Justine Ch. 20

He had no choice but to wait and to see who the possible sources of help were in the Realm.

*******

Something was happening. Wilhelmina could feel it in her bones and Thomas was somehow at the root of it. She still hadn't gotten over the fact that he had turned down a chance to be with Lottie in order to stay with her. It could only mean one thing; he knew that she was planning something. Denying Lottie was a defensive move and was a way for him to find out information. He had to die. Lottie didn't matter. Wilhelmina was convinced that the woman didn't know anything. Thomas hadn't told her about the offer-another defensive move on his part. She was coming to realize that her mate was much smarter than she had given him credit for which meant that he more than likely knew about Alicia.

As she sat at her desk, she berated herself for not making her move sooner. But how was she to know that the real Queen of Queens would appear? It didn't occur to her that even if she had made her move that Justine would still have come to power and her reign would have ended for a second time.

She concentrated on the best way to dispose of Thomas. It was well past the time of their monthly conjugal visits, which were for the most part pointless. The only real purpose of the visits were physical release and to ensure Thomas' loyalty to her.

Tonight she would pay her mate a visit.

*******

Justine's cell phone rang as she and Josephine were planning the wedding.

"Maurice, what's up? Really? How soon can you get here? What about Lorenzo? Can he come with you? Alright call me back."

"What's happening?" Josephine asked.

"Treason." Josephine replied grimly.

"Treason? Who?" Josephine asked.

"If you don't mind I'd like to wait until we're all together that way we can all hear the information once."

"That makes sense." Josephine agreed.

"I need to get Quinn, David, Edward and Mikhail up here." Justine said. "I want to deal with this before it goes any further."

Her phone rang a moment later.

"Hey Maurice... he can? Good. I'm glad to hear that Naila is better. See you in a few."

******

Are you sure about leaving Naila?" Maurice asked.

"I'm sure and she says that she's fine with me leaving." Lorenzo replied. "The Queen has been more than kind in allowing me to stay with Naila but its time that I start doing my job."

"Alright then let's go." Maurice said and vanished from where he stood with Lorenzo following a few seconds later.

*******

"What's happening?" Quinn asked after greeting Justine with a kiss.

"I'll tell you as soon as Maurice gets here..."

"Treason." Quinn said. "It's someone in the realm. Did you forget that I know what you know?" he asked.

"I did, but why didn't mom and David know?" she mused. The red flames around her eyes flickered as she tried to figure out the answer. "It's clear that they're a part of the reign so why....I got it!" she said snapping her fingers. "There's one more step."

"You have to accept them." Quinn said.

"Exactly." Justine replied.

She stood, walked over to her mother and David, took each of their hands in hers and looked back at Quinn.

"I think that you need to be a part of this." she said holding out her hand.

When Quinn joined them, he took Justine's hand in one hand and Josephine's hand in the other.

"I now accept you Josephine and David as a part of this reign." she said and gave Quinn's hand a squeeze.

"I likewise accept you David and Josephine as a part of this reign." he said.

Josephine and David looked at each other and replied in unison.

"We accept."

The flames around each of their eyes flashed once and then dimmed.

"It's done." Justine said softly just as Mikhail tapped on the wall to announce his presence.

"Where's Edward?" Justine asked.

"He's coming. He and Violet were talking to the caterers for the gala." he replied.

"My apologies for being late." Edward said just as Mikhail finished his sentence.

"You aren't late." Quinn replied. "Maurice and Lorenzo aren't here yet."

While they waited, Mikhail brought up the issue of the weeklong gala.

"I know, understand and respect what you're trying to do but Justine a week? Maurice and I have the same concerns about security."

"I'm aware of that but Mikhail part of the problem has been the queens distancing themselves from the people who they were supposed to protect." Justine replied. "Edward, I mean no disrespect toward Violet or any other former queen when I say that." she added.

"I understand." Edward replied. "No offense was taken."

"Justine, do you realize how many humans and other beings you're talking about attending the gala?" Mikhail asked pressing the subject.

"Yes and your point is what?" Justine asked. "I understand about the security issue but you also have two years to build up your forces. I trust you and Maurice to select people who are reliable and trustworthy. I'm sure that Lorenzo will be able to assist you with that as well." Justine said her tone indicating the end of the conversation.

