Part Two As Marguerite descended the stairs, Lacroix’s eyes drifted over her. All in all, this had turned into an interesting evening. Dr. Lambert was safely brought across. Even better, he couldn’t be blamed, although the result was the same. Nicholas would be distracted from his ridiculous little quest, and his own revenge for Fleur was fulfilled in a way -- by her own granddaughter, no less. Lacroix’s gaze was drawn to the pendant around Marguerite’s neck, and he thought back to that night... ***Louvain Castle, 1289*** He was outside the doorway of the nursery. The door was ajar, and he could hear singing from within. It sounded like Nicholas’ niece. Damn Nicholas anyway, for getting him curious. A baby girl, Nicholas had told him, who looked like Fleur. He had to see for himself. He had to admit that he was also looking forward to seeing the girl again. It had been eight years, and the time had come to check up on her anyway. He doubted she would choose to leave her children to join his little family, but he felt compelled to ask anyway. He thought she would make a delightful companion. The way she stood up to him without being defiant was charming. And she had no fear of vampires; Fleur had not been afraid. -- No, he would think no more of Fleur tonight. Silently, he pushed open the door and stepped inside. Nicholas’ niece was rocking her infant and singing softly. Her hair was loose, and it fell in gentle waves down her back. In her white night dress, with the moonlight streaming in, she looked like an angel. Nonsense, Lacroix thought, there are no angels, because there is no Heaven. As if she heard his thoughts, she looked up and smiled. “Good evening, Lacroix. I’d hoped you’d be appearing soon.” Lacroix drew closer. “Good evening, my dear. Nicholas told me about the birth of your daughter, and I came to congratulate you.” She gave him a puzzled look. “Daughter? My daughter is four years old. I thought Nicolas told you about her and you just didn’t care.” She gestured toward a small bed. “Her name is Lilly. A little over a year ago, I had twin boys. I thought they were the reason you were here.” Lacroix looked at the small form in the bed. She did indeed look like Fleur. Beautiful. He turned back to Nicholas’ niece. “Lilly? -- Lilly, Marguerite, Fleur. --All flowers. How...female. What of the boys?” She pointed to a cradle. “This is Niklaas, he’s older by a few minutes. She held up the baby in her arms. “And this is Luc.” Lacroix smirked. “You named a child for me? Thank you; I’m touched. Ironic that he will be dependent on Niklaas, isn’t it?” He murmured the last sentence and handed her the package. “I’ve brought you and your children gifts.” She shifted Luc to one hip as she rummaged through the package. She murmured her appreciation over everything, and then pulled out a gold chain with a pendant in the shape of a daisy. “Oh, this is so beautiful! Thank you! I have something for you as well.” Before Lacroix could move, Marguerite deposited the baby into his arms and ran from the room. He looked down at his namesake and smiled. If Nicholas could only see him now, holding a baby. Luc sleepily looked up at Lacroix and reached up to touch his face. Lacroix flinched back slightly, but being he was holding the baby he didn’t get very far. Luc had started to make happy-baby noises and, not knowing what else to do, Lacroix started to awkwardly rock the baby. He whispered, “Why couldn’t you just remain asleep? Don’t expect me to sing to you either, that’s your mother’s job.” He looked from Luc to Niklaas -- identical twins. While Lilly was the image of Fleur, the twins looked more like Marguerite. He continued to rock Luc, more confidently now, and finally Luc settled down. Marguerite startled Lacroix, “You seem to be a natural, Lacroix.” He turned to see her looking at him with a mischievous smile on her face. Her expression reminded him of Nicholas and he smiled back. He noticed the book in her hand and replied, “Yes, well, as nice as this is, I would like to trade my burden for yours. Yours seems...drier.” “Luc cannot be wet; I just changed him. But I’ll trade with you anyway. -- Were you in love with my grandmother?” “And why should I discuss my personal affairs with you, child?” She countered, “My name is Marguerite; I wish you would use it. I think my name bothers you because I’m named for her. -- Why didn’t she go with you? I know she cared for you too.” He replied, “Love doesn’t guarantee a happy ending, my dear. My pain is still too close to the surface for me to bare my soul to you now. If you choose to accept my gift and become my companion, I could one day share it with you. Otherwise, you could ask your beloved uncle for his version.” Marguerite asked, “Tell me, Lacroix, what would happen to the unborn child I am carrying if you brought me across?” Lacroix replied, “I am sorry to say that you would lose it, little one, and as cruel as Nicholas purports me to be, even I have limits. Perhaps I will wait a few years and try again?” Marguerite smiled. “Yes, well, as