Chapter 32

Carissa fidgeted nervously as she and the twins stepped into Mikhail's enormous meeting room. It looked almost like a ballroom with high ceilings and elaborate walls. She glanced around at the numerous Carpathians here. Most were men, some near the outer edges of the room as if standing alert and on guard. Their eyes appeared restless, yet with no life in them.

Those are the unattached males, said Pierce gently in her mind.

They look sad.

They aren't sad, said Samuel, they have no emotion. Only a lifemate can save them.

Or they turn vampire? How do we know some won't turn at any moment?

Gregori and the other attached males keep a close eye on them. But some are so filled with honor, they would rather seek the dawn before turning vampire.

Which is why you hate Tyrell so much.

Samuel practically snorted. He is a traitor.

Carissa looked at him. Are you telling me that only those who had no honor turned vampire?

They should know when the darkness becomes too much for them. I was prepared to face the dawn myself, even though I was very young in comparison to others.

Carissa frowned. I don't know. I think there are some who try to do the right thing and hang on as long as they can to serve the Prince. I mean, I'm sure there are some who may embrace dark emotion, fully knowing but not caring what it means. But I think others lose themselves unintentionally.

Pierce was grateful when Mikhail spotted them and approached. He had a feeling Samuel was ready to say a few more things aboutTyrell which would only make things worse with their lifemate. He stepped forward and clasped Mikhail's arm.

"Thank you for accepting my invitation," said the Prince after he also greeted Samuel. He formally bowed to Carissa. "I welcome you freely into my home."

The room grew quiet, and the twins knew every Carpathian was watching Mikhail's greeting. By doing so and welcoming them, the Prince had declared his full acceptance of them. "Thank you," replied Pierce. "It is an honor to be here."

Mikhail smiled and looked down at Carissa. "Raven and the other females have been anxious to meet with you. Most of them are assisting with the children who will be here any moment."

Within minutes, Jacques, brother to the Prince also joined them. Then Nicholas De La Cruz and Falcon also greeted the them. Samuel and Pierce breathed a slight sigh of relief. Although they could care less about what Tyrell thought, they had to admit his comments worried them. While they knew it may still be difficult, they wanted to be accepted, especially for Carissa's sake.

"My lifemate is very much looking forward to meeting you," said Jacques with a grin.

Samuel cocked an eyebrow. "Something tells me we're in trouble."

Jacques laughed. "You could say that. She is a brilliant researcher and eager to ask you a number of questions." He winked at them. "I'm sorry to say, but I wouldn't want to be in your shoes once she starts her detailed analysis."

"Sara will also be here," said Falcon, "and I can assure you with so many children, she's not going to have anything on her mind except seeking out Carissa for some well-deserved female companionship."

Carissa felt a stir of hope with the conversation around her. This would be her new family. And despite getting off to a wrong start, Mikhail had clearly paved the way. But just as she was beginning to feel at ease, the man with the silver eyes approached. The twins moved closer to her as he stepped next to the Prince. He looked at Mikhail and some message passed between them. The prince reacted with what Carissa thought looked like an expression of frustration, but he quickly hid it and smiled at her.

"Forgive me," he said smoothly, "but there is a situation I need to address. But the timing is perfect as Raven is here." Mikhail gestured to the opposite end of the room and Carissa saw a small woman wave as she began to make her way toward them. The prince excused himself and left with Gregori.

Pierce turned to Jacques. "Perhaps while Carissa gets to know Raven, we can have a word with you about Morrison. We haven't had the chance yet to debrief Mikhail on some of the events that happened."

Jacques grew serious. "Of course. Let's gather a few of the other hunters."

Samuel glanced at Carissa. "One of us can stay here."

She grew annoyed. "I don't need a security guard at all times," she huffed. Raven was getting closer and smiling. "Besides, I think I'll be fine."

The twins hesitated, but finally relented. Samuel, then Pierce bent down to give her a light kiss before turning away. For a moment, Carissa found Jacques, Falcon, and Nicholas staring at her, most likely still puzzled as to how two males could even tolerate the situation.

