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The Trial
3rd Book in the Bound by blood and vow Series
By Artemis ()
All seven occupants of Goldbrook Castle arrived at an old castle in Canada with a sedan. The Moon Clan’s headquarters. The new members looked curiously outside, the older ones were chatting about their strategies.
When the car stopped and the door was opened, they stood in front of a big, noble mansion. As the first got Kaya over her shock and ordered a servant to bring their suitcases to their rooms. “Come on! If you keep staring at the mansion, you’ll never be able to enter it!”
“And you’re sure I have to come along?”, whined Nicky.
“I also don’t want to”, agreed Thomas.
“Don’t behave like this, kids! You’re not gonna get killed or something similar.”
“I wouldn’t count on that…”
“Don’t be silly!”, chided Kaya. Sure, she wouldn’t bet on that also, but being pessimistic did no good. Who should see the bright side at everything if not her? “I suppose you’ll change your mind as soon as you’re inside. I know it’s very cramped because everyone brings the family along, but still it’s beautiful. When I first saw this house, I decided to sometimes own one as this.”
“Goldbrook Castle?”
“Exactly, Nicky!”
At the entrance, a servant opened the big door for them when Kaya, Othieno and Antoine showed them their invitations. Of course it wasn’t hard to fake them, but the Tiger Clan - their host - was sure that everyone who wanted to enter would enter anyway.
Although she’s curious and wanted nothing more than to explore the Tiger Clan’s headquarters, Lila choose to stay close to Kaya. She’s afraid she would get lost in this big facility with a dozen additional buildings. When they looked around in the foyer, not only Lila gasped in amazement. “Everything looks so beautiful. Almost holy”, she whispered. Usual volume just seemed improper for Lila.
“I never saw anything this beautiful”, agreed Nicky.
“Rococo era!”, commented Thomas in awe. “This is the best kept building of this era I ever saw. It’s inestimable.”
“Possible, you could tell me everything concerning arts. But for me, it’s just a totally cool mansion! Just… wow!”
“Let’s get to our suite”, said Antoine. He’d been here often before as a guest of Jason and the building was like a second home to him. “Kaya, I’ll see you later?”
“Yeah, sure. I’ll just report my arrival to the administration and then I come to our suite.”
“See you later. Okay, friends, now listen carefully because this is so big that you’ll not find back if you get lost! We have Suite 27 at the 3rd floor of House C. I know the way, follow me!
Nicky entered his family’s suite only hesitantly. He still wasn’t sure that dragging him along was a good idea of Antoine. But he just couldn’t refuse his Sire anything…
When he saw the living room, he already started to change his mind. It’s just beautiful! “Wow! The suite is cool, isn’t it?”
“Wait till you see the rest. The Tiger clan isn’t exactly stingy what concerns their guests comfort”, said Antoine. “We’ve got three bedrooms, two bathrooms and a kitchenette. I know that’s not spacious, but keep in mind that around 1000 people will be here.”
“I don’t mind when it’s cramped. After all, it’s a honour that we can come along at all.”
“That it is, Nicky. I was surprised myself that Maurice asked all of us to come along. Not that we couldn’t have anyway because I’d asked Jason if he hadn’t allowed it…”
“I guess you’re going to live with him while we’re here?”, asked Gerry tense. He didn’t felt the least bit comfortable here. He’s afraid that Antoine would break up with him after he saw Jason again. His rival was the leader of one of the three most important vampire clans at all and he’s just the human protégé of a Princess. If he’d been a fledgling already, then he could’ve offered him a mental connection and the kindred spirit feeling of vampires, at least… But no, he’s just a mere little human without psi or magic powers…
“Gerry, can we please talk?”, asked Antoine and dragged him into the kitchenette. He didn’t cared if his boyfriend agreed, there’re some things to put right… “Gerard, please don’t think something like that!”
“Like what?”
“Like that you’re just a mere human and that you can’t stand a comparison with Jason. If I would’ve wanted just any vampire, I could’ve chosen the first newly risen fledgling that crossed my way. Or turned someone to force him into staying with me and submitting to me. Didn’t we talked already about that?”
“I’m sorry, Antoine. It’s just not comfortable to have a rival who’s 1500 years older, eternally young, a vampire and one of the most important and powerful people of the world.”
“Jason would surely not agree with the latter. He doesn’t really cares for his position. And I also don’t. It’s of no help that your friend is the leader of the Tiger Clan when you’re fighting about who’s going to do the dishes today.”
“Okay, but...“
“No buts, Gerard! Don’t make it harder for me than it is already. Later, I’ll meet Jason. And I’ll tell him about you. That’s how things work between us. He explicit wrote me in his last letter that he insists on you coming along because he wants to meet you. After all, he’ll have to live with you the next centuries...“
Gerry smiled bashful at his boyfriend, “OK!”
“I…”
“On one condition”, added Gerry with a big grin. “I’m going to meet your Jason when he’s not busy some time.”
“Perfect! See you later!”
There was no hesitancy in his steps, when Antoine walked into the living room of Jason’ company apartment in the mansion’s attic. When he caught sight of him sitting at the couch, the blonde’s day was immediately saved. “Jason!”
First, Jason jumped. Then he hugged the other vampire fiercely. “Antoine, you’re finally here! I waited for you! Do you know how much I missed you?”
“I love you too, Jason.”
“Uh… same here, Antoine. I’m loving you, I mean, not myself. Okay, that I do also… I’m behaving like a fool! Granted, I should’ve expected that… How are you? Do you like it here?”
“It’s even more beautiful now than the last time.”
“Thank you very much. We’re very proud at it. And you?”
“I’m fine. I really am”, he reassured his not quite convinced looking lover. “I’m just tired from the flight. And… well, from reassuring Gerard that I indeed do love him and he’s not my second choice.”
“Oh, the poor boy. I’ll talk to him.”
“He’s jealous at you, I don’t suppose it would do any good if you treat him like you share me with him.”
“Oops. I didn’t wanted it to sound like this. I’m really sorry, Antoine. You can’t believe how nervous I am. The last weeks were harder than this meeting at which the decision was about the Bear Clan’s kicking out. But now that you’re here the whole thing suddenly is way more interesting for me. I hoped all the time that you would come along. I just volunteered to make the organization because I wanted the meeting to be soon because of you…”
“Why that?”
“Silly! Because I missed you. And I knew that we would have the best chance to see each other at this meeting. I know I’m not a very good example, but for me the personal aspect is more important than the official one.”
“Well, then…”
“What?”
“I’m just surprised. I know you’re totally crazy and you aren’t used to people trying to find sense in whatever you do or say but this time you’re even surprising me”, smiled Antoine affectionate. “I never thought you would be capable of such cunning…”
“Yeah, well, then you don’t know me good enough!”
“Oh, I know enough about you. If I would know more, I would surely loose my sanity”, remarked Antoine dryly. “How is your life going on?”
“Well, my girlfriend is driving me crazy and I’m totally bored out of my mind from having an office job. I’ll not be able to endure that longer than another few years.”
“Already thought about coming back?”
“I’m thinking about that all the time. But your relationship with Gerard Morgan needs some time before I can be with you without arousing fear of loosing you in him. And I can’t leave Veronica now. She needs me and she’s no one I want to turn.”
“So you’ll stay for a lifetime with her?”
“No, just until her former husband has enough of his mistresses.”
“Huh?”
“She’s dumped by him because of a teenager girl when I met her. I don’t know why I was willing to take up with her, but I did. Perhaps, because she’s having a very strong will. She’s worth some attention.”
“Did you brought her along?”
“No, that would’ve been too early. I only know her for four months.”
“Okay, that is indeed early… What are you hiding from me, Jason?”
“Huh?”
“Tell it me!”
“Maximus is here.”
“Ouch!”
“Huh? Why that? Don’t you think it’s good when Thomas meets his Sire?”
“I don’t know if he’s his Sire. And if Maximus and Thomas meet and Kaya finds out about me being friend with Maximus, she’ll kill me for good.”
“Don’t be such a baby!”, laughed Jason.
Nicky plopped at a chair in the Irish pub at the Tiger Clan’s headquarters. He wasn’t bored out of his mind, just… bored. Antoine was meeting Jason, Gerry was whining because of the above, Kaya attended a meeting of her clan’s Princes, Othieno met old friends, Thomas was visiting some antique furniture auction at the next city with Lila. He really didn’t wanted to know why his family was so keen at old things - it would only give him a headache.
So he’s all by himself, for once. Not that Nicky minded. In fact, he’s quite happy about some time alone because the bitching was getting a little bit too much to feel comfortable since they’re living at their 169 feet square apartment…
“Good, then we’ll do it like this, Maurice”, agreed Kaya. She didn’t bothered to hide her immense displeasure.
“Will you show some manners, Kaya?! You should know better than to embarrass me in such hard times.”
“My apologizes, Maurice.”
“What’s up with you, anyway, sister? Since your arrival you’re constantly in a bad mood. I don’t understand you. Didn’t you wanted this meeting as much as me?”
“I still do. I’m just unnerved and think you’re exaggerating, OK? Look, Maurice, I’m sorry. Thomas is driving me insane, Gerry is bitching all the time and it doesn’t needs much anymore to get me into the psychiatric clinic. I’m not in the mood for martial speeches. And I’m not in the mood for this whole meeting. We’ll have to stay here for the whole trial, that will take weeks and I want already to go home”, Kaya complained.
“I know you can make it. Just take your time and try not to infect the other Princes with your pessimism.”
“I’ll do my best.”
“Fine. Now go to your suite and relax. Just sleep for a few hours. Don’t worry about the trial, it only starts in three days and we’ll prepared till then. All of us.”
“Thank you. See you next night, Maurice”, said Kaya with a big yawn. The truth was that she’s tired. Tired of the whole fighting, tired of trying to keep her family from killing each other and tired of behaving all the time like Maurice wanted her to. She couldn’t stand her brother. What’s wrong with that? No one could, after all…
Quite nervous, knocked Othieno at Maximus’ suite door. He felt uncomfortable because of the trial and because his Grandsire was a driving force at it. Why couldn’t things work for once like he wanted?
“Hello. Come inside, Othieno.”
“Hey, how are you?” He threw a stack of newspapers onto the floor to make room for himself at the couch and sat down. His ex lover wasn’t the most thoughtful man and if he hadn’t changed totally, he would wait for days, otherwise.
“Oh, I’m feeling fine. Well, apart from the whole Trial thing.”
“I’m sorry for it.”
“Don’t, Oth. There’s no reason in being sorry for something you aren’t responsible for. Our clans never were best friends and I wasn’t surprised when the Moon Clan demanded this meeting.”
“Still it’s kind of embarrassing for me.”
“Don’t worry about it. We’ve more important things to talk about then The Trial. Frankly, I asked you yesterday to come in order to forget for a few hours about this whole crap.”
“I hoped so.”
“How is your conscience?”
“Still active. Unfortunately. Kaya is like… well, she wants to rip my head off and exhibit it at Castle Goldbrook’s roof.”
“So everything is as usual”, chuckled Maximus.
“U-huh. We’ve two humans, but they’re OK. Not that I appreciate their presence the majority of the time, but you can stand them.”
“Kaya takes care of humans? What happened to her? Is she sick?”
“Yeah, it seems like she developed something like sympathy for other creatures in the time Antoine and me were with you. I still can’t stand her better. She’s a bitch and I would rather stake her than share a castle with her.”
“That’s more like you! How about sharing a bed?”
“How could I forget your way too bluntly speech?”, rolled Othieno his eyes. “You’re totally crazy, Maximus. How long are we broken up, huh?”
“Since 1948. When you visited Italy with Jason and Antoine.”
“Right. You didn’t wanted me to go, I told you that I had to and you showed me in a fist fight that a Moon doesn’t stands a chance against Lion brutality.”
“I didn’t!”
“You did, Maximus. I don’t reproach you with it, but you did. I expected all the time that we would end up like this. I knew that you can’t be with a Lion without making sooner or later an involuntary visit of the vamp hospital, so…”
“Perhaps I lost my self-control a little bit for just a moment. But that was it”, defended Maximus himself. The first veils of silver were clouding Maximus’ deep brown eyes.
Before the demon in his former boyfriend again took control, he dropped it. Oth had learned the hard way how dangerous Lions became just because of a little emotional turmoil like contradiction. Jealousy was also bad. But jealousy also turned every peace-loving, always reasonable Moon into a raging monster, so he couldn’t complain. “How is your family?”
“No, we talk now about the so-called beating!”
“Let sleeping dogs lie, Maximus! I don’t want you to get a fit of rage and you will if we don’t stop instantly fighting about that, so let’s just forget it.”
