by Viola Grace
She bolted upright and looked to Nen. “Where are the restrooms?”
He got to his feet and pointed. “Though the main doors and past the elevator.”
She nodded and patted his arm. “I will be back in a moment.”
She moved calmly and confidently across the room and out the main doors. The ladies’ restroom was there, and she made her way into the handicapped cubicle and vomited up her dinner. She threw up again, flushed, and went to wash out her mouth at the sink as well as washing her hands. She had been careful of her dress, and she verified that she was fine in the full-length mirror. Her cheeks were flushed, and her eyes were bright like Kel level of bright. Where her irises should have been, there were bright white-blue flames.
She snorted and left the bathroom, heading back toward the ballroom. There was just one problem, it was closed.
* * * *
Kel looked toward the doors. “Do you feel she is alright?”
“Certainly. With everything else, her body is changing. There are months of alterations in behaviour to deal with.” Nen murmured.
Kel paused. “Why are they closing the doors?”
Nen looked and frowned. “The vote isn’t due for hours.”
A woman touched the lock, and there was a band of power that bound the room in a ward.
Nen got to his feet.
Olmin walked up to him and asked, “What is the problem?”
“They have just warded the room ahead of schedule.”
Olmin nodded. “Right, one of the ladies said it would be nice to do it when everyone was still seated.”
Nen looked at a group of women who were looking at the door and laughing. “This isn’t going to go the way they thought.”
Just as he spoke, the doors shuddered as Krys tried to return. The doors flexed, and the women at the table were cackling.
The sound of the women came to a halt when blue fire wrapped around the doors and pulled them open. Well, ripped them off their hinges would be a better explanation.
Framed in the flaming archway, Krys dusted her hands off and walked through the span of the doorway that had previously bound in the strongest mages in the city.
She walked back to the table, and she nodded. “Sorry it took so long. The meal didn’t agree with me. What did I miss?”
Kel chuckled. “They attempted to take the census, but as you weren’t here, it couldn’t be completed, dearest.”
She smiled, and he pulled her into his arms, and then, he sat down with her on his lap. It was best to not leave things ambiguous with mages hungry for power around. She was theirs, and she would remain theirs.
He kissed her and flexed his hand on her hip. Nen moved in behind her and pressed a kiss to her neck.
Krys shivered. “Seriously? In public?”
Nen ran his tongue along the side of her neck, and she breathed a little harder.
Kel chuckled. “Your body is off balance after you were ill. The child?”
She grimaced and nodded. “Most probably. You have seen me eat. I have a cast-iron stomach.”
Kel opened his jacket and pulled out a granola bar. “Here you go.”
She stared at it in wonder. “How did you know?”
He chuckled. “Nen and I have been doing research for the last week. You don’t even want to guess what is hidden in his suit jacket.”
Nen grinned at him and handed Krys a bottle of water. They were taking care of their partner and bound mate. Later this evening, they would propose. Both of them were carrying rings. If she could be protected by every means, including legally, they would pursue it. An elaborate wedding could be held at a later date. They wanted to have her tied to them in every means and method possible while keeping her secure. Their first connection had been under strained circumstances. Now, they were offering themselves to her as her own choice, but it was up to her to make that decision. They were just trying to keep the offer as appealing as possible.
* * * *
Krys threaded her hand through Nen’s hair as he worked at her neck with his mouth. She exhaled slowly and blinked at the blue mist that coiled out from between her lips. “What is that?”
Nen lifted his head. “Magic. Your body is full of it right now. Every cell of your body is radiating it.”
Kel slid his hand up her ribs. “It is beautiful.”
She started smacking hands and heads. “Knock it off, guys. Folks are staring.”
Kel laughed. “I think they are more shocked at you batting us away than they are at our public display.”
Nen moved to sit next to her. “Do you feel better?”
Krys gave him a wary look. “Yes? Did you do something?”
He laughed. “More or less. Because of your nature, the effects of early pregnancy can be pushed back with letting a little power run through your system to flush it out.”
She peeled open the granola bar and kicked her feet slightly. Carefully, she nibbled at the granola bar and slowly sipped at the water.
“So, what happens now?”
“Once the census is completed, there is music and dancing. Then, we go home.”
She sighed happily. “That sounds like the best part of the night.”
Kel laughed, and as they sat in their little cluster with her on either Kel or Nen, warlocks and mages came up to be introduced. They all shook her hand, and every single one rubbed their fingertips together after they left. She was watching.
The music started, and couples headed to the dancefloor. Nen offered her his hand. “Would you care to dance?”
She looked at Kel. “Not you?”
“No. I take up too much space, but you can save me a dance at home. I would love to spin you around in the back garden.”
“Charmer. I would love to have you take me for a spin.” She stroked his jaw, and then, she took Nen’s hand to head to the dance floor.
The next twenty minutes were spent spinning around and laughing as they twisted and dipped between the other magic users. She shared her idea with him, and he agreed, going to speak with the musicians.
