Nudging Fate

by E. J. Russell

  Talk about getting screwed by Fate. Ugh.

  “I’m going back to my room. I’ve got a conference call with Mikos at nine, and I’ve promised to work up a couple of proposals for some prospective clients.”

  “Come on, Andy. Don’t leave. We won’t give you any more grief, I promise.” Brooke set down her plate to give his shoulder a squeeze. “Let’s go to the kitchen and watch Chef terrorize luncheon. That’s always good for a few chuckles.”

  “Sorry. I need the solitude. I’ll escort Nils to the lobby for the Mt. Etna trip, though, so you don’t have to worry about that. Check in with the other candidates, though? Make sure they don’t need anything, and that the undine is ready for the whale-watching trip tomorrow.”

  Brooke wrinkled her nose. “Yeah. I’m sure she’ll love hearing from me.” Andy opened his mouth, ready to offer to swap duties, but she held up her hand, the webs between her fingers sparkling with at least two new piercings. “It’s okay. Really. Besides, if you escort Nils, it’ll give you another peek at your princely crush.”

  “That’s what I’m afraid of,” Andy muttered as he left the room. Although if Brooke could put up with barely concealed hate, surely Andy could put up with a little inconvenient longing.

  As it turned out, Mikos sent him a text canceling their call because of some kind of minotaur crisis. Andy spent the time he should have been outlining the proposals for two human weddings and a quinceañera staring out the window at the garden, at the spot under the dogwood tree where he and Rey had almost kissed.

  At eleven forty-five, he gave up and went to meet Nils.

  Nils opened the door at Andy’s knock. “Early, aren’t you?”

  “I can wait, if you’re not ready.”

  Nils stalked out the door, leaving Andy to close it. “Might as well get it over with. It’s not as if there’s anything else interesting to do.”

  Andy trotted to keep up with the elf’s long strides. “You have the full run of the resort’s facilities on the Interstitial side.”

  “That’s not where the fun is, is it?” Nils took an extra swagger. “Like I said, I think I deserve a little consideration for saving your ass.” He glanced down at Andy, angling his head so it was clear that Andy’s ass was in his sights. “Since you’re not willing to give it up yourself, you should at least let me off-leash long enough to cruise an Earthside club or two.”

  “How do you expect to enjoy a club hookup when you’re trying not to hurl or pass out? You Pures can’t tolerate Earthside for more than a few minutes without an allergic reaction.”

  “I could if you accidentally forgot to retrieve the interface talisman after I get back from this pointless trip.”

  “Not a chance. Besides, it’s keyed to Mt. Etna and the Interstices hops in between only.”

  “So?” Nils scowled and threw himself into a chair in front of the lobby fireplace. “You’re a fecking norn. Change it. What would it hurt?”

  “That’s not how I work.”

  “That’s not what I hear.” Nils’s tone was laced with sly innuendo. “I’ve been thinking. That vase tipped over at an awfully opportune moment. You wouldn’t have had something to do with that, would you?”

  “That,” Andy said, raising his chin and carefully not meeting Nils’s gaze, “would be unethical.”

  Nils laughed, and it wasn’t a happy sound. “That’s not a denial. I wonder what Odin would say if he—”

  “Pardon me, gentlemen.” Talus stopped next to Andy and bowed, fist to chest. Nils must have really been getting to him if Andy hadn’t noticed the Iron Knight’s heavy footsteps. “I have a message for you.”

  “Yes?” Andy tried to be surreptitious about checking behind Talus to search for the prince, but judging by Nils’s evil chuckle, he wasn’t successful.

  “His Highness’s apologies, but he will be unable to attend today’s excursion.”

  Andy frowned. “What? Why?”

  “He is….” Talus shifted from one foot to another. “…indisposed.”

  “He’s ill?”

  “As you say.”

  “Just perfect,” Nils said, pushing himself to his feet. “All this inconvenience and the royal asshole doesn’t bother to show. But then,” he sneered, “we’re all here for his convenience, aren’t we?” Nils strode off toward the hallway. “I’ll be back in my fecking boring suite.”

