Clove : Book 4 of Lord Emperor Vampire Series

The same problem exists, crappy Internet connection. Kudos later. One down, one to go...

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Chapter 182: In Camera Session

I had a headache. Raissa had me pinned with those blue blue eyes and she tapped her foot. So much like her mother yet I could see older brother’s force of influence. Patience was not a strong point with the little miss. “I wasn’t born when Uncle Marcus painted that.”

Okay, that just fried her little noggin. I took a big glup of my blood. Gees, this was just like the dreaded sex talk. Sorry little winglet, but your Papa’s a wingnut. “My name is Skell.”

Her brow furrowed but she stayed right in front of me. “Skell? What kind of name is that?”

“It’s short for skeleton. I used to be really really sick and thin. You could see every bone under my skin.”

“Is that why you have to eat all the time?”

“Yeah.” /Xavier…Xavier!/

“Will we have to eat all the time when we get big?”

“No. Papa Xavier made sure that you will never have this sickness.” Not getting into this. I needed to put her on the defensive. “Raissa, how did you know about me?”

“You’re different. You’re all different. You pretend to be the same. Everybody pretended to be Papa Xavier but I can tell. How can you all be in there?“

I should be grateful we didn’t have stupid children. Just right at this moment, I felt like I was trapped in the spotlight. /XAVIER!/

“How old are you Papa Skell?” My heart just lurched in my chest. It was just a child’s acceptance but it was most glorious thing I have ever experienced.

“I’m five.”

“I’m six. How can you be Papa if I’m older?”

I turned and pulled out a chair and sat down. Raissa came up and climbed on my lap without even asking. “I was born when Papa was gone. I don’t know how this happened but those men who used drugs on Papa. You remember when I first showed up.” She nodded and with a child’s innocence wrapped her arms around me neck and hugged me. My eyes burned. I brought my hands up and rubbed a circle on her back “I thought I was all alone. I didn’t know that I had brothers in this body. When all those drugs were gone, I got to meet Papa Xavier, Papa Eddie and Papa Azrael. They all look just like the Uncle Marcus’ painting.”

Raissa leaned back cocked her head and looked at me. “Will there be more Papas coming?”

Oh god, I hope not. “I think I’m the last one.”

“Uncle Marcus is going to have to make a new picture. Mommy isn’t in that one. Lady Ping isn’t there. The puppies are missing. We need a new picture. Can you ask Papa Azrael to ask Uncle Marcus?”

Ah…er….

“Who do you belong to?” She just continued to fire arrows of panic into me.

Gack….uhmmm. “I think…no I’d like to belong with Lanseng.”

“Lanny would be an oss_fishal uncle then, right?”

Oss-fish? Oh, official. She was missing her front baby teeth. She was just too cute.

“Yeah. He would be an official Uncle.”

“Yes.” I was corrected. I looked down at Raissa, “Mommy get’s made when you use slang.”

“I’ll have to remember that.”

“Are you going to stay here with us or do you have to be like Ded and move away?”

“I’d like to stay. I like my brothers. I love my children. I like being part of the pod.”

Raissa wrapped her arms around my neck again and pulled me into a kiss. “I love you too, Papa Skell. You go to work now.” She slipped off the chair went to the table and carefully carried my coffee mug back to me. “Remember, to ask Uncle Marcus for a new picture. Callia and me can dress up like princesses.”

Raissa escorted me to the Great Hall doors. Riot was standing outside trying to keep a grin off his face. I sipped at my blood as Raissa introduced to me big brother Tommy then she proceeded to give Riot his marching orders. Basically little Princess Raissa ordered Riot to make sure all her Papas came home. Riot promised. It wasn’t good enough. Riot had to get down into reverent pose and promise to the House of Von Drachenfeld.

I blinked to keep my tears from streaming down my face. I found a place I truly belonged…and my daughter was going to make sure I came back to it. Finally Raissa was satisfied and she turned and skipped back toward the kindergarten. So much like big brother Sex. Riot rose to his feet and watched her walk away. “You are going to have soooo much fun when she gets older.”

