The Scale Empire

by Cate Farren

  “They tried to stay out of it for the sake of their people and their economy. But they’re powerful. They don’t have weres and shifters or many supernatural creatures at all, but they do have nuclear weapons.”

  Tina poured us each some more nettle soup. It was surprisingly tasty, even though it did leave an odd taste on my tongue. I was glad to have something more to eat. I was desperately hungry.

  “How is Circe?” Rebecca asked, idly playing with her spoon. “I saw you performing some sort of spell on her.”

  Tina looked at Rebecca darkly. “You saw that, hmm?”

  This seemed to confirm that weresaurs and weredragons could perform magic. I was astounded. The weredragon that had created the magical storm in Alaska must be very powerful.

  “I tried to wake her up,” said Tina. “But I failed.”

  “Your magic was never that good,” said Bram, amused.

  Tina harrumphed. “I’m a weresaur, not a witch. Besides, I think she just needs to rest. She’ll be fine. I’m sure of it.”

  “We need her, even though she is a duplicitous, lying bitch,” Rebecca added. “We should try all we can to wake her up.”

  We talked for a while about spells and such to help Circe but I could tell that the non magic users were getting restless. Sini appeared to be gazing into space, and even Nile was sighing. We needed time to breathe. We needed a few hours where the thought of wars and magic were banished.

  We needed to have fun.

  Bram looked uncertain. “Fun? What do you mean?”

  “We can play a game,” I suggested. “Like truth or dare.”

  Sini laughed. “I love that! I say we play that!”

  “It’s a bit childish,” said Nile haughtily.

  “We’re not children,” I reminded him. “We’re adults heading off to war who need a little release. Don’t be a miserable bastard.”

  We all laughed when Nile threw a half-eaten piece of bread at me. I used my magic to propel it back. It hit him on the head, bouncing onto the floor. A ginger cat scurried up, grabbed the piece of bread in its mouth, and ran off again.

  “You have a cat?” Bram asked.

  “No,” said Tina, grinning.

  We all laughed again.

  Rebecca used her magic to suspend another piece of bread in the air. She grinned and looked at each of us in turn.

  “Tell me a truth or you get hit,” she said, a sly grin on her face. “Come on.”

  I looked toward Bram, who rubbed at his beard, laughing. He looked sexy when he was having fun.

  Bram said, “I lost my virginity at seventeen to a friend of my mother’s. She had big breasts and soft lips and she offered herself up to me on a plate. I didn’t feel an ounce of guilt.”

  Rebecca nodded, satisfied with the answer.

  “I like it here,” said Sini quietly. She seemed almost shy. “If I get my ring back I’m not leaving.” Bram seemed uncomfortable. “It’s not because of you. It’s just…the reason I left my home was because it was awful. I like being a tourist, but I’ve been travelling a long time. I want somewhere to stay. I want a home.”

  “Then you have a home here,” said Bram.

  “Are you hitting on me?”

  “No.”

  Sini laughed, though I could tell she was embarrassed at being so honest. She was like me in a way. She wanted her travelling to be over. She wanted to stay still.

  Tina said, “Sometimes the king couldn’t be bothered to call his personal chef and he used to force me to make meals for him. When he did I put a spell on them to give him diarrhoea.”

  Bram laughed. “I used to spit in father’s meals.”

  “No wonder he was so grumpy all the time,” said Tina.

  We laughed a bit more, the levitating piece of bread waiting.

  Nile was fidgeting. His freckled face was bright red. He looked like he was struggling with something important.

  “Nile,” said Bram calmly. “You don’t have to tell us anything.”

  “I have to,” said Nile. “I have to say this.” He gritted his teeth. “I was born a girl.” When nobody said anything he continued, “I’m not ashamed or anything. I know nobody really cares who was born what, but I at least wanted you to know, Bram.”

  Bram clapped Nile on the shoulder proudly. The young soldier’s face appeared to go even redder.

  “What happened?” I asked.

  I was eager to know. There was a transgender woman back home in Alaska, a hijra from India. Granny Maya had adopted her a while back and trained her personally in witchcraft.

