leaned against the door frame, watching Carter undress and jump in the bathtub.

- Remember that, as someone once said, I am a sexually awkward person. – Sam raised her eyebrow, marking Janet's words. – Care to join me?

- I would love to, but I can't. I'm meeting Henry in the bio lab for some new equipment training. By the way, how is your mental communication and control lessons going?

- Not much better then my energy control lessons…I am a lame vampire, I guess. I can't reach the level of focus required to do that telepathy and magic things. At least not as fast as I should. I burned Virtuse's robe with an heat-energy burst today though… That's progress I guess…

- Indeed. I got to go now. I see you at dinner?

- Yup.

Janet walked out and headed to the bio labs complex about 80 miles away from the palace. The trip took her no more than 10 seconds.

Henry was sitting in front of the computer, murmuring something to it. She often caught him talking to his toys.

- Hi Henry!

Foss jumped in his chair.

- Don't sneak up like that! You scared the crap out of me!

- Sorry… So, what do we have here?

- Ah! Yeah, doc Frasier, let me introduce to you…

And he begun his presentation, describing this new analyzer of bio-material with such a passion and love, that Janet couldn't help, but laugh. Henry looked at her confused.

- What's so funny?

- Nothing, sorry… Just, if someone would listen to you from outside the room, they could think, you are describing something more…alive than a machine. But it's ok. I understand that. Sam talks astrophysics like that.

- Yeah… Doctor Carter has her way with words… - Henry seemed a little distracted with her mention of Sam – Anyway – he cleared his throat, directing his sappy eyes to the analyzer – all you have to do, is put whatever you want to analyze into that spot, and push the blue crystal. The results will appear as a hologram over it. You just zoom it in and if you want a hard copy, push those two crystals – it will create a tablet for you.

- Perfect. Thank you, Henry.

- You are most welcome. So… will you show up for tonight's party?

- You mean the dinner in palace?

- Yeah. It's gonna be wild, I'm tellin' ya. – Henry started to organize his lab desk by throwing things into drawers.

- What do you mean by wild?

- Man, I totally forgot, that it will be your first "we are worshiping our life" festival! I so got used to having you around, that these six months seems like eternity…

- Henry, to the point…

- Right. – suddenly Henry blushed, clearly avoiding Janet's eyes – I…I don't want to spoil it for you. You will see for yourself.

- Oh, come on, Henry! You can't do that!

- I really want you to have a surprise, doc! It blows your mind first time you see it! But now, I have to go… You know, get ready…

- I can't believe it… - Janet sighed, smiling – Ok then, see you later! – She started to walk down the corridor, made of crystal and sort of harder version of trinium.

- Doc Frasier! – Henry called after her few seconds later – Is…major Carter coming?

Janet nodded her head and smirked.

- Yes, she will be there.

- Oh! – Henry's face lit up with a big smile – Great! Ok, see ya!

Frasier got to the door, when they opened without making any sound, showing a tall blonde man, wearing traditional, tight grey robes of a scientist. It was underlining his fit body very well, and Janet's stomach made a somersault, as usual when she saw Will Zimmerman.

- Janet! – Will smiled charmingly – I haven't seen you in a while! How are you?

- I'm good, you know… usual routine. How's your Earth?

- Good…cold…It's winter already… - He tried to put his hands into his back pockets, but tight pants he was wearing had none unfortunately. He brushed through his messed hair with his hand, clearly intimidated. – You… you look great, Janet…Are you..hmm…Will you be at the celebration tonight?

- Thank you Will. – Janet felt a blush appearing on her cheeks – Yes. Both, Sam and I will be there. I take it you are going as well?

- Are you kidding? I wouldn't miss it for the world!

- Ehm…well… - Janet wanted to move and walk back to her room, but the awkwardness between them was rising, holding her back.

- Can I be your escort? - Will asked the question very quickly, like he was afraid he won't have the courage to do it again later.

- Do I need one?

- Technically no, but since Henry is going to ask Sam, and I wouldn't like you to go there alone…It's much more fun with someone.

- Henry and Sam, huh? In that situation, I will be honored, William.

- Perfect! – Will smiled, making Janet's insides fill up with butterflies – I will pick you up at 8!

- Virtuana time, or earth time?

- Earth.

- Sounds like a great plan. Bye!

Janet walked out quickly, feeling the same kind of a smile Henry presented earlier appearing on her face.

