O'Conner's School for the Light challenged

[The Madame Red]

"He's your cousin, so if he flirted with Emma that's open incest," Anya pointed out to Conrad, "Not only is that quite...disgusting, he would be killed by the lycans in her court. The lycans in my court openly despise him as it is, though the number of vampires are greater here."

Oscar sat by Emma, "Well kindly take him out of your court."

Anya chuckled as she leaned against the cool wall, "What did you think I was going to do? Just let him openly mock my position in my own court? I am a Queen, I'm not some woman that enjoys getting pampered by multiple men."

Giving her a confused expression, Oscar scratched the back of his head, "I'm..confused, so then why is his scent still here?"

"He's here, but Katya is...entertaining him at the moment," Anya gave a sickening glance to the floor at the thought, "Upon realizing he was getting nowhere with me, his best option is my sister. They have yet to realize that they are getting married soon because of their consummation and will be returning to Italy soon enough."

She already knew that Emma and her kind didn't see Anya or her children as a rising Royal Family, so instead of proving to them of their worth she would just keep acting the way she did with a high propriety and teach her children to do the same. All true monarchies rose from nothing and ended with everything, any history textbook would say the same.  

[Hikari_Mamo]

Emma mewed softly and stay close to her mate. At least that would be taken care of. And she didn't even have to summon her friend either. "Yes, I'm their High Alpha, the elders would pull him apart the second he made lustful eyes at me." She seemed to enjoy that thought. Good way of getting rid of that thorn she knew was constantly in her father's side. Marry her off to an Original who loved to rut in a new woman every night. Human history. Not Vampire. Sooner or later something would happen and all would turn to the one who had the Novra. That's Vampire nature. Conrad had experienced it time and time again but when humans had grown wise to them they turned from their chosen leader to the one who knew what they were doing. And he knew Emma did. He'd taught her well. And she'd gained a lot of control. She was stable too and about to produce and heir. Strength. That was what she had. It wouldn't take long for the Lycan's of Anya's court to shift to Emma. He knew Emma had more Lycan than Vampire but they got on in harmony. She would accept any one no matter their station give the ma job and go from there. Conrad pulled Anya to him. "Let us just pray Katya doesn't do something stupid like try to kill us when she realises what's going on. We all know that won't end well."  

[The Madame Red]

Oscar stood and walked to Anya's side. He could see he hurt in her eyes by what she had to do. Anya gave a masked smile as he murmured, "I have no choice in the matter. Katya means well, but if Conrad..."

"Hush," Oscar responded in a whisper as he pulled her aside, "There are already rumors that Leonardo beds any woman he wants. I had no worry that you would fall for him. You're one of the best Queens that know when to make the right move. I am more proud of you now than iwas before."

He knew the vampires in Anya's court were loyal to solely get now and woul not sways their opinion. They would respect the Novra but would remain in Anya's garden. Besides, Anya was loyal to the Novra and Oscar could see she was more focused on the well being of her court an for her children. However, he saw that Conrad had other plans in mind. Maybe it would hurt to see ol' Connie scrubbing the floors to make him realize where his new station was.

"Katya wouldn't kill either of us," Anya grimaced in Conrad's hold, "I know my sister, she'll be upset but will understand why I must go forward with it. Perhaps she will be lucky upon me choosing her husband, she has me marry you and we're doing okay so far."  

[Hikari_Mamo]

Conrad stopped paying attention. His instinct was telling him something was wrong with his eldest. Maybe he was just over reacting. He let go of Anya to let Oscar talk to her and guided Emma to the cot. She was burning up. "Give us a look." He whispered looking at her hands. Mild discolouration of the left palm. He ran his finger over that part and found a splinter of something and dug it out. "Better?" He asked.
"Yes, but I'm tired and feel sick and I just wanna cry." Emma replied. Oh dear. Obviously this pregnancy wasn't going to be life threatening. . . to Emma. He chuckled to himself. Poor Oscar was gonna have a long road ahead of him. He pulled his little girl close and caressed her hair. "Ssh, it's okay dallim. I'm sure Oscar would be more then happy too help in this matter. And I-" He paused as Emma puked on his shirt. "Charming." He growled setting her aside so she wouldn't get puke on Anya's dress. "Delightful wife you have here Oscar." He commented not impressed at all.  

[The Madame Red]

"Quite a daughter you have there," Oscar responded, then turned back to Anya, "Do what you can for now. You know i'm always here if you need me."

