Birthright

Chapter 10

“ Something’s been tickling my brain, pet.” Ariana turned to look at him with a small frown. Spike was leaning against the wall, propped back and arms crossed. The pendent around his neck glinted in the waning sunlight. He even forced himself not to fiddle with his crown that he was still not used to. Two days ago he’d been crowned king. In five more he’d have a queen and he was dreading every moment up till then.

“ What do you mean, sire?”

Smirking,” It’s something you said a while back. You talked about how you’ve been to the other world before.”

Shrugging,” Certainly. Lot’s of us have.”

“ And have they all returned?” Ariana frowned in confusion,” What I mean is, are the vampires that exist there really vampires or elves that never returned.”

Slowly crossing her arms,” They must be vampires since sunlight burns them.”

Narrowing his eyes,” Unless, because they’re from a world where sunlight doesn’t burn them, in that world the reverse is true. Or maybe you stretched the truth a bit and the reason sunlight won’t hurt me is because I’m only half elf. Bout right?”

Ariana opened her mouth, then sagged with a small nod. He was the king. He had a right to know the past,” Yes. And the first of that world’s vampires were banished elves. Criminals. Elves that killed for sport. They were banished a millennium ago.”

Nodding,” And because I was already an elf, the bite didn’t change me.”

“ Yes.”

He pursed his lips and thought to himself,” How many elves are left?”

Sighing softly in regret,” I honestly know not. Very few I would wager.”

Tilting his head just a little,” We could always bring a few over.”

Going rigid,” Not-“

” The youngest fledges are the easiest to mold. And don’t say they’re murdering, thieving rogues, pet. I was one once and I turned out alright. I’m not sayin’ it’ll be easy, only that unless you want us goin’ extinct or we’re gonna start askin’ for volunteers, it’s a possibility. At the very least we need to coax out of the forest what elves there are left.”

Hand resting on her hip,” And where would they live?”

Raising an eyebrow,” Here. Isn’t that what my father worked out a hundred some odd years ago? Or have you forgotten that?”

Lips firming,” You do remember I said elves have long memories, correct?”

“ Yeah, and I also know you’re avoidin’ the issue.”

“ How would you even convince these vampires to return, assuming you didn’t offer them a fresh meal for the rest of their unlives.”

Frowning crossly,” Then come up with something.”

Sniffing,” You’re the king-“

He had her by the throat and against the wall before she even realized he’d moved. Internally Spike was a little shocked himself but didn’t let it show,” Yeah. I’m the bloody king. And if I’m placin’ too much trust in ya then let me know and I’ll find someone’ll give me the truth.”

Her eyes flashed gold, a soft growl in the air. But a small grin spread across her face,” Whatever my sire wishes I will do.”

He narrowed his eyes at her in annoyance, realizing she had been testing him. Examining both his strategy and his resolve,” Don’t do that again, soldier.”

Back stiffening a little,” Yes sir.”

Nodding,” We’re goin’ in.”

***

They combed through the forest from east to west, only finding two other elves. Spike wasn’t satisfied in the slightest. Using a sliding technique that Ariana had conveniently forgotten how to use on the first journey, they moved almost instantly from one point to the other. At the very spot where this whole adventure had begun they now stood. Ariana looked particularly ecstatic, jumping slightly in place and eyes glowing. Spike frowned at her, she move hyper than he usually was at the moment,” What’s wrong with you?”

She gave him a radiant smile,” After so long our world is finally being set to right.”

He rolled his eyes at her,” Yeah, yeah. Now, to figure out where to do this.” Pacing a little,” Hmm...could try South America but the vamps down there are a truly pathetic set. Europe maybe. The oldest are out there. Paris? Nah, too much aristocracy. Won’t be able to talk to the right people for weeks and I don’t have the patience for it. Ah, got it. Let’s set this up for London. I know the master there and we should be granted an audience the same day.”

Raising an eyebrow,” He’s just going to give you his childer?”

Smirking evilly,” Nope. She owes me a debt.”

The other eyebrow joining it’s twin,” And she’s just going to hand over her minions?”

Sighing,” You don’t know much about vampire politics, luv. Just trust me. By
the time I’m done she’ll be positively ecstatic to cooperate with me.”

Inclining her head just a little, the two elves that had accompanied them at his back,” You’re the king.”

Crossing his arms,” Yes, I am aren’t I?” His gaze sharpening,” One question, luv. This chip is fried for good, right?”

Ariana nodded,” Anything I’ve ever brought here stopped working, even when I took it back.”

Nodding,” Good. Can’t be handicapped and pull this off.”

Frowning,” I thought it only kept you helpless to humans.”

Smirking,” This master isn’t exactly conventional. She employs human bodyguards.”

“ I thought you said we’d be welcome.”

“ Nope, said we’d get to the master the same day. Never said we’d be welcome.”