by K. M. Shea
I’d been trying not to think too deeply about it—we didn’t even know for sure if the Night Court would challenge us to a certamen or declare war. But Leila’s warning served as another reminder that we were dealing with a different type of supernatural. Facing them would require a different kind of strategy from facing off with vampires.
I frowned thoughtfully as I turned and started up the stairs that led back into the mansion.
But how could we get that surprise factor…attack during the day, maybe?
“You are looking rather thoughtful, which frankly is a bit frightening.”
I laughed as I looked up from the stairs. “We meet again, Elite Bellus! I hope you and Adept Bellus are enjoying yourselves?”
“Given that I left my wife cackling with Pre-Dominant Harka as they trashed some of the werewolves in a game of Pictionary, I’d say we are.” He laughed as I joined him on the top stair, and together we slipped back into Drake Hall.
“I’m surprised by the number of attendees,” I admitted. “We gave them pretty short notice, and Celestina said almost everyone accepted the invite.”
I didn’t know if it was because they were curious since Drake Hall had never held a party for supernaturals besides vampires, or because they didn’t want to miss the possible politics, but that so many supernaturals had come was a pretty big deal.
“In general, it seems the party is a tremendous success,” Elite Bellus said. “I’d say Killian has solidified his position as the wronged-party-who-is-unfailingly-innocent.” He glanced down at me. “He wouldn’t have been able to pull it off without you, you know.”
“If you’re implying I am Killian’s accessory used to soften up his image I’m afraid I’ll have to challenge you to a killer round of Pictionary,” I warned him.
We strolled across the foyer, and Elite Bellus waved to a few wizards who offered him slight bows. “You have softened him up, but not in the way you’re thinking,” he said.
I furrowed my brow. “What do you mean by that?”
“He’s slower to bring his brutal brand of justice down,” Elite Bellus said. “A year ago, he’d react to any threat that showed even a hint of surfacing. If it were pre-Hazel Killian, this party wouldn’t have happened, and he would have brutally attacked the Night Court and likely killed Queen Nyte and Consort Ira. There would have been a scuffle between vampires and fae, but he would have used the situation to his advantage politically.”
We stopped next to a fountain Celestina had brought in for the occasion—she said something about needing it to “provide peaceful ambience”. (It seemed like she was pretty concerned about everyone’s stress levels at the party, because the string quartet had a very specific list of calming music they could play, and there were lavender candles burning everywhere in the mansion.)
“I don’t know,” I said. “He’s still pretty cut-throat. He’s only biding his time, you know.”
“Most everyone figured as much,” Elite Bellus grunted. “But it’s not that he won’t fight. It’s…well…it’s the new law he passed about the Unclaimed. Everyone thought he’d tighten his control over all the Unclaimed vampires after that one almost killed you at the start of summer. But instead he gave them a provision so they can band together and actually survive.” He snapped his fingers. “It’s mercy. You’ve brought at least a little mercy into his previously do-or-die thinking.”
“Maybe that’s true.” I appeared to smooth the skirt of my dress, but really I was feeling for the reassuring line of my thigh holster. “He used to complain whenever I asked him to refrain from killing someone,” I said. “But don’t get me wrong. If someone comes after House Medeis or the Drake Family, I’ll be right behind Killian when we get them.”
“Yes, I’ve witnessed that firsthand.” Elite Bellus smoothed his goatee. “Which brings up the real matter I wanted to discuss with you. Your future.”
For a moment, I felt like a high school student who had been called to the guidance counselor’s office. “I’m sorry…what?”
“I propose that in the next year, you should join my office.”
“Elite Bellus…” I struggled for a moment, trying to figure out how to phrase the next part. “You do remember that I’m Adept of House Medeis, right? I’ve got enough things I have to sort through, I really can’t take on a job, too.”
“I wasn’t suggesting you work as a staff member!” Elite Bellus laughed, a jolly noise that reminded me a little of the way my dad used to laugh. “I’m asking you to be my protégée.”