“I’m going to be a doormat.”

“Figured as much. Me too. Ready, Lord Skell?”

“That sounds so strange but I like it.”

Damn, I had smart kids. Scary smart.

/You did good, Skell./ Xavier’s voice rang in my head.

/Thanks. You ready?/

/You can stay if…/

/Talking is not my thing./

I opened my eyes and found Tommy staring at me. “What?” I wiped at my mouth.

“Lord Xavier.”

Okay, Tommy was scary smart too. I drained the mug then left it on the table. Okay, off to get the Coven’s a permanent House or my head caved in. Either way it was going to be an eventful day.

Technically Father was retired; however, the Council Summons named him directly to stand before the High Council to answer charges regarding the demise of Barry Kench. Marcus was here as was his right as First. I as Head of Von Drachenfeld was awarded a seat amongst the thirteen Red Houses. I was not on the High Council. Heaven forbid a wet behind the ears fledgling sit on the podium of the High Council with Thomas the Elder, Carmilla Davenport and Edmund Garuson.

I was late. Purposefully. The older generation loved their pomp and ceremony and genuflection and all that other stuff that so reminded of having to sit in church every Sunday. I bowed my head in respect to what the podium represents, not to the two of the three that represented the best of the Vampire Nation. The whole of the proceeding stopped until I made it to my chair. Apparently Vampires doesn’t want entertainment shows either. At this rate, the fetish fashion show only alerted Britta the Elder to my return to the land of the undead and kinky.

I felt like one of those soaps were the main character had contract disputes and suddenly that character was killed off mysteriously, only to reappear plot wise in the future when negotiations resumed. It was a damn good thing Chesterton got me all spiffy this morning. I was the center of attention as soon as I entered the Council Chamber. I barely seated my ass on my section of the bench when Thomas’s gavel hit the striker and effectively silenced the chamber.

“Lord Von Drachenfeld. The High Council was unaware of your return.” I waited for Thomas to continue. He stared at me. I really couldn’t read his expression. I was stuck between a stern glad-you’re-alive; to a stern you-didn’t-follow-protocol; to a stern why- aren’t-you-dead. Since he made an observation rather than I question, I nodded politely and sat back down. Apparently, that wasn’t what Thomas wanted. “Lord Von Drachenfeld, front and center.”

Armor stood behind the podium off to the right, closest to the exit door. Damn he looked yummy in a dark brown suit. I wonder how velvet would go over on, Pretty. That would be nice to pet. I mentally shook myself. Stay on target. I stood back up and made my way back down the narrow and crowded aisle.

The layout of the Council Chamber was like something out of medieval Europe. The three High Council members sat at the podium dead center between two long galleries. Even the pew like seating was raised higher so those petitioning the Council were lower and reminded of their station. I always thought that the Council chambers were highly dramatic. There were no windows. There were only two doors. The main was a double with elaborately carved doors. I didn’t know if reading Ancient languages was everyone’s bag, but those doors sort of clarified things in my mind. Those doors that barred entrance to the High Council were carved with the thirteen glyphs of the Red Houses At the top of the door was the carved glyph for the second House of Blues, the lower House. The glyph that was etched into my shoulder dominated the door. It was almost like the House of Von Drachenfeld protected and ruled over the others. Those doors were old, ancient and about one foot thick. These were the original doors to the Audience Hall. These were the doors that opened to allow the people in to petition the Lord Emperor directly. Advisors were not necessary. I took it to be a slap in Lord Emperor Sigmund’s face.

“It is your duty to report to the High Council Much effort was made to discover your whereabouts, Lord Xavier.” Edmund chastised me.

“My apologies. When I was liberated from my captors, I was in no condition to report.”

“When did this occur?”

“Six days ago. The first two days I was under House care, which was sorely needed.”

Thomas jumped on that statement. “What happened on the third day?”

“I issued a challenge within the House of Assassins.”

“You are Ranked again?” Carmilla Davenport regarded me as if I was a bug squashed under her high heels.