  Andy barely registered his departure. Rey, ill? Having the prince taken ill on his watch was a nightmare from a professional perspective, but that wasn’t what caused his belly to take a nosedive toward his loafers. What if it was something other than simple illness? What if Johan or Kjersti or their clans had launched a magical counterattack? The Interstices were supposed to neutralize magical attacks, but if the safeguards were foolproof, Johan wouldn’t have been able to poison more than half the guests.

  Andy might be the last person deserving to mate with someone of Rey’s rank and importance, but damn it, he still cared.

  “Pardon me, Talus. I have to….” He edged away until he could turn and race off, with no plan other than seeing Rey for himself. He’s all right. He has to be. If he’s not…. Well, Andy would decide then whether it was worth risking a future of Yggdrasil babysitting to give Fate a little nudge.

  CON downloaded another book onto his e-reader, snuggling into his sweatshirt, and wished he’d purchased matching pants. Fleece was definitely more comfortable for lounging than wool or, Goddess forbid, leather.

  He wondered idly what kind of illness Talus had come up with. The Iron Knight was notoriously bad at lying. If he’d managed to convince everyone of the truth of his statements, it would be a true miracle.

  By now, he should have had a chance to inform everyone that “the prince” was keeping to his rooms today. If Con judged Talus’s timing accurately, he should be back right about—

  Knock knock knockknockknock.

  That would be now. “Enter.”

  But instead of Talus, Andy poked his head in the door. “Your Highness? I’m sorry to bother you, but when Talus told us that you were ill, I was afraid—”

  Con couldn’t help the surge of pleasure at the sight of Andy’s worried face. I should feel guilty for lying, but fuck it. I’m just glad to see him. “Please. Come in and shut the door.” He set the e-reader aside and stood. “I suppose I should have expected your visit.”

  Andy sidled in, but before he could close the door, his eyes widened as he took in Con’s clothing and obvious signs of health. “You’re… you’re not sick?”

  Con spread his arms in a gesture of surrender. “Guilty of perfect health, I fear.”

  “Then why—?”

  “I’m sorry, Andy, but I really couldn’t face spending the day with Nils. I loathe the man. I’d have been tempted to push him into the volcano, and then relations between his powerful clan and Faerie would have been destroyed, perhaps for centuries.”

  Andy frowned, and for some reason, that expression aimed at him caused Con’s heart to constrict. “Why would your mother include him as one of your prospective mates, then? Surely she took your wishes into account.”

  Con snorted. “You don’t know Gloriana very well. The only person’s wishes that matter to her are her own.” He moved forward slowly, checking to see if Andy appeared likely to bolt. “You won’t give me away, will you?”

  Andy took a half step back, so Con froze. “Well, technically I ought to arrange for someone else to take Nils’s place. There’s paperwork. Official red tape, that sort of thing.” His eyes popped wide. “Oh sweet Fate. Hephaestus! He will not be happy to be put off.”

  “You leave that to me. I’ll send Talus along to chat with him.”

  “Are you sure that’s a good idea? Mt. Etna can’t be comfortable for him. Doesn’t he get overheated?”

  Con blinked. “I…. You know, I never thought of that.” He took another step forward—he couldn’t help it. “You really are the most extraordinary person.”

  “Me? I’m not.”r />
  Con was a breath away from taking Andy in his arms and proving exactly how remarkable he was, when Talus pushed open the door and stomped in, his joints creaking even more than last time.

  Andy turned to Talus eagerly, as if he needed an excuse to avoid Con. Damn it. I’m coming on too strong.

  “Talus, I’ve been meaning to ask, if you don’t think it’s overstepping…. Are you all right? You’re moving much slower and… well… noisier than when you arrived.”

  “It is nothing.” Talus shrugged, but since one of his shoulders didn’t drop again, it was obvious his words weren’t precisely true. “I will be well.”

  “Nonsense. Listen, Smith has some WD-40 in his kit. If you have time, I’ll ask him to treat all your joints for you.”

  Talus hesitated for a moment, then nodded. “That would be welcome. Thank you.”