you told me once before, you have nothing but time.” ************************** Not long after that meeting, Nicholas informed him that Marguerite was missing, presumed dead actually. Lacroix had felt a small amount of regret, because he had left her that night without calling her by her name. He could feel her frustration and disappointment as he left, but there was nothing he could do. She was right, he couldn’t say her name because it made him think of Fleur. It was still painful now, but more bearable. At least she didn’t remind him of Fleur in any other way but name, so that was some consolation. Finally, he spoke, “I don’t know if it’s possible, Marguerite, but it seems you are even more beautiful than when last we met.” Smiling, she answered, “Thank you. You know, it didn’t take me long to realize that this necklace was your way of acknowledging my name. I’m glad to see you’ve gotten over you aversion.” She settled herself next to him on the couch. Lacroix asked, “You still don’t know what happened, do you?” She replied, “No, I never saw Nicolas again until tonight. Are you finally willing to tell me?” “I will summarize it for you, my dear. -- After Nicholas was brought across, he wanted to visit his mortal family one last time before disappearing from their lives. Fleur and I fell in love. I had every intention of bringing her across and she was willing to become a vampire in order to be with me, but Nicholas objected. I acceded to his wishes, but I told him that if he ever truly loved a mortal, I would take her away from him the way he took Fleur away from me. He agreed.” Marguerite guessed, “Natalie?” Lacroix agreed, “Yes, I had every intention of bring her across, you know. I didn’t want you to try and save her mortal life. Once, I had intended on taking her life, but when I realized Nicholas would rather see her die than become like us, my revenge became clear.” Marguerite commented, “So I unwittingly became the instrument for your revenge, then? How fitting for you.” Sensing she was about to get up, Lacroix reached out and touched Marguerite’s cheek. “After getting to know the good doctor, I found I was reluctant to kill her anyway. Immortality is a great gift, you know. She’ll make a fine vampire.” “While getting your revenge on Uncle Nick.” She pressed Lacroix’s hand to her cheek with her own hand. “I don’t regret bringing Natalie across. I had already offered to do it if she wanted it and Uncle Nick wouldn’t do it. I think my uncle was wrong to keep you and my grandmother apart; it wasn’t his decision to make. I can’t say I’m sorry you were separated, though, otherwise I wouldn’t be here.” Lacroix commented, “It had occurred to me recently that since Nicholas is such an abysmal failure at embracing his nature, maybe not bringing Fleur across was the right decision. I will never admit this to Nicholas, of course. I’m only telling you because I think you’ll understand. You seem to have turned out well. -- I am looking forward to getting reacquainted with you.” He took his hand and hers away from her cheek and kissed her hand. She asked, “More revenge, Lacroix?” “No, this is personal, and purely selfish,” he replied. The intensity of his gaze made her still heart flutter. Not knowing how to respond, she changed the subject, “I can hear your delivery boy’s heartbeat. Are you going to meet him before he can ring the buzzer?” He smiled. “I’ll go meet him if you get out two glasses for us, I think we could use a drink.” As soon as Lacroix was in the elevator with the door safely closed behind him, Marguerite started to search through Nick’s cabinets for the wineglasses. She sighed, “Amen to that!” In her quest, she found a mug and decided to leave it out for Nat’s first meal. It might be easier for her to use a more familiar cup. Nicolas had obviously kept it here for Nat to drink coffee out of; she had seen the coffee previously. Nicolas. What was he going to think when... Lacroix... She was attracted to him. She had been since she had seen him that last time, rocking Luc. She knew he had a tender side he kept carefully hidden. It called out to her. If it weren’t for her children, she would have actually chosen to go with him. She needed to think. As soon as darkness fell, she’d convince Natalie to stay with her, and they could both get their minds off their problems. Marguerite stretched out with her senses to check up on her new daughter, who was still sleeping. Good, she needed it. These last few months had been taking its toll, and after last night, well... Marguerite only hoped her uncle wouldn’t get so wrapped up in his own blame and guilt that he couldn’t help Nat get through this. Thank God, Natalie had a realistic attitude, and she seemed strong-willed. Maybe Nat could knock some sense into Nick. The lift door opened and Lacroix emerged, with the case casually tucked under one arm. He strolled over to Marguerite in the kitchen area, placed the case on the table, and went about opening it. Marguerite watched him thoughtfully as he opened