I nodded in her direction. I returned her sentiment.

Carmilla Davenport. High Councilor Davenport. Davenport who sold her own kind to medical testing slavery. She worked with Orel Wessel. I didn’t know how much more she did. Was she selling fledgling elsewhere? I felt a brush against my shield. Skell’s outer layer deflected it easily. I watched her out of the corner of my eye as her probe was repelled. The only outward sign was that she reached for a glass of water. Cool customer.

Thomas’ voice rang out. “Summon Claudius. No, Lord Xavier, stay where you are.”

Father came in. His dress stunned everyone to silence. They were so used to his presence as First in the Council Chambers. He was the picture of elegance and refinement in his dark suit and immaculate grooming. Usually. If I didn’t know better, I would say that Father spent a night in decadence with hot and heavy little Sexy. He had on multi-pocketed green pants that hung low off the hip, well below his navel showing off a patch of smooth skin. He had on a tight white form hugging ribbed tank. It showed the sliver brand mark. Brand mark!!?? He had the Von Drachenfeld high on his shoulder. The Imperials had marked him as their own. Sex perked up in a big way.

/Down boy./

Father’s hair. He had it cut short again. The pale nape of his neck beckoned.

/Sex…no./

Cute, suckable toes peaked out of leather sandals. It was October, he had to wear them just for me.

/I said no. Later. You can hunt Father down later./

“What is the meaning of this, Claudius?”

Father twitched his head and a lock of jet black hair fell over one eye. “I have answered the summons.”

“Dressed like that?”

“You called for me, not my clothes. Good morning, my sons. Xavier. Marcus.” Armor nodded in our direction. Az finally had enough and dragged Sex back to the beach. Thank god.

“It is the duty of the Head of the House of Assassins to inform the High Council of any major developments within the House.” Edmund pointed out barely keeping a smirk off his lips.

“That is correct, Councilor Edmund.”

“Then why were we not informed of Lord Von Drachenfeld’s return?’

“I do not know.”

“What do you mean by that remark?”

“You should be able to tell from my attire that I am retired. I am no longer Head of the House of Assassins. While I may be privy as to why the new CEO of Shadoe Inc did not inform you, it is not my place to do so.” Father was a shit disturber.

“You stepped down?”

“That is not the way of the House. I was forced into retirement.”

“Who is Head now?”

Father turned to the side, stepping back so I was center stage and he lowered himself into reverence. Uh….don’t… “Blood Emperor Xavier Von Drachenfeld the First.”

That went over well. “Explain that, Lord Xavier.” Davenport demanded. She had gotten rather pale in the span of ten seconds.

So much for subtle.

“It is as Father claims. I have returned to my position as CEO of Shadoe Inc. All protocols have been met as per House Articles.”

“Only a Ranked Assassin can challenge for the Head.” Davenport was absolutely livid.

“Which is why it took me three days. As per my old ranking, I was able to challenge for Second rank. I defeated Hades.” Murmurs wiped around the chambers. Oh, ye of little faith.

“Then I challenged Marcus.” All eyes turned to my beloved. He just bowed his head slightly. Classy. Very classy.

“Once I was First I challenged Claudius. By the way, we need to rebuild the training facilities.”

Thomas stood up. “What?”

“They were destroyed in the battle.” Claudius offered. “There is a reason why Emperor does not fight Emperor.”

“And Xavier, won.”

Claudius eyes took on a Carnage edge. “I had no intention of stepping down for my son. He challenged me and we fought. The Blood Emperor was better than me. He won and he saved me from death. This can be substantiated in the Hall of Records within the House.”

Edmund shook his head. “What does this have to do with the death of Barry Kench?”

What an opening. I looked over at Davenport. Armor shifted to his left a bit to get behind her slightly. “Maybe you should direct that question to Councilor Davenport.”

Her eyes narrowed. She knew, I knew. She also became aware of how close Armor had gotten. While Father stood nonchalantly, he was barring the exit closest to the podium. If Davenport was going to run, she would have to get by me.