A warning growl and Maximus’ eyes became fully silver. “No, I won’t.”
“Then calm down!”, growled Othieno.
“I’ll try. Happy now?”
“No. And if you intend on being this peevish all night, I’ll rather leave”, Othieno announced calm. He just hoped Maximus wouldn’t freak because he was physical no match for the Lion of the same age. When Lions were really great at one thing, then at fighting. And he could think of more fun entertainment than another fight with his Lion ex.
Who just felt his demon taking control… With all his might, Maximus fought the demon back down. He didn’t wanted their first meeting since decades to end with a fight. Still, the Lion Master’s pride was hurt. And that he couldn’t tolerate. “I’m not peevish! And I’ll not allow you to threaten me!”, he snarled.
Othieno did the only thing that could calm Maximus but fighting. He kissed the other vampire.
“Where’s Othieno?”
“Thanks, I’m also fine, Sire!”
“Nicky, please. I couldn’t find Oth.”
“No idea! How should I know that? I’m sorry that I’m late. I met an acquaintance at my way.”
“Don’t worry, Jason isn’t here anyway. He was having a meeting with Maximus, so we’ve to prepare for a long wait.”
“Why?”
“Huh?”
“Why was Jason meeting with Maximus?”
“Uh… well, he’s a Lion bigwig and the Lions have to like the preparations for The Trial or we can’t start.”
Nicky didn’t believed his Sire, but who was he to ask more questions? He really liked his head at it’s actual place… “Got it. This room is nice.”
“It is.”
“Uh… you’re sure that Jason wants to see me? I’m nothing unusual, really. And I don’t want to meet someone as important as him. I’ll only embarrass you.”
“I said Jason that you would come along and now you’ll stay. No, you’re not going to flee. You try and I ask someone to lock the doors.”
“You’re mean!”
“I know.”
Just then, a door opened. With the measured steps of a predator, Jason entered. When he caught sight of his lover, emerald eyes started to glitter with cheerfulness. “Hello Antoine. Nice to meet you, Nicky.”
“Thank you, Prince.”
“Well, sit down again, guys. I don’t plan on pretending that I’m dignified or so, I’m just your usual Tiger Prince. So let’s skip the polite part and get to the interesting, OK?” When his guests nodded, Jason smiled mischievous. “Nicky, do you want to meet your creator?”
“Uh… yeah, I think so. I don’t want to stay in touch with him, I just would like ask him a few questions. Like, why he abandoned me. And why he made me at all.”
“I understand. We’ve found out that you’re belonging to the family tree of Maximus. Most likely you’re made from a brother of Eric or his descendant.”
“Do you want to feed of me?”
“I would just like to take a few sips. Perhaps the blood you received from your Sire is familiar for me. I’m quite familiar to the Lions, in case you wonder.”
“Okay. Do you want the neck or wrist?”
“Neck isn’t necessary.” Piercing the offered wrist, Jason drank just a little bit of blood. He didn’t wanted Nicky to feel more uncomfortable than he’s already. “That is indeed familiar. I’ll ask Maximus when I see him again about cousins of him at London.”
“Can’t you talk to someone else? I can’t imagine Maximus wanting to help me. Latin Moon Protection chased him away from Oxford where he’s Master a few months ago.”
“He’s pretty much the only still unliving Childe of Eric, so I’m working with him mostly. Besides, he’ll not be mad at you. Trust me and Antoine to take care of that matters, young one.”
“Sure, Prince Jason.”
“Good.”
“Nicky, Jason and me have to talk about a few things alone. It won’t take long. We meet at our suite?”
“Okay, Sire. Prince, it was a pleasure to meet you.”
“Thanks, the same. Have fun, Nicky.”
“Thank you very much, Prince Jason.”
“What a nice boy you got yourself!”
“Are you out of your mind, Jason? You almost made him figure out that we’re having a past with Maximus!”
“You can’t lie to him forever. Besides, I just said that we would take care of that and because everyone knows that I’m familiar to the Lions and my clan likes them a lot, that’s no biggie. Now don’t freak, Antoine, everything went well. Are you gonna introduce me to Gerry also?”
“I don’t think…”
“Nothing of that kind! I want to meet him and I have the feeling that he would be way more comfortable also if he knew me. We’ll talk alone, if you don’t want to be in the middle of the war zone.”
“Jason, I know him way better than you and trust me that it wouldn’t be good or comfortable for anyone. You’ll not meet him.”
This made Jason go into full sulking mode. “Then I won’t invite him, if you insist… But I say you that you get yourself only into not necessary trouble!”
“You said this like a dozen times, I got it and I still won’t let you invite him without you getting major trouble with me! Do you think it’s wise that I’m going to go to Maximus?”
“Now? That’s not a good idea. Your Childe is waiting for you and he’ll be worried when you don’t come home. Later is a very good idea. You’ve to talk with him about the whole mess.”
“Then I’ll go home and change and…”
“Ha! There’s someone still vain!”
“…see Maximus. And I’m not vain! I’m just taking care of my looks!”
“Go home. Nicky’s waiting. And by the way…”
“Yeah?”
“I advice you to tell Gerry that we aren’t going to meet again. He could get jealous otherwise.”
“Thanks. See you later!”
“Bye!” As soon as Antoine had left, Jason went to his business apartment upstairs. He’s having plans for the early morning…
When he’d reassured himself that Antoine had left, Nicky was away and Gerry was still in their apartment, Jason went to the suite. A little bit nervous, he knocked. Hopefully the boy would open the door himself.
“Right away!”, yelled Gerry when someone knocked at their suite’s door. Most likely it’s only a waiter, still he didn’t wanted their living room to look this messy. Hastily bringing the dishes into the kitchenette and throwing a dozen of newspapers and magazines into a rack, he tidied up. Panting, he ran then to the door. Flinging it open, he greeted, “hi!”
“Hello.”
“Uh… I don’t want to be impolite, but who are you and what do you want?”, asked Gerry confused. The medium tall, strikingly beautiful, brunette man with pale skin and emerald, feline eyes was only slightly familiar to him.
“Is Nicky here? I would like to talk to him about the Sire matters.”
“No, he’s… wherever Lion fledglings are when they’re in a “I just met a cute girl” mood. But if you want to - and dare to - enter our mess you can wait for him.” Gerry hoped, the stranger would stay. He looked like a nice guy. Because he’s wearing an earring with Tiger sign, he couldn’t be a Lion wanting revenge. Also a big pro in these days…
“Thank you.”
“Take a seat, please. Do you want blood?”
“Please.”
Gerry went into the kitchenette. He heated a cup of blood for the vampire and refilled his own cup with coffee. When he walked back and found the stranger reading with fascination a soccer magazine, he started to like him. “You know football?”
“Know? I love soccer! Sometimes I fly to Europe just to see a final.”
“Well, if you have the money…”, said Gerry with a shrug. “Here you are. Blood could be very hot, be careful. This microwave never forgave me that I called it a useless piece of even more useless technology.”
“You shouldn’t say something like that. Don’t you know how revengeful microwaves are?”, teased Jason.
“I’ll regret that forever! I would’ve liked to start a football team at my grammar school, but we hadn’t had enough opponents. There’re only four schools for supernatural people and protégés like me and we could’ve only made one male and one female team.”
“My vamps are also whining all the time about that. Originally, we Tigers are Europeans and South Americans, not Canadians. So we like what’s in there. I, for my part, like also American Football.”
“Because of the violence, huh?”
“Exactly!”
“Who are you, by the way?”
A big grin spread over Jason’s face. “I’m Prince Jason of the Clan of the Tiger.”
Gerry stared with open mouth and big eyes at Jason. “J… J… Ja… Jason?”
“Right.”
“Then you’re my boyfriend’s lover?”, asked Gerry still unbelieving.
“You could call it like that. You’re Gerard, right?”
“Yes. Uh…”
“I shouldn’t have told it you.”
“You should’ve told me directly who you are, Jason!”
“Sorry. I just didn’t thought you would talk with me if you knew. And because I wanted to get to know you…”
“…you thought you could just tell me something about waiting for Nicky!”
“Uh… yeah, well… pretty much! Antoine didn’t wanted me to invite you to me - he made me give him a promise - so I’d to try another way.”
“Antoine didn’t wanted me also to meet you.”
“Perhaps he’s afraid that I tell you about his past. He’s always complaining that I’m too talkative.”
“Yeah, that he’s whining about with me too. Do you know any embarrassing stories I can blackmail him with?”
As soon as the door of Maximus’ suite was opened a slit, Antoine went inside. “Hello Maximus. Please say Othieno that I’m awaiting him at the Moon Clan party and that he’ll regret if he doesn’t comes or isn’t at time.”
“What kind of greeting is that?”, frowned Maximus.
“I’m not very pleased about your relationship with my Childe.”
“Oh really? Well, Antoine, I’ve got news for you! I don’t care if you’re pleased or peeved because it’s non of your business! Besides, you weren’t unhappy about it back then!”
“That was before you beat him up.”
Maximus sat down at the couch and rubbed his temples tired. “It happened just one time.”
“And that’s one time too much! I just don’t want you to kill Oth. And if you go on like this you surely will.”
“I could never hurt Oth! You should know by now that we Lions don’t seriously hurt the people we care for or even love.”
“But what you did wasn’t an act of love, Maximus. I know you can’t understand that other vampires mind your way of solving problems, but I’ll not allow you to hurt my Childe!”
“Why can’t you understand it? I just beat him up back then because of love. I didn’t wanted to loose Othieno, that’s all.”
“Why can’t you understand it? My clan doesn’t works like this and now that Oth is again a part of the Moon Clan it can’t work like this between you. I can’t allow you to hurt him the way you did in the old times.”
“Just because you’re no longer an outlaw my methods aren’t good enough for you anymore?!”
“You’re acting the same still. I attack and you try to make me defend myself. But I won’t. Because I know exactly what is going to happen. How often had we this exact situation before? I know you love Othieno and you only want the best for him, but beating him up isn’t the best for him. It’s important that you understand that this isn’t a prove of your love in my clan.”
“I know this. I’ll say Othieno that you want him to go to the party and then it’s OK, okay?”
“No, it isn’t. Because that’s not why I came here.”
“Why then?”
“Nicky.”
“Ow… Let me just get myself a pair of pants and a t-shirt and I’m with you.”
“I would feel then more comfortable too.” With a mock leer he added, “both of us being gay and so…”
Laughing went Maximus into the bedroom. He’s glad that - finally - everything was back to usual between them. They told each other honestly what they thought was going wrong and after a - usually quite noisy - argument they’re back to friends…
“Where were you?”, asked Othieno when Maximus joined him in bed again.
“Antoine was here. He wanted to talk with me about Nicky. He’s a relative of mine, that’s pretty sure now. But I couldn’t help him.”
“Oh.”
“Don’t worry, nothing big. He just thought I would know which relative was at London at the same
time your buddy was turned.”
“What a pity. Nicky’s really sad because he doesn’t knows his Sire. It’s not as bad for him as it’s for Thomas, but it’s still bad enough.”
“I’ll look what I can do about this.”
“Thanks. He’s a good guy and he’ll be grateful for your efforts.”
“Could you please stop now trying to distract from us?”
“Well, it’s worth a try…”
“Othieno”, groaned Maximus exasperated.
“Sorry. In case you wonder, I never stopped loving you. I didn’t had any other lover in all the time. Never. Not even an one night stand.”
“Me also not. I tried to find someone I could spend time with - at least a few years - but there’s no one who could stand comparison to you. I don’t know why I was never able to forget you, I really tried, but it wasn’t possible. I also never stopped loving you.”
“I know the changes aren’t good that we’re able to stay together without loosing our clans, our families and everything we earned in our unlives. But let’s at least enjoy the time we’re having now, OK?”
“That’s a great idea. I love it.”
When Antoine entered his suite again, he already felt the presence of Jason and Gerry. So he wasn’t surprised to see his lovers sitting at the couch and chatting vividly about the past. “Jason, did you by accident went into the wrong suite?”, he asked too nice. Still, Antoine couldn’t be really mad at Jason - and the Tiger Prince would know it…
“Actually… no. Because you didn’t wanted me to call for Gerard, I came to your suite. You didn’t said anything about that.”
“I hate you!”
“No, you don’t. You love me. And you think it’s cute that I ever find a way to get what I want. For you, I’m showing a strong will with that.”
“You know me just too good, Jason…”
“Jason is cool. Why did you never wanted us to meet?”
“Because Jason is having quite a loose tongue, Gerard. He just enjoys to tell people things they aren’t supposed to know.”
“Ow! I’m hurt, Antoine!”