- 'I'm acting like a teenager!' – she scolded herself, approaching the teleportation station.

Sam walked out of the Vitruana's university building, and had to shield her eyes with her hand, until they adjusted to the bright sun shining very close to the planet. Sonnon successfully explained to her why the Stargate acted so strangely, sending them not only to the other dimension, but also into time dilatation field. He also explained how they are planning to send them back home. And that was the tricky part.

In order to establish a stable wormhole connection, that will transport them back through time and dimension, a long list of conditions had to be checked. Few solar flares on different stars on the way of the wormhole at the same moment, couple of black holes along the way, close enough to effect the matter stream… Sam would have lost her mind trying to figure out how to make it happen back in the SGC, by herself, but here, with the equipment and knowledge she was surrounded with, all seemed to be a piece of cake. Big one.

Sonnon helped her to find such conditions in the future, by showing how to calculate planets positions, solar flares and all the other factors. They had exactly 6 months and 4 days left.

Carter started to walk down the street, breathing deeply the fresh air. Everyone was surprised, she preferred walking a few miles back rather than teleporting. The truth was, Sam needed those moments of walking alone for herself, just to think things through, to sort the information she had gained in her head… Just to not be disturbed.

- Hey, doc!...Doctor Carter!

Sam heard that well-known voice behind her. She turned around, and waited for Henry, who was walking very fast, like he was holding himself back from running. Henry was the only person in Vitruana, who was not wearing local clothing. Firstly, he was a Lykan – the sworn enemy of Vampires, secondly, he just looked really stupid in traditional robes. Of course, Virtus considered him a true and close friend, still some of the ancient laws couldn't be bent, even for a friend. Henry never seemed to complain about not being able to wear tight pants, tunic and high boots though.

- Henry… I told you so many times to call me Sam…

- Yes, I know, it's just…Nevermind. – Henry put his hands into the front pockets of his jeans, and smiled. He took a big breath and looked Sam directly in the eyes – Sam, can I be your partner for tonight's celebrations?

Sam raised her eyebrows, astonished with that sudden, open proposition. Until now, Henry had been shy and usually tensed around her. His every try to flirt with her was very awkward.

- I…I'm flattered Henry…

- It's ok if you say no, Sam…I just thought since doc. Frasier is going with Will…I mean it's not the only reason…In fact, I was going to ask you few days ago, but you were so busy…And I had that project with Magnus… - Henry lost his confidence immediately, gazing at his shoes.

- Henry, I would love to.

- Really, it's no problem… I kind of thought you will…Wait, what? – he looked at her suddenly.

- I said yes, I would love to have you as my partner tonight, Henry.

- Really? Cool! Wow…Ok – Henry smiled widely – You want me to pick you up?

- Sure, why not… Let's say 20 minutes before the celebration starts?

- Great! I will be there! Thank you!

- Oh, Henry… - Sam laughed, kissed his cheek, and walked away, leaving him with a silly face in the middle of an empty street.

Helen was brushing her wet hair sitting by the dresser, when Virtus appeared behind her, gazing at her in the mirror.

- You are so beautiful, my love - he whispered, getting down on one knee next to her, and taking the crystal brush from her hand. He put it on the table, and turned her chair, so she could face him. Virtus took Helen's face into his hands and gently stroke her cheeks – You are also worried – he more stated than asked.

- I am a little – Helen put her arms around Virtuse's neck, playing with his hair – You really think she is ready?

- Helen… - the King smiled calmly – You know what I think. Literary. Samantha might be young and very… human, but she is also incredibly gifted and has a diamond, flawless character. She is ready. Trust me.

- I do trust you… She's just so… - Helen couldn't find a right word.

- Innocent? Naive? Fragile? Those are all right words, but trust me, she's everything but innocent… - Virtus smiled cheekily.

Helen tapped his arm.

- Your majesty, a little seriousness, please! I am really worried here, besides, this dimension or not, Sam is still kind of my daughter, and I don't want to hear about whatever it is you saw in her mind! – Magnus was trying to hide a smile.

- I was simply talking about her experience as a warrior, my dear… - Virtus acted indignant – I don't know what was it you had on your mind, my lady!

Helen smirked and stood up, pulling Virtus up with her.

- I need to get dressed for the celebration… - she wanted to head to her wardrobe, but the king was holding her strong and really close.