As they walked away, she turned back to wait for Raven but was startled to find someone blocking her view. She saw his eyes glitter and immediately remembered him from the evening when Mikhail almost condemned Samuel.

"Forgive me," the tall male said, "we have not been formally introduced. I am Armando." He gave an elegant, old world style bow and Carissa felt her cheeks grow warm.

"Oh," she breathed, trying to collect herself, "the SongMaker."

Armando straightened and tilted his head. "Yes, that is what some call me." He glanced toward Mikhail walking away with the man with the silver eyes. "However, I would say Gregori prefers a few other specific names."

Carissa couldn't help but give a small laugh. "I doubt many others stand up to him."

"Exactly. It is good for his ego to have someone like me around." He slightly bowed his head. "It is an honor to formally meet the special lifemate of the Falkland twins."

"Um, thank you. Although, I'm not sure why you would say that. I'm not really that talented or anything. I mean, Samuel and Pierce have already began to tell me about some of the Carpathians here. They have by far more skills than me."

He tilted his head. "You have been chosen to be the lifemate for not one, but two of our males. You made the choice to save both of them. It takes great courage to accept something which is so very different."

She gave him a shy smile. "I don't feel very brave. I feel more like I don't know what I'm doing."

"Indeed. Only you exist in such a unique relationship. You will create your own path in your new life and set an example for others in doing so."

Raven's voice chimed in. "And what a new life you have!" She smiled broadly at Carissa and gently took her hand. "We haven't formally met. I'm Raven, Mikhail's lifemate."

Carissa squeezed her hand. "I remember seeing you when…"

Raven gave her a sympathetic look. "When we thought Samuel was a vampire. I'm so sorry no one believed you at the time."

"I think I'm beginning to understand why so many are protective of Mikhail," she replied, thinking about how he now openly accepted her and the twins in front of everyone. "He seems like a very strong leader."

A squeal echoed through the room, and Carissa glanced past Armando to see a large group of children which had gathered several feet away. The girl who made the sound was looking at Armando and quickly covered her mouth with her hands. But she was so excited, she couldn't help jumping up and down. The other children also appeared as if they could barely contain themselves.

But the SongMaker did not even turn to look at them.

"Armando," said Raven with laughter in her voice, "I think there are some children trying to get your attention."

He looked at Carissa. "And they shall wait until I am finished. As their teacher, it is good for them to learn patience."

Raven shook her head with another laugh. "Or you just love to tease them."

"That too," replied Armando with a slight smile. He winked at Carissa who laughed.

"I think they've waited long enough," said Raven. "After all, you've been gone for a while. They've missed you."

"Where did you go?" asked Carissa politely. She expected some lighthearted remark, but was surprised when the SongMaker's eyes lost their glow, as if something with her question saddened him.

Raven reached for his hand and spoke in a quiet voice. "Armando had to return to the United States with his lifemate. Each of them lived there at one time…or another. They had some," Raven paused, "some final things to attend to as they've decided to stay here in the Carpathian Mountains."

"Oh," replied Carissa. "Do you have friends there?"

The SongMaker's spoke in a soft voice. "There was someone I had to visit." He straightened, as if bringing himself back to the present. "My home is here. And you, Carissa Falkland, shall always be welcome."

From across the room, Pierce and Samuel were both keeping an eye on their lifemate as they discussed the lab from Morrison. Both immediately grew rigid once they saw another male talking alone with her. But they soon realized it was the SongMaker who was accepting of their union. Raven had joined in on their conversation, and they began to relax.

"What I don't understand," said Darius, "is why Morrison would target Carissa."

"They somehow knew she had a connection to the twins," said Nicholas De La Cruz. "In the event their virus didn't work, I'm sure they could use her to bait Pierce and Samuel."

Jacques nodded. "It was good you managed to find her before anything happened."

Thinking of Tyrell, the twins glanced at each other. Samuel narrowed his eyes at his twin. Don't you dare.

We have to tell them. Pierce sighed. "Unfortunately, someone else was able to get free as well."

"Who?' asked Jacques.

"Do you remember an ancient that went by the name of Tyrell?"