“What for dark, dangerous secrets do you have I’m not supposed to find out about?”, frowned Gerry. He’d known from the beginning that Antoine was quite a mysterious, cryptic guy, but since their arrival at the mansion it’s getting worse and worse. He’s getting the feeling, that his boyfriend was afraid he could meet people from his past here. But why?
“Too many”, said Antoine seriously. He honestly was sorry that he’s making Gerard feel as if he didn’t trusted him. But this was too big. The blonde didn’t feared his lover would give the secrets away when Kaya checked his mind out. He just didn’t wanted Gerard to get involved into something that would bring him into major trouble. For that, he loved him just too much…
“Antoine’s right, Gerard. Trust him in this matter. He knows what’s the best for you.”
“But I would like to decide that myself.”
“If I tell you everything about my past - about the dark, dangerous secrets - you’ll get a lot of problems. Do you trust me?”
“Sure.”
“Then wait. Sometime, it’ll come out anyway and then you’ll hear more than you want to.”
“Okay.”
“Which party are you going to attend next night?”
For the occupants of Goldbrook Castle, the nights till the trial’s start were way too soon over. At the 1st December, when everyone was present, the official part of this meeting could begin.
In a big, round lecture hall, the trial took place. It’s the only room big enough to accommodate all Princes and at which everyone was able to see what’s happening in the centre. After all, they’re the jury. The furnishing was plain - just three long tables with each ten chairs. All wore microphones and cameras filmed the centre. So, the trial could be watched live at the clan’s headquarters and the spectators in the upper rows could watch it at big screens.
Jason watched proudly the filled rows and the little “courtroom” he’d in the centre.
He’s flanked by his deputies and the clans representatives, then came at his left the clerk of the court, at his right a protocol chief, the mediator and two guards. Because both clans were befriend with the Sun Clan, they’d chosen their leader to mediate and keep them from killing each other - which’s his job, usually. The representatives would make sure that both had equal rights and keep him from kicking their “lawyers” out.
At the left side was the defender’s table, at the right the accuser’s. While one of them would do the real court stuff, the other would be busy with trying to kill their opponent and giving him a mental breakdown. Each side was represented by the clan’s leader, three lawyers, a soldier, another two Princes and three clan members of choice.
Of course not even the half of this people were necessary - apart from the guards, they couldn’t have had enough. But at trials like this had really won who got more important representatives at the tables. His own clan accepted this arrogant behaviour with patience and a healthy amount of humour. And he hadn’t heard any complaints. Yes, his clan had proved again everyone that they’re the best hosts for such an important meeting…
“I open the trial Clan of the Silver Moon against Clan of the Lion. This meeting of all Princesses and Princes is hosted by the Clan of the Tiger which leader I am. So I am also the judge of this trial. The accuser is the Moon Clan and the defendant the Lion Clan, in case you wonder. Both clans choose to act for themselves. This is the last chance for you to change your mind, by the way.”
“We won’t.”
“We would rather die the final death than avoid a confrontation with this bastards!”, snorted the Lion’s leader.
Maximus, who’s the guard at Lion side, winced at his aunt’s venomous statement. If the whole trial would be this great he would seriously consider joining the Moon Clan, the vampire thought sarcastic.
“Princess Alexandra, please hold yourself back in the choice of your terms. Now I forgot what I wanted to say!”
“Proclamation of the accusations”, reminded a deputy judge.
“Oh, sure, thanks. We’ll proceed with the proclamation of the accusations. Before you start, Moon Clan, are you sure that 128 pages are right?”
“That’s absolutely right, my Lord.”
“Just remember: We’ll make after every hour five minutes break, every second hour 15 minutes and every fourth hour one hour! All in all one hearing day is inclusive breaks at the most ten hours long.” He couldn’t stand this boring stuff longer. If it hadn’t been custom for centuries, Jason would’ve done without the reading of the accusation. What he didn’t endured just for the old times’ sake… “Please start.”
The reading of the Moon’s writings took two days and the Lion’s defence another day. Because it gave so many fights that Jason had to kick almost everyone out, they couldn’t work a time that would be added up almost a day. The rest of the time was spent with fighting.
After four full hearing days, Jason and the other participants of the trial were already experienced at working in shifts and passing time.
The mobile TV to watch sport events, talk shows and movies from all over the world was the court hit. When American football, Baseball or soccer started, everyone gathered around the TV to watch. Then even the clan hostility was forgotten for a few minutes.
Also very popular was playing board games and card games like Poker. Just in the bored vamp version with real money. The hit were games at which you could make teams - so every clan and the court personnel would make a team.
Another practice was popular too: Putting cotton wool into your ears and reading a book. Or hearing music with headphones. Jason even brought himself his favourite armchair along to sleep while the hearing…
At the fifth day, the important part finally started: The exhibiting of evidences. Again, first the Moon Clan would prove why the Lion Clan was a band of criminals, really painfully untalented vampires and just the worst thing since the invention of bagged blood. Jason guessed this would take the Moon Clan four or five days. Fighting breaks and quarrels added, a week.
Then, the Lion Clan would tell them that they’re blockheads, try to tear the Moon’s evidences to pieces - and that wasn’t just meant proverbial - and show their own evidences why they were good vampires. And why the Moon Clan was a bunch of criminals, really painful untalented vampires and so on… Another week of bitching and fighting.
Jason feared that at the end of the evidence part would consist of killing the judge, if he didn’t ordered whatever they wanted. But the Tiger didn’t cared because he thought of final death as salvation when he alternatively could endure Moons and Lions…
Othieno waited outside of the trial hall for the next one hour break. He’s tired of watching the clan of his lover and his own fighting. Watching Maximus making the Moon guys believe they’re only worms and exchanging telepathic jokes while everyone around them was deadly serious, had only been fun for the first hearing days…
Maximus’ dark frown disappeared when he found his lover waiting nearby. Surprising everyone - including himself - the Lion Master kissed Othieno passionately.
Although he liked the affection, Oth was worried. “What changed your mind? Won’t Princess Alexandra kick you out of the court staff if she knows you’re having a Moon boyfriend?”
“I’m too tired to care.”
“Your reputation?”
“What is a reputation when you can’t even kiss your lover after a hell of a night and have to pretend that you hate him? Besides, it’s fun to shock everyone.”
“I have to admit, it’s indeed fun. But can’t we go somewhere where not a few hundred people are staring at us and gossip excited?”
“My people knew about it all the time.”
“What?!”
“I couldn’t lie to my Childes. And my best friends, the people I trust had to know about it. Someone from the old times could’ve talked. I didn’t wanted them to turn their backs on me then.”
“Yeah, well, you could’ve told me.”
“How? I didn’t even knew where you were. And I took it for a matter of course. Does no one of your folks knows about it?”
“Only Trevor. And Antoine, but he has to because he’s present.”
“I got you into trouble, didn’t I?”, asked Maximus with a guilty look.
“I wanted to tell it them anyway. Now we’ve found the perfect way”, Othieno chuckled. “Ouch! I feel Antoine approaching. He’ll either kill me or make a dance of joy. This way I’m the scapegoat and not he…”
“He can try…!”
“Nah, don’t fight again with my Sire, please. I don’t like that.”
“I’ll try. But if he starts…”
“Othieno, Maximus”, greeted Antoine with an unreadable expression. He didn’t minded his boys making their relationship public, he just didn’t wanted to make it easy for them. After all, now Kaya would be so busy with being mad at Oth, that she wouldn’t have any time to smash his own head for never telling her that Eric and Maximus were his friends. And perhaps, just perhaps, she wouldn’t give any thought to the still active rumours that he’d had a love affair with Eric…
“Sire, hello. Uh…”
“You shouldn’t allow yourself such laziness, Othieno. Do you’ve any idea what Kaya is going to do with you?”
“I don’t think that’s any of your business, Antoine. I don’t want to be disrespectful, but Othieno will get the trouble and not you.”
“And that’s your business why?”
“Because I don’t like it when you attack my lover”, growled Maximus.
Before the situation could escalate, Antoine ended the façade. “I know. And I’m not mad at you. In the contrary, I owe you. Just wanted to know if you deserve it.”
“Huh?”
“Deserve what?”
“You’ve my blessings.”
“Damn, Antoine, what the hell are you talking about?”
“Well, Maximus, now that you two brought your relationship into public, you’ll have to become at least Mates.”
“Huh?”
“It’s a Moon thing, Othieno will explain it to you.”
“I think I’ll take care of that myself! And if I have any say in this, there’ll be no mating! I’m still your Princess, Othieno! If Antoine approves a romantic relationship with a Master Lion, it’s non of my business. But it is very much my business when you’re living in my city! You know very much that relationships have to be approved. Especially, when they’re with hostile clans!” Kaya was exasperated and her golden eyes were shimmering dangerous. How could the young ones dare all the time to embarrass her? Where was the respect Princes had received in the past?
“We aren’t a hostile clan at London, Princess Kaya”, said Maximus. His voice was too sweetly to feel comfortable, knew the people who knew him and left hastily.
“And why?”
“At London aren’t any Lions. Only if a clan war exists clans are officially hostile. Because my clan never did anything against your clan in your city - which was previous our city, by the way - we’re not a hostile clan. That means no restrictions. Your permission is needed for the mating, but it’s not needed for a relationship.”
“Fine! If you want to start this way, Maximus, you can try! Most of the laws you’re just telling me were made from my family or even myself!”
“Princess, I’m very disappointed. I thought you’re more clever than to challenge a clan war. In the middle of a trial of our clans. Just, when the atmosphere is already tense enough you’re making the whole situation here even more dangerous…”
“I don’t! The one has nothing to do with the other! I can forbid my Grandchilde a relationship with you and that’s not related to the trial.”
“It isn’t in the least, I’ll grant you that, Princess. But it’s not good for the sympathies also. You’ll loose a few of your friends already for this scene and if you play die-hard you’ll not exactly raise the sympathy for your clan. There’re a lot of clans which the Moons call hostile and if you want to make yourself enemies at all of this clans…”
“Okay, you can have your damn mating! Until the trial is over! Then we’ll see who’s the winner and who’s the loser!”
“Kaya…”
“You’ll keep your trap shut, Othieno! You already made enough damage!”
“Hey, don’t talk like this to my lover! Even if you aren’t, we’re caring for our family and friends!” Maximus let his eyes shimmer silver for a moment to emphasize his warning.
“I hate you, Maximus. And you’ll pay for that!”
“Don’t worry, Othieno, I’ll talk to her”, said Antoine.
“Thanks.”
Antoine followed Kaya through the hallways into a silent corner. There, he allowed his eyes to turn golden and started to yell at full blast, “are you totally crazy, Kaya?! Could you please for once behave like an adult person?! Can’t you for once not repeat your past mistakes?! You’re bringing my Childe into trouble and you don’t even care for it! How can you be such cold, such cruel?”
“What the bloody hell is going on here?! Explain me what’s going on!”
“You’re outing yourself as fool!”
“You’ll not behave like this in front of your Sire! I won’t allow you this, boy! You’re behaving like… like…”
“I’m behaving like someone who’s trying to defend his Childe and his friend. I don’t have any problem with that. Because it’s the truth. I trust Maximus with my life. He gained my trust, my loyalty and my friendship as much as I gained his. He’s a good friend. I don’t care that he’s Lion. A lot of my friends are Lion. I never was disappointed by them.”
“How can you just say someone like that? That’s not true!”
“You didn’t believed the crap about the Lions being beneath us. But then, when Maurice came to London, he changed your mind. It wasn’t you who wanted this meeting, that were ideas he made you have. Just remember what you are and what you believe in, Kaya. Isn’t it our way to love every creature? To take care of the weaker ones? Why can’t we take care of our brothers and sisters then?”
“Because it’s not right!”
“Why isn’t it right?”
“Because…”
“You don’t know it yourself, do you?”
“Because our clans aren’t supposed to mix. Our blood alone is so different, how can it be possible that we live together? And I harmony? We’re so different, like day and night. For the Lions, we’re only lower creatures. They can’t understand why we do what we do and they hate us for that. And with us it’s the same.”
“This hostility doesn’t just happens to be very comfortable, huh? Kaya, you’re just saying facts. Facts that also separate human cultures. And still they’re living together, still they found a way to cooperate. Even if some of them hate each other. Everyone gave his best and worst traits and so they all created together the world we’re now living in. That’s how you taught me to see this planet. You made me see how fascinating the difference is. That only this makes life interesting. Why can’t we do the same?”
“I…”
“Why can’t we just accept this challenge? The majority of the Lions aren’t bad people. They’re OK and they just try to live the way they can. They just try to do the best for themselves and their community, their friends, their family.”
