All's Fair in Love and Lion

by Bethany Averie

  “Give me the reports for the day in my den,” I call to Ayres as I head down the hallways.

  Ayres’ form comes together and he falls into step beside me. “Lord Bast awaits you there.”

  “When did he arrive?”

  “Five minutes ago. I was on my way to tell you.” Ayres’ calm demeanor betrays no emotion.

  Bast stands as I come in and holds out a hand to me.

  “Well, Monroe,” he says, “you’re finally here.”

  “What’s the trouble?”

  “None. I’ve news.” Bast’s grin is wide enough to split his face. “Alexia is pregnant.”

  I push aside the envy. Bast would make a better father than me anyway. “Excellent. Why didn’t you tell me last time you were here?”

  “It wasn’t confirmed until yesterday. I would’ve told you then, but Ayres informed me you were out.”

  “Yes, I had other business.”

  “Would that other business be of the female variety, specifically a Firstling?” Bast nudges me.

  “As if I’d tell you. I already made that mistake.” A part of me still smarts from it, too.

  “I assume things have progressed?”

  I grunt.

  “Affirmative, then?” He laughs. “Ah, Monroe. It’s about time you settle down.”

  “Indeed.”

  He slaps my back. “It’ll be a nice change to have you in a better mood. My compliments to Sasha, if you please.”

  I shove Bast away. “Enough.”

  Unfazed, he rubs his hands together. “This is perfect. You’ll get out of the testy mood you’ve adopted since we became adults and enjoy life.”

  Ayres’s entrance into the room prevents me from answering. He puts a tray of two glasses and a bottle of port on an end table and leaves the room.

  “I suppose you’ll have a glass of port with me?” I ask.

  “A small one. I must get back.”

  “Of course.” I hand him a glass, taking one for myself. I lift my glass. “To Alexia. May she endure your hovering better than anyone, and repay you by giving birth to one who will annoy you as much as you have me.”

  He rolls eyes. “Great toast, Monroe. Regardless, I’ll drink to Alexia.” He raises his own glass.

  “You deserve it after how you’ve treated me.”

  “I treat you fine. You’re the one with the irritable disposition. To think of what I’ve borne the last thirty years is enough to injure a weaker man.” The corner of his mouth twitches.

  “If I’m irritable, you only have yourself to blame.”

  “No matter. Your moods never stopped me from being your friend. I know underneath beats the heart of a true and loyal comrade.”

  I shake my head. “You’ve gone soft since you married.”

  “Sasha can do that for you,” he chortles, then pats my shoulder. “I wish you the same happiness I’ve found.”

  “Oh get on with you,” I say gruffly, shrugging his hand off. “I thought you had to return to Alexia.”

  “Before I do, there’s something you should know.”

  “What?”

  “Lily came to see me.”

  “This is what you wanted to tell me? Heavens, Bast, why don’t you cut off my arm while you’re at it!”

  “So, she was telling the truth. She has come to see you since she returned.”

  “When she went to visit her misbegotten uncle, Alveron, and we didn’t hear from her in months, I thought I was rid of her. Then she shows up in her usual way. The usual song and dance about our parents’ accursed desire for our marriage.” I slam my fist on the table holding the tray of port. The tray clatters to the floor, shattering the glass decanter. “Never have I been more relieved my parents were dead than I am now. They were nightmare enough while they lived. The legacy they left me wasn’t this castle or my duty to the Council, but a stupid tigress who can’t seem to get it through her thick skull I hate her!”

  “Does Sasha know about Lily?”

  “Not yet.”

  “Monroe, you know she’ll find out. Either you’ll slip and tell her or she’ll find out some other way. And when she does, you best know what you’re doing.”

  “If only we didn’t have that damn rule about not killing one another.”

  A ghost of a smile lights Bast’s lips. “The Creator Lord be praised we do. If not, you might’ve killed off a good number of Thirdlings because of your temper.”

  “You as well.”

  “No, not me. Despite all your protests, I know you care.”

  “Has anyone told you you’re an idiot, Bast?”

