The Suck Stops Here

by Kristen Painter

  Did that many people really want to rule?

  The pouch was a comfortable weight inside her jacket. As she started up the terrace steps, another weight settled over her. That of the queenship.

  She didn’t want to rule. She really didn’t. But the wrong vampire on that throne could spell disaster for so many of them. She glanced back at the woods she’d just come from, wondering how many were still out there searching.

  With a deep breath to fortify herself, she opened the door and went into the great room. Marcus and Walter, the lawyer, were sitting by the crackling fire. Walter was having a snifter of brandy. Marcus was reading a leather-bound book embossed with gold, a collection of plays by John Lyly.

  Above them, Artemis stared down from her portrait, and for the first time, Donna noticed the background of the painting wasn’t just any tree line but the very woods she’d just come from. Dotted throughout were tiny black-and-white birds in the trees.

  Artemis had put the clue there for all to see. Of course, she’d also put the stepping-stone out there. No telling how many of those were strewn throughout the forest.

  Marcus looked at her as she stood there, but he said nothing.

  She took a few steps toward him as she continued to gaze up at the picture. “When was that painting done? How long ago?”

  Marcus put his book down and glanced at it. “Not quite a year ago. Beautiful, isn’t it?”

  Donna nodded. “Very.” Was that how long Artemis had been preparing herself to die?

  He shifted his attention to Donna again. “How goes the hunt?”

  She pulled the pouch from her jacket and tossed it to him. “You tell me.”

  He caught it, then stood, eyes widening. “Very well, I’d say.” His mouth bent in the slightest smile. “How?”

  “I found a stepping-stone with a bird symbol.” Better than saying she’d tripped over it. “The rest I…deduced. Then Artemis and her magpies showed me the way.”

  He nodded, looking very pleased. “Well done.” He held out the pouch to the older man. “Walter?”

  Walter took the pouch, opened it, and had a look inside. “Seems a little light, but that’s Artemis’s stash, all right.”

  Donna shrugged. “I gave a handful of coins to the magpies as a thank-you for keeping it safe.”

  Marcus’s smile grew. “She was right to choose you. She would be so pleased that you’re the one who’s going to ascend in her place.”

  “About that,” Donna began, then said, “Wait. What do you mean she chose me?”

  “If anyone else had found the coins, they were to receive Artemis’s endorsement to take the throne, as she stated in her will. But there’s a codicil Walter didn’t read. If you found them, something Artemis very much hoped for, we have another document already prepared in her hand. That letter specifically details by name who she has chosen to leave the throne to. You.”

  Donna shook her head. Nothing should surprise her about Artemis at this point. “That seems…weightier than just an endorsement.”

  “It is,” Marcus said. “The council will have no choice but to interpret her letter as her passing the crown to you. If she were alive and did this, there would be no one capable of stopping the transition. The letter is almost as binding.” He sighed. “Unfortunately, that letter will do nothing to sway them from holding the hearings tomorrow night.”

  Donna crossed her arms. “Don’t you think a letter like that from the woman whose death I’m supposedly responsible for would be pretty good evidence to the contrary?”

  His mouth hardened to a thin line. “Yes, but it won’t matter to the council. It matters for your ascension to queen. But for the hearings? No. Because it was written before the battle took place, they’ll see it as unrelated. They might even go so far as to speculate that such a letter could have given you cause to push Artemis to fight, knowing what her death would result in.”

  Donna dropped her arms to her sides as outrage trembled through her, hands clenched tightly. “That’s ludicrous.” And Fitzhugh would have a field day with that idea.

  “That’s the council.”

  “Can you keep the letter quiet for a bit longer, then? Not just because it would make things easier with the council but also because if the council does find me guilty, I don’t want that judgment attached to the title of queen.” She swallowed. “It would tarnish the throne.”

  Marcus nodded, a deep understanding in his eyes. “Yes, we can do that.”

