All's Fair in Love and Lion

by Bethany Averie

  “Fancy balls are okay, now?”

  “I don’t really like being the center of attention. Fortunately, nobody crowded around me.”

  “I think they sensed your disposition and didn’t want you to be uncomfortable.”

  “That’s nice of them.” Her eyes close and her breathing slows as the carriage rocks back and forth.

  “Sasha?”

  “Mmm-hmm?”

  “Never mind.”

  A soft snore answers me. I move my arm and she slides down until her head rests in my lap. I stroke her smooth cheek, marveling at the peaceful expression on her face. Tugging the clasp out of her hair, I run my hands through the strands. Tangling fingers in the silky depths, I offer up a prayer of thanks to the Creator for her.

  When the swaying stops, the footman opens the door. I lift Sasha into my arms and step carefully from the carriage and enter the castle.

  Ayres clucks his tongue as I sweep past him.

  “I didn’t want to wake her,” I say defensively.

  “Best let Serena undress her.”

  “I will.”

  Gaining Sasha’s room, I open the door and lay Sasha on the bed. She murmurs then turns over, her shoulders gently rise and fall with each breath.

  “I can take over, sir.” Serena appears behind me.

  “Is it possible for you to get her into a nightgown without waking her?”

  “Yes, sir. It’s one of my gifts.”

  “Then please, do so. I’m going to retire to my own chambers.”

  “Of course, my lord. Goodnight.”

  “Goodnight.”

  I leave Sasha’s room and enter my own and get undressed. My heart suddenly feels heavy as I remember Sasha will be going home the next day. I run a hand over my face. I’ve gotten far too used to her being down the hall instead of in the First Realm.

  Restless, I turn over in my bed. My mind flashes back to the tango with Lily. The menace under her words aren’t idle threats. Exactly what is she plotting?

  Chapter 20: Sasha

  “Sasha? Are you there?” Carl stands by my desk waving his hand in front of my face. “Where were you?”

  “I’m sorry. I was thinking about something. What was it you asked?”

  He rubs his chin. “I didn’t think you were the absentminded type. Anyway, are we in agreement Anne is the winner of the contest?”

  Oh, right. The essay contest. I really should stop daydreaming about the Third Realm. “Yes. We can put it into the announcements for tomorrow.”

  “Okay. Are your students ready for The Tempest test?”

  Tossing my trash into the wastebasket, I nod. “I’ve been reviewing with them and they have their quizzes back.”

  He sips his soda. “Same here.”

  “Next week we can start some poetry and make headway on those assignments before Easter break. Maybe we’ll get in two or three this year despite being behind.”

  “It happens.” He smiles and gets up from his chair. “If we’re all set here, I’ll go prepare for my afternoon classes. See you later, Sasha.”

  “Thinking about anyone in particular?” a voice interrupts my thoughts.

  “What are you doing here?”

  “Don’t you know? I have to be near you. I apologize I couldn’t come sooner. I went hunting with Bast and we took longer than expected.”

  “Don’t worry. I’ve been busy, too.”

  “Are you having a good day?”

  “Not bad. You?”

  “I am, now. Alexia sends her regards.”

  “How is she?”

  “Other than fatigue and an enormous appetite she seems to be doing well.” He pauses. “Perhaps a bit more emotional.”

  “Sounds okay.”

  “Let’s say Bast is being extra attentive to her.”

  “I wouldn‘t expect less.”

  Monroe chuckles. “Despite all her sweet appearances, she has quite the temper. Poor Bast nearly found himself sleeping outside the other day.”

  I giggle. “What did he do?”

  “Apparently he didn’t bring her a big enough deer when he went hunting. Alexia wanted the buck for herself and Bast ate it.” Monroe’s roaring laughter fills my mind. “I assure you he did not make that mistake this time.”

  Before I can stop myself, I laugh out loud. I glance at the shut door. Thank goodness. Maybe nobody heard. “When you see them again, tell Bast I’m sorry he’s having such a hard time.”

  “He’ll appreciate your sympathies.”

  The bell rings.

  “My lunch hour is over. Will I see you tonight?”