  “I was born Niley, and even from an early age I knew I was meant to be a boy.” He smiled. “When I was five my parents took me to see an official witch and they used a spell to turn me into a boy.”

  Gender-switching spells were notoriously difficult things to do on my world. The witches on this Earth were obviously very powerful.

  “I’m glad you told me,” said Bram.

  All eyes homed in on me. It was my turn.

  “Do I have to do this?” I asked.

  Rebecca nodded her head.

  I sighed. “Fine. Once upon a time I slept with a werepanther. She was called Grace.”

  None of them appeared shocked.

  “What happened next?” Bram asked.

  “I woke up the next morning, chained to the bed, with some shifter version of a vicar trying to marry us.” I could laugh about it now. Back then I’d been scared for my life. “I escaped, but even now I’m not entirely sure whether we did get married or not.”

  We laughed about that for a while. I took it in good humour, even though I was mortified. I hadn’t thought about Grace and her demented world in a long time.

  “What about you?” I asked.

  Rebecca looked uneasy. “I don’t talk about my past.”

  “That’s hardly fair,” said Sini. “We gave you a truth.”

  “This was my game.” Rebecca waved her hand and the piece of bread hit her in the left eye. “Game over.”

  She stalked away sulkily, leaving the rest of us with a bitter taste in our mouths. I could understand why she wouldn’t talk to us. Her past was pretty much my own but a lot darker.

  “I think we ought to settle down for the night,” Tina announced. She stood up and started collecting our dirty plates. “We have a long journey ahead of us tomorrow.”

  I helped Tina with the dishes, eager to have something to occupy my mind with other than my impending death. The others went outside to check on the magical shields.

  As I wiped a dish I said, “You really care about him.”

  “He’s the son I never had,” said Tina. “I’d die for him.”

  “So is he really the only hope this world has of peace?”

  “I’m afraid so.”

  It was a good job our missions were the same then. I’d hate to abandon Bram now if Dorian were to flee this world.

  “You really care about him,” said Tina, echoing my own words.

  I stared at her for a moment. “I suppose I do.”

  “He’s a good man. You don’t have to look so miserable about it.”

  “He’s still in love with his wife, and I’m still in love with the man I lost. He’s a king. I’m going to die soon. It’s hardly the basis for a lasting relationship. We’re doomed. Besides, it’s just lust. We’re not planning on setting a date or anything.”

  Tina sighed heavily as she scrubbed at a dirty plate.

  “What is it?” I asked.

  “Lana was never good enough for Bram,” she said angrily. “If he knew what I knew about that despicable woman…”

  “What did she do?”

  Tina ignored me and continued with the dishes. I didn’t pry any further. It was none of my business. Besides, I couldn’t ruin Bram’s memories of his wife. They were all he had left of her.

  ***

  I was shown to a converted barn next to the cottage. It was only a small room, but it was comfortable, with a fireplace and a large king-s
ize bed. It smelled like spring.

  “Where does Bram sleep?” I asked.

  Tina smirked. “He sleeps in the main house. But he knows where you are.”

  She placed a bundle of blankets on the bed, winked, and left me to it. I ignored her and set to making the bed. All I wanted to do was sleep.

  My last sleep.

  The door creaked. I expected Tina, bringing me more blankets. It was Bram. He closed the door behind him.

  He said, “We have to talk.”

  Chapter 20

  I mentally willed him to leave. I wasn’t sure I had it in me to utter the actual words. Yet I had to. I couldn’t do this to myself. I couldn’t do this to him.

  “I’m not sure we have the time,” I said.

  “I’m making the time,” he demanded forcefully. “I’ve been through too much with you not to.”

  I could see the hunger in his eyes. I know what he wanted.

  “We can’t do this,” I protested.

  “No!” he shouted. “We have to do this. Kezia…”

  I shook my head. “Please, Bram.”

  He walked forward, leaving only a few feet between us.