the bottle and filled two glasses. Handing a glass to her, he commented, “You’re quiet all of a sudden.” She replied, “Is my uncle as self-absorbed as I think? Natalie says that at times he’s consumed by guilt for his past sins.” Lacroix agreed, “Oh, yes, he’s never actually gotten past the ‘world-revolves-around-me’ stage. Everything is about his guilt and his quest for redemption.” Marguerite took a sip from her glass and walked toward the couch, picking up the remote along the way. “But his life should really be about embracing his nature and staying with you like a dutiful son?” Lacroix took his glass and the bottle and followed. “Are you mocking me, Marguerite? I don’t find his attitude funny.” As she sat down, she sighed, “There’s nothing funny about the whole situation. I was asking a serious question. I want to understand. My relationship with Kayla is very different.” He sat next to her. “Ah, yes, you’re allowed to flutter around like a malevolent little butterfly, aren’t you? If Marcus is tracking you, where *is* Kayla? She should be here, you are her responsibility.” Marguerite grimaced. “I’m not her *only* responsibility, you know. We had a ‘family’ crisis and Kayla went to take care of the situation. She should be back soon. I don’t want to fight with you, Lacroix. It was only a question; forget that I asked it. I’m too tired right now.” He replied, “I suppose I could be persuaded to forget it. We are supposed to be getting reacquainted, are we not?” Marguerite asked, “Could we wait until I’m more awake? I’d rather zone out in front of the TV right now and fall asleep.” Lacroix smirked as he plucked the remote from her hand. “What should we watch?” #################### Nick was having a restless time. The events of the past night were haunting him. Marguerite was right; he had known that Nat would rather come across than die, but he just couldn't bring himself to make her share his dark existence. The more he thought it over, he realized he had been wrong not to consider her wishes. Now he worried what that would mean to their relationship. What would their relationship be like now that Nat was a vampire? Could she handle this new change? Would she still care for him? Every time he awoke he heard the murmur of Lacroix and Marguerite's voices. Faintly, he was aware of his master's emotions... Satisfaction, pain, irritation, and...tenderness? What in the world was going on down there?! Ouch! Nick had rolled onto his sore shoulder -- again. He couldn't bear it any longer. He couldn't sleep and he was hungry. Besides, he couldn't hear any more voices, so they must be asleep. He'd just sneak down and get a glass... Human or cow? He couldn't think right now. He'd just go and see what happened when he got there. As Nick descended the stairs, he made his decision -- definitely human blood. He needed it to deal with this. There, on his couch, was his niece cuddled against Lacroix's shoulder, sound asleep. And so was Lacroix. He would ignore this for now, until he could get Lacroix alone. He needed to know his master's intentions. He didn't want Daisy hurt. Besides, he had to think of what he could possibly say to Natalie. All he ever did was apologize for hurting her. He didn't know why she loved him so much. What could she see in him? There was a glass waiting for him on the table; he ignored it as he uncorked the bottle with his teeth. He felt a little guilty as he gulped down a good portion straight from the bottle, but he knew he needed it. His shoulder still ached and it itched. He had just put the bottle to his lips again when he felt Marguerite get up and approach him. He looked at her curiously as she took a new bottle and filled her glass. She warned, "Don't start, Uncle Nick." He tried to give her an innocent look as he asked, "What?" She smiled at him. "I know you have questions, but I don't know the answers." Accepting her answer for now, Nick gave her his little-boy-lost-look. "What can I possibly say to Nat? She's going to be changed. What if she doesn't forgive me for what I've done? Can you sense any feelings from her?" Marguerite replied, "No, but I think she'll be waking up soon. I can feel her growing restless." She traded her empty glass for the empty mug and picked up the bottle. "Let me talk to her alone first? I think the two of us together would just confuse her." Nick asked, "What will you tell her?" "I'll leave the explanations to you, Nicolas. I'll tell her the truth of my part. I came in, saw her on the floor, you were staked, and I took matters into my own hands. If I were you, I'd wait until she's had a chance to adjust before you make confessions. Maybe tomorrow? I have to explain my connection with you to her, so let's see how she handles that, okay? I'm not going to bad-mouth you, but don't expect me to help you out either. You were wrong, Uncle Nick, and you need to think about why you only consider your own feelings." Without waiting for a reply, Marguerite turned and walked away. ********** Natalie was tossing and turning. Even