"You can't," Anya felt the tears sting her eyes, Oscar took her farther away from the two so he could speak to her in private, "You're Emma's now. I can't just call on you when I need help because you belong to her. I have to be rid of my own sister because of this... Everyone outside my castle calls me a b*****d queen when I know I am not. I just..."

"Shh," Oscar held Anya against him, "Shh. You are a warrior queen, you've fought harder than any other queen I know of. Trust me when I say you deserve this position than a lot of other people I know of. Let them talk. You know and I know differently."

Anya found comfort in her sire-brothers words as she pulled away from his embrace. She always felt better after Oscar gave her the words of encouragement she needed to hear. The door creaked open to the dungeons and Alexei peaked his head in, "Mother, Father? My lessons are finished, is there anything I can do?"

"Yes," Anya turned to her son, "You may go and tend to your sisters. Make sure they are out of trouble."

Alexei smiled and headed off. Anya smiled as well, more proud of her son every time she laid her eyes on him. Oscar patted her back, "You produce the best of them, I swear. I can only hope my kids will turn out as good as yours."

"I am sure they will," Anya responded, then turned his gaze to the doorway, "For now, I will talk with Katya. I don't want to banish my sister, but if I do not have the option...then that will be that."  

[Hikari_Mamo]

Conrad sighed and put Emma on the cot covering her in the tattered blankets and sat with her. He had planned on uniting everything with the marriage of Emma and Oscar. One kingdom again under their rule but then, Katya came along. He hoped his bride would get rid of that woman so he didn't do it. He knew too, the longer Emma stayed here away from her guard, the vampires here would scent her and want to kill her, the only one standing between the "b*****d queen", as Emma's court called her, and the legitimate crown of both species. "Dad you're breathing on me stop it." Emma growled rolling around trying to get comfortable. "So tired." She added closing her eyes. Conrad put a hand on her stomach and smiled. Already a heartbeat. He felt his heart warm. Yes, aside from some minor bumps she'd have a smooth pregnancy. Provided she stay away form stress. He chuckled yeah right. . . like she would stay away from stress while Liam was still alive.
"My king." A maid said smiling. "A message for Queen Emmaline. From Edgar." She handed him the note then left. Conrad didn't want to wake her but no one not even the Royal family ignored a message from an Original.
"Little one wake." He whispered helping her sit up. "Read this."
Emma cracked her eyes open and frowned taking the letter. She read it then ate the note and went back to sleep.  

[The Madame Red]

"I will need help," Anya turned to Oscar, since Conrad was once again too engrossed in his 'most important child', "Katya will not go through with this willingly."

"As always, I am by your side," Oscar followed Anya out of the dungeons, "Always."

Anya led them out of the dungeon to where Katya fanned herself. She wreaked of sex, but no one seemed to mind. Katya was always the flirtatious of the two sisters and always had a lingering scent on her. Anya took Katya's wrist as Oscar took the other, discretely taking her to a private room.

"What is this?" Katya freed herself.

"You will send Leonardo back or you will marry him," Oscar stated as he crossed his arms.

"Are you insane?" Katya turned to Anya, "He is meant for you! Leave that incestual nit-wit you're married to and marry someone who will actually care more about you! I'm giving you an opportunity you can't pass up!"

"Honestly, i'd love for you to ditch Connie, but not marry someone like Leonardo," Oscar turned to Anya.

"Katya," Anya took a deep breath, "This is the last time i'm going to say this. I'm married to Conrad, I'm with him though he favors Emma and cares little for my own children because I am a good wife. There is no one else for me. So, since you have consummated with Leonardo, you know that you must do the same."

Katya's eyes widened at the thought of marriage. It quickly turned to a glare, "Sister...you wouldn't."

"Perhaps the bond of matrimony will make you see what really happens when something you love is constantly taken from you by someone else," Anya's gazed turned cold.

Oscar knew Anya meant Emma, but wouldn't out right just say it. It was no secret that Conrad favored Emma above anyone else. He felt sorry for his sire sister and stood by her side. Katya grimaced as she crossed her arms, "Fine. He can go. I'll let him know that his departure back to Italy will be swift."

Anya didn't say another word as she left the room, though Oscar reminded Katya that it would be best to lay low for awhile. He followed Anya to where she went to one of her most private rooms and stood on the balcony with her. Anya held her crown in her hands, "You know, when I first became Queen, I knew it would be hard. I took it from you, actually."

"I gave it to you," Oscar reminded Anya, "The title of Queen would've gone to Emma, but I gave it to you to be the sole matriarch for your kingdom instead. My people didn't accept Emma because of the monster she was at the time, that's why they looked to you and haven't looked back."