  “Quite possibly. I have to meet with Loralyn regarding Lily’s improper behavior. She might make a motion at the next meeting for the Council to do something about Lily. Afterwards, I’m available.”

  “I’ll see you then. Have a good afternoon, Monroe.”

  “And you, my love.”

  As Monroe leaves my mind, my students file into the room. For a minute I stand by the podium refocusing my thoughts. When class begins, I’m ready.

  At the end of the day, I’m looking forward to dinner and a comfy spot on my couch.

  Carl opens my door. “You ready?”

  “Maybe this meeting will go better than the last one.”

  Carl smirks. “Don’t let Julie Carson get to you. She’s got delusions of grandeur.”

  “Unfortunately.”

  Posters for graduation line the walls in a blaze of school colors. I hardly notice them as we stride briskly down to Julie’s classroom. Like mine, it’s an expansive square. Motivational posters cover her back wall. Hemmingway, Shakespeare, Dickens, and Mark Twain deck her sidewalls. A gold plaque with her name engraved on it sits on her desk. Personally, my colleagues and I find the plaque pompous, but no one dares tell her. Her favorite Chanel suit jacket rests neatly over the back of her chair. I shake my head. She tries impressing everybody too much.

  Carl and I take seats near the back. I return nods with the other English teachers scattered throughout the room.

  “Looks like the only ones missing were us and Julie,” Carl comments.

  “Yeah. At least we’re on time.”

  “Sasha,” Darla Lynbrook, one of the freshmen teachers, turns around. “How are you?”

  “Pretty busy with the Juniors. Are the Freshmen doing okay?”

  She grimaces. “Denny lucked out and got some better students than I did.”

  “Perhaps the rest of the year will go well.”

  “One can always hope,” she agrees.

  Julie breezes in. “Sorry I’m a tad late.” She shuts her door and everybody stops talking. “I needed a soda. Is everybody ready to get started? Yes? Good.”

  Carl gets my attention and rolls his eyes. I hide a smile behind my hand while Julie continues.

  “I’m so proud of my Seniors,” she gushes. “They’re really spectacular.”

  Carl leans over to me and whispers, “That’s news to me. Last I heard her seventh period was so rowdy you could hear them all the way down the hall.”

  Julie acts like she’s some kind of movie star simply because she’s head of the English department. I squelch the rising annoyance. Her syrupy-sweet voice grates against my nerves.

  “Bryant and I can hardly wait for the Senior Awards Ceremony,” she continues.

  “Did she call us here to talk about the English Department or to brag about seeing off her little ‘angels’?” Darla mutters.

  “Carl tells me he and Sasha have completed their essay contest for the year,” Julie says, throwing a glare at Darla. “You two announcing a winner?”

  “Tomorrow,” I say. “It’s Anne Edwards.

  Carl grins. “I have to say I’m jealous Sasha has her for a student.”

  Julie smiles indulgently. “Wonderful.”

  Since when? I’m sure she could care less. How she got Department Chair I’ll never know.

  “Well,” she goes on, completely oblivious of everyone shifting in their seat
s. The Sophomore teachers glance at the clock while Julie keeps her attention on me. “Dean Corrin said to bring him the information.”

  “I’ll drop it off in his office before I leave.” Fortunately, Dean Corrin doesn’t have a superiority complex. I hold back a sigh. If it weren’t for my love of teaching and my love for St. James High, I would’ve left the minute Julie was appointed chair. Looking around the room, I get the feeling I’m not the only one.

  “Terrific.” Julie clasps her hands together. “Any other business?”

  Darla puts up her hand.

  “What is it, Darla?”

  “Are we going to talk about the Freshmen project?”

  Julie frowns. “That’s for the Freshmen faculty to discuss. We’re pretty much finished here. You all have a nice evening.”

  “I hate her attitude,” Darla grumbles. “She isn’t interested in any other class except the Seniors. Why is she our English Department head?”

  “Don’t let her get to you,” Carl says, his voice sympathetic. “Julie gets carried away.” He turns to me. “You’d better get down to Dean Corrin’s office before he leaves.”

  “I’m glad Anne won,” Darla says. “She was a joy to have in class.”

  “She still is,” I say.

  “I’m not surprised. You have a good afternoon, Sasha. Bye, Carl.”

