All's Fair in Love and Lion

by Bethany Averie

  “You’re not helping.”

  “What can I do?”

  “Distract me,” she says.

  I raise an eyebrow. “How?”

  “Any way you like.”

  “Hmm,” I murmur. “Any way I like. Very well, since you extended the invitation . . .” Leaning down, I draw her into a passionate kiss. Her lips intoxicate me. Desire flares in my veins. With difficulty, I rein myself in. It wouldn’t be a good idea to mess up Sasha’s appearance.

  Letting her go, I note she’s flushed. Based on how I feel, I must look the same. “Better?”

  Her eyes flutter open. “A little.”

  When the carriage arrives at the front of Neru’s palace, she clutches my fingers tightly.

  We’re escorted into the grand ballroom by a footman in Vytale green and white livery.

  “Lord Monroe Dubay and Miss Sasha Brighton,” the master of ceremonies cries.

  In one fluid motion, I switch Sasha’s hand from mine into the crook of my arm. Stepping down a wide, hunter green-carpeted staircase, we enter Neru’s gold and emerald grand ballroom.

  Neru hurries across the white marble floor and clasps my free hand in both of his.

  Derisively, I note he polished the crystal chandeliers. What would Sasha think if she knew he set out all his best trappings?

  Neru’s white hair puffs around his head, making him more gregarious than usual. “Monroe, my boy,” he exclaims. “I see you have brought the lovely Miss Brighton.”

  “Sasha, this is Neru Vytale, our illustrious host for the evening.”

  He takes Sasha’s free hand and kisses it. “Well, Monroe, she’s gorgeous.”

  Sasha blushes. “Thank you for inviting me, Lord Vytale.”

  He wags a finger at her. “Enough of that. Call me Neru.” He ushers us in. “Come, most of the guests have already arrived. I was beginning to wonder if you were coming at all.”

  “We took a scenic route,” I say.

  “Young love.” Neru’s eyes dance.

  I grimace.

  Weaving through the room, I nod to various acquaintances. I almost don’t recognize the monkey-man, Delton, at a table with his wife. For once he isn’t disheveled.

  Based on their absence, I deduce Minuet gave birth to her and John’s baby. I shove the disappointment aside. I’ll introduce Sasha at a later date.

  Bast and Alexia stand in a corner with Loralyn and her escort, Adler, a man-beast eagle of influential descent.

  Other members of the Council are there with their various chosen mates or intends. Samson Wyki fails in his attempt to hide behind a column with his tiny wife, Alnora, who titters at something a fellow rodent descendent, whispers in her ear.

  Quin Erone, a Nightshade, leans against a wall on the other side of the room laughing with his fiancée, Merilee, a wood nymph. Again, the contrast between light and shadow in their relationship baffles me.

  Several fairies wander through the ballroom. Their tall, lithe, flowing bodies move fluidly as they float above the floor, moving from group to group, their elegant heads incline in greeting.

  In a far corner, next to the buffet table, Lily stands wearing a sour expression.

  With my free hand, I grab Neru’s arm. “You invited Lily?” I whisper to Neru as one of the head fairies intercepts Sasha. “After the commotion she caused at the last Council meeting?” I dig my fingers into Neru’s arm until he winces.

  He extracts himself from my grasp, his eyes pleading with me. “I had to. I invited everyone in the Magic Region of the Third Realm.” He rubs his arm. “Can you imagine the ruckus she would cause if I neglected to send her an invitation? My dear boy, I’m certain she will behave herself here. Lady Tygress has manners, despite her temper.”

  I clench my teeth. “If she does anything amiss tonight, I hold you personally responsible.”

  “I understand. Pardon me, I must go see to some of my other guests.”

  When I join Sasha, the fairy, Brinda, regally acknowledges my presence. “Your fiancée is a lovely human, Monroe. How fortunate the other Firstlings are to have her as an instructor.”

  “Quite,” I agree.

  Sasha ducks her head. “Brinda is too kind.”

  “As always.”

  Brinda gives one of her rare smiles. “Monroe, I think we can finally say you have found a woman worthy of you.” She inclines her head in a slight bow and glides to over to one of her sister fairies. Leading her over, she says, “This is my sister, Clarine. Sasha Brighton is Monroe’s intended.”