  Goddess, this man…. He would be a perfect consort for Faerie. But could Con stand to see him mated to Rey? Think about that later. Both of you are here now. “You know, Andy, I’d planned to spend the day reading, but do you suppose I could convince you to keep me company instead?”

  Andy put his hands behind his back. “I’m not sure that’s a good idea.”

  “No? But isn’t one of your responsibilities to keep the prince—that is, me—happy and content?”

  “Yeeeesss.” He gave Con a passable version of the evil eye. “But that doesn’t mean—”

  Con held up his hands. “Of course not. I only mean that your company, your presence, would make me happy. We could share another meal or two. Perhaps watch some of the films that you told me were available.”

  “Chill,” Talus said, perfectly straight-faced.

  “Chill?” Andy stared at Talus, his cheeks paling. “Odin’s beard, Hephaestus!”

  “Worry not, Sir Andy.” Talus bowed with an audible screech of metal. “I will see to it that Hephaestus is appeased.”

  Andy glanced between Con and Talus. “Okay. I guess, although that hardly seems fair. But stop by to see Smith first. I’ll tell him you’re coming.”

  “That would be most appreciated.” Talus backed out of the room as Andy spoke a few words, apparently into thin air. “Please enjoy your respite.”

  He closed the door, leaving Con and Andy alone. All right, genius. Now what? He’d been so determined to keep Andy in the suite, but now that he’d succeeded, he was at a loss. He’d pressed Andy to stay as Con, but Andy had agreed to remain with Rey.

  Damn Rey and this whole masquerade. If Rey had stepped up and shouldered his own responsibilities for a change, Con could have met Andy at the coronation and wedding. Perhaps invited him to dance or for a drink.

  Except Andy would have been busy, organizing things, solving problems, taking care of people, the way he’d been doing since Con had met him. Really he’s the perfect mate for Rey. No, not for Rey, for Faerie. He was exactly the sort of consort to keep Rey in line and make sure the needs of the people and the realm were met.

  Con sighed, and Andy immediately lost the wary look he’d worn since Con’s clumsy, ill-considered innuendo. “Your Highness? Are you all right?”

  Con forced a smile. “As right as possible, considering I feel as if I’ve forced you into a situation you don’t want, not to mention making your job more difficult.”

  Andy shrugged. “My job is always a challenge. Juggling people’s expectations, needs, and feelings will do that. But….” He glanced down at his hands, his fingers laced together as if he were trying to hold on to something. “I don’t not want to be here. I… I like you.”

  Con perked up. “You do?”

  “Well of course,” Andy said in a don’t-be-an-idiot tone. “We had a good time when I was… well… pretending to be someone I’m not. I’m willing to see if we can enjoy ourselves when I’m being me too.”

  Guilt swirled in Con’s belly. Andy had confessed his deception, but Con still hadn’t. He couldn’t, though. Not when he’d promised Rey he wouldn’t. Besides, when you got down to it, Rey was his brother. Andy was someone Con was undeniably attracted to, but they’d only known each other for a few days. A few wonderful days, but there was no contest really.

  “I… I look forward to it. How would you suggest we begin?”

  Andy scanned the empty table. “Have you had lunch yet?”

  “No. I’m afraid I got caught up in my book.”

  “Really? Which one?”

  “One you recommended. Charmed Life.”

  Andy beamed. “Ooohhh. Diana Wynne Jones. She’s one of my very favorite authors, even though her books are technically YA or even middle grade. But I love recommending her to people. It makes me a bit envious, though. You have all her books ahead of you. New, unexplored treasures. I love rereading them, but there’s nothing like that first discovery, the wonder, the OMG, how did she know this was how it was?” He sighed, suddenly looking sad. “There won’t be any more. She’s passed on, as humans do.”

  “Yes. That’s one of the disadvantages of the near-immortality of the supernatural races—our human friendships are perforce limited. Perhaps it’s as well we keep to our own side of the Interstices.”