“But they’re violent. So terrible violent.”
“That we are too for humans.”
“They claim to hurt people because they love them. They say that you can’t survive without killing, torturing and maiming. But that’s not right. We both know that this isn’t unlife. We both know that we can exist without such things. Lions don’t have control over their demon. How could we live with them? Antoine, they would only hurt us, kill us.”
“Perhaps they will. But isn’t it worth the effort? Before we expel them, we owe them another chance. A real chance. Not just living them next to us. I’m talking about really including them into our society, our lives. The Moon Clan claims to be the clan of the not violent vampires, the one who see more than immortal and mortal, the differences in blood. We can accept and even admire the humans, why can’t we them? They’re our own, Kaya!”
“You aren’t anymore just talking about Maximus and Othieno, huh?”, sighed Kaya. She knew that her favourite Childe was right. How could he not be? Antoine had ever been able to see chances when she’s only seeing a dead end. And although he’s very violent for a Moon, he’d been able to see something special in every clan. He even respected psi - who’re feared and hated by all vampires because of their powers.
“I don’t.”
“I’ll think about it. But I can’t do much. The trial already started, Antoine. I’m sorry. I see now that you’re right, but…”
“You can still do a lot. You can go to Jason, you can go to Maurice. They all listen to you. Almost everyone here listens to you. The only exceptions are the Bear Clan and a few Lions. But if you tell them what you have to say, they’ll also listen.”
“The Lions perhaps even will. But that’s your fight, Antoine, I made already my mistake.”
“No, it’s your fight. Because you made your mistake. You can still do the right thing. I know you ever only do what you believe in and you believed in expelling the Lions. I also know that you’re so stubborn that you rather accept disadvantages than admit that you’re wrong. But this time it’s not about you. It’s about all of us, Kaya. Especially the Lions, but also about us. We’ll have to defend this decision in a few millenniums.”
“I’ll really consider it. Just give me some time. The trial will still take weeks, we’ve got enough time to make a good plan and then put it into action.”
“Thank you, Sire.”
“Thank you, Childe.”
Thomas’ mood couldn’t have been worse when he’s forced to accompany Kaya to another cocktail party. Why couldn’t his Sire just understood that he hated society events? Nobody liked him and he’s all the time sitting around alone. The worst thing was, that - even after one and a half week of the trial - some other vampires thought he’s still Lion.
“Oh, I just see a friend of mine arriving. Will you please get me a cocktail, my dear?”, asked Kaya cheerful.
“Yeah, sure.” For Thomas, the happiness of his adoptive Sire was annoying. He didn’t wanted to get them drinks and he didn’t wanted to be here. Well, if Kaya insisted on his presence, he could as well hang around with a few Lions, he considered peevish. The blonde Lion got himself a seat near the hall’s entrance and waited for someone he knew or a more or less nice looking Lion. “Or someone who ends my pitiable existence”, he muttered.
Thomas was just about to give up and get Kaya her cocktail, when a dark figure caught his attention. The tanned, dark-haired man seemed to leave with a mood similar to his own. But that wasn’t what made him special. He’s familiar…
Without giving the consequences much thought, Thomas ran after the other vampire. Although the countless hallways usually confused him, he knew where to go. To his surprise, the man was waiting for him in a deserted corner. Slowing down in front of him, Thomas knew without doubt who he was. “Sire.”
“Childe.” Maximus smiled with pride and affection at his youngest Childe.
He’d felt strange since his arrival, but thought just the importance of this meeting bothered him. At the ball hall then, he knew that his Childe was here - long before the fledgling suspected something. So he left to give them more privacy… And to get the young one as far as possible away from his adoptive Sire.
Sudden rage swallowing all other emotions, clear thoughts and burning it’s way through every single cell of his body, Thomas did, what he’d never thought himself capable of: He slapped his Sire in the face. With all of his vampiric strength. Satisfied he estimated the bruise to need at least 24 hours to heal. Yes, this would teach his Sire a lesson…
This wasn’t the welcome he expected. But he wasn’t surprised. They’re feared for their temper, after all. With ease caught the older vampire his Childe’s hand before he could slap him again. Maximus held his wrist softly in one hand, caressing it, never using force - showing so that he just knew he wouldn’t disobey his Sire. “I’m glad that they couldn’t steal your fire.”
Thomas had expected a beating - after all, his clan was known as violent - or at least a fit of rage. The compliment caught him off guard. “I’m sorry, Sire, I just couldn’t help it. I…”
“Hush, Childe. You don’t have to fear anything from me. I know the feeling of being consumed by rage, not being able to control your temper because you’re not in control of your body anymore, just doing what your instincts want you to…”
Weakly nodding, Thomas stared at his real Sire. Sometimes, after another fight with Kaya, he laid in his bed and imagined his Sire. Maximus was similar to this image, just better. “Why y… was I abandoned, Sire?”
“I couldn’t stay longer than one day at London without risk of discovery. I made you in the night of my departure. When I created you, I hoped you would search for me, I hoped you would use our connection to get in touch with me. I’m sorry for leaving you, my Childe. And I’m sorry for allowing that you’re raised by Moon Clan members.”
“No, Sire, they’re good to me. Kaya… she’s just like she is. Granted, she doesn’t cares much about me and I’m often unhappy, but she tried to ignore that I’m Lion.”
“Still it wasn’t right. What is your name, Childe?”
“Thomas White. What is yours, Sire?”
“Maximus.”
“Then Antoine was right”, muttered Thomas. When he felt the inquiring look of Maximus, he explained, “Antoine said that he wouldn’t be surprised if you created me. But he never told me why he’s so sure about this. Not even Kaya had any idea. Do you’ve an explanation?”
Maximus chuckled softly, “oh, I know that very well. And I didn’t expected anything else from Antoine. He had to notice it, to know it. He, Othieno and my Sire are the only vampires who can know it as good as I myself.”
“Why?”, asked the blonde with increasing confusion.
“Antoine knows my blood. He’s my mentor and my friend.”
“Huh?”
“Antoine, Othieno and Jason lived for a long time at London. Oth and me grew up together and were even lovers.”
“He never told me anything about that. But it would explain a lot…”
“He couldn’t tell you. I bet that Kaya doesn’t knows about it till now.”
“I still don’t understand it. But I don’t care. It’s not really important at the moment.”
“You’re right, Thomas. Let’s go to my suite.”
“What?!”
At the look of alarm at his Childe’s face, Maximus couldn’t help laughing. He sighed, “you’re having ideas, my boy…I guessed we could talk better at my suite. No one would disturb us there.”
“Kaya will get mad if she finds out that I left the ball hall without saying anything to her. And if she can’t find me…”
“Don’t worry for the Moon Princess, Thomas. If she makes you trouble because of it, I’ll talk to her. Besides, you’re Lion. You don’t have to explain anything to anyone. We’re doing what we want and only what we want!”
Thomas had to fight down the remaining hesitation. He wasn’t afraid of Maximus and he felt comfortable in his company, but following him to his suite would make it more… real. Like accepting him as his real Sire. On the other hand, was that really bad? Hadn’t he hoped for his real Sire showing up, for getting help and feeling understood? “Let’s go!”
“I knew you would understand the sense, Thomas.” Still holding his Childe’s wrist, Maximus led him to his suite.
Thomas followed his Sire in silence to his room in House D. Only when the door was opened and Maximus’ asked him inside, he remembered that he’s capable of speech. “Thank you.”
The suite looked exactly like the one he’s occupying with Kaya, thought Thomas. Just, that here wasn’t the least bit of tidiness. Newspapers and books laid at the living room’s floor, glasses, water bottles, blood bags, packages of candy covered the tables and everywhere you could find pieces of clothing.
“It’s nice here. I like this chaos. It’s making the suite look… vivid. Like someone is living here, not like it’s a museum.”
“Well, Moons are obsessed with having everything tidied up. They don’t mean it. Take a seat if you find one. I’ll heat us blood.”
“Thanks.” Thomas looked around in the room curiously. “How many people are living here?”
“We’re five. How is it at your place?”
“Seven. Kaya, Gerry, Lila, Nicky, Antoine, Othieno and me. We could’ve had two suites - Kaya despises Nicky - but Antoine and Gerry didn’t wanted to be separated.”
“And you don’t like Antoine, huh?”, asked Maximus smiling. He came back with two cups of blood. “Here you are. But careful, it’s hot.”
“Thanks. Well, usually I like Antoine. But he can be a major pain in the neck - and not in the good way - when you can’t avoid him.”
“Oh yeah, I remember that vividly. He’s such a pedant!”, groaned Maximus.
“Absolutely!”
“You already saw him get a fit of rage because you dared to leave a newspaper at the table?”
“Every day! Gerry just loves to get onto his nerves. Especially after a lover’s quarrel that’s really uncomfortable with the two of them.”
“He’s having a new lover? Hm, that’s quite a surprise. Somehow all men and women are having a crush at Antoine, but only the fewest can endure his attitudes. I remember that most of his relationships didn’t worked out because of Jason, though.”
“Oh, Jason’s also a major problem for their relationship. But it seems to me like Gerry accepted him. I wonder how their first meeting ends…”
“If this Gerry is just a little bit like you, he’ll instantly fall in love with Jason. You just can’t not love him. He’s a great man”, reassured Maximus his Childe.
“Although he’s Tiger and a Prince?”
“It’s just a prejudice that we can’t stand Princes. Actually, most Lions like Princes. Well, as long as they’re our own Princes, but that’s not the point… I like Jason. And I usually can’t stand Tigers at all. They’re even for my taste a bit too adventurous, risk loving and reckless.”
Already fearing the tense atmosphere he would’ve to endure, Thomas said, “I wouldn’t be that sure with Gerry. He’s nice and all but he’s madly in love with Antoine. And I don’t think he takes it too well that his boyfriend already has a boyfriend …”
“Let’s see. In one week, he’ll no longer mind if Jason comes back. Now let’s talk about you again, Thomas.”
“We really have to? I’m nothing special. Really not.”
“You’re a Lion, Thomas. That alone makes you special. I won’t claim that we’re the best clan - no one clan is better than another one. We’re special because we’re different. The other clans have at least a few similarities, we don’t have any with them.”
“Okay, if you say so…”
“Trust me, my Childe. How do you get along with Kaya? I mean apart from the fact that she can’t stand you.”
“Average, I suppose. She doesn’t spends much time with me and by now I don’t want it otherwise. But at the beginning it hurt. She never bothered pretending that she likes and accepts me, cares. With the other people I get along quite well, so I don’t have to spend much time with Kaya. Oh, she’s very hard. But sometimes she’s kind. I’m still Commander at the murder squad, by the way. If I would be forced to work at LMP, it would be surely worse.”
“I’m glad that you don’t suffer from her dislike. You’ll get used to this behaviour.”
“I don’t think I’ll ever. It’s not quite comfortable.”
“It’s hard, I know. But it’ll become a part of daily life for you, trust me with this. You’ll in a few years not even notice it anymore.”
“I can’t imagine that.”
“I also couldn’t when I was a fledgling. But you will. It’s just a matter of time.”
“I hope I’ll not be in such a position. At least not soon. Although there’re a lot of things I can’t stand about Moons, I like my family.”
“Adoptive family.”
“Yeah, sorry. It’s just that I’m quite used to them being a family for me.”
“I know. I don’t reproach you for accepting your unlife. In fact, I’m very proud at you. Under this circumstances, you got yourself the best possible life. And I hoped you would do that. I feared for some time that you wouldn’t survive, but it’s wrong to doubt you. You’re having a strong will, you’re able to adjust fast and you proved that you’re willing to learn.”
“Thank you very much.”
“I wish I could’ve seen your first months, Thomas.”
“Yeah, well, I’m only half a year old…”
“You’re right.”
“I hope so!”, chuckled Thomas.
“Don’t get cocky, boy.”
“No? And what would you do with me?”
“You can be sure that I would find a suitable punishment…”, teased Maximus.
“I’m happy to have you back, Sire. It’s quite important for me. Although I don’t know why. I only met you one time before and still I feel more comfortable with you than ever before with someone I knew for a long time. You’re more familiar than my mortal parents, even.”
“That’s the way the Childe feels for it’s Sire. It’s natural you, Thomas. And in case you wonder, I feel the same way about you.”
Thomas smiled for the first time really at Maximus. Moved by his Sire’s words, he gave in to the need for closeness. The fledgling snuggled up to him and laid his head onto his shoulder, enjoying the familiar smell of his blood.
