All's Fair in Love and Lion

by Bethany Averie

  “They sent me a note. Quin has it. We must inform Neru. Quin and I are gathering the Council.” I pace around the room, and toss Alexia an apologetic look. “I’m sorry, but this is important.”

  “Go,” she orders Bast. “They’ll need you.”

  Bast blows Alexia a kiss as I drag him from the room and out the door.

  At Neru’s palace I race past the aging butler. “We must speak with Neru immediately,” I say, motioning for Bast to follow. “It’s an emergency.”

  “Lord Vytale is in the sitting room. I would warn you . . .”

  Ignoring the flustered servant, I barrel down the grandiose halls filled with portraits of Vytale ancestors. Neru once told me about them. According to him, the majority of them were flirts, like him.

  “The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree,” Bast comments as we whiz by the paintings.

  “So I hear.”

  The butler hurries after us. “I will alert my master you are here.”

  “We’ll find him ourselves,” I answer.

  “You really shouldn’t . . .”

  “Don’t bother telling us not to interrupt him,” Bast says to the servant.

  Bast jogs up behind me. An opulent room opens up before us. Velvet crimson curtains hang in the windows, blocking out the sun. Gold brocade chairs bedeck the center of the room. Through the dim lighting, I can just barely make out Neru in a corner. He leans over a figure on a red fainting couch. My eyes readjust and I recognize Charla, an older muse. Her radiant pale plum-colored eyes dance in the candlelight as Neru holds a piece of chocolate above her open mouth.

  “I say,” Neru exclaims, dropping the chocolate as we stride into the room. “You two mind?”

  “Any other time, yes, not now,” I say, striding toward Neru.

  Charla giggles, playing with a piece of her pale lavender hair. “Hello, boys.”

  Bast rolls his eyes at Charla. “Neru, Monroe got a note from the Vulture Brothers and—”

  “Alveron is here,” I cut in. “You know what this means. Quin sent me to find you. We’re to meet the others at the Council Hall immediately.”

  Neru’s face pales. His attention returns to Charla. “It seems, my dear,” he says to the diverted muse, “business calls me away. Another time, my sweet?”

  “Of course, you old devil.” She pinches his cheek. “Nice to see you, gentlemen,” she says to us, then raises her eyebrow suggestively at Neru. “Bye-bye, cutie.”

  After Charla leaves, Neru rings a tiny silver bell. His valet enters. “Lars,” Neru says, “It appears there’s an unexpected Council meeting. Please relay to anyone who comes that I’m indisposed until further notice.”

  Lars bows and leaves the room.

  “When did this happen?” Neru asks. “What did the note say?”

  “The note said Alveron has arrived in this part of the country. They reminded me he can get Lily out of prison.” My fingers flex. The urge to change form in defense swells inside me.

  Neru strokes his chin. “It wouldn’t be the first time a magician overrides the Council. It happened one other time long ago when your fathers were on the Council. Perhaps there’s something we can do. Quin is the General this time, correct?”

  Adrenaline pumps through me and I’m unable to stand still. “Loralyn appointed him General at the last one.”

  Neru shakes his head. “Quin should’ve called the Council together a long time ago.” We follow Neru back down the expansive halls into his courtyard. “No matter, we shall come up with a plan to handle the situation.”

  Seconds later, we enter the Council Hall. Loralyn, Minuet with her baby in tow, and Samson are already there.

  “Quin went to find Delmont,” Minuet tells us as we take our places. “And Loralyn talked to Brinda.”

  “She will be here shortly,” Loralyn adds.

  “Good.” I clasp my trembling hands together. Transform . . . transform . . . transform thumps in time with my heartbeat.

  Neru and Bast sit around the table. Bast watches me as if he expects I’ll fly into a temper. He wouldn’t be far off the mark. Years of etiquette stands between me and full-blown fury. I grind my teeth. Too much restraint. I want to run, shred things, do whatever is necessary to ensure Lily remains at Mount Iron.

  “Quin showed us the note.” Loralyn rests her chin on her fingertips. “Do you know how Alveron found out?”