Krys walked over to where Kel was speaking with Olmin and Argo. Krys held out her hand to her partner. “Come on. We are making some room.”
He blinked. “Are you sure about this?”
She nodded. “Pretty sure.”
He held out his hand, and she pulled him along with her. She yanked him with her to the dancefloor, and she glared at the other dancers. They backed away, and she turned to Kel with a bright smile. “Let’s dance.”
Slow music began, and they danced together in a wide circle that was kept clear by Nen.
He smiled. “You asked them to clear the floor?”
“We warned them that it was happening. What they did with that information was up to them.” She grinned and twirled away from him before twirling back against his chest.
He smiled. “You are having fun?”
“I am. Aside from not being able to hold onto dinner, it is a weirdly fun gathering.”
He frowned. “Are you all right?”
“Yeah. The granola bar was a lifesaver. Too bad. I was going to introduce you to ghost chili sauces next week, but if nausea builds up, I am going to be sticking with bland food and a bucket under my arm.”
Kel smiled. “Nen is telling me that it rarely lasts the entire pregnancy.”
She nodded. “Nine more months, and then, I can work at finding my new normal.”
He moved slowly with her. “Eight months, three weeks.”
She chuckled. “Right. That. I can deal with anything for that long, I hope.”
“Really? You were having a rough time with three days.”
She wrinkled her nose. “You didn’t have video streaming and takeout.”
“I could have kept you entertained.”
Krys snorted. “I think I would have tried to kill you after a while. I can only be mentally idle for so long, I also don’t think that the
guild would have let me keep my own mind very long. If you wanted a toy, they would have given you one without asking.”
He tightened his grip on her hip. “I would have destroyed them all without a thought.”
She nodded. “I know. So, it is better that we are here. Any issues that I have with the local community can be dealt with by simply hacking into their financials and taking all their money away. Not that I would do that.” She smiled up at him.
He grinned. “I knew I liked you.”
“I am glad you figured it out.” She swayed with him, and he flexed his wings, surrounding her as he kissed her without worry or rush. It was just her and him and their heartbeats. When he lifted his head, she chuckled. “Have you folded yourself in half to reach me?”
“It is worth the flexing.” She reached up, and in the darkness of his wing shadow, she could see the stars and planets moving across her gown, reflected against the thick feathers and their skin.
She looked at his features and chuckled. Reaching up, she removed the lipstick from his mouth. “There. All presentable again.”
He smiled. “Thank you for looking out for me.”
“You are welcome, and it isn’t really your colour.” She winked and patted his chest. The music had stopped, so he folded his wings back, and the ballroom was illuminated by the stars on her gown.
The other gowns had dulled over the course of the evening, but hers was bright, and the stars that she remembered staring at from Kel and Nen’s world were hot and brilliant.
Nen walked up to them, and Kel gathered them in. It was as public a declaration as could be made. They were bound together in front of the gathered society. Protected by both of them, she felt a familiar feeling rushing through her, and the burst of happiness that she felt at that moment expanded outward and was absorbed by her partners.
Nen murmured. “That was new. I didn’t know you could do that.”
She whispered, “I didn’t either.”
Kel grinned. “I knew she could. She just had to be happy.”
She looked at her arm and noted that she was glowing. Kel was glowing; Nen was glowing.
“What is it?”
Kel kissed the top of her head. “Binding magic that makes mine look weak and feeble. I will just have to accept that you are better at tying folks together than I am. Nen and I are honoured to be your first deliberate spell.”
She smiled at Nen. “When is it okay to go home?”
Power snaked around them and flared. He chuckled. “Now seems right.”
* * * *
Olmin looked at the spot where a ball of energy had just dissipated. Argo shrugged.
“It seems that they had matters they needed to attend to.” Argo chuckled and turned toward the band. “Please, resume the playing.”
They nodded, and the music began.
Sissian walked up to Olmin, and she curtsied. “How can I get an apology gift to the lady?”
Olmin blinked. “Apology?”
“I underestimated her and offered insult at our first meeting. I have never seen a gown come alive like that.” Sissian swallowed. “I am a little nervous to find out if she bears a grudge.”
Argo asked, “Why did you insult her?”
“Um, I have been attracted to Master Danforth for a while. Him appearing with her brought out the worst in me.”
Olmin smiled. “When she comes in for maternity clothing, apologize then, and perhaps have a variety of snacks waiting. I hear that they are desirable at that stage.”
Sissian smiled and nodded. “Good idea, Master. Thank you.” She bowed to them both and left them alone.
Argo chuckled. “That was the first mention of the pregnancy, and Sissian hadn’t even been gossiping about it. Krys must have made a good impression to keep her mouth closed.”
Olmin smiled. “Things appear to be changing. The signs are all there.”
Argo shrugged. “The first official triad in the guild has come out in public, that is one helluva sign. Nobody even batted an eye.”