in her sleep she knew things were not quite right. Things felt different somehow. She dreamt of Nick... She had asked him to try Janette's cure, and after badgering him, he agreed. She had to get him now. -- If he had time to think, she'd never be able to convince him again. She couldn't live without his love any longer. At first everything was okay, but then something went wrong. Nick couldn't stop. Even though she knew he wanted to, the vampire wouldn't let him. She remembered panic, and then peace. Did she hear Lacroix's voice? Why would he be here? She saw a faint light, and she instinctively knew she was supposed to make a choice. Then a female voice, urging her to drink, to come back to Nick, and to sleep... Was this the same dream? It felt so real, as if it was really happening to her. She saw red eyes, felt the terror and pain as fangs ripped into her throat. There was another, different female voice murmuring similar encouragements, and then more pain. Oh my God, this couldn't be happening! She was losing her baby. Her baby? This *had* to be a nightmare, but it felt so real. Marguerite came running through the door as Natalie sat up and screamed. She dumped the mug and bottle she had been carrying and grabbed Nat's shoulders as she sat down. Nat's eyes were wild and she looked scared. Marguerite focused on her. Oh Lord, Nat was reliving Marguerite's miscarriage. She gave Nat a gentle shake to get her attention, and said, "Nat, it's okay. It's me, Maggie. It was just a nightmare. You're okay now." Natalie's eyes focused and asked, "Maggie? Are you sure? I feel kinda weird." She looked around a little. "What's happened to me? What am I doing in Nick's bedroom? What are *you* doing here? And where's Nick?" Natalie struggled to get up. Marguerite soothed, "Calm down, Nat. You told me you were coming here. When I went to the morgue I found you letter of resignation, so I came straight here." Natalie pulled away. "And found what? Oh God! I'm a vampire now, aren't I? You told me to drink... It *was* you, wasn't it? Why isn't Nick here?" Natalie's eyes were beginning to turn gold, and Marguerite grabbed the bottle. As she poured the liquid into the mug, she said, "Yes, it was my voice, my blood too, actually. Here, drink this. I'm gonna warn you, this is human, but it has to be like that for awhile, until you're stronger anyway." Nat's fangs extended as she caught the scent of the blood, and she took the mug from her friend. The smell of the blood made her very hungry, and she took a sip. Surprisingly, it didn't taste as bad as she had imagined. In fact, it was pretty good. She was so hungry that she gulped the rest down. The sensations were so intense; she had to close her eyes to shut out everything else. Nick was right, the sensations... Natalie could feel everything. She could definitely see the attraction. Then it hit her that she was kind of liking this. Her eyes sprang open; this couldn't be happening. Marguerite turned Nat's face so that they were looking at each other. Good, Nat's eyes were back to normal. "Natalie, listen, I know how you're feeling. We've spoken about this before. Are you going to be okay?" "I think so. I just didn't think that I'd like it," Natalie replied. Marguerite took the mug from Natalie and refilled it. "There's a difference between enjoying a meal and enjoying a kill." Nat said unsurely, "I know, at least I think I do." Marguerite asked, "Look, Nat, Nick is waiting downstairs, but I need to talk to you first. I need to tell you what I was coming to tell you last night." Nat joked weakly, "Let me guess, don't rush into any foolish choices?" Marguerite replied, "I'm glad to see you still have your twisted sense of humor, but no. I originally called you because I had a confession to make. I'm sorry for not telling you sooner, but I wasn't ready to let them know about me yet." Nat asked, "Who's 'them', Maggie?" "Lacroix and Nick. I knew them from before, when I was mortal. -- Did Nick ever mention Andre?" Marguerite replied. Nat was immediately curious. "His nephew? Once, but he didn't say too much." Marguerite told her, "Well, I'm Andre's daughter; Nick is my great-uncle. They thought I had died, and for a long time, I preferred it that way. I knew Uncle Nick wouldn't like it, and he would try to blame himself somehow. We won't even discuss Lacroix now, this is confusing enough as it is." "You knew Nick was a vampire? And you knew about Lacroix?" Natalie grilled. "My father told me when he found out that Nick was visiting me. He thought it would scare me, but it didn't. I met Lacroix twice, but we can discuss that later," Marguerite replied. Natalie agreed, "Much later, Maggie. I need to know what happened here tonight. What did you walk in on?" Marguerite chose her words carefully, but answered honestly, "I'm not too clear on what happened before, but when I came in you were on the floor unconscious, and Lacroix was about to stake my uncle. When I screamed, Uncle Nick turned and got staked in his right shoulder instead. I knew