She nodded slightly as she placed the crown on her head, "b*****d Queen or not, I have an honest kingdom of honest people. We don't fool around and we don't start wards. We are simply at peace with the world."  

[Hikari_Mamo]

"Celia what are you doing here? This is no place for you." Conrad hissed pulling his daughter into his arms. "Did you have a nightmare?" He smiled softly kindly to his daughter and held her close kissing her cheek. He figured Emma would be okay so left the dungeon to take his child back up to the play room with her twin and older brother. "I'll let you in on a secret Celia." He whispered. "You and Luna are my favourite girls." He only showed Emma so much attention because of the guilt he felt for her. She wasn't favoured. He just felt guilty that she had been hurt so much and he couldn't protect her. That was all. He tickled Celia grinning when she squealed with delight. "Aren't you just adorable!" He teased joining the other two in their play. Leaving Emma alone locked in a cage.

Emma knew the truth. Knew it all along. He regretted being with her mother. Regretted having her. She sat up and tried the door but it was locked. Jaw set in frustration she kicked it down. In her current state it took a bit. "I'm going home." She mewed to herself finding a pod in the lowest depths of the castle. In those rare moments she wanted to be alone, this was one of them. She didn't want to be around anyone. Not even Oscar. He still coveted his sire sister any way. She could never beat a bond like that. She arrived back at her castle sooner than she thought and got out on her own. She walked to the elevator and pressed the button to take her to the main floor then to her council room.
"Wow. . . you're back. . . and look like hell what happened?" Nyssa asked helping Emma to a seat.
"Nothing. I'm fine what have I missed?" Emma replied staring at the agenda.

"The terrorists have be neutralized. We've had more Lycan and vampires move to our city, yes city, and we're making preparations for your infant. Oh yes and Sebastian and Scarlette are out hunting with their father."

"Good. Help me too the war room I need a nap and that's the only place that'll hide my scent."

"Why?" Nyssa asked helping Emma up.

"Because I want to be alone right now. Have Edgar in the shadows watching the door. I don't want anybody to disturb my nap." Nyssa nodded and assisted Emma onto the large pile of furs tucking her in with a bucket near by and some blood then left the war room closing the door and doing as her queen asked. "Best not for us to pry hm Edgar?" Nyssa purred.
"I know. But I worry for her. Maybe I shouldn't have sent that letter." Edgar said absently. Nyssa opened her mouth to ask but changed her mind and went back to being Regent for her Queen. Something happened and now the queen was upset. Unless it was just baby hormones.  

[The Madame Red]

"Our Queen," Anya's ladies approached the two, "More vampires from North America and your old school have pledged their allegiance to you. Your court has grown to that of a state. Soon, you will have your own country."

Anya blushed at the thought. Knowing her kingdom was vastly growing she would need more than just herself to be ruler. But could she trust Conrad with that type of power? She had before and he nearly killed her off, he did kill his own people off, and he had threatened to kill anyone that defied him. It was a risk, but her people would understand. Anya nodded and turned to Oscar, "It seems your wife has decided to leave you once again. I hope you find happiness, brother."

"Well, she is my wife," Oscar sighed as he scratched the back of his head, "The greatest good I will ever get... But, she's pregnant, so when I don't look at her the whole day is ruined basically."

"Understood," Anya chuckled, knowing that Emma would act like that even if she wasn't pregnant, "Go to your wife and tend to your duties. Having your company here as cheered me up greatly."

Oscar gave Anya one last hug before heading back to Emma's, knowing he wouldn't have the biggest of receptions but at least he was still married to her unless she wanted a spontaneous divorce.



Anya went down to see that there was at least several kilometers added to her kingdom to hold as many vampires as she had. Some lycans remained, but most were of formal vampire descent or just plain country people who admired Anya's history. She went to see her children playing, though she was somewhat surprised to see Conrad there. Then again, not really. Emma had left, so his attention would be diverted to his other children seeing as his favorite had left.

"Is your Father playing nice?" Anya mused, to which the children smiled and nodded before the twins hugged on Conrad's legs, "Pick us up, Father!"  

[Hikari_Mamo]

Conrad gasped and smiled lifting them both up and spinning them a little holding them close and nuzzling their cheeks. He laughed with them and turned back to Anya. "Kids run!" He teased. "Someone's madame grumpy face~ Ah~ oh no~!" He laughed with them then put them down starting to play tag. No. Emma hadn't told Anya the truth. Good. Let her be misguided.


"My Prince Emma's sleeping right now." Nyssa said in a mild panic when he returned. "She doesn't want to be disturbed!" But the man had gotten passed her and now she couldn't stop him. Oh well. Let the games begin.
Vampires and Lycans sat in the throne room with popcorn and blood just waiting for the issue to be resolved in a huge fight.