  “Thank you.” She exhaled, but it did nothing to lighten the weight on her shoulders.

  With a loud grunt, Walter got to his feet. “Might as well sound the gong and make this official. That much we can’t be quiet about.”

  “I understand.” Donna nodded, her head elsewhere and her heart black with anger. Her chances with the council seemed to diminish with every passing day. Should she just throw herself on the mercy of the Prime? Surely he could save her. She needed to talk to Pierce and Charlie and Temo. She had too much to live for. She wanted to see her grandchild.

  But taking any help from the Prime would absolutely mean she’d have to accept the title of queen.

  She couldn’t think about it anymore. She pulled out her phone and sent a text to the group. Come back. The coins have been found.

  She hit send, realizing a second later that she hadn’t said she’d been the one who’d found them. She added a quick addendum. By me, Will, and Harper, just to be clear.

  Francine’s happy little whoop could be heard several floors away, and within seconds, a flood of thrilled, congratulatory texts came pouring in.

  Phone in hand, Donna sank down on the couch. She was overjoyed she’d kept Fitzhugh from triumphing, but once again, the burden of responsibility lay before her. Just like, once again, choice, real choice, had been taken away from her.

  Just as it had been the night in the cemetery when Donna had been bitten and Claudette had turned her. That seemed like ages ago. So much had changed since then. She’d learned more about the world she lived in than she’d thought possible. And she still felt like a beginner in this new life.

  Managing the role of queen would feel like an insurmountable mountain to climb. There were so many ways things could go wrong.

  She lifted her chin and stared up at Artemis. “Why did you think I was a good choice for this?”

  There was no answer in that enigmatic gaze.

  A deep, vibrating, metallic boom rippled through the air. The gong had been struck. The news was out.

  Within seconds, the noise level in the house rose considerably. There were some very unhappy sounds coming from various rooms. Moments later, the terrace doors came open, and funeral guests filtered in.

  Thankfully, her friends were among the first to arrive, since they’d had a head start. They swarmed around her, smiling and laughing, patting her on the back, and congratulating her.

  She smiled, unable to do anything else. They were all so happy, although a few of them had knowing looks in their eyes. Even if she didn’t want to be queen, Fitzhugh hadn’t won, and that was something worth celebrating.

  But there were other, less kind looks being shot her way as it became clear she was the one who’d found Artemis’s stash. A taste of things to come, no doubt. With power came jealousy. Nothing new there.

  Fitzhugh strode into the room like a storm approaching. “Who found them? Who?”

  But no one had to answer him. His gaze arrowed in on her and the celebratory mood of those around her. His jaw tightened with the realization that she’d won. His eyes glowed with anger, and for a moment, it seemed even his bone structure had changed into something monstrous. “You cannot be serious. I refuse to accept this.” He pointed at Donna as the room went still. “She cheated. It’s the only possible explanation as to how she found those coins. I demand an investigation.”

  Marcus pulled himself up to his full bearing and took a few steps toward Fitzhugh. “There will be no investigation. Governor Barrone found one of the
many clues hidden in the forest and discovered the coins through intelligent deduction. Anyone could have done it. In theory.”

  That did nothing to placate Fitzhugh. “This whole thing was a setup,” he snarled at Marcus.

  “I assure you,” Marcus said, “it was not.”

  Fitzhugh pointed at Donna again. “You’ll get what’s coming to you tomorrow night.” Without waiting for a response, he disappeared in a burst of speed.

  The room stayed quiet for a moment, and Donna realized that most of the people there had no idea about the council hearing scheduled for the following evening. She schooled her expression into the most serene one she could manage and addressed the room. “For those of you who don’t know, the council has decided that, despite the traditional mourning period observed for most high-ranking vampires, they will convene tomorrow night to hear the charges Governor Fitzhugh has leveled against me and my assistant. I’m sure you’re aware of those, as such news travels at the speed of light in this community.”