  “I expect Lily contacted him,” I answer, trying to hide my nerves. “He spoils her. She has him wrapped around her finger.”

  “Would she really have her uncle override a Council decision?” Minuet asks.

  “She would do anything to have Monroe,” Bast answers.

  Minuet taps her fingernails on the tabletop. “Does Sasha know about Alveron?”

  “I’m afraid I’ll have to tell her,” I say grimly. “Originally I didn’t think he would be a problem.”

  Brinda and the rest of the members arrive. Quin raps on the table to call the Council meeting to order.

  “By now,” Quin says, holding up the note, “you are aware of the reason for this meeting. We must help Monroe.”

  Brinda raises her hand. “There is no guarantee Alveron will have Lily released. He may dote upon his niece, yet he is not unreasonable.”

  Bast snorts. “You believe that?”

  “Why shouldn’t I?” Brinda asks.

  “Monroe and I know Alveron might not be unreasonable in most cases,” Bast replies, “but anything Lily wants Alveron gives her. Her own parents didn’t spoil her as badly as he does.”

  Brinda’s eyebrows furrow. “It seems we fairies have been duped. We were under the impression he behaves rationally.”

  “In any other situation, perhaps,” Bast says. “Not when Lily’s involved.”

  Brinda resumes her seat.

  I raise my hand and Quin nods. “We should consider what we can do, now. What are our options?”

  “We can apprise Alveron of the circumstances surrounding Lily’s imprisonment and hope it’s enough to convince him to keep her there,” Neru suggests.

  “Sounds like the right course of action.” Quin replies. “What’s your vote?”

  “Aye,” everyone except Bast and I answer.

  Quin glances at me.

  “I’m not sure a message will change his mind,” I say. “Though we can try.”

  “It’s better than no action,” Bast agrees.

  Quin raps on the table. “Then we shall send a letter signed by each of us. The letter will state the facts regarding Lily’s imprisonment.”

  Brinda produces paper and pen. She begins to write in her elegant handwriting:

  To the Illustrious Alveron Hyfield, Fifth Level Third Realm Magician, etc.,

  The Council of the Third Realm wishes to extend our greetings and address the imprisonment of your niece, Lily Tygress, in Mount Iron Prison.

  The former Lady Tygress disregarded decisions this Council made, as well as threatened a member’s future mate. Given the nature of her crimes, we are certain you understand why the Council used such extreme measures.

  We are aware you may release her; however, we respectfully request you contemplate the circumstances before taking any action.

  Sincerely,

  “Perhaps it will appease his rather delicate ego and help him see reason,” Neru says after we’ve read the letter.

  Quin turns to the rest of us. “Is it acceptable?”

  We all nod.

  My mind balks. I hate the idea of groveling. But, we have no other choice. Will it be enough?

  “Let each member sign their name.” Quin reaches for the pen. With a flourish he places his signature just below the closing, then hands it to me.

  I sign my official signature, Monroe Renult Dubay, Lion Lineage, etc. Then I slide the paper to Loralyn, who also signs it. She hands the paper to Samson and the rest of the Council members add their names. Quin folds the paper, addresses the front, and hands the message to a waiting servant.

  “
May the Creator bless our efforts,” Quin says.

  “Amen,” we all answer.

  Quin raps on the table. “I hereby declare this meeting adjourned and appoint Delton Leemure the next General.”

  I groan inwardly, but say nothing. Delton rises, and accepts the appointment, then we’re dismissed.

  Loralyn catches my attention as we exit. “Try not to worry. He can overturn most decisions, but not any we made about your marriage to Sasha.”

  I rake a hand through my hair, removing the elastic, which I stuff in my pocket. “Regardless, Lily will find a way to cause trouble.”

  Loralyn touches my arm. “I’ll have Adler and the other man-beast eagles keep a lookout for any changes at Mount Iron. They’re the best watchmen around.”

  “Thank you,” I say.

  She squeezes my arm, then glides away.

  “Maybe it’ll be all right,” Bast says. “Other than getting her out of Mount Iron there isn’t a whole lot he can do.” He claps me on the shoulder. “Be well, my friend.”