- You first need to get rid of that robe you are wearing now… - he said, unbuttoning her tunic.

- Really, Virtus…There is no time…

- Be realistic, Helen – he pushed her gently in the direction of their bed – They won't start without us…

The Hall of Life in Virtuana's Palace was cut with energy in an enormous natural pocket of diamond. First King of Virtuana built the palace around it, making it the very center of the vampire Kingdom. Every reign of every vampire King started and ended it that hall. Cascades of water from a waterfall on top of the hall were gently embracing all of the round walls, casting incredible shadows on the floor.

The center of the hall was a diamond sculpture of a single water drop, perfectly round. From it, the tables made of some shiny, black stone, were set like ripples on the water, around the drop, creating an illusion of spreading waves.

The King's throne was standing by the first table, closest to the sculpture, and was in the lowest point of the hall, so that everyone could see him, his closest champions and family. The whole thing – the drop and King's table was spinning around very slowly, so his Majesty could see all the subjects that gathered in the Hall of Life.

The roof of the hall had two lines crossing it's structure like a giant X.

Sam was standing by the entrance with open mouth, trying to embrace the beauty of the Hall of Life with her senses, not really caring about Virtuans appearing suddenly here and there out of nowhere, slowly filling up the hall.

- Astounding, isn't it? – Helen came up closer to her, and put her hand on Sam's arm. Henry, who was standing on Carter's left side, took a big breath.

- I feel so small every time I'm here…

- How is it possible? – Sam was looking around, trying to find some kind of supporting structures, any mark of engineers intervention, but all she saw was perfect walls of diamond.

- Sam, you've been here so long…You still don't believe in Virtuana magic? – Henry offered her his arm. – Shall we ?

- Not yet, Henry – Helen smiled, seeing that show of gallantry – You will sit with us tonight.

- Wow…You mean, like down there, by The Drop? – Henry raised his eyebrows.

- Yes, Henry. Follow me.

Henry and Sam exchanged nervous smiles and followed Magnus down the corridor, hidden behind the wall. The way led down, and after few hundred meters Helen stopped by the twisted stairs disappearing into a solid diamond roof. Virtus and couple of his champions were already there. The King was dressed in a simple, but very sophisticated and elegant robe. It was emerald-green mixed with silver and black, shiny a little, and Sam couldn't stop the thought, that the man looks like a tall, very handsome jewel. His temple was decorated with the same diadem he was wearing when they first met. His tunic was reaching his knees, where the high boots were ending with a silver calf. His coat of arms was embroidered on his chest with a silver thread, and meticulously engraved on the hilt of his sword, adorned with emeralds. Two man and two women who were standing on his sides had the same emblem on their clothes, which were also kept in the tones of emerald, but not so decorative as the King's.

Sam noticed that Helen is not only wearing an incredibly beautiful, long dress, but also that it is evenly astounding as the King's clothing. The delicate diadem in her dark hair was shining shyly, when the light was reflected in the huge jewels.

It was the first time Sam saw Helen Magnus officially as the Queen of Virtuana.

The King's champions bowed their heads to Helen with great respect.

- There you are! Perfect! – Virtus smiled, resting his left hand on the sword by his side. – Samantha, Henry, I am pleased to introduce to you the four representatives of the Great Council of Virtuana, Two Great Ladies – Kathenia, the Lady of Justice, Reneia, the Lady of Culture, and Two Great Lords - Sonnon, the Lord of Science and Arten, the Lord of War. Samantha, they will take part in today's ritual as your Advisors and Protectors along me and Helen. – Virtus came closer to her and gazed her deeply in the eyes – Tonight, you will be introduced to your people, your brothers and sisters, as a rightful subject to this realm. You will be appointed with title and function of Lady Samantha, the Noble Ambassador of Virtuana on Earth.

Sam opened her eyes widely, speechless. A knot tightened in her throat, making her unable to answer in any way.

- Do not be afraid, Samantha – King's look was calming and the confidence in his eyes so strong, that Sam felt a little bit better. – I believe in you, I support you and as your King and Protector, I will guide you, so we can make the Universe a better place. Together.

- Virtus, I am truly honored, but I am afraid I will let your hopes down… - Sam was terrified, when she realized that in a moment, she will reach the point of no return.

- You won't. You trained and learned well. Now, you will become capable of using your skills and knowledge. Trust in your spirit, Samantha.