  “Goodnight,” I call to the rest of the teachers as I quickstep down to the hallway to the Dean’s office.

  At my knock he calls, “It’s open!”

  “Hi, George.”

  He twists his chair around. A big smile wreaths his broad features. “Sasha! Long time no see.”

  I hand him the note. “Our contest winner is Anne Edwards.”

  “Got it.” His eyes run over the words then he raises his head. “Short and to the point.” He winks. “Kind of your style, huh?”

  I laugh self-consciously. “I guess so.”

  “You doing okay?”

  “I’m fine, why?”

  He shrugs. “I don’t see you in the halls much. I hear you’ve been cooped up in your classroom.”

  “I’m a bit swamped lately, but nothing I can’t handle.”

  “Well, I’ll see you around.” He snaps his fingers. “Say! I hear you’re going to be going to the prom with Carl.”

  Inwardly I cringe. “It’s not a date.”

  “Good guy, Carl Darrenmore.”

  I put my hands on my hips. “George Corrin, are you playing matchmaker?”

  He lowers his eyes, his tone self-depreciating. “Don’t tell Tanya, okay? She thinks I’m terrible at it.”

  “I’m not promising a thing.”

  “Please don’t say a word.” His face puckers. “She has big plans for prom this year. Says after five years of the same thing, it’s time I become more spontaneous and romantic.”

  “She wants variety.”

  He turns pale. “As long as that doesn’t mean a new husband.”

  “She wouldn’t trade you in.”

  “Yeah, I’m a lucky guy. Anyway, thanks for bringing the announcement. Have fun with Carl. You two make a good couple. See you, Sasha.”

  Getting into my car, I hear a voice say, “You should listen to the man, Sasha. You’re not fit for Monroe.”

  “What?” I whip my head around, searching the vehicle. Empty. I pinch the bridge of my nose. I really need that comfy couch of mine. The voice sounded like Lily.

  Chapter 21: Monroe

  “It isn’t right,” Minuet says. “The Council approved Monroe Dubay’s marriage. No one, especially a Council member, has a right to act in such a manner.” She sits, cradling her new baby girl.

  “I can’t believe you all are siding with that Firstling!” Lily jumps out of her chair hissing. “She’s not one of us.”

  “Neither was John,” Minuet retorts. “I don’t recall you saying a thing when I married him.”

  “You’re not a man-beast,” Lily snarls.

  Minuet lifts her chin defiantly. “I’m a Thirdling.”

  Bast gives a long-suffering sigh. “What Lily is attempting to say with her usual finesse,” he interjects, “is that a man-beast can’t deny his animal form forever. Eventually he’ll want to be mated in beast form as well as human.”

  I give him a helpless look. He shrugs.

  Loralyn raps on the table with the gavel. “We should consider Bast’s words. I’m engaged to a man-beast eagle, so I understand the circumstances.”

  Neru raises a hand.

  “The General recognizes Neru Vytale.” Loralyn gestures for Neru to proceed.

  “Monroe has two choices. Either Sasha can become a man-beast herself on their wedding night before the marriage is consummated. Or Monroe can give up his lands, title, lion form, and the Third Realm to become fully human.”

  “The potion would be extremely powerful. Would it be safe for a human?” Loralyn asks.

  “My grandson took it,” Neru answers. “He said other than a few days of harmless side effects, he was fine.”

  Loralyn’s brows furrow. “What kind of side effects?”

  Neru turns red. “Nothing serious. The fairies will explain.”

  I raise my hand and Loralyn announces me. “I’ve heard of this potion. However, I don’t have any.”

  “It’s easily procured,” Neru says, his face returning to its natural color. “Brinda or Clarine could help you.”

  Lily leaps out of her chair. “Absolutely not. A human becoming a man-beast? No!”

  Loralyn rises. “I am neither human nor man-beast, yet, I do not recall such a ruckus being raised about my engagement.” Her eyes narrow. “Lily Tygress, I believe your motives have nothing to do with the good of the Third Realm.”

  Lily opens her mouth to protest, then closes it.

  “Furthermore,” Loralyn continues, ignoring Lily’s agitation, “I would venture, based on what Monroe has said, he accepts either choice.”