“It’s okay, my boy. I’ll take care of you”, promised Maximus his youngest Childe. And he knew that he wouldn’t break his promise. Thomas really meant something to him. He’s intrigued by the police officer’s bravery and his will to survive. The latter was something they’d in common, so he’s glad that Thomas was adopted by the Moon Clan. They’re too powerful to fear extinction or even a trial.
But at the same time, his demon was disgusted by Thomas. How could a Lion dare to join the Moon Clan and not be totally ashamed for it? His boy’s blood was stained forever - even if he would drain him and feed him his own blood, there would still remain a little bit of Moon Clan blood. Thomas had betrayed his clan with choosing to live among strangers, among their enemies. That he’s even calling someone of them his Sire, embarrassed and hurt him deeply. Why wasn’t Thomas with his kindred when they needed him so much?
“Why do you feel like this about me, Sire? Didn’t you wanted me to be adopted by the Moon Clan? You should’ve known it when you turned me and left me.”
“Huh?”
“When we’re so close, I can feel your emotions. You didn’t blocked yourself well.”
“You don’t read your Sire’s thoughts without permission, Childe! It’s time that you finally learn respect and submission!”
“I’m sorry. What’s going on with you?”, asked Thomas confused.
“I don’t like it when someone reads my mind. That’s the reason why I never liked the company of psi.”
The blonde pulled away like burned. This remark hurt Thomas more than all the times Kaya had ignored him and it hurt more than being abandoned. His real Sire didn’t wanted him also… “I’ve to go, it’s time”, he said very cool and stood up. Still, his sad silver eyes betrayed his emotions.
Realization hit Maximus like a flash. Why hadn’t he thought about that before? He’d felt the urge to turn Thomas because demons were attracted to supernatural humans, could very rarely resist their temptation. And no usual fledgling could break the mental barriers of a Master - even if they’re build careless. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have felt Thomas’s presence this strong… And now he’d chased his Childe away! “I’m sorry, Thomas, I didn’t meant it like that.”
“You absolutely meant it! You meant every single word! And I don’t even know why I’m still here and disturb you with talking to you when you are so much bothered by my kind’s company!”, yelled Thomas with rage and venom.
Before his Childe could even step away from the couch, Maximus had thrown him back onto it. Reproaches and fury had released his demon. With a snarl, he sunk his fangs into the fledgling’s neck and fed.
Thomas remembered that Kaya locked him for 24 hours into his room for acting similar - to calm down. It’d had only made the Lion part of him even more furious. This gesture of pure possession of his Sire was exasperating and calming him at the same time. Lions hated to be controlled, owned - even if it was by their kindred. Submission was against their nature. But being possessed also meant that he belonged to someone and that Lions needed even more than blood and violence. Because they couldn’t have real companionship and friendship, they yearned for it so much.
With pride noticed the Master Thomas tensing and relaxing. He’d suppressed the urge to return the attack. That meant he’d learned very well in the last months. And that he didn’t wanted to leave. Because when a Lion really wanted to do something, the demon would do it by all means. To show his fledgling that he accepted his submission, Maximus stroked soothing over Thomas’ back. Still, he stopped feeding before it wasn’t anymore a very painful punishment.
“I want you not to read my mind again without me opening up for you, Thomas. And I don’t want you to fight me again. I know how you’re feeling. Everything you’re going through I went through too. I remember still my own fledgling years. I know it wasn’t easy for you with the Moons. But you’re now with your own kind. You’ve to learn to accept our rules and laws. I won’t deny that we’re having bad traits like all the other clans, but we’ve also many good traits. You’re at home with me. Just don’t try to fight me. I can’t help you then.”
“Aye, Sire.” Thomas allowed himself to be surrounded by his Sire’s presence like a soothing blanket. When he’s near Maximus or Kaya, the emotional turmoil that raged all the time through him, calmed down. Only then, he could think clearly and felt at peace. “Is it ever like this?”
“Most times. Sometimes a Master’s presence can become overwhelming for a fledgling, make him feel threatened.”
Thomas winced when he touched the wound at his neck. His Sire had shredded his neck at a length of three inches and width of two. Also, he’d bit as deep as possible. This would hurt for weeks. The poison transmitted when a vampire bit, made the wounds at a human heal within minutes - a vampire’s healing was reduced to human speed. “Oh yeah. I know that from Kaya. She’s like you one of the people who can fill a whole hall just with being there. When she’s mad at me, it’s scary.”
“You… Thomas? Thomas, you aren’t asleep, are you?”, asked Maximus disbelieving and not just a little bit indignant. Because he’d taken more blood from his fledgling than he should’ve, he wasn’t mad at him, though.
Antoine searched since Maximus’ and Othieno’s disclosure and his discussion with Kaya for Gerry. He’d learned to know when you better stay silent and when you’ve to explain things. Now it’s time for the latter. Before his boyfriend found out about it from someone else, he wanted to confess him why exactly he’d been so cryptic about his connection to the Lions.
When the Moon Master found Gerard in a cafeteria, he heaved a sigh of relief. And prayed that he didn’t knew already…
“Hi Antoine. Shouldn’t you be at a party or so?”
“I searched for you.”
“Sorry. Take a seat, please. What’s going on here? Everyone is in uproar and I don’t even know why.”
“Othieno and Maximus are now officially a couple.”
“Huh? Our Othieno and Maximus, Childe of Eric, Lion?”
“Yes. They’re already together for a few days - again - but only now they went into public.”
“Aren’t you mad at Oth?”
“No, not in the least. After all, it’s nothing new. They’re already together from 1825 to 1948.”
“Will you tell me about that or do I get another cryptic answer?”
“We’re living in the Scottish Highlands since 1794, but the country life got boring and both of us wanted to get back into a city. Oth and me arrived early in 1819 at London. We knew that we couldn’t stay there undercover for long and eventually the Prince would find out that we’re in the city. So we went to Eric…”
Antoine and Othieno climbed down into the sewers of London. The hesitancy was plainly written at their faces. And the disgust. Unfortunately, Lions just loved to place their lairs in the sewers… They followed the Minion of Eric through the total darkness to a cavern. Not a masterpiece of architecture or good taste, but at least the stench wasn’t such terrible here…
A vampire who looked like 27 or 28 approached them. He’s having tousled, long, dark-blonde hair that covered his face partly. His skin seemed to be quite tanned - but he could’ve also been dirty. His clothes were contrasting with his dirty looks. The elegant robe of a very wealthy businessman, most likely a nobleman.
“Welcome at London. I’m Prince Eric of the Clan of the Lion.”
“My Prince, I’m honoured by the audience you grant us. Master Antoine, Childe of Kaya, and my Childe Othieno, of the Clan of the Silver Moon.”
“The Moon Clan is honouring us with it’s presence, what a surprise…”
“Our presence at London isn’t related to the Moon Clan. We’re just here because we want to be here. And we asked for an audience because we need your permission to move to London.”
“In this case… you’re welcome.”
“Thank you, my Prince.”
“On a few conditions I don’t think you mind. And if you mind, you’ll still do what I order you”, added Eric with a smirk. “You’re a Master, Antoine, so I have to make you a member of the Assembly. That doesn’t means you can contradict my decisions. If you try that, I’ll just kick you and your Childe out of my city. You’ll follow the rules of my clan, of this city, the Assembly and of me. You’ll put every of my orders into action. No hesitation, no contradictions. Do you understand?”
“There’s no way to misunderstand you, Prince.”
“I hoped so. If I ask you a question, you’ll answer it. The full truth and nothing than the full truth. No half-truth, no leaving out, no forgetting. You’re only loyal to me as long as you’re in my city. I don’t care for your clan and your Sire and I don’t care if you get trouble because of it.”
“You don’t have to worry for my Sire. I renounced her.”
For the first time, Eric smiled at them. Only a slight smile that wasn’t readable, though. “I’m glad to hear that. You’ll get along better in my city this way. I also don’t tolerate plotting, defamation and intrigues. If you’re dissatisfied with something I do or don’t do, you talk to me. And only to me! Also, you’ll accept the hunting rules in my city. No massacres, no major torture, not more than ten dead humans each week. I don’t feel like dealing with the authorities.”
“That’s all?”
“Yes.”
“Uh…”
“Yes, Othieno?”
“How is this going to go with the room arrangements? Do you want us to live at your lair or get ourselves a flat?”
“That’s your own decision. Frankly, I don’t care.”
“Then we’ll rent a flat.”
“Good. You’re welcome to stay with us until you got yourself a new home. Something else?”
“When is the next Assembly meeting?”
“In two hours at the conference room. You’ll be there and at time.”
“Aye, my Prince.”
“He really accepted you?”
“Yes, he did. At first, Eric wasn’t happy about us being in the city. He never liked Moons very much - although he’s believing that all clans are important and worthy of existence. Not many Lions grant our clan this. Until we moved into our flat, we’re already friends.”
“Then you’re quite lucky, weren’t you?”
“We we’re. But I wasn’t really happy about this friendship. I was still mourning for my Moon philosophy of life. That Lions are just scum and so on. I never stopped to see them as barbarians and vicious, animalistic creatures - I just started to see the good sides of this. You can have no better friend than a Lion - if you manage to convince him that you’re worth his trust, respect and loyalty. First, you have to earn his respect, his trust, then his loyalty. Then perhaps can you call him a friend. In return, he’ll rank with your best.”
“Why did you never told me about that?”
“Because then I would’ve been forced to tell you also that I was very close to the Lions. Maximus was like a son for me, I loved Eric more than my real siblings. I feared you wouldn’t understand it. And you would hate me for failing them.”
“What changed now?”
“Because the boys wanted to show everyone how happy they are - I suppose, Maximus had a fight with Alexandra - I’ve to explain it to Kaya. I wanted to tell you first.”
“Thank you, Antoine. There’s something else, isn’t it?”
“It’s possible that someone tells you I had a love affair with Eric. There’re some rumours.”
“Okay. By the way, I don’t hate you for what you did. And I’m pretty sure that you didn’t failed your friend. What happened?”
“Jason, Oth and me went 1948 to Italy for a few months. We stayed longer because I liked Rome so much. When we came back 1949, Kaya had already killed Eric and was crowned two months ago.”
“It isn’t your fault.”
“I should’ve trusted my instincts. I just knew something bad would happen. But I ignored this gut feeling…”
“Still it’s not your fault. Did Maximus ever reproached you for his Sire’s death?”
“No, but…”
“You see, he doesn’t thinks you failed Eric. And apart from that, your presence wouldn’t have changed anything. You’re no match for Kaya.”
“I just feel guilty for it.”
“Don’t you start with this crap. I can’t stand Oth feeling guilty all the time and I don’t want you to join the guilt group.”
“OK.”
“Do you feel like visiting Jason again?”
“Huh?”
“Well, I like him.”
“I see…”
Maximus brought his sleeping Childe into his own bedroom. He didn’t wanted Thomas to get woken up from his returning roommates. Because he’s too itchy to sleep and not felt comfortable with leaving the fledgling alone, he got himself his favourite book from the living room and held watch.
A few minutes later, the Lion Master had found out, that he couldn’t concentrate on the book. So he licked Thomas’ wounds closed and called his boyfriend’s suite. He needed to tell someone about Thomas and his other Childes would perhaps return only in a few hours.
“Hi!”, said a cheerful female voice.
At least it wasn’t Kaya… “Hello. Are Othieno or Antoine at home?”
“Oth already left for the Lion ball. Do you want to talk to Antoine?”
“Lion party?”, repeated Maximus with more than mild horror. Tucking the receiver between head and shoulder, he opened the appointment book at his beside table.
“If you’re a Moon administrative guy: It’s not my problem that my future vamp brother has some Lion lover, so freak out after the meeting - when I’m far, far away!”
Huh, quite a brave girl and indeed he’s having an entry in his calendar… Chuckling, the Lion explained, “hardly, protégé. I’m Master Maximus of the Clan of the Lion.”
“Lila Morgan. And if you don’t get in the next ten minutes from House D to ball hall 11 at A, you’ll get major trouble with your leader because then the ball starts. Master Antoine’s also going, by the way.”
“I’ll rather meet him there. Please ask him to say Princess Alexandra that I’m late and bringing someone along.”
“Sure.”
“Thanks. Bye!” He threw the receiver in the rough direction of the phone and shook Thomas roughly. “You’ve to wake up, Childe! We’re going to a party!”
“Huh?”, asked Thomas and blinked owlishly.
“Lion ball in eight minutes!”
“Who called?”
“Your friend Maximus. He forgot the ball and wanted to talk to you or Othieno. He didn’t told me why, though, because I told him about the party.”
“Thanks, Lila. Coming?”