Emma laid curled up on her side hugging a fur her face contorted with pain. She whimpered her lips moving in silent words. A nightmare. She sat up forcing herself to wake and gasped. Oscar. She held out her arms her bottom lip trembling.  

[The Madame Red]

"It's time for their studies," the nanny escorted the children out, leaving Anya alone with Conrad.

She could see that tension had built in him. The problem was that she didn't have the time for his lies or his games. Anya left the too. To tend to Leonardo's departure.




"Get a hold of yourself, Emma," Oscar placed her on his lap, "Anya doesn't quiver like a child when she's scared or hurt, and she carried her kids beautifully in pregnancy. You're kind of a bigger deal now, you'll have to drop the princess act and act more like a lady than some scary figure. Obviously it didn't work with your dad since they converted to Anya's rule. Yeah, you have a family or two that followed your dad, but Anya had the rest of the court and then some."  

[Hikari_Mamo]

Conrad sighed. Great now Anya was angry with him. But he wasn't going to run this time. Not from his kids. If Anya didn't want him. . . He realized then. Not even his kids could keep him alive if Anya didn't want him. Katya was getting between them. He didn't know how to fix this. Didn't know if she wanted to. She always misread him. Always.


Emma growled but snuggled close. She kept her mouth shut. Tears burned her eyes. What hurt more is he didn't take her side. "It's hard." She finally said. "It's hard to get a hold of myself when my back and feet and head are aching, when I can't keep anything down, when I feel fat and miserable. Unlike Anya I wasn't brought up to be a lady to handle things with dignity and hide the fact that I want to kill someone if only it would make this agony go away. It's hard especially considering that being in that place with all that. . . stuff. It physically hurt me more than this pregnancy. Really hurt. I felt like I couldn't breathe and the worst part? You left me in there. I know I'll never be able to replace the sire bond you have with Anya, I don't want to never have but these hormones are making me crazy, seriously, completely nutters. I wanted to kill a plant today because it touched you. I should just hide here until the baby is born. I might embarrass myself."  

[The Madame Red]

"I left you alone in there because your father hovered over you when Anya needed him to hover over her," Oscar reminded Emma, "I won't come between you and your father, but it hurts Anya too when you two tag team against her, and you know I wouldn't just leave her for you two to pick on her."

He held her closer, "If you want to stay in here and leave someone else to rule in your place, that's totally your call."





Anya watched from her library's window how her people scurried in the bustling cities that nestled within the mountains and could be seen by her castle. Conrad believed she couldn't see through him, but she could with such ease. He made it seem as if he never cared for Emma's mother, which is an utter lie considering he continued the relationship in discretion with the risk of being caught. Plus, instead of claiming Emma a b*****d since she was born out of wed-lock he kept her in the line and even called her a true heir. The truth is always in the details.

It wasn't concerning, though. Alexei would continue as Anya's heir since it was clear that her empire and Emma's kingdom would never mesh together. Thus is life, or death considering the situation. Anya then noticed Leonardo's departure, her sister waving a goodbye to him. Good, one less pain to deal with. She was at least thankful Katya wouldn't be leaving too. With Oscar gone, she knew Conrad would bully her back to his shadow if he could like before.  

[Hikari_Mamo]

"We're still on our honey moon of course someone is ruling in my place." Emma growled with a pout. "And really? If I'm honest, I want you too come between us. You are my husband not him. I want you to be my only male influence for the rest of our lives. I didn't want him there. I wanted you there." She curled more against him nuzzling his neck with her nose. "Just you. And Sebastian and any sons we have together. And daughters. We'll have many of both."

Conrad, slowly, made his way toward Anya, like a kicked puppy wanting forgiveness. He sat on a chair and waited for her to acknowledge his presence. He was not going to make the same mistakes he made when he was king of all. Not one bit.  

[The Madame Red]

"Alexei's betrothal will be staying in the castle once more before her parents sign the contract to unify them," Anya spoke as she kept her back turned to Conrad, still watching the happy people bustle about beneath her, "Alexei is more than excited for this. His sisters can't hold secrets and his nanny can see it in him. You'll be happy to know Leonardo left as well."





"Then next time we see your dad and he starts hovering over you, i'll kick his a** and send him back to Anya," Oscar teased as he kissed her nose, picking her up, "C'mon, lets go rain on someone's parade."

By someone he meant Liam, and by rain he meant finding that bucket of water and dousing them all with ice cold water.