  “I don’t know. You’re half human. So am I. If at least one parent hadn’t made that leap, we wouldn’t exist.” He perched on the edge of the sofa, his hands between his knees. “Although sometimes that seems like it would have been a better option. Being an aitcher isn’t what I would call easy, especially if your supernatural parent resents your existence. Or at least finds it embarrassing.”

  Con joined him on the sofa. “My mother, who’s fae—”

  “I don’t think the Faerie Queen qualifies as simple ‘fae.’”

  Shite. Con had almost given away his true heritage. “Perhaps not. Was it your mother or your father who was human?”

  “Father. Same as you. I sometimes wonder how he had the audacity to—” He shook his head with a wry smile. “Well, never mind that. Let me call for lunch, and then we can watch a couple of movies. I’d suggest we take a walk in the garden, but since we’re trying to preserve the fiction that you’re unwell, we’d best keep to the suite.” He wrinkled his nose. “I’m afraid that’s going to limit the food choices too. Chef has very definite notions about what food he’ll prepare for those not fully able to appreciate his genius.” Andy pulled out his cell phone. “Although he does make a chicken soup to die for.”

  Chapter Twelve

  LUNCH. Movies. Dinner. Movies. Long chats in between about favorite books. Andy had abandoned himself to the day with almost no qualms, turning off his earpiece after informing Brooke and Smith that they were on call, but not necessarily on duty. Everyone could take a breather today before the next scheduled date tomorrow.

  Nils. He’d have to go back in the queue. If Rey really wanted to vote him off, they’d have to at least undergo one date. It had to be something that wouldn’t force intimacy, though, for Rey’s sake. Something where they weren’t alone.

  Drat it, none of the remaining dates were totally public. Even tomorrow’s whale-watching event with the undine included a cozy tete-a-tete in the yacht’s private dining alcove—conveniently located next to the yacht’s luxurious berth.

  But Rey hadn’t tried to take advantage of the “extended activities” clause with anybody yet. Not that he’d had the chance. The only person he’d spent any time alone with was Andy.

  Like now.

  Oh, gods.

  But Rey had been a complete gentleman so far. No untoward remarks. No overt propositions. And if he was sitting close enough on the sofa for Andy to smell him in all his woodsy glory, that was just companionable, right?

  No matter how much Andy wanted it to be more.

  “That was charming,” Rey said as the credits of A Little Romance rolled.

  “Yes. I’ve always loved it. I mean, the acting is wonderful. The man who played Julius was one of the most admired Earthside actors for decades. But mostly I love the theme. The two kids—you know they’re not going to d
o anything bad on that trip. They just really, really want that legend to be true, that they can affect their own destiny, so they can be together forever. Because what were the odds that from all the countries and all the people and all of time, somehow they’d found their perfect match?” Andy drew his knees up and hugged them. “Imagine how doubly desperate they’d have felt if they’d known that there were more worlds in the mix.”

  “It’s extraordinarily… I don’t know… innocent.”

  “It’s not a recent movie. I doubt they could make anything like it now. Audiences demand more explosions, not to mention couples old enough to have legal sex.”

  Rey turned sideways on the sofa to face Andy, drawing one knee up so that it brushed Andy’s thigh. “Do you believe in the existence of a perfect mate for everyone?”

  “For everyone? That’s not very likely, is it? That would presuppose that the number of people in the world was evenly distributed and that everyone wanted only one mate, when we know that some people prefer more, and that some people are so horrible that they shouldn’t be allowed to make someone else miserable.”

  Rey laughed. “A point. But in general—do you think it’s possible for some people to find their perfect match?”

  The warmth of Rey’s knee against him was causing Andy’s brain to misfire. What was the question? “Maybe. But how would you know for sure? You can’t exactly consult the Delphic Oracle. It’s been shut down for repairs for millennia. How long do you wait?”

  “As long as it takes?”

  “That’s not exactly helpful, Your Highness.”

  “Sorry,” Rey said, not sounding sorry at all.

  “I mean, suppose you meet someone that you like well enough, but don’t believe in the odds of meeting someone better, so you settle. Maybe you’re perfectly happy, even if you’re not deliriously in love, but then years later, you meet the One. What then?”