“Sure!” Hurrying wasn’t very easy with her long evening gown, so Lila pulled at her skirt until she’s able to jog. Almost, at least. Because three inch stilettos also weren’t made for running… “By the way, he wants you to say Princess Alexandra that he’s going to be late and that he brings someone along.”
“Okay. Do you know whom?”
“No idea!”
Antoine, Gerry, Lila and Nicky met at the ball hall’s entry Othieno. He’d been visiting a friend before the ball. Because of politeness, also Kaya had been invited. But she refused - like expected and hoped from the Lions.
“Wow! It’s so beautiful!”, gasped Nicky in awe.
“The Lion’s ball hall is pretty much looking like the other 26 clan ball halls. The girls are just wearing shorter dresses”, stated Lila, rolling her eyes theatrical.
“Yeah, sure”, snorted the young Lion. “I’m not hormone-driven just because I’m not gay!”
“I never said gay guys aren’t hormone-driven”, snapped Lila in return. “Just look at my brother…”
“We’re still in hearing range, sissy!”
“Duh!”
Antoine turned his nose up. “Lila, Gerard, please restrain yourself! We’re at a hostile clan’s ball - try to avoid a tête-à-tête with the guards.”
“I can do without a repetition.”
“You weren’t kicked out because you bitched, Oth…”
“Still they’re rude.”
“You and Maximus were…”
“Nobody really wants to hear that story!”
Lila quipped, “…but me!”
“And me!”
“Me also!”
“You’re so going to pay for that, little bro!”, growled Othieno teasingly.
“But they also…”
“Nobody is going to pay for anything and if you don’t want to, I’ll not tell the story, Oth. Of course that doesn’t means I won’t let sometime slip something…”
“Sire, you’ll not dare to do that.”
“You wanna try, boy?”
“When I think about it… no!”
“Fine”, sighed Antoine with mock sadness.
Just then, a peroxide blonde with a - very extravagant - yellow velvet dress and an excessive amount of jewellery approached them. “My dear boys! What a wonderful surprise! I didn’t dared to hope you would actually turn up!”
Othieno hugged the woman. “Vicky, sweetheart, you’re looking terrific!”
“Thank you, Oth. You’re not looking bad yourself. Antoine, lemme give you a hug!”
Reluctantly, but with a soft smile - that even reached his eyes - Antoine complied. “It’s good to see you again, Vicky.”
“And it’s good to see you again. I was very worried for you when I heard about Denmark.”
“Luckily everything worked out. Took me quite a while, though, to find out that Oth wasn’t dead.”
“Yeah, well, I meant more you going back to your Sire. You may’ve gotten yourself the rep of a Hell Prince while you and Eric…” Suddenly, Vicky remembered that the strangers could be new lovers of Antoine. ”Oopsy! Who are your friends? And where’s your little Prince? Did he again found a way to escape?”
“I don’t know if Jason comes. We got the invitation at such short notice, that I had no time to ask him. Gerard Morgan, my boyfriend and co-worker at LMP, Kaya is in charge of him. My Childe Nicky, Lion Clan. And that’s Lila Morgan, also protégé of Princess Kaya. Vicky is an old friend.”
“She lost her touch. A few decades ago Kaya had still adopted someone like Nicky yourself. But her loss, the boy’s and your profit. Gerard, welcome at the family. After you got over the culture shock, you’ll like spending your time with us. Oth, you quite brought some action into this nights of boredom…”, giggled Vicky.
“Although we didn’t intended on shocking everyone.”
“Yeah, well, that isn’t really important. You did it and I owe you a lot for it. I already thought I died and went to hell! Now this is something a girl can enjoy. Rumours, action, everyone’s upset or excited…!”
“How many are upset and how many excited, Vicky?”
“Uh…”
“You wouldn’t ever tell me something different than the truth, huh, sweetheart? And you also wouldn’t lie to me? Or suddenly forget something…”
“As much as I know, it’s pretty much even. At least at our clan. Maximus has a lot of friends here - way more than Princess Bitchy - and you’re also still having some influence. The traditional people and the followers of Alexandra aren’t happy.”
“But Alexandra invited us.”
“She had to! You’re family. Again. That’s something she’s not happy about - although she can’t do anything about it. Alexandra knows that you’re loyal to Eric and Maximus and won’t support her. With Oth here, you, Antoine, are expected to spend also more time with us - and you’re having the same loyalties. That makes it much harder for her to harm Maximus.”
“She’s plotting against Maximus again?”, frowned Antoine.
“Still. Master Antoine, you don’t have any idea how much everything became worse after you left.”
“I’m just a Moon, Vicky…”
“Yes, you’re Moon. And you’re the Childe of Kaya. But nobody cared! We don’t care much which kind of blood is inside you as long as you’re doing the right things. That’s what separates the Lion and the Moon Clan. With us are many people from other clans. Outsiders, outlaws and people who just don’t like their clan. That’s perhaps the only thing we’re good at - but with having one single good trait we’re at least better than the Bear Clan…”
“Do you mind if Nicky and me get ourselves drinks?”
“Not at all, Lila. You’re free to do whatever you like. That’s also applying for you, Gerard. We’ll talk about Lion stuff, I won’t take offence if you’re not interested.”
“If you don’t mind, I would rather stay. For me, it’s interesting.” Gerard had been taught by Jason that it’s important as a Master’s or Prince’s lover to be accepted. Otherwise, the boyfriend would also loose popularity. And he’s to learn about the things that were important for Antoine because he would get involved sooner or later…
“Surely you’re better than the Bears. But that’s easy. Every earthworm can beat the Bears!”, chuckled Othieno.
Antoine smiled approvingly at his mortal. He hadn’t expected Gerard to follow Jason’s advices. After their first meeting, he’d asked his other lover to talk about this subject with him. Often he’d noticed Gerry feeling useless, unworthy and uncomfortable without proper knowledge of his tasks. “Thank you.”
“Nothing big.”
“I’m glad that you’re not anymore all guilty, Oth. And I’m pretty sure that Maximus also approves that…”
“I do indeed.”
“Hey, sweet!” Vicky also hugged Maximus. When she noticed the man next to him, she raised one delicate eyebrow.
“Why brought you Thomas along?
“It’s a surprise.”
“Great! I love surprises!”, said the bubbly Lion.
“And I absolutely can’t stand surprises”, growled Antoine.
“Uh… Antoine, why don’t we get you a drink at the bar. Come on, you’re too heavy to carry you!”
In turns glaring icily at Maximus and Gerard, Antoine followed him reluctant. As soon as they’re out of sight and hearing range, he growled at his young lover. “What’s up?!”
“I don’t know about your preferences, but I don’t want to be in the middle of a lover’s quarrel! Didn’t you noticed how Oth was glaring daggers at Maximus? Besides, there’s still Vicky and it’s enough if she has to mediate!”
“You could’ve told me what’s going on!”, insisted the sulking Frenchman.
“Yeah, well, I wanted to get away as long as we’re still able to. Besides, I’m sure they need some time alone. And we’re not invisible, in case you forgot that.”
“Still…”
“Oh, oh, Antoine and Gerard are already fighting again…”
“Am I happy that we insisted on them taking the other twin-bedded room!”
“You bet! How many fights had they already since our arrival? Ten?”
“12! Well, that are the ones I noticed. There’re most likely more.”
“It’s a miracle that they’re still alive and undead!”
“For me it’s a miracle why they’re together at all. I mean, Antoine and Gerry can’t even stand each other…”
“The insanity that’s called my life…”, sighed Lila.
“Othieno, Vicky, I would like to introduce you to Thomas, my Childe”, said Maximus suddenly. He’s mad at himself for not unveiling why Thomas was with him when Antoine and Gerard were still present. On the other hand, he could enjoy his friends faces now two times…
Vicky squealed in joy. Bouncing happily, she hugged Thomas and kissed him at both cheeks. “Cutie, I’m so happy for you! You got yourself a great Sire!”
Othieno just smiled softly and kissed Maximus. He wasn’t really surprised - all the time he’d felt oddly familiar with Thomas. Like Antoine, he’d feared and hoped it to be true at the same time. Now he just got it official. “I already feared that he’s your new lover”, told Oth his boyfriend telepathic.
“Fool! I couldn’t cheat on you.” Chuckling, he told the blonde, “it’s OK, Vicky, please don’t squeeze Thomas. He’s not used to that much affection at once.”
“Uh… I’m also happy. Who’re you, Ma’am?”
“I’m Vicky. A very good and old friend of your Sire, Antoine and Othieno.”
“Congratulations, Maximus. I’m glad for both you and Thomas”, said Antoine who’d returned to the group.
“But…?”
“Are you OK with Kaya being his adoptive Sire? It’s no secret that you hate each other and she didn’t took it well that you’re with Oth. She’ll be even more furious when she finds out that you’re also her Childe’s Sire.”
“Thomas told me that she never cared much about him.”
“That she didn’t. She ignored the pitiable boy most of the time. But he doesn’t knows that she quasi claimed him…”
“What?!”
“Sire, is everything OK?”
“Sure, my Childe, Antoine just told me something… quite surprising.” Being sure that Vicky and Oth could distract him, Maximus went a few feet away with his mentor. “How? When? What does she want him for?”
“I suppose as lover. She only said she wanted to keep him for herself at the Assembly meeting she announced at that she would adopt him if he’s turned. But usually Kaya doesn’t changes her mind. And although she didn’t cared much for him, he’s still her Childe. So she doesn’t has to…”
“I won’t let her do that to Thomas!”
“When he’s human, Thomas had a crush on her, so I don’t think he minds.”
“I’m not talking about his feelings. I already noticed that he’s having feelings for Kaya - whether they’re friendship-like or romantic… He’ll have to endure hell if he becomes a Princess’ lover. Especially when this Princess killed his Grandsire, he’s Lion and she Moon.”
“That’s also worrying me. Thomas never was near the Lions - it’s all the time Nicky who pulled him along - but now this changed. He found his true and only creator. And he adores you, he worships you…”
“I’ll talk to Kaya about it.”
“She wouldn’t care if he gets into trouble because of her. You’ve to remember that Kaya can be quite selfishly when she wants something or someone…”
“How could I forget that…?”
“Right, you’re at the receiving end of her obsessions already…”
“You make it sound like it’s something good.”
“Sorry.”
“Let’s go back to my Childe?”
“Yeah, let’s go back to your Childe. I’m really happy, Maximus. He got the best Sire possible. I know you love him and you’ll take care of him whatever happens.”
“Yes, I will. And that changes even more for me than being on again with Othieno…”
“Care to explain?”
“I was considering staying when we really get kicked out. But I wasn’t sure. Perhaps Oth wouldn’t want a lover from an expelled clan or perhaps he would rather come along into being an outlaw. Now I’ll stay by all means. Even if I have to join the Moon Clan. He’s a fledgling - a fledgling with a bad adoptive Sire - and I can’t leave him. Thomas needs me.”
“Then you’re unhappy about finding him?”
“No! Absolutely not. Although it makes my unlife even more complicated, I don’t want it different. Being reunited with all three of you makes me finally feel whole again. Since I lost Eric, I wasn’t complete. I thought I could never again feel that way. But I can…”
Antoine was surprised and hesitant when he found his Sire sitting at one of the couches in his suite. “I didn’t knew you’re home, Kaya.”
“Well, I wanted to talk to you, Antoine.”
“Oh.”
“I just want to know what’s going on with your Childe and Maximus. I can’t quite believe that they’re just lovers since we arrived at Canada.”
“They aren’t.”
“You never told me about their relationship. For example, how they met for the first time. I would’ve really liked to be informed about it. You know exactly how much I hate and despise Lions. How could you make me live with one of them in one house?!”
The blonde shook his head sadly, “and I had hoped you’d understood… Well, it’s stupid to assume you could look further than your hate. You never had any positive feeling for the Clan of the Lion. Although they never did anything to hurt or harm you. They just wanted to exist side by side in the same city.”
“Maybe I’m not very good at accepting clans like the Lions. But at least no one can reproach me with treason!”
“Kaya, that’s enough!”
“What’s enough, huh? I’m still your Sire! If I don’t want you to have Lion friends, you’ll not. And if I don’t even allow you to socialize with them, you’ll not socialize with them! It’s a shame for you, for our family and for every Moon Clan member how you’re behaving. Not only are you allowing your Childe to… associate with one of their kind and befriend with them, you also go to their parties!”, shouted Kaya indignant.
To his own surprise, Antoine stayed totally calm. Oddly, it didn’t hurt him anymore that Kaya wasn’t able to accept his family and friends. By now, he didn’t expected any different reaction from her anymore. When he spoke, he’s surrounded by his usual air of self-confidence, calm, indifference and superiority. “I can spend my time with whomever I want, Kaya. And you won’t forbid me to socialize with Lions.”
