Birthright

Chapter 7

Buffy grabbed her head as she swam back to consciousness, sitting up slowly and wishing for aspirin. She jerked from some little flittering thing that darted about, disappearing into the bathroom and reappearing with a glass of water. On reflex she took it, startled when she caught two small pills as well. Belatedly she realized these little fluttering things knew exactly what she wanted and did as requested.

Brow creasing, she drank it down and took a look around, her breath catching in her throat. The room was enormous, old but beautiful. Delicate curtains hung from the windows, allowing sunlight and air to flow easily. And the bed she was on was so soft and comfortable she was just tempted to go back to sleep.

“Buffy!”

Springing to her feet, she looked down at the marble and padded to the door,” Nice floors...”

Dawn pulled open a door, displaying the room behind her and a wide grin on her face,” Isn’t this place the coolest? It’s like a castle or something.”

“ It is a castle or something.” Both girls spun around to see two gangly youths with dark hair bow to them. But there was definitely a mischievous twinkle in their eyes. They immediately talked in perfect sync,” Our Lord has called this home for months.”

Buffy raised an eyebrow, stepping in front of her sister who looked far too interested in the boys,” Your Lord?”

Still echoing each other,“ Lord William of course. Soon to be crowned King in two days.”

She felt her heart slam into her chest. Surely, Spike hadn’t taken off to start a new life somewhere else just because she’d been a little bit abrupt with him. Right? Putting a touch of sarcasm in her voice,” And where is your Lord?”

Carter smiled,” Taking a last look at the fields.”

Samual glanced at his brother,” The Harvest is coming and for the first time in fifty years there’ll be enough grain and green for everyone.” He made a small gesture and a handful of the little pixies appeared,” We have gowns for your choosing.”

Crossing her arms, ignoring Dawn’s excited squeals,” I’m not gonna dress up for Spike.”

“ Actually, he doesn’t know you’re here.” Buffy tracked Ariana as she walked in, dressed in her military finest,” I didn’t tell him you were coming.”

“ I should feel honored?”

Nodding,” You should. Because if you screw this up, you’ll never see him again.” Carter and Samual nodded at Ariana and left to get ready. Biological to Spike or not; Carter, Samuel, and Megan were all three seen as royals and were now forced to dress the part for court,” Can’t fathom why he loves you, princess, but if you don’t watch yourself you’re going to lose him.”

Hands on her hips,” I never had-...we were never an it. Sex. That’s it.”

Ariana nodded coldly,” Then I’ll send you back after dinner. Someone will bring you something, I’m busy.” And without another word the little elf was gone. Growling, Buffy turned to slam the door and came face to face with a truly brassed off Key.

Dawn had a glint in her eyes the likes of which Buffy had never seen before, but she found herself cowering from it. The taller brunette stalked her sister,” You mean to tell me you’ve been using Spike like some hooker to get your kicks and you’re surprised that he took off? God, Buffy! He loves you! What the hell is wrong with you?”

Back hitting the wall and spitting at her sister,” Gee, I get yanked out of heaven, what do you think?”

The anger not lightening in the least,” Buffy...” She took a deep sigh to collect herself, regarding her older sister coldly,” I’m going to the party.”

She turned back to her room and Buffy sighed,” Look, Dawnie, I’ll go I-“

” Oh, hell no you won’t.” She looked up in surprise,” You just stay away from him Buffy. I never trusted the Scoobies around him...I never thought I’d say the same thing about you.”

“ Dawn-“ The adjoining door slamming shut was her sister’s only reply.

*

Dawn glided down the staircase, feeling just like a princess. She was met by Carter at the bottom who bowed and extended his elbow. She let him guide her to the banquet hall. It was humongous. Long tables here and there with a orchestra set up to one side. But she wasn’t getting sent to the kid’s table this time. Nope, she was sat two seats down from where Spike would be, the only little body in the way was an adorable seven year.

The little one sat on her heels, grinning and watching with excitement,” It’s my first party!”

Feeling an almost maternal feeling swell inside,” Did your dad not let you until now?”

Megan shook her head, curls swinging to and fro,” Nuh uh...he wasn’t my daddy before. He lived in another world. But then he found us and now he’s my daddy and it’s his first party.”

Voice catching. Spike adopted her...just like he adopted his Nibblet. So in a way the two of them were now sisters,” And your mommy?”

She frowned,” I don’t have one of those yet. But, Ariana says I will soon so it’s okay.”

The sound of the Royal announcer drew everyone’s attention to the hall entrance, everyone standing and bowing as Spike casually strolled in. He looked mildly surprised at Ariana and pulled at the high collar of his silver tunic. His hair was longer, that’s the first thing that Dawn noticed. And his ears, but they just made him look more striking. He paused in shock, startled when the former Key bowed to him with a small smile on her face.

Spike just vaulted over the table, very unruler-like, and grasped her with both hands,” Nibblet?”

Carter, Samual, and Megan both regarded Dawn, the two of them deciding they liked her right away. She gave him a trembling smile,” Yeah...”

He pulled her into a hug, something in Sunnydale he’d never done. But his three suedo children had broken him in for being a family man. He knew all about hugs and kissing boo-boos...all the important dad things. The guests forced themselves back to their conversations, even as the music played on. It was a rather private moment after all. Spike pulled back,” How did you get here?”

Smiling, grinning when Megan jumped from her own seat and pushed Dawn into it before taking the other one, effectively giving Dawn easy access to her big brother,” A little elf...”

Ariana wiggled her fingers with a wicked grin before going back to watching the hall. Spike had a soft smile as he fingered her auburn locks,” Have to thank her.”

“ Why didn’t you come back?”

Samuel chose this moment to crawl into Spike lap and with a grin the blond held
onto his son,” The little bits for one.” Nodding,” The elves...” His expression firming,” And for me. As much as I love you and your sister...Sunnyhell wasn’t home. Certainly wasn’t one of my happiest memories. But here...” He smiled a little in memory,” I’m home.”

Dawn nodded with a sad sigh. He was right. And even if she selfishly wanted him to come back, she’d never ask. Sunnydale wasn’t any good for him. The Scoobies and her sister sure weren’t worth the sacrifice. She’d like the think she was, but she wouldn’t dare try to tear this family apart. Ariana watched the acceptance and smiled to herself. Though she stiffened and so did her soldiers when Buffy slowly entered. She looked breathtaking, but her head was down and her expression contrite.