Virtus closed his eyes for a brief moment, and smiled, when the roof over the twisted stairs slowly opened, making Sam thud.

- Showoff… - she murmured.

- Let's begin – Virtus with Helen on his right side started to climb the stairs. Sam and Henry followed them, because the four other vampires were clearly waiting for them to move.

They climbed about 10 feet and reached a see-through, perfectly smooth platform. The light was shining only within platform's shape, and Sam couldn't see the walls of the room they were in. Henry straightened his elegant dinner jacket nervously. When four champions joined them in a quite tight group, taking place behind the King, Virtus reached one of his hands out and made one, smooth, elegant waving move.

The slim line appeared over their heads, and quickly began to spread, embracing them with sparkly white light.

At first, Sam noticed the moving shadows on her sleeve, like a streams of rain on a window. She looked up, and had to shield her eyes with her hand. Her eyes needed few seconds to adjust, but when the image finally cleared, Carter realized they are standing in the middle of the great Hall of Life. In the middle of The Drop to be exact. It's perfect structure opened like a nut shell, revealing the platform on which they were standing.

The hall was full. Hundreds, if not thousands of Virtuans were sitting behind the tables, creating a floating crowd like a sea of colors and sounds. Now, everyone stood up, bowing their heads before their King and Queen.

Helen discreetly pulled Sam, and led them to the closest table. Four vampires came up to the other end of the table, and turned around, to face the King who stayed on the platform with his hands modestly crossed behind his back and head a little bit bowed with his gaze on the floor.

A perfect silence covered the room, filling the enormous space with anticipation. Only the shimmering water seemed not to care about what was going on. Sam looked first at Henry and then at Helen, but all she got was serious smiles and looks shining with excitement. Carter gazed back at Virtus, she was both dying of curiosity and anxiousness. All she knew right now, was that the special dress she was wearing that day was not, as she had thought earlier, a pretty gift from Helen, but it had something to do with all the title giving and introducing… Once again she reminded herself how O'Neill always grumbled about the Tok'Ra never revealing their plans and agendas in time. That was yet another thing they had in common – she hated surprises.

Why nobody there told her what they were planning for her, and what they expected her to do, for cryin' out loud! It's not like she was demanding them to ASK for her opinion or anything, cause that would have been just to much…

- My friends! My sisters and brothers! – Virtus spoke, rising his head slowly. His voice was quiet and calm, yet a strong note was ringing in it, making everyone listen carefully. Somehow even though he had no microphone, and he wasn't shouting his throat out, Sam heard him so clearly, like if he was standing next to her. And she was absolutely sure that even the guests in "nose bleed" section in the very back were able to hear him like she was. – Welcome on this joyful day!

He smiled, looking slowly around. Slowly, surrounded by the thrilling silence, he reached to the sword with his right hand, and took it out, celebrating every inch of blade sliding resonantly out of the sheath. Beautiful weapon was like a reflection of it's owner – stark and dangerous, but confident, just and respectful. Virtus held it in the right hand, with the blade just few inches from his face, and when his left hand begun to slowly slide down on it, leaving bloody smear on a shining silver surface, everyone in the room kneeled down. Sam was pulled down by Magus, but she kept her eyes on the King. He put the left hand covered with blood on a hilt, and aimed the sword down, closing his eyes. Suddenly, the blade begun to shine with green light. Carter made an uncontrolled sound of astonishment as she noticed Virtuse's face. His, now opened, eyes became darker and gloated with the same emerald-green color as the sword, pale lips widened showing strong, long fangs. For the first time in her life, Sam saw a vampire in his true form.

Virtus thrust the sword into the diamond floor.

Carter almost expected the blade to bounce back, but it went deep in, uttering a high, clear note. A visible energy and a sound wave created by the vibrating sword first broke like an implosion, boosting the sound, and then exploded with green light, sending a wall of it around the hall.

Sam's first reaction was to run away from it, but since she was kneeling in the first line, the wave got to her first, and when it embraced her and went through her body, the feeling of overtaking joy and ecstasy she had felt before appeared again. Her eyes widened with astonishment, when she noticed that the diamond floor and roof was turning from it's normal, white color in to emerald-green. Just like a brush was the wave , painting the stone it encountered. The Hall was now lightened up with the same incredible glow as in Virtuse's eyes. The King was standing still, holding the sword, with his eyes closed.