"Yes my Queen." Mikhail said as he began to formulate a plan to swell his security ranks.

******

Lorenzo and Maurice both felt the drain and return of their powers when they entered the house.

"They're in the living room." Darren said when he met them at the door.

"Thank you." Maurice said. "Every one is present?"

"Yes... I'll be there shortly with refreshments." Darren said as he led them to the living room although Maurice knew where it was.

He could tell by the look on Mikhail's face that he had tried to get Justine to reconsider the length of the gala and that he had failed. Maurice had told him not to bother and that Justine's mind was made up. However, he had invited him to try. Their eyes met briefly and Mikhail gave a slight shake of his head that wasn't missed by Justine but she let it pass.

"Alright, here's what we know." Maurice said when he and Lorenzo were sitting. "Actually, it would be better coming from Lorenzo; he was there and knows the former queen in question."

For the second time, Lorenzo told about the conversation with Thomas.

"How do you know that he isn't the one planning to try something?" Edward asked.

"He hates Wilhelmina almost as much as I do." Lorenzo replied. "He also risked his life to help me save those four humans."

"But that could have been part of the plan." Edward replied.

"It wasn't." Lorenzo replied his tone curt.

"How well do you know this Thomas? And other than tonight, when did you last see him?" Edward asked aware that he was making Lorenzo angry. But he had always been the one to ask the hard questions even when Violet was queen.

"I know him well enough that he entrusted me with the knowledge of who his family is. I know him well enough to vouch for him with my life. Does that answer your question?"

"Who is his family?" Edward asked.

"That would be for him to tell." Lorenzo replied.

"If they are a threat to the safety of anyone here, it is for you to tell." David said saying what they all had been thinking.

"I don't know that they are." Lorenzo hedged.

"But you don't know that they aren't." Maurice said.

Lorenzo was silent for several seconds before he spoke.

"His parents are Anthony and Patrice Rhys."

Everyone went silent for several seconds.

"The mercenaries?" Edward asked. "Do you know who these people are?"

"Who doesn't?" Lorenzo snapped. "But he isn't like them and as I said, I'll vouch for him with my life."

"That's good enough for me." Maurice said. "Lorenzo doesn't make such offers casually."

"What does he want?" Mikhail asked. "He isn't offering this information out of the goodness of his heart."

"The only thing that he asks is that Lottie-the servant that he is in love with be taken out of the realm. He is willing to stay there if that's what it takes to make it happen." Lorenzo replied.

Justine said nothing as Edward fired questions at Lorenzo. When there was a lull in the questioning, she spoke.

"This is what's going to happen; I'm going to pay this Wilhelmina a visit. This stops now."

Edward stared at her.

"What?" Justine asked.

"Nothing... I mean no reigning Queen has ever gone to the Realm."

"Is there a rule that says that I can't?" Justine asked.

"No... shall I prepare them?" He asked wishing that he could go along and watch the fireworks.

"No, this is going to be a surprise visit." Justine said with a smile. "Are you up for a field trip?" Justine asked Quinn, Josephine and David.

**********

Wilhelmina took her time in getting ready to spend time with Thomas. She planned to make his last hour memorable, it was the least that she could do. She had long stopped worrying about a pregnancy. If it hadn't happened by now, it wasn't going to happen not that she was complaining. She had never wanted children especially if there was any chance that it would be female.

She startled when someone tapped on her door. What in the hell is wrong with me? She muttered as she gave permission for the person to enter.

Lottie walked in with her eyes to the floor and waited for permission to speak.

"Well? What do you want?"

"I... I was wondering if you needed me. Some of the others are getting together to plan their wardrobes for the gala..."

"Go." Wilhelmina said taking advantage of the fact that she wouldn't have to rush in getting rid of Thomas. "And do not come back, you may go to your quarters when you are through."

Lottie's mouth dropped open. In all of her time with Wilhelmina, she had never been given a command like that. She quickly recovered and ran out of the suite without saying thank you.

Wilhelmina went back to her preparations which included making sure that her vaginal area was clean and perfumed. The only part of being with Thomas that she enjoyed was having her pussy eaten. She would imagine that it was Alicia and she pulled it off because he was almost as good as she was. Since it was going to be the last time for a while, she put on a pair of edible panties so that Thomas couldn't rush as he usually did.