  “My wife was the most precious person in the world to me. Her eyes would light up whenever she saw me, and she was the most dazzling white dragon that you’ve ever laid eyes on. I never saw myself being with or loving anyone else. Then I lost her. I grieved and I raged and I promised myself that I would never love again. I didn’t think I could love again. If I could love again then that meant Lana didn’t mean much to me in the first place. But I still love her. I’ll always love her. She exists inside of me and in the hearts of all the people she touched with her kindness. But I’ve also learned I can love again. I need to love again. I want to love again.”

  “I’m going to die soon. You know that.”

  “I know that! You’ve told me a dozen times. It still doesn’t change the way I feel.”

  I could see the dragon fire in his eyes. In a way it was fiercer than when he was angry.

  “And what do you feel?” I asked.

  He didn’t say the words. Maybe he didn’t know. Maybe he thought he was betraying Lana by saying the truth.

  “I can’t stand this!” I cried. “I can’t stand knowing I’m going to leave you devastated!”

  ***

  I looked upon the opulence of the hotel room and put my hand to my mouth. Leopold closed the door behind me, revelling in my delight. I couldn’t believe it.

  “This is so ostentatious,” I exclaimed, snaking my hand across the silk bed sheets. I turned to him, unable to move the grin off my face. “It makes the palace look like an East End slum.”

  He kissed me on the lips. “Only the best for you.”

  I leaped onto the bed, stretching my limbs wide. It was the biggest bed I’d ever seen. You could fit six people easily in it lengthwise. The wallpaper was gold. There was a sensuous chaise longue with deep velvet patterns and a chandelier that dripped with crystals. The curtains were heavy, woven with another golden pattern. There was even a bottle of champagne on a tray by the side of the bed.

  “I can’t believe nobody recognised you!” I said as he jumped onto the bed beside me. “We just waltzed right in.”

  “Hmm.”

  I blushed. “Oh. I’m sorry. I didn’t think it bothered you.”

  He leaned on his elbow, gazing into me. I had wounded him.

  He said sadly, “I try telling myself that I’m not some vain, over-entitled prince, but I guess I am.”

  “You’re not.” I laughed. “Well, a little vain perhaps, but that’s what I love about you.”

  He showed genuine surprise. “You love me?”

  I didn’t need to think about it. What I felt was natural and pure.

  “I’ve never loved anyone but you,” I said.

  They were the easiest words I’d ever uttered.

  He smiled. “I’ve never loved anyone but you either.”

  He took my hand and kissed my wrist, kissing me all the way up my bare arm. I laughed as his lips tickled my sensitive skin.

  “You’re wearing too many clothes,” he said.

  I laid back, allowing him to pull down my dress. I felt a little embarrassed when my thick undergarments were exposed. I was sure he was used to ladies who wore much more sophisticated clothing.

  “You’re beautiful,” he whispered.

  It didn’t take him long to get my underwear off.

  ***

  Leopold stretched, his hands touching the headboard. I felt invigorated. Alive. I was tired, covered in sweat. He didn’t seem to be affected at all. It was probably the vampire in him.

  I reached my hand out to touch his bare chest. He was thin but not bony. I wasn’t even sure that vampires could put on weight.

  He’s perfect.

  “That was magical,” I said, noticing the light bite marks on my neck and shoulder. I hadn’t noticed him biting me. I’d been too busy. “I never even thought…What’s wrong?”

  He was staring at the ceiling as if he had the weight of the world on his shoulders. I expected him to be happy that we’d finally consummated our love. Had I done something wrong? Had he expected more from me when it came to sex?

  “What’s wrong?” I repeated, a little more forcefully this time. “You know you can talk to me.”

  “You don’t need to worry about it,” he said.

  “Are you upset that your mother might find out?”

  He turned to me. Guilt was written all over his face.

  “I feel guilty for cheating on my wife,” he admitted.

  I didn’t understand. “I thought you didn’t love her?”

  He sighed. I shuffled closer to him, giving him my warmth and comfort. I wanted to hear every word and assure him I was there for him.

  “I don’t love her,” he said. I almost cried with relief. “I don’t love her as a husband should. I love her as a friend. I respect her immensely. Helena is a remarkable woman and she deserves better.”

  I nodded. “I understand.”