  I incline my head in acknowledgement.

  Loralyn holds each Council member’s gaze. “I move we make a decision on what Neru Vytale has said.” She fixes her attention on Lily. “Then we’ll determine what sort of repercussions Lily Tygress’s behavior merits. She’s been insubordinate too often.”

  Neru stands. “I second.”

  “Then we have a vote. Since she may have to forfeit her rights, Lily shall abstain from the vote. Monroe will also abstain since this directly involves him.” Loralyn bangs the gavel. “All those in favor of giving Monroe Dubay an ultimatum raise your hands.”

  Everyone except me and Lily raise their hands.

  “The motion is unanimous.” Loralyn points to me. “Lord Dubay, you and Miss Brighton will decide whether you become fully human or she becomes a man-beast lioness. Are you and Miss Brighton prepared to make this decision?”

  “I am. I’ll talk to Sasha,” I reply. Would she want me as a human? Would she want to be a man-beast? I keep my face expressionless. I mustn’t appear weak. Lily would use it against me.

  She turns to Lily. “Now, the matter of your behavior. How do you plead?”

  Lily knocks over her chair. “I’m sentenced before I can present a defense?”

  “Your behavior at this meeting,” Neru interjects, “is enough to condemn you, Lady Tygress.”

  Loralyn bangs the gavel. “Neru makes a valid point. Please, everyone, wait for me to recognize before you speak. There has been some talking out of turn this session.”

  Bast raises his hand. Loralyn gives him the floor. “I, for one, second any judgment made in light of Lily’s behavior. She’s shown open disrespect for a decision made by this esteemed Council.” He folds his arms. “A Council member cannot show such venom towards another member’s intended without a conflict of interest. I suspect there’s a question of Sasha’s safety.”

  “Oh you would?” Lily growls. “And the rest of you will go along with Bast Cantrell without another thought, won’t you?” She leans over the table. “May I remind the Council he’s Monroe’s clo
sest friend? How can this Council be sure Bast doesn’t have a biased opinion?”

  Loralyn rises. “Lady Tygress, you may give a defense if you so choose.” She frowns. “But do show some decorum. I do not like being snarled at. Never mind the fact you spoke out of turn.”

  A myriad of emotions flash across Lily’s face as she speaks. “Esteemed Council members,” she says in an infuriated tone, “think of my actions how you will. I’m more compatible with Lord Dubay than Miss Brighton. If the Council can’t recognize this fact, then I’m deeply concerned about where the Council might lead the Third Realm.”

  Shock rakes through me. Lily dared insult the Council? Minuet’s gasp breaks me from my daze. Samson shrinks down in his chair looking frightened. Quin glowers at Lily. Dumb move on Lily’s part. A Nightshade isn’t worth angering.

  Bast, on the other hand, relaxes in his chair, his hands behind his head. He never minded when Lily insulted him.

  A dangerous expression darkens Neru’s features. Great, we’ll have lightning bouncing off the walls if Lily doesn’t watch what she says.

  Delton’s jaw clenches. I don’t worry about him. He can’t do much.

  My eyes rest on Loralyn. Now she’s someone I’d watch carefully. Something about her screams danger. I can’t put my finger on why. I shake my head and focus on Minuet, who rises as Loralyn gives her a nod. “Do you realize, instead of a defense you insulted the whole Council?” Minuet’s tone betrays nothing. But after years of friendship, I can sense her temper simmering below the surface. I haven’t seen her so angry before.

  “I said if the Council didn’t recognize certain facts that would be my reaction,” Lily says.

  “We’ve already given Monroe permission to marry Miss Brighton. Never has a decision like that been broken or repealed in this history of the Third Realm.” Minuet’s voice shakes with fury. “Each being has been free to choose his or her own mate without the Council disapproving. Yet, you would have us ruin centuries old tradition because you have a grudge against Sasha Brighton for Monroe’s rejection of you?”

  The Council members begin murmuring. Lily’s eyes shoot sparks at Minuet. Minuet lowers herself back into her chair, soothing her baby. Amid all the commotion, I give Minuet a grateful look. She smiles encouragingly.