  Dressed similarly to her sister, Clarine greets Sasha. “Welcome, Miss Brighton.”

  “Please,” she says, “it’s just Sasha.”

  “Of course,” Clarine answers. “How brainless of me to forget the informal ways of you Firstlings. Monroe, she’s a treasure. Hold on to this one.” The two sisters float off.

  Sasha watches them go, a confused expression on her face. “That was interesting.”

  “You’ll have to excuse them. They’ve always been abrupt. They can get away with it because they’re the highest ranked fairies in the land. I suppose the distinction encouraged their aloof manners. Although, Clarine is less standoffish than Brinda.”

  “Oh,” Sasha mumbles.

  “Would you like some refreshment? I can have a waiter bring you some punch, or, if you’re feeling adventurous, some champagne?”

  “No, thank you.”

  “You must be uncomfortable. I really am sorry.”

  “It’s okay. I can’t believe the things I’ve seen. But I need something for my nerves.”

  “My brave lioness,” I murmur.

  “Right,” Sasha mutters.

  “Perhaps a little food, a waltz or two, and you’ll feel more at ease.”

  She watches as the guests pass by. “There’s a lot of people here. Is there anywhere less conspicuous we can go?”

  “We’ll find Bast and Alexia. A familiar face will do the trick.” I guide her over where Bast and Alexia stand talking with Loralyn and Adler.

  “Monroe, Sasha,” Bast calls. He leans over and kisses Sasha’s cheek. “My, you clean up better than Monroe.”

  Sasha colors. “Thanks.”

  Alexia gestures to Loralyn and Adler. “Sasha, may I introduce Loralyn Xavier and her fiancé, Adler Viaire?”

  “Good evening,” Loralyn says.

  Adler bows. “A pleasure.”

  I clasp Adler’s hand. “Long time, no see.”

  “Entirely,” he says. “You’re doing well.” He gestures in Sasha’s direction.

  “Indeed,” I answer, my lips twitching. “How about yourself?”

  “I’m content,” Adler says in his usual grave tone. His sharp eyes rake over me then Sasha, measuring us. “Enjoy the rest of your time here in the Third Realm, Sasha.”

  “I believe,” Loralyn says, “the buffet is ready. Shall we?”

  “Oh, yes,” Alexia says, “let’s all go.”

  We wander over to where trays of various meats, fruits, vegetables, seafood, bowls of passion fruit punch, and various cakes await. I motion for Sasha to precede me. “Go ahead and make yourself a plate. I’ll have whatever you get.”

  “Are you sure you don’t want your own?”

  “Don’t worry about me.”

  She shrugs. I follow her as she fills her plate with pineapple, grapes, and melons. Then she moves to the seafood and places shrimp, scallops, and calamari beside the fruit. Next she piles on ham, sausage, and lamb.

  “You must be hungry,” I comment, indicating the tower of food on the plate.

  Sasha shakes her head. “This isn’t all for me. You said you would eat whatever I got, so some of this is for you. Where should we sit?”

  I lead her to one of the round tables set off to the side. I slide out a chair for her.

  “You didn’t have to get extra for me,” I protest as I settle into the chair next to her.

  “I can’t put it back.”

  “Very well,” I say with a chuckle.
“I’ll help you.”

  Bast and Alexia approach our table. Bast sets down his plate and pulls out Alexia’s chair. “I have to get Alexia some punch and I want to have some of Neru’s champagne. I hear it’s the best.”

  “That would be because Neru said it is,” I say.

  “Then it must be true.” Alexia laughs.

  Bast grins and heads off in the direction of one of the punch bowls.

  “Are you enjoying yourself, Sasha?” Alexia inquires.

  “It’s impressive.”

  Alexia chuckles. “Neru likes extravagance. The more elaborate, the happier he is. You wouldn’t know it to meet him in another setting.”

  “Most of the time he is tasteful,” I add, “although today I’d say he went a bit further than usual.”

  Bast returns with a glass of punch in one hand and a flute of champagne in the other. “Here you are, darling. Punch for you, champagne for me.” Bast sits. “Did I miss anything?”