- Cool isn't it? And it's not all he's got… - Henry whispered to her ear, leaning slightly to her.

- What just happened? – Sam whispered back, feeling like a naughty student on a lesson.

- Long story short, every vampire king has a jewel kinda assigned to his character, and… - Henry silenced, when he noticed the gaze Helen gave them.

Carter smiled, and obediently looked back at the center of the Hall.

Virtus made a step back from the sword and now, he was looking up at the roof, slowly opening his arms. Along with his smooth moves, the dome's four elements slowly slid apart, creating a shiny crown around the hall. The shining sun, breaking through the branches of the huge trees surrounding the valley, flooded the Hall with its warm light. The waterfall so far encircling the roof was still flowing down, but it was clearly kept from flooding the inside of the Hall with a force field. It looked like if someone had stood in the middle of the hall with a gigantic umbrella.

Everyone stood up, when Virtus smiled slightly and reached his hand to Helen, asking her to join him. When she came up to him, Virtus kissed her hand, and everyone in the room bowed respectfully.

- Dear friends, let the Festival of Life begin! – Helen addressed the crowd with a big smile on her lips, and let Virtus lead her to their table. When they sat down, everyone took their places.

Henry awkwardly grabbed Sam's hand and pulled her to her place, waited until she sat down, clumsily helped her with her chair and sat down on her left side.

Hundreds of eyes were staring at her, and suddenly Sam felt anxious and abashed.

Virtus leaned to her, smiling.

- I understand it is quite a view for you, but at least try to smile…

- Sorry… I'm just not a rock-star kind of a person… All that attention makes me nervous.

- And you were not even introduced yet… - The King nodded his head – you better think what to say, when your time will come.

- What! – Carter almost yelled.

- Virtus, stop it! Can't you see she is frightened enough already? – Helen joined the conversation, whispering angrily.

- Sorry, my love…I just couldn't stop myself – Virtus giggled, taking a crystal glass, filled with red fluid.

- What's with the speech? Do I have to do it, or was he just joking? – Carter was jumping from Helen to Virtus with her gaze.

- No, you don't have to say anything, if you don't want to. – Helen cleared.

Sam sighed relieved. She also took a glass to her hand, but before taking a sip, she sniffed the content of it.

- Don't be afraid, it's not blood – Virtus was clearly watching her the whole time – It's wine. At least in your glass…

- Virtus!

- Oh, Helen, you won't let me have any fun tonight, will you?

Both Sam and Magnus smirked, and Helen was clearly trying to say something back, but the Hall suddenly filled with sounds, colors and smells, making her stop in the middle of a breath.

Sam was knocked down with so well known feeling of overtaking joy and pleasure, as a quite big group of people flew down from the tree top of the Hall, twisting like a ballet dancers in the most impressive pirouettes in the Universe. The chaos of sounds and colors suddenly transformed in to a harmony, a perfect chord, making every cell in Sam's body explode with feeling of completeness. The melody continued, gently caressing the listener's senses, when the group divided into couples, and begun to present themselves before the King and Queen and the rest of the audience. Their slim, strong bodies were decorated only with pieces of ethereal, beige material in strategic places, and painted in incredible patterns and symbols. After each couple presented itself, they begun to create a dance so smooth, that Carter would swear they are moving under the water. Moves perfectly synchronized with the music, colors and smells were clearly erotic, yet incredibly beautiful in their artistry.

Sam lead her eyes through the crowd. Most of the people were staring at the show with ecstasy painted on their faces. Carter noticed Janet, Will, and few other familiar faces in the very first row in front of them. Zimmerman was whispering something into Janet's ear. A pinch of jealousy appeared, and Sam unintentionally looked at Henry. Apparently he was gazing at her too, cause they looked each other directly in the eyes. For a second, Sam was almost sure he will kiss her, but in this moment the music stopped, breaking all the sensual experiences. Henry cleared his throat, and quickly gazed at the plate in front of him, suddenly finding it very interesting.

- Did you like it?

Sam snapped out of the disorientation, and looked around confused, and noticed Virtus looking at her intensively.

- Ehm… Yes, it was…so amazing, that I can't put it in words… - She quickly sipped out of her glass, to cover the awkwardness of that moment.

- So now it is time for the introduction. – King turned to her with a serious face – Are you ready?

- I'm not, but I doubt I will ever be, so let's do it.