There was a growl which came from Darius. "There were a few times I came upon some of his destruction. He is no longer an honorable ancient, he's a vampire."

"You let a vampire escape from Morrison?" asked Julian who just suddenly joined in on the conversation.

Annoyed, the twins looked over at him. Both were still sore from Julian's rejection in handling his assets. "You do not understand. There is something different about him."

"What is there to understand?" asked Darius. "He's vampire. He's embraced the darkness and must be destroyed."

Lucian spoke up. "Are you saying he assisted Morrison?"

"No-"

"It wouldn't surprise me," said Julian.

"He is different," insisted Pierce, trying to be patient.

There was silence for a moment. Then Lucian spoke in a grave tone. "Different," he repeated.

"He feels emotion because of what Morrison did to him. They experimented with him. He formed an alliance with us to destroy Morrison."

Julian narrowed his eyes. "The only emotion he feels is revenge."

Lucian agreed. "No vampire would tolerate being held. As soon as he broke free, he would want to destroy every human who held him captive."

"What you call an alliance is no more than his hatred," said Darius.

Pierce, warned Samuel, they do not understand. A vampire doing good is as believable as you and I being lifemates to one female.

"Perhaps you are right," said Pierce to the ancients, even though his gut told him otherwise.

"Of course we are. A vampire could never change. If anything, those experiments could have made him even more devious," said Lucian. "While I recognize you and you brother have superior talent in the business world, you still have much to learn as hunters."

Samuel had to hold himself back. Instead he clenched his jaw. "Of course. You and Gabriel are by far older than us. I'm sure you've seen a number of tactics vampires use."

"There is nothing they wouldn't try," Lucian assured him.

"Even rescuing a Carpathian?"

"Excuse me?" asked Jacques, not quite sure he heard right.

"The lab was burning to the ground. I loathe to admit it, but I was trapped and had lost a great deal of blood."

"Tell me you didn't drink his blood," snapped Julian.

Pierce spoke in a low tone. "Tyrell was attempting to lift a beam off of Samuel. The vampire himself had been injured. There was no need for him to stay."

"And he saved our lifemate from being violated by one of the Morrison guards," added Samuel.

Jacques looked puzzled, but Lucian folded his arms over his chest. "He is using the goodness in your lifemate to help convince you that he has changed. Even staying behind in the fire to 'help' you. No doubt he could have easily left you. But why not? Why not stay and act like he was going to save you? The implications of what he could do are serious."

Julian frowned. "By gaining the trust of you and Carissa, he could find out more, including any weaknesses when it comes to protecting Mikhail."

I myself still wonder if that's true, said Samuel on their private link. Even you have to admit, it's logical.

And since when has logic been correct in these last few weeks? You're the one who taught me if I listened to logic, we wouldn't be bound to Carissa. Samuel, you cannot deny that your instinct tells you we are right about Tyrell. We both may not like him, but he is different. While not a saint, he is also no longer a full vampire.

Well, it's not likely they are going to believe us. Acknowledging that we are rightfully with Carissa is as far as they can go right now.

You are right. It's useless to try and convince them. Pierce nodded with respect at Lucian. "We have had similar thoughts. It's hard to believe a vampire would have so much patience. But perhaps because he is an ancient, he is more cunning than other vampires."

While Julian, Lucian, and Darius agreed, Jacques remained silent. The brother of the Prince was still puzzled by such events. He did not have over a thousand years of experience like Lucian and Gabriel, but his instinct was telling him something about this situation was indeed different. Jacques glanced at the Falkland twins who were acting respectful. But when he looked at the expressions of the others, he read their emotions as distrusting of the twins. Julian especially was still hostile, never wavering in his piercing golden stare upon them. And when he glanced at the others in the room, most of the males were not exactly walking up and welcoming the twins. Only the women seemed to be understanding as now a number of them had gathered around Carissa.

In the meantime Carissa was truly enjoying herself. She had now met Raven, Shea, Sara, Deserai, and Destiny. They were friendly and curios about the twins. And the SongMaker was extremely wise and kind. Apparently he was not only the oldest, but also the designated teacher for all the Carpathian children.