Thomas turned toward his right. “What is the meaning of this?”

“I assure you that I do no know. Enlighten us, Xavier.”

Oooh, no designation of title or rank. She really hated my guts. “Barry Kench was terminated due to a blotched assassination attempt.”

“on who?”

Father stepped in as my public defender. Clothes did not make the man. His force of personality came through no matter how funkified he was styling. “On the Blood Emperor. When Kench was called on his behavior, he became belligerent and made threats against the Blood Emperor. Lord Xavier was willing to forgo carrying out disciplinary action until a shot was fired. Lord Xavier then was within his right to forcibly subdue the assailant.”

“How does this involve Councilor Carmilla? Elizabeth Kench is her Assistant. It was only within her influence that this inquiry was brought forward.” Edmund asked leaning forward.

“I have been privy to Carmilla’s influence over the past several years.?” I could feel my eyes get hard.

“Lord Xavier….where have you been?”

“I’ve been under the tender care of the Golden Army of the People, at the insistence of Councilor Davenport.” Okay, I lied about that, but I knew even without evidence that Orel Wessel knew about me and mine because of her. I could see how Orel Wessel could have gaps in their information. Davenport’s arrogance could be felt from where I stood.

She rose to her feet. “What is the meaning of this?”

“I have been the unwilling guest of Orel Wessel.” Thomas paled. “Yes, they are still around but there isn’t as many as of last night. Actually I believe we have cleared out most of the Orel Wessel cells and a training and research facility.”

The Council Chamber broke out into mayhem. Bang. Bang. Band. Thomas’s gavel slammed into the desk. Quiet dropped over the Chamber. “Silence!”

“Under who’s authorization…” Thomas started.

I cut him short. “Yours.”

“You have made it clear that I am here to do what is best for the Vampire Nation. I am married for the betterment of the Nation. I have children, to secure the Royal Bloodline as per your order. I have found an enemy, not only to my immediate family but to my Nation and I have protected my children.”

“Orel Wessel attacked Von Drachenfeld?” Edmund rose to his feet and leaned heavily on his desk.

I shook my head, a wry smile crossing my lips. “You have forgotten what you have taught me. I am responsible for the Vampire Nation – for the whole Nation. Orel Wessel has been preying on our fledglings for decades. They have been snatching our children.”

“No one cares for offcasts.” Davenport spat out, her face impassive but her eyes were hard.

I cocked my head to one side and regarded her evenly. “I never said anything about Covens.”

She leapt to her feet then stilled as the muzzle of Armor’s pistol centered on the back of her head. Thomas moved. “What is the meaning of this?. To draw on a Council member is an offensive punishable by death.”

“Carmilla Davenport is no Council member. She is a traitor to our Nation. She is directly responsible for the deaths of hundreds of Coven Fledglings.”

“That is preposterous. I have known Carmilla…” Thomas snarled out.

“Just as well as Armanita? We all know how that turned out.”

Edmund was the voice of reason. “Where is your proof, Lord Von Drachenfeld?”

“We have liberated about twenty fledglings from Orel Wessel laboratories. We gathered the Covens under the protection of the House when he discovered the depth of this treachery. Davenport along with Kench fed Orel Wessel fledglings. That wasn’t bad enough, they created vampire test subjects from humans Wessel brought to them knowing full well what hell those fledglings were marked for.”

Edmund spoke again, “Where is your proof, Lord Xavier? Your Father should have informed you that if you make accusations, you need to have your evidence with you. If you cannot provide it, all accusations are dropped and cannot be brought forward again.”

“But…Cipher mindfucked a scientist to get this information.”

“Language, Lord Xavier. Cipher’s ability is known and appreciated but in this Council Chamber it cannot be used as evidence…”

/Pui Zues, Spirit Testament will be allowed here. Draw me./ A feminine voice filled my head. It had a whiskey and cigarette flavor. /Reach out and draw me. Do not touch my blade. I am for Hashmalliam but he has ordered me to assist. Order can be created without chaos./

“Xavier?” Father called out to me. I blinked. Everyone was looking at me. What did I do when Endellion spoke to me?