you were dying, so I brought you across without thinking. You had told me you would rather this than death. Do you still feel that way?" Natalie answered, "To be with Nick I would do almost anything... Wait a minute, Lacroix was going to stake Nick? Nick was going to let me die? He was going to bring Tracy across, but let me die?!" Marguerite interrupted Natalie before she could get into full swing, "Natalie, when I came in, my uncle told me to let him die. Later, he said you both had faith in whatever came next. I told him he should wait until at least tomorrow to discuss this with you. You both need to cool off and think. Give him a chance to explain himself before you jump to conclusions. If you want, you can stay at my place. I have an extra bedroom, and I could use the company. We can talk about this some more." Nat answered, "I think I'd like that. I need to separate myself from this and think for a change. I'll need some more answers too." ********** As soon as Nat screamed, Nick started for the stairs. Lacroix appeared in front of him to hold him back. "I thought your niece said *alone*, Nicholas. Do you ever listen?" Nick protested, "But something's wrong..." Lacroix ground out, "Nothing is ever right with you, is it, Nicholas? Marguerite is perfectly capable of handling this. Don't aggravate the situation. Let them be." Nick relaxed slightly and acceded, "I'll stay down here -- for now." He went back to get his bottle before asking, "You heard us talking. How long were you awake?" Lacroix replied, "From the moment her head left my shoulder... And I haven't any answers for your unspoken questions either." Nick said, "I just need one answer, Lacroix. Why?" Lacroix answered, "Why would I be interested in a beautiful, intelligent woman like Marguerite? The fact that she is your niece is irrelevant, Nicholas, accept that. But know this, I gave in to you once, and I will not do so again. -- Stay out of my personal life, Nicholas. I did not interfere with your relationship with your coroner-friend. I expect the same from you." Nick was incredulous; surely his master was selective in his memory. He hissed, "I had no relationship with Natalie *because* of you. Because of you, I couldn't show Nat my true feelings." Lacroix replied, "You could not show Natalie your true feelings because you couldn't face them yourself. At least admit it to yourself now." Nick persisted, "You would have killed Nat if I had tried to get close to her. After what happened on that Valentine's day..." Lacroix sighed, "Oh, please, Nicholas, did you think I couldn't read your thoughts during that little charade of yours? Your true feelings were practically screaming out at me. I keep telling you, Nicholas, you never could hide your feelings from me. I realized you would rather see her die than become one of us." "So this must be quite a triumph for you. Nat's a vampire, brought across by my sister's granddaughter." Lacroix gave a small smirk. "Ironic, is it not?" he quipped. Nick growled, "You have done nothing but interfere with my life, Lacroix. You're always trying to manipulate circumstances to suit your needs." Lacroix shook his head. "Really, Nicholas. Any time I have ever stepped into your life, it was to help you. It's called parental concern." By this time Nick had drained his bottle, and he threw it across the room. Nick growled and started to move towards Lacroix as Marguerite appeared at the head of the stairs. She called down, "You two need to relax. Natalie will be coming down soon, and I don't want her any more upset than she already is." Nick was concerned, and asked, "How is she?" Marguerite came down and surveyed the damage. "She's as well as can be expected, all things considered. She took our relationship calmly, but she is not too happy about almost dying. I convinced her to think everything through and talk to you tomorrow." Nick asked, "We heard her scream, what happened?" "She was having a nightmare," Marguerite answered. He inquired, "So what do we do now?" Marguerite sighed before replying, "Well, Nat and I are going home -- to my place. She needs privacy, but under the circumstances, being alone is not an option." Nick prodded, "I can see her tomorrow? When?" Marguerite considered the question for a moment and then got a business card out of her jacket. "I have to take care of some business at my store. I'll bring Nat with me, and you can meet us there. Let me write my home address on the back." She fished around for a pen and wrote on the back of the card. Lacroix spoke for the first time since Marguerite appeared on the stairs. "You have a store?" He took the card from her and looked at both sides. "How appropriate." He handed the card to Nick. Nick read it and queried, "Fleur-de-lis... A gift shop?" She replied, "You know, antique jewelry and the like. Nat's..." "...been admiring a bracelet there. She's described it to me," Nick finished for her. Marguerite smiled at him. "I've been saving it for her. I think it would make a wonderful gift from you." End Part Two