  He laughs. “You have, many times.”

  “Still true.”

  “There’s the Monroe we love and cherish.”

  “Bastian J. Cantrell, you tread a fine line between life and death.”

  He opens his pocket watch. “Unfortunately, I haven’t the time to properly challenge you. Some other time, hmm?”

  “Go run home to the protection of your wife, you puppy.”

  “Always a pleasure seeing you, too.”

  In spite of myself, I feel my lips twitch. “Oh, get along with you, you moronic canid.”

  “Come see us sometime. Alexia misses you. She said if I didn’t invite you over this time I’d sleep out in the cold.”

  “Give my sincerest congratulations to your brave wife. I’ll come soon.”

  “I’ll advise her not hold her breath as you have pressing female business on your mind.”

  “Bast, watch your tongue or else I’ll be forced to cut it out.”

  “Sometime you should do so instead of these empty threats.”

  “One day.”

  “Until then, I bid you a fond farewell. Don’t drive Ayres too crazy, and beware of Lily.” Bast makes his way to the door and I throw another threatening look his way. He salutes. “Adieu, my friend.”

  “Get out, fiend,” I bellow.

  He exits, his laughter filling the castle.

  Rolling my eyes, I peek into the First Realm. I note it’s past when Sasha’s school dismisses for the day and contemplate entering her mind. A rush of protective feelings course through me. I’ve lived thirty-five lonely years before I met Sasha. I can’t, won’t, let Lily near her.

  Creator in Heaven, keep her safe. Don’t let Lily get her hands on her, not after I’ve spent so much time battling envy of Bast and everyone else happily married.

  In my mind’s eye I picture Sasha, her sky-blue eyes focused on a student’s paper while her red pen flashes across the page. I concentrate on how much she loves teaching and in one swift movement I’m with her. For a minute I’m dizzy as I realized it actually worked. I force my own mind to relax.

  “Sasha.”

  “You scared me,” she answers out loud.

  “I apologize.”

  “Where have you been today? It’s been quiet.”

  “You missed me.”

  She fights her grin. “Just an observation.”

  “I’m sorry. You see, I only woke recently, and my friend, Bast, insisted upon visiting me today.”

  “Does he come often?” She picks out another student’s paper.

  “Not really. Are you all right?”

  “I’m sorry I’m not the most fascinating company. I have these essays from the first act of The Tempest to grade.”

  “Your work demands your full attention, then?”

  “Mostly.” She leans back in her chair, rubbing her temples. “I did miss you.”

  “And I you.”

  “Does that mean I’ve lost my mind?”

  “No. You’re quite sane.”

  “Are you?”

  I laugh. “I presume I’m saner since I’ve met you.”

  “Thanks.”

  “You’re welcome. How is the essay contest coming?”

  “Only ten entries out of over a hundred students. In previous years there has been more interest.” She sighs. “I wish more would sign up.”

  “Sounds like they do
n’t fully appreciate the opportunities you offer them.” Tension rises in her mind, but she battles it back.

  “Goes with the territory.”

  “You’re a brave woman. I would’ve skewered them all.”

  Laughing, she covers her mouth with a hand. “I wouldn’t recommend that.”

  Amusement rises in me. “Perhaps it isn’t a good idea.”

  “It’s illegal and amoral.”

  “I’ll keep that in mind. Are you finished or should I come back later?”

  She stretches her arms above her head. “I’m done. I’ll gather my things and drive home. You’ll appear again?”

  “If you wish.”

  “Thank you.”

  “My pleasure, sweetest.” I exit her mind and after a while, I’m standing in the middle of her kitchen. I put on a kettle of water as I await her arrival. My fingers clench into fists as I fight against the fear. Lily won’t get to Sasha. Relaxing my hands, I compose myself. Sasha mustn’t sense anything’s wrong.

  Chapter 10: Sasha

  “Welcome home,” Monroe says when I enter my apartment.

  “Ahh, chamomile.” I breathe in the aroma. “How did you know?”

  “I thought you might want something soothing.”