Her nipples and clit throbbed with anticipation as she slipped on a red house robe made of the finest silk. As she gave herself one last perusal, she suddenly froze.

*******

Thomas looked at the coming hours with dread. Unless a miracle happened, he was going to die. He comforted himself with the knowledge that at least Lottie would be safe. He cursed when he tried to waken the power that he knew that he had but couldn't use. It would be another fifty years before that power flared into life. "A lot of good that does me." he grumbled as he showered and prepared for his death.

He only knew of his pending death because of Gabra who was clairvoyant but rarely used her gift.

"She plans to kill you the next time she visits your bed..."

She hadn't gotten to say more because they heard Wilhelmina coming toward them. Thomas hadn't gotten the chance to thank her before she disappeared.

"There you are." Wilhelmina said. "Your suite tonight. Be prepared."

His stomach had been in knots for the last eight hours. He spent an hour writing a letter to Lottie telling her everything that he had kept bottled up inside ever since he met her. He ended the letter with an "I love you and I'm sorry."

He got into the shower and scrubbed his skin as hard as he could in anticipation of Wilhelmina's touch. Each time he got ready for a visit from her, he questioned the fates. "What have I done to deserve this? I am not my family." as usual, his question went unanswered.

He was ready a half-hour before Wilhelmina's arrival. He reread the letter to Lottie and added a few things to it after which he warded it so that she would be the only one who could open it. If anyone else attempted to open it, the letter would disintegrate.

"I'm sorry." he murmured as he waited for Wilhelmina.

*******

Justine, Quinn, Josephine and David stood at the gate of the Realm and looked around.

"It's beautiful here." Josephine said.

"Yeah but according to Eddie, it's as boring as hell." Quinn said.

"It doesn't sound too boring to me." Josephine said as the sound of music and laughter filled the air.

"Violet said that when the new Queen takes over, they start to party and plan for the coming gala." Justine said as she approached the gate.

"Who goes there?" a loud, deep voice boomed out.

They found themselves surrounded by no less than eight vampires with weapons drawn and fangs bared.

"Stand down!" Quinn ordered. "This is the Queen and the Queen mother."

The lead guard looked at Quinn's eyes, and then Justine's before he dropped to his knees with the other guards following suit.

"Stand up and let us pass." Justine said. "And don't alert anyone that we're here."

"Yes your majesty." The guard replied. "It is an honor to meet you and yours." he added with a bow.

"What's your name?" Quinn asked.

"Richard, my King."

"Do you like it here?" Quinn asked.

The guard wasn't sure of how to answer the question.

"I do whatever it is that my King and Queen require of me." he replied.

"I know that, but that wasn't my question." Quinn replied. "Do you like it here?"

"No sire, I don't."

"Pick four men that you would trust with your life and wait for us here." Quinn replied.

"He is wasted here." David said. "This is a job for one who doesn't want to work hard." he added.

They followed the sound of the music and laughter and a few minutes later, they were at the scene of the party. Immediately, the music stopped and people turned to look at them drawn by their power. Then, everyone was on his or her knees with heads bowed.

The room was deathly silent as they waited for the command to stand.

"Stand up." Justine said. Her voice was soft but it sounded loud in the silence of the room. When everyone was standing, she smiled at them and introduced Quinn, Josephine and David. "I am aware that I will be the first Queen to visit the Realm, I hope to change that. Please continue your party while I attend to my business here."

"Your majesty." a heavily accented voice said. "Welcome and you have come in time. Wilhelmina means to kill her mate and attempt to free her lover Alicia Duchain."

"Thank you Gabra." Justine said noting the widening of the woman's eyes that she would know her name. "I need to go but we'll talk again."

Gabra took in Justine's appearance and realized that no one could look as regal in a sweat suit and sneakers as she could.

"I look forward to it." Gabra said bowing her head and backing away.

******

Wilhelmina stood frozen at the mirror trying to understand what was happening. A feeling of absolute power washed over her making her feel nauseated and weak but she didn't recognize the source. Not until it spoke to her.

"So you're Wilhelmina." Justine said softly looking the woman up and down. Josephine stood back and watched from the doorway.