To say the least, Kaya was totally and utterly shocked. She’s shocked at the calmness, almost indifference, her Childe was showing. But she wasn’t surprised because of it - Antoine had this attitude of showing everyone that other people are beneath him when he’s unnerved. It’s the finality of his statement. She would let him have his way or her Childe wouldn’t bother about what she wanted.
This made Kaya remember another night he’d acted this way - although it’d included more shouting, yelling and insulting: The night he renounced her. The vampiress was sure that she couldn’t survive without her favourite Childe. Antoine had never stopped being her favourite - because, not although, he’d renounced her. Antoine’s willpower gave her strength and own willpower. Without the cool spitfire she couldn’t fight this trial and the daily obstacles. Knowing that Antoine would never give way in this matter and not willed to loose him, Kaya made a very painful decision.
“If you want to socialize with them and if you want your Childe to be involved with one of them, Antoine, then I can’t do anything about it. I can’t successfully forbid it you without keeping you all the time in the dungeon, so I won’t even bother - for the sake of avoiding defeats.”
“Uh… thank you”, Antoine said honestly. He hadn’t expected his Sire to give in such quick. Usually, she’s even more stubborn than himself… Perhaps, Antoine thought, his impression, that Kaya’s tired of fighting the Lions and wasn’t whole-heartedly involved, was correct. “You can still stop it, you know that, don’t you?”
“I considered my next steps. I thought for a long time about the right way to proceed. I can’t just come and change the world. Other people are much better at changing the world, much better at making the big and important and historic things. I’m just your little average vampire Princess who happens to be born 37 BC and turned 18 BC. I did nothing big.”
“And that means?”
“That means that I won’t do anything against the Trial. When we made this decision, we’re able to find support. Enough support in the Moon Clan to demand this meeting. This means that there’re a lot of people who think the same way Maurice does. I don’t think anymore this way. At least not totally - because I’m not anymore one of the fanatic. I now understand that my behaviour was wrong, that my opinion was wrong.
I still think the Lion Clan has to be expelled. This did too much wrong, provoked the other clans too often. They don’t accept our rules, our traditions and our laws. They behave like it’s nothing of their business. They behave like they don’t have to care for all other vampires, like they’re the kings. Lions are the kings of the animals, but they aren’t the kings of the vampires. There’re a lot of older clans, a lot of wiser clans. They can’t just behave like they own everything and we lend it. It’s not right. And like you said, I only do things I believe are right.”
Incredulous and indignant stared Antoine at his Sire. Why couldn’t she see what’s wrong? And why couldn’t she just accept that she believed in the wrong thing? Kaya already accepted that her behaviour was wrong, so why not go all of the way? It’s just logical to correct a mistake if you’re able to make it out as one.
But he’d to admit that he’d never expected anything else of Kaya. She’s his Sire, but she’s mostly the Princess of one of the most important cities in the vampire world and one of the leaders of the Moon Clan. Kaya was loyal to him as long as she could be at the same time loyal to her clan. And in this case she would be forced to decide - the one thing she would never do…
“How can you say something this cruel? Also Moons are bad people. Very bad people who endangered all vampires and who didn’t wanted to hide anymore, who wanted to show mankind that they’re the true rulers of earth. And you never wanted the Moon Clan to be expelled because of it. There’re a few people in the Lion Clan who deserve to die. But it’s not like everyone of us want power by all means.”
“I know that. And I absolutely admit that some Lions are good people. They’re people you want to call your friends and people you want to marry. But the majority isn’t. And that’s the difference between Lion and Moon Clan. We’ve some idiots who would do everything just to get what they want. At their clan there’re a few who don’t. We can’t juts allow them to take over everything. Then we’ll end with nothing. It’s now time to show every clan that the Moons don’t tolerate such a behaviour. We’ve to show at the example of the Lions that everyone can suffer this fate.”
“Yeah, I got it. You want to show that it can happen to every clan. Every clan who’s not powerful, every clan who’s having not so many famous members, every clan who’s poor and every clan who’s young. But you forgot one very important factor.”
“And that is?”
“The Clan of the Lion is one of the biggest clans at all, Kaya.”
“That’s why I still want them to be expelled. The expulsion wouldn’t be necessary if they would be just a little, unimportant clan. But they are important. And that’ll finally kill them. Because it makes them so very dangerous. Can’t you understand me, Antoine? I’m not just a mean Moon Princess who can’t stand Lions and wants to destroy them.”
“But that’s exactly what you are.”
“No! You’re also a Moon and you also don’t ever agree with the Lions. So you have to call yourself a fanatic die-hard too.”
“But I’m non!
“I know. Exactly like me.”
“You never bothered to spend your time with the Lions. You never even bothered to think about how they feel. If you would stay one morning in Lion company you would understand me. You’re a very clever woman, a very charming woman. You can make people understand even things they normally would never even listen someone talking about. You can do little miracles. You even made my rage vanishing like snow in the sun. Sun... there’s something with sun… of course!”, Antoine exclaimed joyful.
“What went wrong with your hormones this time?”
“You’re going to attend to the Sun ball next night! You have to get yourself into a nice dress without Moon on it, you’ll wear neutral jewellery and then you’ll go to the ball!”
Kaya slapped Antoine’s hand away. How could her boy just get the idea she would visit some stupid ball of a stupid clan? “Suns are jerks, I won’t visit their ball. Besides, it’s not a ball, they only have cold buffet. And this ball is open for all, not just invited guests. I could meet up with Lions there.”
“That’s exactly why I want you to visit this buffet, Kaya! You can’t know about Lions being good or bad without knowing some of them. And I’ll introduce you to Lions. I know a lot of them and I know some of the “good people”.”
“If you accompany me, I’ll go. On one condition.”
“Everything!”
“You wear the rust tailcoat!”
“But…”
“You wear this suit or we don’t visit the stupid party at all. It’s up to you, Antoine. How much do you want to spend the morning with your Lion friends, huh?”
“Okay, but I won’t wear the hat. That’s my condition and I won’t give in. By accident this people are my friends and they’ll anyway tease me for the next 20 centuries because of this ridiculous rust tailcoat. You can show at least a little bit of mercy.”
“No hat, if you insist on that. But you’ll introduce me also to your friends with a good taste.” If it’s possible that this people are Lion, she added silently.
Gerry had such a good time at the Lion party, that he stayed even when all his family left.
First Maximus left with Thomas because the fledgling was tired and they wanted to talk about the future, just spend some time with each other. Then Othieno was thrown out because he’d started a brawl. Some guy had made obscene remarks about Maximus und his Childes. Nicky wanted to visit another party where a good band played. Antoine hadn’t had such an easy time. Finally he convinced Gerry telling him that this way the fight would be already over when he came back.
“Mister Morgan?”
The human couldn’t help the reflect to grab his dagger while turning around. He’d learned well in the last years and the first lesson was never to hesitate - or you would pay with your existence. Seeing that the woman was unarmed and not in attack position, he smiled ashamed. “Ma’am.”
“I heard that you and Master Antoine’s Childe Nicky are in a band that’s completely present at the meeting. I’m the Lion’s party organizer and in search of bands for our next parties…”
“I’m honoured, Ma’am. I’m sure that all of us would like very much to play at your party.”
“But…?”
“Frankly, most of us are Moons.”
“Oh.” The woman considered it for a few moments, then she nodded hesitantly. “That’s OK. If you don’t have a problem with playing for Lions, we won’t have a problem with the band of the morning being Moons.”
“Cool! For which morning do you want to book us?”
“The next?”
“Uh… I’ll talk with my band mates about it.”
“You could call them and ask them to come now. It’s really urgent. The band planned for next night called off and without music the party will be a total flop. Originally, I was talking about next week but then I thought that you could also play tomorrow”, she explained.
“I’ll call them.”
“That’s so cool!”, screamed Gerry when he entered his family’s suite.
“What? You got a brain?”, quipped Lila.
“Stop it, sissy!”, he laughed and flopped into an armchair. “My band will perform!”
Antoine didn’t even looked up from his book. He’s laying in his bed and listened half-heartedly to the chatting in the living room - thanks to vampire hearing. “Great. Where?”
“Where are you, Antoine? Did you said something?”
“Come here!”
Sighing like a petulant parent, Gerry got up again and went into his bedroom. The mortal bounced happily when he sat down at his lover’s bed. Ignoring that he couldn’t even see his face because of the book, he explained, “My band got a…” Gerry frowned at the book. He didn’t liked talking to a bunch of paper. “Hello? Someone under this book? A book I can’t even read because it’s written in some strange combination of letters and some little points and signs that only idiots can invent”, he added with a pout. How unnerving that Antoine was better educated than him!
Antoine finally granted his lover a reaction. He laid the folded book at his quilt-covered stomach and folded his hands at it, his expression unreadable. “It’s in French.”
Oh, oh, that’s not good. Antoine was quite touchy about France - Gerry had first-hand experience at it.
“I’m a Frenchman.”
“Uh... Sorry for insulting your fellow countrymen. But you’ve to admit that French is a difficult language and I no way could’ve known that this is written in French. It’s… scrawly.”
“People wrote like this already a long time ago and it’s still actual.”
“Why didn’t I learned about it? I should be able to read this book. Well, at least decipher the letters…”
“It’s in an old Indian type. Hindu is usually written in this types.”
“Oh. Just a minute! You’re reading an old book with French contents written in a Hindu type?”
“Yes.”
“That’s… crazy!”
“That it is. And you are with me because I’m crazy.” Antoine pulled his lover onto the bed, kissed him.
“You’re sure Jason didn’t rubbed off on you?”
“What did you wanted to tell me?”
“After you left the party, I…”, he started.
“Sit down, Ladies and Gentlemen. Good evening. I welcome you to another Trial night. We’re still fighting over the Lion’s expulsion - which the Moon Clan insists on. The accuser may call their next witness.”
“Uh… isn’t it our turn to pick the next witness? Everyone will get all witnesses, so we should have the next”, said a Lion lawyer awkward.
Instantly, Maximus stood up and walked in front of the jury. “My lord, the Moon Clan called continuous three witnesses. The whole last night Moons picked their favourite. If you don’t allow us to choose the next, I get serious doubts at your impartiality! This so-called witnesses weren’t the least bit representative!”
Maurice glared daggers at Maximus. “We object! They were…”
“…without exception Moons!”
“What do you suggest, Maximus?”, asked Jason.
“I, Prince Jason, Prince Maurice, dear audience, don’t want my clan to appear stingy. So we get just one witness and then you can call your next one. But we’ll take turns then. For the rest of the week.”
“That’s… acceptable.”
“I accept this compromise of the clans. You may proceed, Lions.”
“I call Vicky of the Clan of the Lion!”
“Maximus, I believe I should take over now.”
“And I don’t think so, lawyer-boy. Until Princess Alexandra is back I’ll make the decisions.”
“You won’t!”
“Jason!”, they whined at the same time.
Suppressing an exasperated sigh, the mediator went to the Lion’s table. “Explain me detailed what problem you have.”
“Oh, don’t talk like this, my dear friend. We can offer you a lot. Way more than the Moon Clan is able to.”
“And why should I believe you, Princess Alexandra? Your clan isn’t known for keeping their promises. While the Moon Clan is…”
“But isn’t it worth the risk? My dear, you can win a lot more if you help us. If you take the risk, you’ll be the winner. If you stay careful, you’ll perhaps loose all.”
“You’ll most likely be expelled. How can you help us then?”
“Well, the honest answer is, that we can’t. Not as long as you’re still a member of the community.”
“How do you mean that?”
“Think, my dear Bear friend. The Bear Clan is not exactly popular - like the Lion Clan. You’re poor and you’ve even less powerful than us. You don’t even have a single Prince! Your clan is just allowed at this meeting because the Moons want to show everyone how nice and understanding they are. The two votes you got aren’t important. Two votes of 237!”
“I know that we just got pity votes. It’s no secret. But I prefer to get pity votes than non at all.”
“How long do you think you can survive by pity? Sometime or other the big, popular and rich clans will be annoyed by your presence. I take that back, they’re already annoyed by your very existence. Do you really think they would stop after they expelled my clan?”
“So you want to start an anti-community?”, asked the Bear Clan leader incredulous.
“Uh… I just want to show you that you can be more than the Jade’s lapdog. It’s the only clan who tolerates you and you’ve to please them in return. But if we’re your friends, you don’t have to. We’ll give you everything they gave you and even more.”
“I’m sorry, Princess, but I can’t believe you. My clan is known for tricking and plotting. Just like you.”
“No! That’s not true! Nobody has to wonder if we’re his friend or enemy. We’re intriguing, but we’re not false!”