  Her friends gathered a little closer, as if trying to support her with their presence. She smiled. It was working. But there were definitely some additional unhappy faces in the crowd. Probably because of the council breaking with tradition. “I will tell you again, as I plan to tell the council, that Queen Artemis’s choices led to her death. I tried to keep her from the battle, but she insisted on coming.”

  Francesca, who’d entered the room only moments before Fitzhugh, nodded. “Artemis was well known for doing what she wanted, when she wanted, and with whom she wanted.”

  A few others nodded as well.

  Donna smiled at her new friend. “Anyone who wants to stay for the council hearings has my blessing. I have nothing to hide. Governor Fitzhugh is the one who made this baseless claim against me. He’s the one who will have to prove himself.” She lifted her chin a little. “In fact, I welcome the audience. Light will be shed, of that I can assure you.”

  As the crowd started to talk amongst themselves, Pierce leaned in. “Spoken like a queen.”

  She frowned at him, then laughed softly. “I still don’t want the job.”

  He nodded, sympathy in his eyes. “I know, sweetheart.” His smile returned, this time with a hint of resolution. “But you might not have a choice.”

  Donna had felt that way already. Still, she wanted his take on it. “What do you mean?”

  “Think about it. If the council finds you innocent, which I believe they will, that’s not going to stop Fitzhugh from coming after you. If anything, it’s only going to make things worse. Your best protection is to rise above him. In position and power. Becoming queen is the best way to do that.”

  A chill went through her. Pierce was right. Naturally.

  Cammie, Charlie, Temo, and Neo were gathered around her as well.

  Cammie took Donna’s hand. “He’s right, Donna. What better way to protect yourself and your family than with the kind of resources you’d have at your disposal as queen? I know you don’t want the job, but in some ways, it would make things easier.”

  “And a lot harder,” Donna shot back. Then she sighed, feeling utterly worn out. “But I know what you’re saying.” She shook her head. “Honestly, I know I need to make a decision, but not yet. I want to be away from all of this for a bit. I need to think.”

  Francine leaned in and gave her a compassionate smile. “You need a hot bath and a warm brandy.”

  Donna nodded. “Nothing has ever sounded quite so good.”

  When they got back to the guesthouse, that was exactly what Donna did. There was no talking, no strategizing, no planning.

  She ran a scalding-hot bath in the big Jacuzzi tub, turned on the jets, dumped in some bubble bath from a fancy array of complimentary toiletries on the counter, and sank into the foam.

  With a big glass of red wine balanced on the edge. She raised up to take a sip, then slipped down into the water again. Her head, heart, and gut were all at war with questions about what she should do, and none of the answers gave her complete peace.

  A soft knock on the bathroom door lifted her head. “Come in.” She’d left the door unlocked.

  Cammie stuck her head in. “You need anything? A refill?”

  Donna laughed. “I’ve barely touched my wine.”

  Cammie opened the door a little more and shrugged. “I thought you might have chugged it. I probably would have in your situation.” She stared at her sister, then shook her head. “Are you okay?”

  It was Donna’s turn to shrug now. “Yes. No. I will be.” She leaned her head back to stare at the ceiling. “I don’t have a choice, do I? About becoming queen.”

  Cammie came over to sit on the seat in front of the vanity table. “I don’t want to answer that.”

  “Why not?”

  “Because you won’t like the answer.”

  Donna picked up her wine. “In other words, no, I don’t have a choice.”

  Cammie clasped her hands together. “I’m sorry you’re in this situation, I really am, but you would be an amazing queen.”

  Donna took a big sip, then put the glass back on the edge of the tub. “Everyone keeps telling me that, but…”

  “But you don’t believe it.”

  “No. I don’t.”

  “Because you have impostor syndrome.”

  Donna frowned at her sister. “Say what?”