Wilhelmina turned around and faced Justine. She didn't know what she was expecting but it wasn't a woman dressed in purple sweats and sneakers. Justine could have been anyone off the street except for the eyes.

"Yes my Queen, I am Wilhelmina. To what do I owe this honor?"

"Honor?" Justine laughed, "Even as you stand there and pretend to be respectful, you're trying to figure out a way to kill me so lets just cut to the chase. I have a memorial service, a wedding and a gala to plan. It has come to my attention that you're planning a coup. Is that true? And don't lie."

Justine's eyes blazed as they bore into Wilhelmina's pale blue ones daring her to lie."

"There must be some kind of misunderstanding." Wilhelmina replied. "I wouldn't do such a thing."

"So you aren't planning to kill your mate tonight?" Justine asked as she took a step toward Wilhelmina.

"Of course not!" Wilhelmina replied. "Who told you that?"

"And you weren't planning to free your lover Alicia Duchain so that you could rule together?"

"Alicia who?" Wilhelmina asked innocently.

"Ok, since you're not going to fess up, let me tell you what I know." Justine said as she took another step toward Wilhelmina. "I know that you are responsible for the deaths of at least thirty-six humans. Four of them escaped because they were rescued by Lorenzo Delgado and your mate Thomas Rhys..."

"You lie!"

"I also know that you've killed hundreds of young women who you thought might be your replacement and you would have continued if you hadn't been impeached- the first queen to have that dubious honor. I also know that you've been fucking around on your mate from the beginning. By the way, did you ever research your mate's family?"

"I saw no need to, the fates put us together and I didn't question it."

"You should have... What did he tell you his last name was?"

"Reese. I don't see .... What's so funny?" Wilhelmina asked confused by Justine's laughter.

It took Justine a minute to collect herself.

"You are one stupid bitch. His last name is Reese but not spelled the way that he told you, it's Rhys, RHYS. It seems that your mate is much smarter than you gave him credit for."

Justine watched as disbelief and then anger crossed Wilhelmina's face.

"That's right, Anthony and Patrice Rhys kid, but you have to know that it wouldn't have made any difference. What I don't get is why they didn't execute your ass."

Wilhelmina dropped all pretenses of being respectful.

"Do you know why?" she spat out, "Because they were weak pussies! None of them wanted to be the one to be known as the one who executed a queen. Instead they stuck me in this hell hole!"

"Former queen." Justine corrected "And this is far from being a hell hole considering the options."

"How did you know?" Wilhelmina asked.

"You told me. I have the memories of each queen that came before me so you lied for nothing."

"Then why did you ask?" Wilhelmina asked.

"I wanted to give you the chance to come clean. It's the same opportunity that I give to everyone who comes before me." Justine replied.

"What would have happened had I not lied?"

"That's something that you'll never know." Justine said as suddenly, she was standing so close to Wilhelmina that she only had to bend forward and she could have kissed her. "You see, I have no issues with being the first to execute a former queen. You are a cold-hearted murdering bitch who never should have been queen. Your reprieve is over. To bad you didn't make the most of it. Any last words?"

Wilhelmina smiled hoping to catch Justine off guard and then swung at her with her nails fully extended and hit air.

"I'm behind you." Justine said.

Wilhelmina whirled around enraged.

"Who in the hell do you think you are bitch?"

"I am Justine Graves O'Dell." Justine said softly as she approached Wilhelmina. "I am the Queen of Queens and Quinn O'Dell is my mate and my King."

Her eyes were black, the purple flames around them danced and audibly crackled.

"Josephine Graves Sheffield is the Queen Mother and David Sheffield is her mate. They rule along side of Quinn and me. You will stand and receive the sentence that you should have received centuries ago."

Wilhelmina found herself frozen in place but that didn't stop her from cursing and damning all of them to hell.

"Silence." Justine said. "I find you guilty of murder, premeditated murder and treason. If it makes you feel better, you'll meet your lover on the other side."

"Alicia is dead?" Wilhelmina whispered.

"Yes and so are you." Justine said as she touched Wilhelmina's chest with a finger, traced the outline of a heart in it and whispered one word.

"Stop."

Wilhelmina's eyes widened in shock as what felt like bolts of electricity ran through her.

"This is the final death, you may not return in any other form or person." Justine said.