Finally, Armando gave into the pleas of the children. He gave an elegant bow to excuse himself, and then turned to walk away. The children literally stampeded toward him and Carissa found herself laughing as the SongMaker was immediately surrounded. They brought him down to the floor, practically attacking him. Smiling, Armando hugged and kissed each one. He playfully ruffled the hair of a small boy and tickled a little girl until she giggled.

"He's amazing, isn't he?" asked Sara.

"They obviously love him," agreed Carissa, still smiling.

"It's his gift; it's what he's meant to be," explained Raven. "We're so happy to have a teacher for our children. It's a positive sign that we are moving forward in re-establishing a community."

"You're part of our family now too," said Destiny.

Carissa wasn't sure what to say since she was still overcome by their acceptance of her. "I've never had a family," she said softly.

"A lot of us didn't have a family before we found each other," replied Shea. "I was used to growing up alone. Destiny's parents were taken from her when she was only a child."

"So were mine," added Sara. "Our gifts come with a price and most of us who were human had no idea why we felt so alone."

It all made sense now to Carissa. This was in fact where she belonged. She looked over at the twins who were now looking back at her. Her heart was full of love for them. Within moments they returned by her side. As the women watched with smiles, Pierce and Samuel each embraced and kissed her.

"We cannot even stand to be away from you for a few moments," said Pierce.

Samuel shook his head. "We have lost all good sense. All we think about is her."

Raven beamed. "I think it's wonderful! We're so glad you had the courage to come here. And we all accept you."

The children were chanting something, and Carissa realized they were begging Armando for a song. He resisted for only a short time, and then relented by sitting on the floor with all the children around him. When he began to sing, Carissa tried not to gasp. She'd never heard anything like it. The notes he sang reminded her of crystal chimes. His voice was magical and as his eyes almost glowed, she felt a warm feeling in her chest, as if she suddenly felt lighter; like she couldn't even remember what it felt like to have ever been sad.

Pierce and Samuel smiled down at her, enjoying such a precious moment as this. Everything felt right and in place. They'd heard Armando's voice from afar when he connected to all Carpathians with his gift. But nothing compared as to hearing it in person and seeing him with the children.

The song ended and the children applauded. But then Gregori stepped into the room and approached Armando. It was obvious something was communicated between them and Armando went with him to another room, followed by Jacques until they were out of sight. The children were extremely disappointed and the women quickly gathered them up to play a game outside. Raven waved at Carissa to join them and she followed. But as soon as she was outside, she found a little girl upset that she'd left her teddy bear behind.

"Don't worry, I'll get it," Carissa said. The child sniffled and smiled at her. Raven took the little girl's hand, distracting her to join in the game while Carissa ran back inside. She spotted a small stuffed brown bear on the floor and went to retrieve it. But she accidentally ran right into someone.

It was a young woman who gave a high pitched, yell of surprise from the collision.

"Oh!" said Carissa, I'm so sorry!"

The woman was tall, thin and blonde. In fact, Carissa sensed she was human. The woman blinked and looked down at Carissa. "Who are you?"

"Oh, ah, I'm Carissa." She'd thought by now everyone at least knew her name because of the twins.

"I haven't seen you before."

"Well, we just arrived a few days ago."

"We? Oh, you have a lifemate?"

Carissa found this conversation a bit odd. But despite being human, the woman obviously knew about Carpathians. "Well…yes." Sensing Carissa's discomfort, the twins protectively walked up behind her.

The woman smiled when she saw them. "Oh! Twins!" She looked excitedly at them. "Which one of you is her lifemate?"

Samuel and Pierce looked at each other, obviously surprised that this woman did not know who they were. But perhaps any human friends had not yet heard. They looked at the woman. "Both," they answered firmly in unison.

The woman laughed. "That's funny. Did you teach them to say that?" she asked Carissa.

"No…"

"So really, which one is your lifemate?"

Carissa shifted uncomfortably. "They both are."

The woman frowned. "I know everyone makes fun of me for not being as smart as they are, but I know only one can be a lifemate."

"Well it's different with us."