  “I’m not calling you an impostor. I’m saying you feel like one. Like someone’s going to figure out you don’t belong here. Like you’re too new to be good at this. But that’s just not true. You’ve had a lifetime to get ready for this job. And a good couple of weeks as governor to give you a taste of what being queen would be like.”

  Donna narrowed her eyes. “Did you take psychology classes as part of your Venari training?”

  Cammie laughed. “No, but you know what? That’s a great idea.”

  Now Donna was really confused. “What? Going back to school?”

  “No, calling Dr. Goldberg. Why don’t you do a telesession with her? You’ve always valued her counsel.”

  Donna sat up a little. “That’s true. And a really good idea. You think she would talk to me?”

  “Of course she would. You’re about to be her most famous client.”

  Donna rolled her eyes. “You think she’s going to tell me to accept the job?”

  “I think she’s going to tell you that you’re capable of doing anything you put your mind to. Because you are. You always have been. I’ve known you a long time. You overcome obstacles, big ones, with the kind of grace and determination that make me proud and a little jealous.”

  Donna pulled her knees in, making the bubbles mound up. “That might be the nicest thing you’ve ever said to me.”

  Cammie smiled. “I hope not. That’d make me a pretty awful sister.”

  Donna shook her head. “You’re a great sister. You’ve always been there for me when I needed you. Always.”

  “That’s not about to change either.”

  The heat of unshed tears built in Donna’s eyes. She reached out to Cammie. “You really think I can do this?”

  Cammie took her hand as she came to kneel beside the tub. “I know you can.”

  “Will you promise to stay with me? And not move to some crappy apartment in the Bronx? If I have to do this, I want you with me. Please.”

  Cammie laughed. “Yes, I will make that promise.” Her brows lifted. “Does that mean you’re taking the job?”

  Donna sighed. “I don’t think I have any other choice.” She let go of Cammie’s hand to press her palms against her forehead. “I must be nuts, because this is crazy.”

  “My sister, the vampire queen of North America.”

  Donna glared good-naturedly at Cammie. “I’m not ready to announce that just yet. In fact, I’m not going to. Not until I know what the council’s decision is going to be. If they find me guilty…that changes everything. I won’t tarnish the crown by attaching that kind of verdict to it.”

  “The
n you absolutely need to make sure that doesn’t happen.”

  “How?”

  Cammie stood. “Time to call Dad.”

  Donna made a face at that suggestion. “He told me I had to fix the problems with Fitzhugh.”

  “Sure, but if you tell him you’re going to accept the Prime’s offer, you don’t think he won’t do everything in his power to sway the council toward a verdict of innocence? Come on, Donna. You need all the help you can get.”

  Donna sighed. “I suppose you’re right.”

  “Are you still going to call Dr. Goldberg?”

  Donna shook her head. “No. I know what I need to do. I’ll call the emissary when I get out of the tub. I can’t bring myself to call him Dad.”

  “Yeah, that sounded pretty weird to my ears too.” Cammie headed for the door. “Enjoy the rest of your bath, Your Royal Highness.”

  Donna snorted. “Don’t think I’m not going to make you call me that either.”

  “I figured.” Cammie slipped out, leaving Donna to her thoughts.

  But Donna didn’t want to think anymore. The die was cast. Her path was chosen. It wasn’t one she’d ever thought she’d travel, and yet, here she was.

  She picked up her wine, downed half of it, and realized she should have told Cammie to bring her a refill, after all. She was going to need it.

  Less than twenty-four hours had passed, but Donna and her crew had done more work than she would have thought possible. Calls had been made, long conversations had, decisions discussed, and with Pierce’s help, a legal battle plan had been drawn.

  Back in the great hall, she was as prepared for the council meeting as she could be. Which still didn’t feel that prepared, but there was nothing more she could do now. There was nothing more any of them could do, except execute the roles they’d been given and pray that was enough.

  There had been no answer from the emissary either, despite the voice mail she’d left him explaining the situation. So much for that.