“I didn’t meant your clan, my dear Princess. I meant you. And if you really think that I would believe you that we could be free and independent, you’re really stupid. You just want us as your own lapdog. And I prefer to be the Jade’s lapdog than the Lion’s. They at least give us protection and leadership. What are you going to offer us?”
“Freedom, independence, the liberty to decide for yourself…”
“I won’t help a dying clan.”
“We don’t have to die - with and without your help. It’s just a rumour that most Princess will vote for our expulsion. We’re stronger than the other clans believe and it wouldn’t be the first trial we left as winner! Especially against the Moons…”
“Still. I can’t risk my own clan’s reputation.”
“What reputation? That about weak cowards who can’t even fight for themselves, who’re needing the protection of the Jades? Or the reputation about the stupid clan who’s plotting tricking and can’t be trusted?”
“Don’t bother to change my mind, Alexandra. We won’t help you.”
Snorting disgusted, Princess Alexandra took another sip of her vodka. If the Bear Clan wouldn’t help them, she would find other allies. There were 27 clans existing at the moment and 24 of them were in need of someone who owed them. Enough blockheads for a dozen trials who would believe every single lie of her…
The first person Kaya caught sight of when she entered the Sun’s hall with Antoine was Alexandra. “I was here long enough, let’s go now!”, she growled.
“We didn’t even arrived.”
“But Alexandra is here”, Kaya whined. “She’s a bitch and slut and I don’t want to be forced to have small talk with her. Besides, if she’s present a lot of other Lions will too…”
“I didn’t expected Princess Alexandra to attend, but that’s no problem at all. We’ll just avoid her and her little court camarilla.”
“But…”
A fake smile at her face, Alexandra approached the newest arrivals. “Master Antoine, what a pleasant surprise to meet you”, she breathed seductively.
“My pleasure, Princess.”
“Princess Kaya. I didn’t expected you to actually have the guts to visit a ball with a lot of Lion guests. You’re surprising me again and again.”
“And I didn’t expected you to have the guts to actually talk to me, Alex. Weren’t we over this stage of development and returned to the usual behaviour?”
“Maybe. Maybe not. Have a good night.”
“Kaya, what was that?”
“Uh… you aren’t the only one in our family who once had contact to Lions. Alexandra and me were never friends like you and Eric, but we’re business partners.”
“Care to explain?”
“No, I won’t explain this. I already told you way too much. It’s important that you don’t know more than what’s good for you.”
“Okay, now I’m confused.”
“That’s pretty much the idea, my dear Childe. Let’s meet your friends before I fall asleep at this awkward so-called party.”
“Oh, I see already someone who I befriended to at London.”
“You mean the one and a half century you lived at London while Eric ruled it?”
“Exactly. Seems like you indeed listened to me telling about my past…”
“Of course I did! What are you thinking about me?!”
“Well, for example that you don’t care much about this era and would rather forget than hear about it. After all, Oth and me socialized with Lions and you hate Lions all-consuming. But I’m glad that I misjudged you, Kaya.”
“We’ve to talk after this party about your judgement, boy.”
Suddenly, they heard a squeal of joy behind them. “Antoine!”, screamed Vicky excited. She hugged the blonde Moon giggling.
“Vicky, sweet, nice to see you again. Pretty dress, it makes you look slim.”
“Careful, young one!”, she threatened with mock indignation. After six seconds, Vicky lost the fight against laughter. The cheerful mood disappeared as soon as she noticed Kaya. “You brought a… friend along, Antoine?”, she asked coolly.
“Remember the deal, Vicky”, whispered Antoine and threw a stern look at the bubbly Lion. “My Sire Kaya.”
Kaya herself was content with glaring daggers at her Childe and the present Lions.
Wistfully yearning for a relaxed morning like the last, Antoine prepared for a hell of a party. With this beginning, it could only get better, though…
Maurice glared in turns icily at the Lion table and Jason. How could the arrogant Lion dare to just refuse him to talk? “I can’t believe you weren’t destroyed directly after your creation, Maximus, you son of a b…”
“You won’t finish that sentence!”, ordered Jason firmly. He knew this night would anyway bring more problems than usually with the whole teams present, so he didn’t wanted to try his luck.
“Bitch! I’ll say whatever I want to say, Prince Jason! It’s not like you’re my leader!”, snarled Maurice with golden eyes.
“Please restrain yourself. I’m sure both of you didn’t meant what you said in the heat of the battle”, said the mediator.
“You won’t insult my family again!”, snarled Maximus at the Moon Clan leader and jumped up. He choked Maurice and threw him onto the accuser’s table, his own eyes shimmering silver. “Take that back!”
“Never!”
“Please, gentlemen, there’s no reason to…”
“Stay silent, you’re the mediator, not a soldier”, advised Jason. “Guards, you wait still a moment. Perhaps they can clear that themselves.”
“If you don’t instantly apologize I’ll kill you for good!”
This was the cue for the Moon soldier to stand up and try to separate them. Two Lions jumped at him from behind because they thought he would attack their Master.
“Now!”, ordered Jason.
When the guards arrived, it’s already too late. The 20 Lions and Moons fighting weren’t anymore stoppable and the impartial guards just were used to hit the enemy. Because the clan representatives joined, Jason ordered a break of the hearing. But nobody noticed him. In the meantime, the cheering spectators had annoyed the also cheering spectators of the enemy and made contact with swords and fists. Knowing that they couldn’t expect any help within the next minutes, the rest also joined and tried to keep the fighters from killing each other.
The first alarmed vampires had no chance to stop the mass fight - instead they got involved themselves. There’s no other way to survive the angry mob.
Six minutes after the start of the fight, the inhabitants of Goldbrook Castle arrived with two dozen other vampires. With a lot of violence, they managed to quieten the fight down. Mostly though, they weren’t themselves responsible - the fighters were just too tired and injured to be a match for them…
Antoine hurried into the provisional hospital which was usually a vacant ball hall used as storage room. That the blonde Moon was still wearing his torn shirt and bloody leather pants was a sign how worried he was. “Nurse, do you know where Prince Jason is laying?”
“I’m here, Antoine”, answered the Tiger. He’s already back to his cheerful mood. Almost nothing could disturb the merry clan.
“Goodness, you’re looking awful!”, exclaimed Antoine. Instantly, he clapped ashamed a hand against his mouth.
“And that’s why you usually don’t talk a lot”, chuckled Jason. Immediately, he winced. “Oh, laughing is really painful. Seems like I’ve to try being serious for the next five minutes.”
“You’ve broken rips?”
“No idea, the nurse talked a lot in Latin that I didn’t understood. I guess she thinks it seems cool and professional”, he shrugged. Shrugging also hurt because his shoulder was dislocated, Jason found out.
“How are you?”
“Well, my ribcage got a little big damaged, my shoulder hurts, I presume I got a black face, my ankle is sprained… And I had more fun than the whole last decade! It’s so cool! I knocked two guys KO and I broke one’s arm!”
“Uh… yeah, really funny. I’m glad that at least you had a good time. I was so worried about you.”
“You should know me better than believing I wouldn’t have a good time fighting”, smirked Jason. “Hey, how are the other people? I don’t get any informations here. I only overheard that the trial hall is damaged badly.”
“Yeah, the furniture suffered a lot. If I saw this right, a few dozen broken chairs, blood everywhere… But nobody is seriously injured. In a few days, everyone will be fine again.”
“Good. Do you think the lecture hall can be repaired fast enough to continue the trial?”
“I think so. With a broken bone needing approximately a week, we can’t go on next night, though. Some are injured badly, I heard.”
“But no one died. That’s at least what I was told.”
“I asked a few people and no one knows about casualties. I suppose it’s just a brawl, after all. No one is really hurt and in a few nights The Trial can go on.”
“What do you think about three nights additional break? We’ve only another two nights of hearing and then we’re finished with the damn evidence and interrogation part. Then there’s another night off before the final speech and everyone can relax and nurse his wounds.”
“You’re in charge…”
“Yeah, I noticed that myself already. It became quite suspicious when everyone wanted me to sign the bills. Antoine, I’m in need of someone I can trust, someone I know is impartial if I ask him to and would never manipulate me to his own advantage. There’s no one I know longer than you and trust more. Sometimes I need your advice.”
“You’re so much older than me, Jason, my advices are like the words of a kid for you.”
“Yes, they are. And sometimes I need advices from the perspective of a kid. Apart from that, you’re a smart and wise man. You’re smarter than you want to believe. So why shouldn’t I use this brains inside your head for the general benefit?”, smiled Jason.
“You’re flattering me. Three nights off are OK. That such a fight could happen, that no one was able to stop them and the spectators joined, I suppose, is a sign that the point between tense and aggressive atmosphere is crossed. Let everyone calm down before you go on.”
“Thanks.”
“I can’t believe something like this fight actually happened! How can the damn Lions dare to attack me?!”, shouted the furious Maurice.
“Calm down, brother. I don’t think they just wanted to attack you because of yourself. You insulted Maximus and everyone knows what hotheads Lions are. Don’t you know how easy they loose control over the demon? You could’ve died and it would’ve been your own fault!”
“How can you dare to defend this… this… Lion, Kaya?! You’re my own sister, my own blood and my own family! You should stand at my side! But you’re just trying to help them!”
“I don’t! Maurice, it’s enough! You’ll not say such things or I leave! Then I’ll really help the Lions and you’ll find out that it’s very unpleasant to be my enemy! I won’t let you treat me like a kid or like an insane, brother. We’re both adults and that you’re a few hundred years older doesn’t makes you to my guardian. Don’t you see that you’re becoming more and more like them? Not much and you’ll even loose control like a Lion!”
Kaya tried to hide her hurt behind anger. How could Maurice say such cruel things? He’s like a step-father for her, he’d taken care of her and protected her from Demetra when she did something wrong. And now he called her a traitor at their kindred… She’d never done anything to harm the Moon Clan and he knew it. How could he not? They’re of the same blood, they’d spent centuries together and never had Maurice doubted her loyalty!
“How can you dare to behave like this, Kaya? You’re just a little fledgling, nothing more and you try to tell me how to decide?!”
“Got you!”
“What?”
“You called me a fledgling! I’m not a fledgling anymore, Maurice. I’m a Princess myself by now. I’m even for a few centuries a Princess. Do you remember Paris? You yourself gave this city to me. You said you knew that I would take good care of your property and I would make you proud. What changed, brother?”
“Only one thing changed, Kaya: Alexandra. She changed everything. The relationship between you and your clan, the relationship between us and even the one to your dead Sire.”
“No!”
“You made a deal with a Lion, sister. With that you betrayed your own kind. I never bothered to punish your Childe Antoine for socializing with them. He’s juts a baby and he couldn’t know how our family fought them since the beginning of their existence. He couldn’t know how they’re created, how they became what they are now. But you know. The Lion Clan wasn’t before you. You should’ve never done that to your clan, Kaya.”
“I know. But I needed this city. And I thought I would do the right thing. Also for our clan.”
“I know, Kaya. But there will be a point when you have to unveil the truth and stand to your decision. I just hope you’ll be able to cope with it.”
“I hope so too, Maurice…”
“Hello Maximus”, greeted Thomas when he entered Maximus’ suite with his siblings.
“Hello Childes. Thomas, shouldn’t you be with your adoptive family?”
“No, they’re all busy. I asked them - like you wanted me to - if they want my company. But no one misses me, I suppose.”
“Oh… Just a minute, kids!”, he stopped his older Childes before they went into their bedroom. “You’re smelling of paint! On whom did you played a trick this time?”
“Uh…”
“I…”
“We didn’t played any trick on anyone”, answered Thomas with his most innocent smile. If no one else dared to lie, he would’ve to do it - after all he’s the only family member with Moon Clan experience.
“Exactly!”
“Then go into your room. But if I find out about something “unusual” happening this night, you’ll loose your heads.”
“Uh… if you insist, Sire… Do you mind if we drive into the city tonight?”
“We would like to do some shopping.”
“Shopping?”, asked the three brothers alarmed their two sisters.
“And the two of you are going to accompany us! You remember that you promised us you would come along when we arrived here?”
“Do you want me to come along?”
“Don’t, Thomas, if you can save yourself, then do it. It’s enough that the two of us are going to be tortured.”
“Thomas, if you come along too, you’ll only play tricks at us!”
“Have fun, kids!”
“Thanks, Sire!”
“So, what are you going to do tonight, Thomas? You’ll be all by yourself.”
“But it’s the last night without Trial. Can’t we spend it together, Sire?”
Maximus looked up from the red tape in front of him slightly annoyed. He really