She tossed her blonde hair over her shoulder. "Okay, that's enough. Tell me the truth."

"I just did," insisted Carissa.

"You're kidding."

"No, I'm not. They're both my lifemates."

"That's not fair."

"Excuse me?"

Her voice became loud. "You heard me. It's not fair for you to have two of them!"

"Marla!" hissed Byron as he walked up to them. By now, only males were in the room as the rest of the women were outside playing with the children. The Prince was no where in sight, still obviously with Gregori, Jacques, and Armando.

The blonde woman began to look agitated. "I want one of them."

Carissa stiffened, suddenly feeling angry at the nerve this woman had. "You can't have either of them. They're both mine."

Samuel and Pierce at first felt a swell of pride, maybe even a little excited that Carissa was standing up for them. But this female was also beginning to annoy them. They watched as she placed her hands on her hips and glared at Carissa.

"Marla," warned Byron, " that's enough. Come with me. Let's get you something to drink."

"No! That's not how it works," she haughtily told Carissa. "And it's not fair that one woman can have two of them! I can't even get one!"

By now the room was deadly silent. Byron tried to get control of the situation and reached out to capture Marla's mind. She immediately quieted down and mindlessly went with him out of sight. But by now, every male was staring at them. Lucian and Gabriel did not attempt to ease the situation at all. Darius crossed his arms over his chest and Julian shook his head.

Carissa slowly backed away, until her back was against both twins. Samuel narrowed his eyes. "Is there a problem?" he snapped at the group of males.

One of the unattached males gave him a dark look. "Just because Mikhail openly accepts you, does not mean we agree with him."

"You would go against the Prince?" asked Pierce with anger.

"Of course not. He has accepted you and therefore we will not touch you."

"But that doesn't mean we have to be friendly," said Julian in a low voice.

Carissa blinked, trying to hold her tears back. It was just a show in front of Mikhail. The reality was they didn't accept their union at all.

The women accepted you, soothed Pierce.

What if that was a show as well? Lucian has a lifemate. Why didn't I meet her? Maybe the women were just being polite.

Julian seemed to sense her fear. "Did I mention that Deserai is my lifemate? She is also sister to the twins Gabriel and Lucian."

Carissa began to tremble.

Samuel's hands curled into fists. "And you're point?"

Julian shrugged. "She is our blood. It goes without saying as to who she would side with."

Carissa burst into tears and fled to a window with Samuel quickly following. Pierce looked at all the males in the room with their silent stares. "Have you no honor?"

Darius spoke in a hard voice. "Do you? Even if it was meant to be, how can you live with the knowledge of you and your twin mating with one female? Where is your honor? I would rather face the dawn."

"Perhaps it was one of you who freed the vampire from Morrison," murmured Julian. "Or perhaps you and your brother were even captured and experiments were conducted on both of you. It would explain a lot."

Pierce backed away and looked back at Samuel who was now holding Carissa.

We don't need any of them, snapped Samuel. He stepped back from their lifemate and instantly she transformed into an owl and she flew out into the night. Samuel followed her, calling out to his brother to leave.

Pierce gave Julian a hard look. "You may call my brother and I whatever you wish. But taking it out on our lifemate is beneath you. You are never to go near her again, do you understand?"

"Yes, I would be absolutely terrified as to what two inexperienced hunters could do."

Swallowing his anger, Pierce avoided the urge to throttle the male. Instead, he transformed into an enormous hawk, his sharp talons scratching the floor as he took off, barely missing their heads, before following his twin and their lifemate.

Armando had not been pleased when Gregori pulled him away from the children. He'd truly missed all of them and wanted to spend more time with them. Janelle was growing heavier each day with their child and he had the feeling he might not be able to teach once she grew closer to giving birth. He already constantly worried about her.

But the look on Gregori's face had been so grim, the SongMaker felt he had no choice but to find out what was wrong. When he entered a room on the other side of the house, Armando felt a gust of cold hit him in the face.

Nikolai and Viktor were glaring at each other, sizing each other up while Mikhail stood between them. Jacques, who had been following, quickly went to stand near Viktor while Gregori walked closer to Nikolai. Armando heard a sob and found Anya crying in the far corner of the room.