  I return to my castle and go into my den.

  “Are you all right, sir?” Ayres appears as I enter the room.

  “I need time to myself.”

  “As you wish, sir.” Ayres bows and leaves.

  I sink into a chair. How could I have forgotten about Alveron? Was I so arrogant I thought he wouldn’t be an issue? Lily must’ve planned on contacting him the minute she was indicted. Will I ever be rid of her?

  “Creator, if you’re listening, please do something about this,” I growl. “She’s going to drive me mad!”

  I stomp over to my chess set, pick up the black king, and throw the piece against the wall. Then I topple the entire set onto the floor, letting out a string of curses.

  Chapter 28: Sasha

  Sipping a cup of Chamomile tea, I flip through the TV channels and pray Monroe is all right. I haven’t seen him all day. A chill envelops me. Something’s wrong. I close my eyes, but I don’t sense Lily anywhere in my mind. The knowledge makes me more nervous. Not knowing where she is feels more sinister than when she enters my consciousness.

  I finish my tea and wander into the kitchen. I’m about to call for Monroe when suddenly he strides into the room.

  My worst fears spring to life as I glimpse his rumpled shirt, his unbound mussed hair, and wrinkled pants. “Good evening.”

  “Are you okay?”

  His paces around the room muttering to himself. My shivers intensify. I brace myself for the bad news.

  “Monroe?”

  “Yes, my dear?”

  “I asked you if you were okay.”

  “I’m sorry. I didn’t hear you.”

  I grasp his hand and lead him into the living room. “What’s wrong?”

  He sits next to me, rubbing his hands on his pants. “I received some news today.” He clears his throat. “The Vulture Brothers, who run Mount Iron Prison where Lily is, sent me a message.”

  My heart races.

  “It seems Lily’s uncle, Alveron, has arrived in the Magic Region, where I live.” Monroe massages his temples. “Alveron doesn’t leave his palace in the Black Hills often. He’s a powerful magician. If he so desires, he can overturn almost any decision the Council makes.” He turns to me. “He could even demand Lily’s release from prison.”

  Lily hadn’t made everything up. “What then?”

  “Lily will be free to cause more trouble. Alveron can’t do anything to prevent our marriage, but he could turn a blind eye to what Lily would do. She could hurt you.”

  “She wouldn’t defy the Council, would she?”

  “You know she would.”

  “Do you think Alveron will free her?”

  Monroe gets back up and rests his hand on the mantel. “He gave her anything she wanted growing up. She made mine and Bast’s lives miserable.” His grip turns his knuckles white. “One time Alveron gave Lily a rope, which kept me under her power. If it weren’t for Bast, who knows what she would’ve done to me? When she got older, she became more enterprising. She had Alveron cast spells on me. It was hell.”

  Anger and pity replace my nerves. “That’s terrible! How did you stand it?”

  He steps away from the mantel. “I avoided her the best I could. Despite my efforts, she always found ways to pester me. When she was on the Council, I had to endure more of her overtures. Now she’ll come after you.” He swears fluently.

  The nerves return in full force. “What will she do?”

  “She might attack us. She could kill you and have it look like an accident.” He starts pacing again. “There are several possibilities.”

  “Is there anything we can do?”

  “Not at the moment. The Council sent Alveron a letter. We’ll wait for his reply.”

  I grab his arm and he sits back down. “Perhaps we shouldn’t worry until something happens. Let’s continue with the wedding plans and go from there.”

  “You’re right, of course. I’m still in shock. I’ve been unsettled since the message arrived.”

  I force my own feelings aside and rub his back. “Relax.”

  He closes his eyes. “How did you know I needed that?”

  “A lucky guess.”

  “A good one.”

  I move my hands over his back as he groans in pleasure. Leaning down, I kiss his neck. He shivers. He turns around and wraps his arms around me. A wave of pleasure washes over me. With my last coherent thought, I send up a quick plea that Alveron doesn’t free Lily. Then I forget everything when his musky scene envelops me. I revel in the feel of his arms around me, the taste of his mouth against mine.