Virtus smiled slightly, and stood up, reaching his had, so she could grab it and lean on it. All the voices quieted down, as they were walking from their table to The Drop. They stopped by the sword still in the floor, and Virtus put his hand on Sam's arm.

- Today brings me much joy and honour, not only because of our traditional Festival of Life, but also because our great nation will gain a new member. I am truly happy to introduce to all of you your new sister of blood, recently returned to her rightful kingdom, Samantha of Earth, a brilliant scientist, a brave, honorable warrior, a woman of pure mind and heart. – the Hall exploded with acclaim. The King turned to Carter, and slipped his hand down her arm, grabbing Sam's hand, and pulling it up over their heads. With his right hand, he pulled out a short dagger, and parted their grab. The Four Lords of the Great Council and Helen approached them and surrounded Sam. Helen smiled calmingly and whispered to her

- Don't be afraid. Virtus will now make a little cut on your palm.

Carter swallowed loudly and nervously nodded her head.

When a slim blade already left a bloody line on her skin, Virtus slid it down his hand, and looked Sam directly in the eyes. Suddenly, he joined their hands again, squeezing Sam's palm very strongly. When the King's blood mixed with her blood, Carter would sworn, she could feel every cell of Virtuse's blood getting into her veins, and travelling into her system. It felt like a freezing cold drops were cooling down her entire body. It wasn't painful, but it wasn't pleasant either. When the wave of cold reached her heart, Sam couldn't take a breath and she had the feeling of passing out for a moment, but then her head exploded with sounds and images, creating a chaotic white noise. Strong hands of Lord Arten helped her stand discreetly. Sam wanted to scream, and cover her ears with her hands, but she felt it wouldn't be appropriate, considering hundreds of vampires around, so she just clenched her teeth. Waves of emotions, thoughts and feelings, as well were twisting in her head, like a water that just broke the dam, flooding the empty spaces. Intensive and incredibly clear smells and sounds attacked Carter's nose and ears, causing nausea.

Sam looked at Helen, terrified and confused. Magnus grabbed her arm, and looked at Virtus with anticipation. The King locked his gaze with Sam's and kept staring at her, as she was slowly giving up the fight with overwhelming effects of his blood.

- Virtus! – Helen hissed at him with anger.

- Do not interfere – The King was calm, but his answer sounded cold and very serious.

Sam felt weakness in her knees, as her muscles began to hurt. The Hall started to turn in to a blurry, twisting painting, Virtus'es face, only few inches from hers, was the only sharp point.

Sweat appeared on her face, her skin burned, as well as her lungs. Sam was sure she wouldn't be able to take it any more, and looked at Virtus with fury.

- What have you done to me? – she whispered to him, gasping heavily.

But the vampire was just staring at her, drilling through her skull with that intensive gaze.

The last reserves of strength were quickly leaving Carter's body, and she accepted, that soon she will be lying with her face down somewhere close to Virtus'es feet, vomiting like a drunk teenager and rolling from pain.

- I…- Virtus grabbed Sam's face with one hand, and his voice bounced from the walls of the Hall. – Virtus, The King of Virtuana, am… - he leaned closer to her – your Creator. – The King followed her down, as Sam slid down on her knees. He was now kneeling in front of her, holding her head with his right hand on her cheek – I give you a new life, and I swear to protect and guide you. Now rise, as a better being, and fill your race's hearts with pride, as Lady Samantha, Noble Ambassador of Virtuana on Earth! – Proclaiming that, Virtus put his left hand on her temple, and kissed her head, like a father kisses a child.

Suddenly, all the noise, all the annoying experiences disappeared. Sam took a deep breath, and opened her eyes, still trying to keep her balance. Virtus slowly backed off, pulling her up. He was smiling, as he kissed her hand, and turned her to the audience. Vitruans were applauding as the Queen, Ladies and Lords were coming up to Sam, repeating the ritual by putting their hands on Carter's face and announcing loudly that form now on, they will be her Protectors.

Sam took that time to try to understand what the hell just happened, but she clearly needed a longer moment of focus without a crowd staring at her. When Kathenia, Reneia, Sonnon, Arten and Magnus finally stepped back, Virtus approached Sam again, and decorated her finger with a ring. It was a diamond in a silver setting, with King's emblem engraved on it. Virtus lead her back to their table, and the sip of wine she took shortly after that was the last thing Sam could remember clearly.