  Setting my things down, I smile. “I could get used to this.”

  The corner of his mouth quirks upward. “Say the word and I’m yours.”

  I accept the cup from him. Uncomfortable, I say, “Oh?”

  “I’d be honored.”

  Unsure of what to do, I wander out of the kitchen and into the living room. “Thank you.” He follows me and we settle on my old suede couch. Setting my mug on the coffee table, I turn my attention on him. “What did you do while you waited for me?”

  “I made your tea.”

  “Did you have a nice visit with your friend?”

  He shrugs. “Bast is an idiot, but I tolerate him.”

  “You don’t mean that.”

  “I do.” He gives me a slight smile. “Although, he’s been loyal for years and one of the few, besides my manservant, who can put up with me.” He strokes my hand. “Aside from you.”

  Electricity shoots up my arm. “He sounds like a good friend.”

  “At times. What else has happened?”

  I try to ignore the sensations he causes. Too many racing thoughts. Did he tremble, or was that me? “We’re beginning Act Two of The Tempest. Most of the quizzes from act one weren’t as bad as I feared. Some of my less avid students managed okay.” Monroe’s hand slides over my shoulder. I turn around and he begins massaging my sore muscles. My words seem to tumble together. “The Junior-Senior Prom is in April, and I have to chaperone with Carl Darrenmore. He wants to pick me up early and have dinner together.”

  He kneads harder. “Do you want to go to dinner with Carl?”

  Why does he sound jealous of my colleague? “It makes sense since we’re both going to the same place and we both need to eat. I’d be happier if I could get out of it. I usually avoid prom. I didn’t even go to my own.”

  “Why? You would’ve been the belle of the ball.” He turns me around. “You can’t tell me you didn’t have anyone ask you.”

  I bite my lip. “I was asked by a couple of the guys in my class. I’m not much of a dancer and back then making conversation with guys scared me.”

  “Yet, you have no problem talking to me.”

  “I blush around you.” How I wish I were more like my best friend, Mel. Even before she got married, she seemed so confident and assured around men.

  He tucks a strand of hair behind my ear. “I like your blush.”

  My cheeks burn. “Makes one of us.” I pick up my tea and stare into the amber depths. “Maybe one of my old dresses will do for chaperoning the prom. Perhaps my Easter dress from two years ago.”

  He gently lifts my chin with his hand. “Leave it to me.”

  Should I be worried I can’t tell what he’s planning? “I can figure something out.”

  He places my cup back on the table. “I insist. What date is Prom?”

  “April twenty-seventh.” What sort of dress would he give me?

  He strokes his chin. “Plenty of time.”

  “What about measuring me?”

  “Not necessary. My seamstresses are very clever. Your dress will be delivered to you the day of the prom and will fit perfectly.”

  Butterflies flutter in my stomach. “Why don’t you accompany me, instead?”

  “As much as I want to, I can’t take you away from a man who already asked. It’s bad manners. I’d like to dance with you sometime. My parents had me trained with the best instructors in my realm. I would love the opportunity to show you how a real gentleman guides a lady across a floor.”

  “You don’t lack a healthy ego, do you?”

  “Ego has nothing to do with it. It was bred into me.” His face clouds. “Heaven forbid I don’t have all the proper social graces.”

  A sensation I don’t understand keeps me from asking for an explanation. “I think I’d enjoy seeing you prove yourself.”

  “Then, I’ll find a way to be there.”

  The population of butterflies in my stomach doubles. “How would I explain you to my coworkers?”

  “Who cares what they think?”

  “I do! My job is important to me.”

  “Shouldn’t matter what they say.”

  “Work is the one place I have control. It’s where I shine and I’m confident.”

  “Sasha, you’re an incredible woman. I think you shine everywhere.”

  “That’s your subjective opinion.”

  “What if it isn’t?” His eyes challenge me. “If a man truly cares for a woman he should think the world of her.”

  I look down. “We made peace not too long ago, can we not fight again?”

  “I hope,” he says, his voice softer, “one day you see how truly amazing you are.”

