Chapter 26 and 27

Disclaimer: Again sorry if any of you thought I posted another chapter back to back. Well we are nearing a close! So I wont bore you with my banter and dive right into the story. R&R!

He looked the same as I remembered when I was a child. His blue eyes glared at me with intensity. His hair was jet black and pulled back into a pony tale.

Casey…are you sure? Eric asked I could hear the doubt in his thoughts

The motherfucker killed my parent and then tried to kill me….yeah I'm sure. Though annoyed

Stick to the plan. I told myself.

I met his gaze dead on and smiled sweetly.

I was hit with a sudden wave of nausea. I tried to center myself.

I opened my mind to him.

She's smiling at me. Why the hell is she smiling?

It was working.

I immediately looked away.

The Hispanic vampire in the middle of the room began to speak again and I tried with all my might to seem like I was paying attention.

She must remember me. I heard 'Xander' think.

"And as you all might be aware of I am Carlos Canales Sheriff of Area 7 in Virginia. I will be here representing the late Queen Marigold Whipstand of Virginia. We will now begin." The speaker said.

The King of Iowa walked to the center of the room as Carlos took his seat.

"Thank you Mr. Canales and my deepest sympathies go out to your loss." The King of Iowa began. "Ladies and gentlemen. Something must me done. There is a snake in our midst and he very well may be amongst us."

No shit Sherlock. Give the vampire a gold star!

Fools. I heard Xander chuckle inwardly.

"The reason for these dastardly murders are, still unknown to us but when we discover who is behind this we will show no mercy. Thank you."

It was then that everyone began to clap. The entire table of Virginia rose to their feet.

It went on like that for hours. Kings and queens talking about how 'close' they were to discovering who was behind the killings.

"We have reason to it is the werewolves." Said the Queen of Oregon.

"There have been reports that it is actually members of the Fellowship of the Sun." Said the King of Minnesota.

"We know exactly who it is." Said the King of Kansas. "It's the fairies."

WHAT?!?

I slowly rose to my feel and raised a hand. Everyone's eyes locked on me. "I beg your pardon your majesty but may I please interject." I said.

What the hell is she doing? Xander thought.

The King of Kansas or, Mr. Bartholomew Zachariah VI, looked at me lustfully and nodded. I politely smiled.

"I have spoken with the King of the Fairies and he has told me to inform you all that he has heard of the allegations that he might be a part of these horrendous crimes and--"

"And who might you be?" Carlos asked calmly.

"My name is Casey Cortez and I am King Gylfis' granddaughter and soon to be Queen of the fairies."

A few of the vampires tensed up as did I.

So the bitch does know where Gylfi is. I heard Xander think.

"You're a brave little snack to be here amongst all of us…that or incredibly stupid." Bartholomew said with his fangs showing.

Sophie-Anne immediately stood by my side. "Miss Cortez has agreed to help us and she will not be touched while under my protection."

Bartholomew gave a quick nod and sat down.

"Tell us what you know girl." A woman growled.

"After speaking with my grandfather I have learned that the same persons or person who is trying to cause harm to you has also done to members of my fae. More immediately, my mother and father."

The room fell even more silent.

"Have you met this man or woman?" Xander asked with a calculated tone.

"Yes I have Sir." I said.

The crown began to murmur.

"It was a long time ago though and I can not remember his face. All that I remember is that his name is Xander and make no mistake when I say…he is a vampire.

Everyone in the room gasped. All except for…

"Why should we believe you?" Xander asked.

The entire room nodded in concurrence. "This could be some sort of ploy to force the blame on us."

"With all due respect sir but…would the queen of the fairies risk her life and be thrown into a room full of vampires unless she was trying to help?"

The vampires seemed to like my answer as I proceeded.

"My grandfather will be more than willing to cooperate with helping you discover who it is." I said becoming braver by the minute.

"I don't believe this." One vampire growled. "Why on earth would a fairy help a vampire?"

I smiled, planning for that question to arise. "We are not helping you…we are helping ourselves."

She is making this almost too easy. Xander said but he didn't sound cautious he sounded more so pleased. "Why didn't your grandfather come here and tell us himself?" Xander asked.

I tried not to shudder from the venom and annoyance in his voice.

Okay Casey bust out the brownie points.

"I chose to come on my own accord. Unlike most, I don't judge others by what society makes them out to be. If you are all willing to accept my help I would be more than willing to give it."

CASEY WHAT THE HELL?? I heard Sookie.

I ignored her.

After taking my seat, Eric reached over and lightly touched my hand from under the table.

Impressive. He thought simply.

Well when you're put in circumstances like this its good to think on your toes.

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As the night drew everyone rose form their table and began mingling.

Do vampires mingle?

I blocked my mind from Sookie and Eric and I could tell that they were becoming increasingly annoyed. I needed to stay focused.

I stayed close to Eric.

Am I doing alright? I asked him.

He simply nodded.

I then saw Xander moving throughout the crowed and was making a bee-line towards me.

"Northman!" He boomed extending a hand in a vary un-vampire like gesture.

Eric smiled and instantly took his hand. "Cross. It's been years. How are things in New York."

Xander just shrugged and turned his attention to me. "You know, you look awfully familiar. Have we met before?" He asked.

I knew what he was trying to do. He was trying to feel me out and see if I would expose anything. Sheer will was keeping me from clawing his eyes out right then and there.

I channeled all of my anger into the broadest smile I could manage. "I don't believe so." I extended my hand "Casey Cortez."

He gripped my hand almost painfully. "Dermot Cross, King of New York."

"It's a pleasure to meet you." I said calmly.

Sookie and Bill suddenly appeared at my side.

"I don't believe you all have been formally introduced." Eric began. "Sookie Stackhouse, Bill Compton, this is an old acquaintance of mine, Mr. Dermot Corss."

Bill and Sookie nodded.

"If you don't mind." Xander shot to Bill and Sookie. "I would very much like to speak to Miss Cortez and Eric in private."

Sookies expression didn't hide anything. She looked noticeably worried.

"Of course." I said immediately.

We left Sookie and Bill and followed Xander towards the mahogany doors.

Just as we left, I turned to see three men who were sitting at Xaders table get up. One was heading towards Sookie and Bill while the other two began to follow us.

When we entered the foyer. We saw that everyone had left. "So." Xander echoed. "Are you enjoying yourself tonight?" He asked me.

Something's not right I heard Eric tell me.

Everything is going as planned. I shot at him.

Did you really think I would be so stupid Casey? Xander thought.

Fuck! I froze.

I know everything. He continued.

And just like that…everything had changed and my nice little plan had gone up in flames.

"Shit!" I snapped.

One moment, I was staring at a grinning Xander. The next everything went to black.

**AUTHORS NOTES**

Well…Since this chapter was so short I am going to see about adding the next one tonight. In the next chapter, almost all secrets are revealed. So stay tuned. I should have the next chapter uploaded in about 3 hours or so.