"Anya," said the SongMaker, "why are you upset, little one?"

She ran to him and he embraced her. Shaking, she looked up at him. "Nikolai and Viktor were fighting!"

Armando looked at the two who were still glaring at each other. "Is this true?"

"He orders Anya around all the time," growled Nikolai, "He was trying to get her to leave before seeing any of the other children!"

"There are too many unattached males here," said Viktor in a deep voice.

"Like you?" shot back Nikolai.

"We've already had this discussion. I am in charge of her protection."

"You're her protector, not her owner!"

"I do not own her."

"Then stop acting like you do!"

Viktor's eyes flashed in warning. "She runs to you far too much. She needs better guidance."

"And just what is that supposed to mean?" hissed Nikolai.

"Do I need to point out that you almost killed Josef?"

Anya sharply inhaled and the room got quiet. "Nikolai," said Anya softly, "you didn't do that did you?"

"Let's not talk about that right now," muttered Nikolai.

"But why? Why would you try to hurt Josef?"

Nikolai glared at Viktor. "You just had to bring that up in front of her."

"What? That you cannot control your emotions? That you are not the best influence on her?"

"Me? Control my emotions? Let's not talk about the fact that it's like a freezer in here."

Viktor grew completely still. "I do not know what you are talking about."

"Ha! I'd like to see how much colder this room grew if I brought in a few unattached males."

Mikhail began to intervene. "That's enough…"

Nikolai ignored his uncle. "How about it, Viktor? How does that make you feel?"

"I do not feel," he replied.

"So then it won't matter if I introduce her to Sebastian, who just recently returned from the northern part of Russia."

Viktor began to growl.

"Did I mention he's already been looking at her? I saw him the other evening when he dropped by to formally greet Mikhail. I think he was staring at her the entire time."

Viktor moved so fast, Gregori barely had time to push Mikhail out of the way. Nikolai found himself lifted up in the air, Viktor holding him with one hand wrapped around his throat. "Anya is mine!" hehissed.

Anya cried out and broke away from Armando. "Put him down!"

But despite the pressure around his throat, Nikolai smiled. It was clear from Viktor's outburst that Nikolai had just proven his point.

Viktor dropped him and Anya ran over, placing her arms around Nikolai who struggled to stand. He glared at Armando. "He's dangerous. He can no longer watch over her. Isn't it obvious how close he is to turning?"

Mikhail sighed. "The SongMaker placed Anya with Viktor for a reason. She will help him."

"To give him a purpose to hold on? That's not what is happening! If anything, she's tempting him to listen to the darkness!"

Viktor walked to a window and stared out into the night. "He's right, Mikhail. I cannot…watch over her anymore."

The Prince looked at Armando. You must tell him.

No.

Mikhail frowned. He thinks he is turning.

The SongMaker spoke in a firm voice. "Viktor, you will continue to watch over this girl. Your very honor is at stake."

Viktor's eyes had once more become lifeless. "She would be better protected by someone else."

New tears began to run down Anya's cheeks. She hated how Viktor was so domineering and yet, she was scared about anyone else watching over her. Despite everything, she trusted him.

"I refuse to believe such a thing," said the SongMaker.

Nikolai shook his head. "Are you mad? Look at what he just said to me!"

"Viktor," said Armando, "take Anya to the other children and let her be with them. I expect you to bring her to school tomorrow evening."

Anya began to reach for Viktor's hand when Nikolai grabbed her. "You don't have to do this! He's cruel to you!"

She touched Nikolai's face. "He isn't cruel. He's just trying to protect me."

"What the hell is the difference with how he's been treating you?"

"You just…don't understand."

Nikolai yanked away from her. "You're right, I don't! Do not come crying to me again, Anya. The next time he treats you badly, don't even bother thinking I can help."

She tried to touch him again, but Nikolai refused. "Please," she begged, "I don't want you angry at me. You are like my brother!"

He looked at Viktor. "No, I'm a bad influence, remember? Just get away from me!"