Chapter Nineteen
Hazel
“Your protégée?” I parroted.
“Exactly.” He smiled slyly. “I’m a long way off from retiring, but it’s considered standard for the Elite to start training his or her protégée a decade before handing over the position. Given that you are rather young, no one will mind if your training lasts a few years extra, and I think you’ll be useful and fun to have around.”
My heart slammed in my chest. “Wait, are you seriously saying you want me to be the next Elite?”
“I am. The wizards will have to vote on it when I finally do retire, of course. But that’s the merest formality. There’s never been a protégée who wasn’t approved in the Midwest. And I have a feeling your approval rating will be even heartier than normal,” Elite Bellus said.
I didn’t know what to think—or say! I had never imagined becoming the Elite. The job had always been way beyond my reach when my magic was sealed, and it was a much bigger deal than I had ever planned on being!
“Why would you think everyone would approve? If anything, I’d assume no one would want me as the Elite,” I finally managed to say.
“Nonsense,” he laughed again. “The staff overseeing the Wizard Council will probably cry with relief since it means you won’t be able to meddle in local politics once you make Elite. But everyone else will be even happier since you’ve got the Eminence trained, which means wizards might stand a better chance at getting their voices heard.”
“So you want me to be your protégée because of my connections,” I said. “Not because of my skills or who I am.”
“I said that’s why other wizards would approve your appointment.” Elite Bellus tapped his nose. “I didn’t say it was why I wanted you as my protégée.”
“Then why do you want me as your protégée?”
“Because we need change, and you’ve done it.” He slid his hands into the pockets of his suitcoat and nodded. “In roughly half a year you’ve managed to form a deep friendship with the most lethal vampire Family in the region. You’ve turned your House around and have entirely changed the core basis of what your people believe in—without any backlash. If we want to save magic, we need to start working faster. You’re a unique mixture of open-mindedness, action, and perseverance to do what needs to be done.”
He hesitated, then added, “Though it would be a lie if I didn’t admit I’m hoping you’ll be able to muzzle Killian in the meetings. And don’t think I haven’t noticed how you’ve got the Paragon buddying up with you, too.”
I nodded slowly as his words sank in.
I still didn’t really know how to react. A part of me knew he was right. With everything I’d gone through since spring, something should have imploded on me. But neither the House nor my family had objected to the huge structural and philosophical changes we’d gone through. And no one had threatened me after Killian and I took our alliance public. I didn’t know how much of that was actual skill on my end, or sheer luck.
Besides, I wasn’t an idiot. The position of Elite came with a lot of extra responsibilities. I wasn’t sure I wanted to sign up for that.
I glanced at Elite Bellus, who offered me a smile.
I drew my shoulders back. “I’ll think about it.”
“Excellent!” He took my hand and pumped it in a firm handshake. “That’s all I can ask for. Now…to find my wife.” He turned to survey the crowd meandering through Drake Hall.
�
��You think she finished her Pictionary game with Pre-Dominant Harka?” I asked.
“Absolutely. It wouldn’t take long for those two to trash those puppies.” He raised his chin as he tried to peer above the crowd. (Or I assumed he was peering above the crowd. The only time I’d ever been high enough to experience that was when Gavino had me slung over his shoulder when we were breaking into a magic-guarded vault system owned by a dragon shifter.)
“If I see her, I will tell her you’re looking for her.”
“I’d appreciate that. I’m sure I’ll see you later.” He took a few steps away from me.
On an impulse, I called after him. “Elite Bellus, I have one last question.”
He turned on his heels. “Yes?”
I hesitated, wondering how wise it was for me to ask this question. “Would it really be ethical for me to be considered for the position of Elite if I still had a strong alliance with the Drakes?”