  “Just remarking upon Neru’s garish style,” I inform him.

  Bast lets out a burst of laughter, then covers his mouth. “You’re too generous, Monroe. I’d expect a worse description from you.”

  “Not in the presence of ladies,” I say.

  “Good for you,” Bast says.

  Neru’s master of ceremonies bangs his staff. “Let the dancing commence!

  Bast rises, gives his hand to Alexia, and the two glide onto the floor. Several other couples follow in the lively waltz.

  I offer my hand to Sasha. “Do you want to dance now, or wait?”

  “We can dance now. I’m not very good, though.”

  “I told you, you need the right partner.” We leave our table and soon are whirling in each other’s arms. “Why do you say you aren’t very good? You keep up perfectly.”

  “Didn’t you notice I stepped on your toe?”

  “Did you?” I cock my head to one side. “I thought you executed the spin nicely.”

  “Not the rest of it.”

  “Nonsense. You’re the best partner in the room.”

  “I’m not, and you know it. That’s the second time I’ve gotten your foot.”

  I blink. “I couldn’t feel a thing.”

  “Are you wearing steel-toed shoes or something?”

  “I’m simply distracted by your beauty.” I spin her out and twirl her back into my arms.

  She giggles. “You’re insane.”

  Her laughter buoys me. “Why? Because you’re the loveliest creature here?”

  “Definitely.”

  “Ah, well, better to be madly in love with you than worry about my silly toes.”

  “You’re going over the top.”

  “Am I? Then I’m doing something right. You deserve the most extravagant compliments.”

  Her cheeks turn red. “You definitely need a padded cell.”

  “If it means I get to have you in my arms forever, then, my lady, throw away the key.”

  “Honestly,” she begs, “this is more than I can stand.”

  “Sasha,” I say, my voice serious. “I love you beyond words. Can you blame me for being reckless?”

  She stares at her feet as we move slower and slower. “I don’t deserve such compliments.”

  “Why don’t I make that decision and you have fun?”

  She leans her head against my chest. “I suppose.”

  “I want you to have a nice time.”

  “Thank you,” she murmurs.

  “My pleasure.”

  When the dance ends, I lead her off the floor.

  Neru approaches us. “What a splendid couple you make.” He takes Sasha’s hand. “Will you do me the honor of the next dance?”

  “He’s mostly harmless. But, Neru, watch your hands. I know the way you are around the ladies. One dance. I don’t like having her out of my arms.”

  Neru chuckles. “I promise. She’s safe with me.”

  Sasha bites her lower lip. “I’m not a good dancer.”

  “Neither am I.” Neru tucks her hand into the crook of his arm. “Come, you’ll be fine.”

  “Monroe . . .”

  “It’s no use, Sasha. He’ll annoy you until you say yes.”

  She looks uncertain as Neru escorts her away.

  “You look fantastic tonight, Monroe,” a voice says.

  Ice slides down my spine. “Lily.”

  “What do you think? Isn’t my dress gorgeous?” She runs her hand over the gold-sequined fabric clinging to her figure.

  “It suits you.” Silently I add, It emphasizes how much you repulse me.

  She preens. “I had the gown made especially for tonight.”

  “I see.” I rise from my chair, bracing myself.

  “Are you going to ask me to dance?” She waves a hand toward the ballroom floor. “If I remember, you’re a masterful dancer.”

  “I don’t dance with harpies.”

  She steps toward me. “I suggest you join me if you don’t want a scene.” She moves toward me. A sultry tango begins.

  I grit my teeth. “If I must.”

  As we step onto the floor, her lips curl mockingly. “Your little Firstling seems ill-at-ease. Can’t she dance?”

  I glance over at Sasha and Neru. Sasha backs away, shaking her head. Neru moves forward. From our vantage point I can see him using his old charm to try and convince Sasha to stay on the floor.

  “Excuse me.” I drop Lily’s hand.

  She grabs my arm. “Oh, no, you don’t.” She jerks me back into her arms.

  “How many times must we go through this?” I growl. “I am not, nor have I ever been, interested in you.”

  Lily pouts, thrusting out her lower lip. “I thought we were getting along so well.”