“I have a Spirit Testament to offer.” The words felt strange on my tongue.

Everyone just physically recoiled from me. “What? What was that? Thomas sputtered.

I mirrored what Sex and Skell had done. I reached up into the air and searched for the hilt of the soul eater. I closed my fist and found a warm leather wrapped hilt there. I pulled and it felt like it was just a real weapon. Endellion emerged from the ether, her black blade emanating a power now that she had been fed so many souls.

/Anchor my tip to the earth, Pui Zues. Do not let go of my hilt. You anchor me to this world. I will anchor the soul,/

“What is the meaning of this?”

I took both hands and wrapped them around the hilt then drove Endellion into the marble floor of the Council Chambers. There was a loud crack as I split the floor. The whole of the room shook with aftershock. From the base of the hilt, an ectoplasm rose up like a mist slowly coalescing into a female form.

“Marissa.”

The spectral form turned her head and smiled back down at me. “You were true to your word, Lord Emperor. I got to prevent Orel Wessel from killing more of us.”

“The High Council doesn’t believe me. You have to tell them what Orel Wessel did to you and the other fledglings.”

“Why wouldn’t the Council believe you? You have shown more compassion to the Covens in the short time I knew you in life than the Houses have. How can they question you?”

“Because they have not suffered like us, Marissa.”

The what? I guess I could call her a ghost, was a vapor, a mist that you could see through. She glowed pink and it shimmered through the space she occupied. She looked around the chambers, and her face hardened. “You offered us the Covenant but you left us out in the cold. We are your children and you abandoned us to those monsters.”

The pink intensified as the mist began to swirl. Marissa twisted toward the podium. “I fell in love with Nathan. He promised me forever. He promised me protection. He offered me the Covenant which I took into my heart. Nathan took what he wanted then left me defenseless and clueless. I couldn’t even feed myself.”

“That is what is expected when a birthing is botched.” Danvenport spoke up. Armor poked her in the back of the head with the gun. “You leave the fledgling to the world when it is flawed. Where do you think the Sparatans got the idea?”

“I was not botched. I just was a virgin that Nathan didn’t have time to or the inclination to teach.. Now, shut up.” Marissa pointed a spectral arm in Davenport’s direction. “I know who you are. I know what you’ve done. You are worse than Orel Wessel. Horrid as they were, they have never turned on their own kind.”

I could feel Endellion began to vibrate at Marissa grew angry. The pink notched further and further up the spectrum until it began to glow red. “We are your children! You left us to die as lab rats. She…” Marissa waved her arm at Davenport, “sold us to the devil. I saw her and her assistant many times in the lab. It was her assistant who would come and create humans without the covenant because of some genetic trait the scientists were trying to isolate. Many of us died in that hell. Many more wished for it. We, the Lost Fledglings as our Father calls us are grateful that he was freed by his family. Many heard the whispers of what they did to the white demon of death, of what they did to our Lord Emperor. I was glad to have lived long enough to see that hell burned down.”

Thomas rose to his feet. “Spirit. This is a serious accusation that Xavier had brought before the council. He has made claims that High Council member Carmilla Davenport is in league with Orel Wessel. That she provides Vampires for their experimentation. What do you say to this?”

Marissa’s glow lightened back down into the soft pink range. “The Lord Emperor ended my life because I begged him to; but my death can be placed in the hands of your High Councillor. She is a traitor to the Blood. She has sold our Emperor for gold. She has built her house on the pain and blood of fledglings deemed unworthy in her eyes. She is a cancer that needs to be cut from the body of the Nation.”

“ENOUGH!” I twisted toward the side door beside the podium. A wild eyed woman entered holding a gun to familiar shoulder length black hair. She jerked on the captive and hauled Claudia forward into the Council Chamber.

“Back away from Carmilla. Back away now, or the Emperor’s bitch gets a bullet in the head.”

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Evil I know (I'm typing, I'm typing) Bwah hahahahah