“You mean the werewolves and fae might be concerned that you and the Eminence would team up on them?” Elite Bellus frowned and scratched his neck. “I can see how on paper that might appear to be a problem, but anyone who has seen you or heard of your behavior will know better. You’re a rock, Adept. You won’t do anything if you don’t believe it is right, and that belief doesn’t extend only to wizards, but beyond. Or you wouldn’t have stepped in to save the Eminence even when the two of you were still feuding. You’re…virtuous.”
The moniker actually made me smile as it reminded me of a certain vampire. “I see. Thank you.”
Elite Bellus waved. “Of course! Please do think about it. And once all of this settles, you can bet I will expect an answer. Good evening, Adept.” He disappeared into the flow of the crowd, leaving me standing alone by the fountain.
I rolled my neck, trying to relieve some of the strain I was getting from all the tension—maybe Celestina’s worry about stress wasn’t too off target?—when I felt a familiar presence behind me.
“It seems unreasonable that I have to scent you out like a blasted werewolf in my own home.” Killian tugged on my hand, maneuvering so when I turned around to face him I stepped into his arms.
“Hi Killian. What are you doing?”
Killian’s lips hovered just above my neck. “I am mentally weighing up if I can get away with kissing your neck or if you’ll fish out that dagger I know Celestina got you.”
I squeaked when his lips brushed my neck.
“No blade? I’ll take that as a good sign,” he chuckled into my ear.
“Did you need something?”
“Mm, yes. You.”
“Killian.”
“I meant that sincerely.” He leaned back just enough to give me some breathing room, but kept his arms slung around my waist. “The Paragon showed up. We need to go greet him, or we’ll have a wretchedly difficult time getting him to leave because he’ll be crying about what poor friends we are.”
“We would be poor friends if we didn’t greet him. Where is he?”
“Of course you’d side with him. You’re excessively kind-hearted.” Killian indolently shrugged. “And I believe he’s near the door to the gardens.”
I didn’t think much about it when Killian let me go and held my hand as we made our way through the mansion, a pathway magically opening up in front of us.
But when the Paragon saw us and his expression lit up, it wasn’t until he spoke that I thought about Killian’s relaxed grasp.
“What’s this?” The Paragon dragged out his words and wriggled his eyebrows. “Adept Medeis, are you finally accepting your role as future lady of the Drake Family and official monster tamer?”
I squinted at the Paragon. “Did someone spike your drink?”
He rolled his eyes and fanned his face with his free hand. “As annoyingly oblivious as ever. You do realize that you can’t waltz around with Killian Drake holding you like you are a treasure and think people won’t read into it, don’t you?”
“We’re not talking about this until…other matters are resolved,” I said.
“That’s what you think!” The Paragon laughed. “He’s just going to use this time to campaign his way into your life so by the time you do have to define it, it will be too late! It’s one of the oldest tricks in the book, and I am mildly disappointed you fell for it.”
I forced a smile. “I know precisely what he’s doing, Paragon.”
“Oohhh, I see. So this is a trap so he will commence his campaign allowing you to snag him in return? Well done—now you’re thinking like a fae.” He nodded in approval.
I looked up at Killian. “Did you follow any of that?”
He shrugged. “I generally don’t bother to follow what the Paragon has to say given that he is an idiot. This time, however, I gathered he thinks we’re a couple. Because that suits me, I will approve.”
I groaned and stared up at the ceiling. “Why is the supernatural high society obsessed with love and who is dating whom? There are much higher stakes than whether or not we’re dating, and frankly I find it disturbing that it’s everyone’s main concern.”
I might have let a little more of my irritation leak into my voice than I meant, because the Paragon patted my arm in sympathy. “There, there, my dear,” he said. “I dare say people only care because you’re a wizard and he’s a vampire. We haven’t had a cross-race romance in ages to coo over. You’re a modern Romeo and Juliet…if Romeo had political finesse and fangs and Juliet was capable of snapping someone’s head off.”
“I’m not that strong. I think I’d have to fry them with magic,” I said. “But that’s not the point.”