Olmin patted his familiar on the shoulder. “There is hope for us yet.”
Argo chuckled. “I hope we find her soon, we need to send that signal.”
Olmin grinned. “Kel has given me some more precise information. The signal comes to him the Saturday before Halloween. That is what he used to triangulate our position in the stars. If we have the party as normal, we might be able to make sure that he remains here as our protector.”
Argo nodded. “Sounds like a plan. I will arrange the catering.”
Epilogue
Six months later.
Krys linked arms with Maven and walked her into the shop. “Come on. You can get a full wardrobe if you like, or you can run around in wizard robes. It is up to you.”
Maven snorted as they were approached by Sissian. “What are you here for?”
Krys patted her belly and smiled. “Twins. I am going to get a lot bigger than originally anticipated. I will need more room to grow, and that means pleating.”
Sissian folded her hands and bowed. “Lady Krys, Mistress Maven. Welcome, and please be at ease.”
Maven frowned. “I am still not sure what I am doing here. The guys make me the clothing that I need for each occasion.”
Krys chuckled. “If you want to keep an outfit, this is where you get them. These clothes will get better looking the stronger that your magic gets.”
Maven focused on Krys and looked her over. “You do look really good for someone as far along as you are.”
“I am only six months along. I know I look heavier. It is going to get worse before it gets better. I am only hoping to get them to the eight-month mark.”
Sissian chuckled. “If she goes on leave when she is supposed to, she might make it to the due date.”
Krys smiled. “I might, but I am still going to be working from home with contracts that have stipulated their awareness of my location. I can meet them at the office once every two weeks, but that is it. Just enough to keep me from being bored.”
Maven laughed. “Oh, dear. Mr. Danforth is going to be despondent that he lost his lunch buddy.”
“He is going to be shifting to half days.” Krys smiled. “As soon as the doc puts me on light duties.”
Sissian started measuring Maven while the notepad hovered behind her, recording the measurement.
Krys nibbled at the veggie platter that Sissian had provided. It was outright bribery, but she was into it.
They chatted, giggled, and picked risqué clothing into the evening. Maven’s taste was far more into the cosplay than Krys’s was, but it was still an interesting time.
“So, do you know the genders yet?” Maven asked it directly.
“We know that they both look human, and that is enough for me. If they both sprout wings in their teens, that will be their issue to deal with. Maybe they can find a nice warlock, witch, or familiar to help them along.”
Maven chuckled. “Or maybe all three.”
“So, do you think we have started a trend?” Krys grinned and flipped through the maternity catalogue.
Sissian looked at them astonished and said, “Yes. I have been approached by two pairs of warlocks in the last two months. I won’t say that I wasn’t intrigued, but I wasn’t drawn to it.”
Maven snorted. “When it happens, you will know. There were all kinds of lights and sirens going off in my bloodstream.”
Krys smiled. “I was trying to just enjoy myself for the moment, but after a while, I realized it wasn’t a dream brought on by red wine, porn, and expensive cheese. I panicked for a moment and then just went for it. It got intoxicating after that, but there is a definite this is when you jump moment.”
Maven nodded. “Same. There was just a moment when it was the only thing that felt like it would be right for me. Not for anyone else, just me and them.”
Maven grinned. “At least time travel wasn’t involved for me. That is just some
weird stuff.”
Krys snorted. “I can draw you a timeline, but it still gets weird. Thank goodness you got with your guys, or I wouldn’t have mine now. Funny how fate jams her heel into you.”
Sissian smiled. “Since you are interested in a little idle gossip, have you heard about the new member of the Kayett family that has been rumoured to be in this very city.”
Krys cocked her head. “Kayett?”
“Descended from Rapunzel and the golden goose. A single hair can turn into enough money for a lifetime.” Sissian brought out more interesting design books, and Maven made more choices.
They learned about the linking of some fairy tales to modern magical families and how the Kayetts were famous for auctioning off their daughters for the best advantage. Krys smiled. “I think I am going to do some reading.”
Maven nodded. “I believe I have already come across something that will work. I will have to get the guys to cooperate when it happens. Gee... how shall I persuade them?”
They laughed together, ate the snacks, and then Krys and Maven drove home. They had warlocks to question and a lot of persuasion to go through. It took having a private source of magic to turn a mage into a warlock, and the sources were not above using everything they had learned to make the warlocks see it their way.
Author’s Note
Well, that explains where this triad came from. The next is a quad. Mmmf. Caught Bare is the tale of a courier who finds herself claimed by a family she has no interest in, but they have a plan for her.
The next story is going to cover several fairy tales and a bit of extrapolation. It should be interesting.
Thanks for reading,
Viola Grace
About the Author
Viola Grace (aka Zenina Masters) is a Canadian sci-fi/paranormal romance writer with ambitions to keep writing for the rest of her life. She specializes in short stories because the thrill of discovery, of all those firsts, is what keeps her writing.