  Did he respect me in that way? I know he loved me, but did he respect me as a woman?

  He kissed me on the lips. “But it doesn’t mean I’ll ever give up on you. I love you. You just have to understand that my wife will always be a part of my life.”

  I hesitated. “I understand.”

  I did understand. I honestly did. But I was also immensely jealous. She got to marry him, to be his legal wife, to live a life of luxury and wealth and privilege. All I would ever be was his mistress. I had his love, but I wanted more. I needed more.

  Perhaps this had been a bad idea. Finally being intimate with Leopold had only reminded me even more of what I could never have. I wasn’t sure I was the type of person to be second best.

  “You’re upset,” he said.

  I couldn’t lie, not to him. “Yes.”

  “I know you want more. I wish I could give you more. But all I can give you is my love.”

  “Then that’s all I need. For now.”

  He pulled me in for another kiss. I laughed as his moustache tickled my lip. He pushed me against the bed, ready for round four.

  I was about to surrender myself to him again when the hotel door exploded inward.

  “How cosy.”

  It was Magenta, the witch I’d seen Victoria talking to. I had no idea who she was or what she did for the queen, but I knew it had to be something nefarious. Magenta had a dark aura surrounding her, an aura of death and malignancy.

  “What are you doing here?” I demanded.

  I refused to cover up my nakedness, even as Leopold pulled the covers up over his erect manhood. I had nothing to hide.

  Magenta grinned. “I spied on your little lovemaking session and then I decided to make my presence felt. You’re a little squealer, aren’t you, my little brown princess?”

  I flung myself out of bed, directing a small blast of light at her. She deflected it with her hand and slapped me across the face. I
found myself lifted into the air. I could feel something invisible gripping my neck. Its flesh was red hot and it stank of rotten eggs. This woman was using a demon against me.

  “Let her go!” Leopold demanded, fanging out.

  Magenta shook her head. “I can’t do that.”

  “Does Mother know about us?” he asked.

  “She suspected.” Magenta smirked and I was thrown against the wall. She walked over and kicked me in the chest. She turned back to Leopold. “Why are you with this filthy thing? She’s nothing.”

  “We love each other,” I said, climbing back to my feet. My head ached. “This is none of your business! Get out of here before I use my own powers on you. Believe me, you’ll regret it.”

  The dark witch laughed before noticing the dark expression on my face. She knew I was serious. She knew I would kill her.

  “Don’t worry,” said Magenta. “I’ll leave you to it. But when I tell the queen she’ll want you dead, and I’ll be happy to oblige.” She blew me a kiss. “I’ll be coming for you soon. Very soon.”

  She clicked her fingers and vanished.

  I shook my head, shaking off my curiosity over her teleportation spell. I looked at Leopold, still staring ahead with fire and hunger in his eyes. He frightened me. He could rip me apart if he wanted. But he wouldn’t. I trusted him.

  “What do we do?” I asked him.

  “I’ll talk to her,” said Leopold. “I won’t let Mother hurt you.”

  “She’s Queen of England. What can we do to stop her?”

  “I’m her youngest son. She loves me. I’m hoping I can appeal to her better nature.”

  ***

  My mind was plagued with worry. Worry about the curse. Worry about our safety. Our vulnerability.

  “Are you falling in love with me?” I asked.

  He shrugged. “Honestly? I don’t know. I’m in lust with you.”

  “All I know is I want you so badly it hurts.”

  My deep magical needs were simmering just under the surface. I wanted his touch desperately. I wanted his kisses to set my magic free. I’d seen the look in Bram’s eyes, such longing, desire, and tenderness. His dragon and its wild magic were just barely beneath the surface. His primal beast strained to make love to me or devour me, or both.

  Bram’s hand was shaking slightly as he bent his head to kiss me. His kiss was breath-taking and awe-inspiring, robbing me of the exhale I needed, making my lungs burn with desire. When our lips broke apart, I pulled him closer. He began to run his long deft fingers through my silky black hair with one hand, while the other hand gently cupped my breast through my black leather jacket, kneading it into a hard peak of excitement.