  “It’s your imagination.”

  “Is it?” Lily presses herself against me. “I wonder what your precious little human thinks about this.” She runs her foot down my leg. “Perhaps she notices how seductive the dance is and sees she falls short.”

  I push her back.

  Lily rights herself. “You surprise me, Monroe. I would’ve thought a being who understands the needs of a male Thirdling would appeal to you.”

  “I recommend,” I say through clenched teeth, “you don’t come near me and Sasha or I might drag you from the room and rip you apart.”

  “My, my,” I hear Lily say from behind me. “You’re testy tonight. I love a challenge.”

  I whirl around. “Go away.”

  She sighs regretfully. “Very well, Monroe. Another time perhaps.”

  “Never.”

  “A girl can dream.” She waves her hand. To my horror, she brushes past me and saunters over to Sasha.

  I catch up with Lily. “Stop right—”

  Lily ignores me. “Hello, Sasha Brighton.”

  “Hello,” Sasha says tentatively, her eyes on me.

  “I am,” Lily says, thrusting out her hand, “Lily Tygress.”

  A cloud flickers over Sasha’s face. “I’ve heard of you.”

  “Have you?” Lily regards her haughtily. “How marvelous. My felicitations to you, Miss Brighton. Many a female Thirdling has failed to catch Monroe’s eye.” She winks at me. “It seems we’re all from the wrong realm. Perchance my luck would have been better if I had been born a Firstling.” She appraises Sasha. “Then again, perhaps not.”

  “Would you leave already?” I snarl.

  “Enjoy the rest of your visit, Miss Brighton.” She returns her attention on me and runs her finger down my chest, her painted black nail digging slightly into my skin. “Good evening to you, Monroe.”

  Right as I’m ready to grab her and throw her across the room, she sidesteps me and sashays away from us. At the doorway, she pivots and wiggles her fingers at me. Then, without waiting for a response, she vanishes around the corner.

  I count to ten before saying, “I’m incredibly sorry.”

  Sasha purses her lips. “You say you don’t like her, but that was quite a show.”

  My te
mper simmers. “I was doing my best to extract myself from the damn harpy.”

  “She’s very attractive.”

  I fold my arms. “I’ve never been interested in Lily. If she hadn’t left I was going to throw her over my shoulder and rip her to shreds in one of Neru’s arboretums.”

  Sasha’s eyes widen in shock. “You’d kill her?”

  “I’m tempted.”

  Sasha’s face pales. “Doesn’t seem necessary. You could marry her instead.”

  “Are you serious?” I can’t wrap my mind around her words. “What can I do to prove you’re the only one for me?”

  “I think you just did.”

  I sit down, stretching my legs out in front of me. “Are you trying to give me heart failure?”

  She unfolds and refolds a napkin. “No. But can you blame me?”

  “I suppose not.”

  She sets the napkin aside. “Why don’t we talk about something else?”

  “Gladly!”

  “How are your feet after I stepped all over them?”

  “My feet are fine. You doing all right?”

  “It’s been interesting.”

  “You want to dance again?”

  She nudges my foot with hers. “You sure you want to risk injury?”

  “I’ll survive. Come, this will give me an excuse to have you back in my arms.”

  I help Sasha up and lead her to the floor.

  “Do we have to stay long?” she asks, peering up at the dozens of crystal chandeliers hanging from the ceiling.

  “Neru will never forgive us if we don’t stay for the end of the dance.”

  “All right.”

  “I promise,” I say, holding her tighter, “nothing else will happen tonight.”

  “I hope you’re right.”

  Silently I curse Lily. “Forget earlier.”

  Sasha doesn’t say anything. Instead, she lays her head on my chest and again I’m flooded with desire. Ruthlessly, I clamp down on my feelings and vow to keep Sasha safe.

  When the music stops, I guide her to the door. Despite Neru’s pleas, we say our goodbyes and leave.

  In the carriage, she leans her head against my shoulder as we ride back, with the curtains drawn.

  “Are you tired?” I ask.

  She yawns. “You couldn’t tell?”

  “You can go to sleep if you want. I don’t mind.”

  She smiles sleepily. “I might. The evening wasn’t so bad.”