  Before I can answer, a shrill ring fills the air.

  Monroe’s head jerks up. “Don’t answer that.”

  I jump from the couch. “It might be important.” Hurrying into the kitchen, I grab the receiver. “Hello?” Maybe it’s a solicitor so I can hang up and go back to Monroe.

  “Sasha?”

  I nearly drop the phone. “Mel! I didn‘t expect to hear from you so soon.” I can hardly believe it. It’s been a whole month since I’ve seen her. Her end-of-January wedding seems ages ago. Until her call, I hadn’t realized how much I missed her.

  “I had to call you.”

  “Everything okay? How was the cruise?”

  “I’m doing great! The cruise was spectacular. We toured the Virgin Islands, and went all over the place. Before the cruise, Ted took me to Hawaii. It’s gorgeous there, too.”

  I feel a twinge of wistfulness. Would Monroe and I go there someday? “You and Ted must be so happy. Did you take lots of pictures?”

  “We took a ton of photos! I must’ve used two memory cards on my digital camera. And, yes, we’re beyond happy.” She laughs. “What’s up on your end?”

  “I have to chaperone the Junior-Senior Prom. Carl Darrenmore asked me to go with him since he also has to chaperone.”

  “You have a date?” Her voice affects and eager tone.

  “No, it’s not a date.”

  She clucks her tongue. “You aren’t getting any younger, Sasha.”

  I hold back a laugh. “Oh come on, thirty isn’t old. Besides, you and Ted haven’t been married long, so you can’t say anything.”

  “Is there anyone?”

  I lower my voice. “There might be.”

  “Tell me!”

  Her high-pitched squeal hurts my ears and I wince. “Not yet. I’m still getting to know him. Look, Mel, I have a guest, could I talk to you later?”

  “He’s there, right now, isn’t he?” she teases. “I’d suggest we talk this weekend, but Ted and I are settling back in. How about next Saturday? We can do lunch.”

  I glance throu
gh the doorway at Monroe, who beckons to me from the living room. “Sure, we can go to the café.”

  “Can’t wait to see you, Sasha.”

  I swallow a lump in my throat. “You, too.” I hang up the phone and go back to where Monroe waits. “I’m sorry about that.”

  “A friend of yours, I assume?”

  “Yes, Melody. She married Ted in January and I was her maid-of-honor. They recently got back from their honeymoon. We’re going to have lunch next Saturday.”

  “It’s good for you to spend time with a friend. I don’t like to see you lonely.”

  “You’re usually around, why would I be lonely?” Aside from the fact I miss my mother.

  His face becomes serious. “I get the feeling even with me here, you missed your friend. You’ve barely mentioned her, but I’ve known about her for a while.”

  I blink. “What?”

  “I thought you knew I’ve kept an eye on you even when I wasn’t in your dreams.”

  “The thought never occurred to me.” A myriad of emotions fill me. My mind goes from shock to repulsion. “Don’t you respect my privacy?”

  “I couldn’t resist looking in several times.” He looks contrite. “I’m sorry, Sasha, I had no intention of upsetting you.”

  I back away from him. “Didn’t it ever occur to you I would be upset?”

  “I suppose not. Truly, I am sorry.”

  My voice rises. “You can’t go around violating people’s personal space, Monroe. It’s wrong.”

  “Please, I meant no harm. Forgive me?”

  “I don’t like the idea of being watched.”

  “I swear I won’t.” He holds my gaze.

  “I think it would be best if you left.”

  He inclines his head, then is gone.

  I wander to my room, hugging myself. Of all the creepy things to do. I sit on my bed with a shiver. Was he watching me while I showered? How could he violate me like this? He was sorry, though. He apologized. He’s always been polite. He promised he wouldn’t anymore. Hopefully he didn’t watch when I undressed. He seemed so honorable.

  Two days have passed since I threw Monroe out, I drum my nails on top of the copier in the Teachers’ Lounge while it spits out duplicates of a quiz. Can I forgive him? What did he see?