“Then what is the point?” the Paragon asked.
I helplessly looked up at Killian, hoping he would help me out of the hole I’d dug myself.
He let go of my hand only long enough to tuck an arm around my shoulders, instantly lowering my body temperature by a blessed degree or two. “We came over here to welcome you to the party, and all you’ve done is rile Hazel up. That’s a new low for you, isn’t it?”
“Oh please.” The Paragon snorted. “I’m not even trying.”
“I was more referring to being a poor friend than your general existence as an annoying gnat of a person,” Killian said.
“Oh…oh.” The Paragon shot me a wounded look, which was kind of a weird expression given his ancient appearance. “In that case, I must tell you how pleasant I find this party! Drake Hall is so charming—certainly much better than when I last saw it and your underlings were so very pesky.”
“You mean the last time when you barged in without permission?” Killian stated in a dead tone.
“Paragon, how is Aphrodite?” I asked, desperate for a change of subjects.
“Her beauty continues to shine on!” The Paragon beamed. “I took her portrait just today! Do you wish to see?”
“No, we do not,” Killian firmly said.
The Paragon ignored him and rummaged through his pockets, pulling out his smartphone to show me a picture of the cat.
She was sitting on her pet bed, wearing a purple onesie with a hood and floppy rabbit ears.
Can I just say it? That cat puts up with a lot.
“Paragon, I hope you will allow me to intrude upon your conversation so I may thank our gracious host.” A fae approached us, handsome and bright.
He had the smooth beauty and willowy build of the fae, but the fine lines around his eyes made him look somewhere in his early forties. His hair was the burning gold of the sun, and his robes were made of gold and red silk, with a massive golden belt and a small gold crown that appeared to legit be on fire.
This had to be King Solis of the fae—there was no mistaking the king of the Day Court. (It might have helped that he had three nobles trailing behind him, all of them wearing the rising sun crest of the Day Court.)
Killian glanced at the fae as he joined our circle. “I hope you have enjoyed yourself thus far, King Solis?”
“Indeed, I have.” King Solis’s smile seemed a
lmost mechanical, and I didn’t miss the way he warily flicked his eyes around the room. “Your Family has been receptive, and the aesthetic is pleasing.”
Fae couldn’t lie, so they were really good at using flowery words that mean nothing. Talking to a vampire was upsetting because you knew they could kill you and you couldn’t stop them. Speaking with a fae wasn’t much better, because if you weren’t careful they could get you to legally agree to letting them slit your throat.
The Paragon was the only fae I’d ever met who was straightforward and blunt. I wonder if that was why he took on the appearance of an ancient man. He has the mannerisms of someone much younger and I suspect he probably is younger than he appears, but his front lets him avoid the typical fae mean-streak because most people brush his honesty off as old age.
“I am honored you came,” Killian purred. “We would have missed the delicate charm of fae among the cleverness of wizards and the loyalty of werewolves.”
“Yes. It seems supernaturals are quite comfortable here.” King Solis watched Pre-Dominant Harka laugh with another Alpha, and a fine line creased his forehead. It seemed the Paragon’s suggestion was right on—the fae didn’t like the idea of the other supernaturals getting comfortable with the Drakes.
King Solis cleared his throat, and his expression returned to his forced smile. “It speaks well for our society to see the esteemed Paragon chatting with the Eminence and…” The fae king hesitated when he looked at me.
I bowed a little. “Adept Medeis—of House Medeis.”
King Solis tilted his head back. “House Medeis is the Drake Family’s wizard ally, is it not?”
Ohhhh, someone was fishing for information. Let’s see if I can help put the fear of God in them…
I laughed and leaned playfully into Killian’s side. “An ally? That’s such a formal word. I suppose I fall in that category though. We had to bother with a formal alliance to make everything clean, of course, but I think it’s safe to say House Medeis and the Drake Family are much more than mere allies.”