  “You know,” he says when he breaks the kiss, “I could get used to you spoiling me.”

  I look up at him. “Yeah?”

  “I already love the feel of you in my arms.”

  “Good thing we’re getting married.”

  “True. I thank the Creator.” He runs a finger down my cheek. “It’s too bad,” he murmurs, “the wedding isn’t sooner.”

  “Why?” I ask. Trembles of pleasure and fear shoot down my spine.

  “I’m eager to call you my wife and make you mine.” When I don’t answer, he kisses each of my fingers. “I’m serious, Sasha. I love you with every part of me.” I feel a shudder go through him. “I need you. You’re my other half.”

  A lump lodges in my throat. “That’s beautiful,” I say, hoarsely.

  “Are you crying?” Concern clouds his eyes.

  I shake my head. “I’m touched and happy. You have no idea what it means to me to belong to someone.”

  He hugs me tightly. “I’m delighted you chose me.”

  “You mean you chose me and I finally saw the light.”

  “You could’ve said no,” he answers.

  “I didn’t, though.”

  “Your consent means I’m doubly blessed.”

  “You always say the sweetest things to me.” My voice shakes. “I should be used to it.”

  “Perhaps it’s the thought of separation. I contemplated it all afternoon.” He clears his throat. “It would wrench my heart in two.”

  “Are you exaggerating?”

  “No. It’s the truth.”

  “My heart would break if something happened to you, Monroe.”

  “Now you know why I’ve been so upset.”

  I swallow a lump in my throat. “Perhaps, we should think about something else.”

  “Probably would be wise.”

  The school year finishes without a word from Alveron. In the middle of June, Monroe steps through the rift. I duck my head before he can see my relief that Lily hasn’t had Alveron seal it.

  “How about a vacation?” Monroe asks.

  “What about Alveron? Has he given the Council an answer?”

  Monroe pinches the bridge of his nose. “Brinda requested the fairies be allowed to watch for any correspondence from Alveron. She’ll notify the rest of the Council if she hears anything.”

  I wrap my arms around his
waist. “You must be exhausted.” I draw him to the couch and help him get comfortable.

  “I’m beyond exhausted. I feel like we’re hanging in a balance where Lily controls which way things go.” He leans his head against the cushions. “I want the whole Lily problem solved. We’re supposed to be planning our wedding. I want you free to make your decision about where we’ll live without these distractions.”

  “Mel and I finished the wedding planning last week.”

  “And the other?”

  “I don’t know. I haven’t seen you since May. Ever since school let out I’ve felt useless.”

  “Maybe we should we move up the wedding day.”

  “You mentioned that once. I checked and the Church is booked solid.” I tuck my feet under me. “Why do you want to move up the day?”

  “So you’d be nearby. You refuse to stay at my castle. When I’m not with you I worry.”

  “It’s been quiet. Why are you worried?”

  “It won’t stay quiet. If we get away, perhaps I’ll actually get some rest and think clearer.”

  “Where will we go?”

  “Charming Island. My friends, Cyndra and Terrance offered us their palace until August.” He smiles. “It’s an exact replica of your dreams.”

  “You’re joking! And we have it for a month?”

  His grin widens. “I’m serious. The palace will be completely staffed. Everything we could want at our disposal. All I require from you is a departure time.”

  “Mel wants to get together before the Fall semester. I can schedule something with her for when we return. I’ll call her. Afterward, I’ll pack.” I tuck a piece of hair away from his face. “Are you sure you’re up to traveling?”

  “I’ll go anywhere with you.”

  “You didn’t answer my question.”

  He brings his hand up to my cheek. “Call Mel and get your bags ready. A vacation is just what I need.”

  “It’ll be wonderful to spend some time with you and perhaps we could forget all this.”

  He sighs. “The Council has been a wreck. One day we agree on what to do, the next day we’re arguing. Brinda finally stepped in and helped us reach a compromise.”

  “You really do seem drained.”

  “If I am, you don’t want to see Bast. He’s a mess.” He leans over and kisses me. “Now go on. I want to reacquaint myself with my lovely bride.”