She turned to face me. “Who the hell are you?”

A waiter quickly brought her an apple martini.

“Oh this is Carmen, She’s looking for a vampire named Bette. We thought we could help her find her.”

The brunette studied me carefully. It seemed like hours. Except her gaze wasn’t as friendly as Shane’s.  “Right Bette… what has Bette done now?”

“Oh my god you know her. I’ve been looking for her these past 2 months.” Things were finally looking up.  Although I was confused why the girls made it seem like they didn’t know who I was talking about.

“I’ll tell her a Carmen was looking for her. What should I say this is regarding?” I felt nervous in this women’s presence. I felt like she already knew everything about me. Like she was testing me. Wondering what my intentions are. I figured honesty was the best policy.

“Oh almost a year ago she had a one night stand with my best friend Tina.” I realized from the look in her eyes she knew who Tina was.  Or maybe this Bette had told her about it. “Anyways Tina had a baby.”

“Oh shit.” I heard Shane say. I was extremely confused. These girls knew more then they led on.

“WHAT? Who the fuck do you think you are? Coming here demanding to speak to Bette. Let me tell you something; Bette Porter doesn’t have any children. So you can tell Tina or whoever that she can go fuck herself.”

I looked deep into her eyes. I sensed her challenge. I could see the pain in her eyes. OMG she felt the same way. Tina wasn’t a long distant memory.  This was Bette but I would continue her little game.“I think Bette should personally tell Tina and her child to go fuck themselves.”

Shane put her hand on the brunettes shoulder to calm her. It seemed to have worked. I was a little terrified. I was hoping she couldn’t see it in my eyes.

“I think you should be the one to relay the message to Tina. I’m not going to her.”

“Bette listen, Tina is in trouble and the baby will be all alone. Probably turned into a slave or something.”

“Listen Carmen of Fangura, Elizabeth Porter doesn’t care.”

I’m sure she could see how shocked I was. It all made sense now. Queen Peggy and Princess Katherine both felt a bond with the child.

“Well Princess Elizabeth the Queen has sentenced Christina to death because she gave birth to your child.”

I turned to leave. I didn’t have time to reason with Princess Elizabeth. If she wasn’t going to do anything about it, I would.  I’d make it known that Angelica was Elizabeth’s daughter. Of course if she didn’t recognize her, Angelica wouldn’t have rights to the crown but she wouldn’t be a slave.

I was surprised I had spoken to her that way.

I was close to my rental car when I heard someone yell; “Carmen stop!”

I turned to face Shane. Who, was running to catch up.

“Listen just give Bette time. She needs to process.”

I nodded. Then l looked into her eyes. “Why did you pretend not to know her?”

“I have to protect her.”

 “Hey Shane, if your ever in Fangura come find me okay.”

She nodded. “I’ll come find you in a couple of weeks.”

“Weeks?” I asked.

“Yes, Bette is leading the troops for war.”

“Against Elfron? You do realize that’s all because of Christina.”

“Wow hum I’ll find you okay. I have to go back inside and see how Bette’s handling the idea of being a mother. What’s the baby’s name?”

“Angelica”

“Beautiful” She winked and headed into the café.  I watched her disappear. I wondered if she meant me or the name. God she’s hot.

 Now I just had to let Christina know Bette wasn’t coming. I hoped Shane could help.

TBC