Sadly, Anya went to stand by Viktor who looked at Armando. "You are sure of this, SongMaker?" "Yes, but you must learn from her as well. Do you understand?"

Viktor slowly nodded and led Anya out of the room.

"I can't believe you!" spat Nikolai at Armando. "I thought you were a protector of children!"

The SongMaker's voice grew quiet. "She is his lifemate."

Mikhail's nephew dropped his mouth open. "Are you sure?"

"Without a doubt."

"Then why didn't you just say something?"

Gregori continued to remain calm. "Think Nikolai. What would be the ramifications if Armando announced such a thing?"

"I have no idea," he muttered.

"If it is discovered that Armando can identify lifemates even when they are children, what of the others? The unattached males will demand to know if any of them are their future lifemate. And if none of them are? It is best to let the children grow and give our unattached males hope, even if their lifemate is not among them."

"Viktor will not harm her," said Armando quietly.

Mikhail sighed. "Still, it is difficult with Anya growing so fast."

"He will know when the time is right," replied the SongMaker patiently. "I swear to you that should things go too far, I will tell him."

"I don't like this," said Nikolai. "I think she is in danger."

"Your protective instincts make you feel that way. But you must give them time."

Mikhail fully faced his nephew. "While I respect your intention to ensure Anya's safety, you simply cannot let your emotion get the best of you."

"Perhaps I would if I knew more information. This is just another example of something that was kept from me."

"Again," said Mikhail in a patient tone, "we were trying to give you time to adjust. If you are to blame anyone, then let it be me. The fault is mine."

When Gregori reacted by stiffening, Nikolai glared at him. "Let me guess, you disagree, Dark One?"

"The Prince always makes decisions on what he believes to be your best interest. But somehow, I do not think you understand such a thing."

I don't need your opinion on this, Mikhail warned Gregori.

You are taking the blame when he needs to understand the underlying intent.

"I don't think I need to listen to advice from the one who took my father's life," said Nikolai in a dangerously soft voice.

Before Gregori could snap back, Armando spoke up. "Nikolai, you have every right to want to know the truth in all things. I think we should continue this discussion tomorrow evening. In the meantime, we have guests that are waiting."

Mikhail agreed. "He's right. Let's return and we will discuss this later." Although Nikolai was clearly not appeased, he gave a curt nod and they returned to the large meeting room. But when they opened the doors, the Prince found only males in the room and sensed something was definitely wrong. He looked at

Lucian. "Where are the children?"

"Outside playing."

The Prince looked around the room. Most were not making eye contact with him. Mikhail frowned. "Where are the Falkland twins?"

"They decided to leave," replied Julian.

Jacques felt his anger building. Brother, I saw signs they were not accepting of the twins once you left.

Let me guess, replied Mikhail on their private link, our other set of twins?

Yes.

The Prince shook his head in disgust. "Julian, I fully accepted the Falkland twins and you did not."

"We did not touch them."

Gregori came to stand next to Mikhail. "I have known you for a long time, Julian. You can be stubborn and act irrationally at times. When Mikhail openly accepts a union, that means you do the same in every way."

"It's not like your brothers did," muttered Julian.

Mikhail eyed the Dark Twins. "As ancients, you set the example for others."

Lucian frowned. "I do not need to be lectured-"

"By a Prince who is younger than you?" interrupted Armando. The SongMaker glided forward. "You swore your allegiance, did you not?"

"Are you questioning my loyalty?" hissed Lucian.

Armando straightened to his full height, his eyes suddenly looking bright and no longer tired. "Indeed." He raised his voice. "All of you. You have the right to disagree and question the Prince on any issue. But once he has made a decision, you must accept it." His eyes turned coldly on the Dark Twins. "Or else you do not need to be here."

Lucian opened his mouth but Gabriel looked at him. For a moment, they remained silent. Then both came forward and bowed their heads to Mikhail. "We will always pledge our allegiance to you."

The prince glanced at Julian and Darius who also bowed their heads, followed by the rest of the males in the room.

Author's note: Merry Christmas! (or Happy Holidays to be politically correct.) How about some reviews as a few gifts to me? They really do help motivate me to keep writing! -Anne