by Leigh Walker
My eyes were dry, but my heart was heavy. Rhys’s skin was usually so warm, and its chilliness frightened me. “Please wake up,” I whispered. “Even if it’s just to tell me that you hate me and that you’re through with me, I’ll be happy. I’ll be happy just to hear your voice again, Your Highness. Because I love you. Didn’t you know? Couldn’t you tell? It doesn’t matter if you wake up and hate me, because you’ll still be here, and that’s all I need. My love is selfish, you see. It doesn’t care about anything but you.”
I kissed his cool shoulder, then put my forehead against it again. “What I told you last night was ridiculous. All that garbage about walking away. Yes, love should be noble. But it isn’t—at least, not the way I love you. If it was truly the right thing for you to choose one of the other girls, I would step aside. If you awoke and told me that you hated me, I could accept that. But in either case, I would love you still. And if there was ever a chance that you’d change your mind, I would be waiting for you. That’s hardly noble—it’s pathetic, really. As is the fact that even if you never returned to me, I would still be waiting. Just in case. So please wake up. Wake up and torture me. Wake up and tell me you hate me and love someone else. Wake up and make me suffer. Just wake up.”
But the werewolf king lay beneath me, cold and still. Even though he was silent, it seemed to me that he was having the last word.
You’ll never know, dear…
“Tamara.”
…how much I love you…
“Tamara, please. I need to talk to you.”
Please don’t take my sunshine away….
Someone nudged me firmly, and my eyes flew open. “Rhys?” But he hadn’t moved; his eyes were closed.
“It’s me.” Mira Kinney gently patted me on the arm. “Focus, Tamara. Look at me.”
“What’s the matter?” I glanced quickly at the king, relieved to see his chest still rising and falling. “I mean, what else is the matter?”
“I know you’re upset, and probably in shock.” The vampire host sank down onto the stool next to me. “But we’re in a spot of trouble, and I think you’re the only one who can help.”
“More trouble than the fact that the King is half dead?” I fought the urge to laugh. If I started, I might not stop until my laughter turned into sobs.
She took my hands in hers. “I’ve word that the king wants to talk to Rhys. Obviously, that can’t happen. We need to keep this—his injuries—a secret.”
I yanked my hands from her icy ones. “I didn’t realize you were in the business of keeping secrets from the king, Mira. That doesn’t sound like you.”
She grimaced. “That’s because it’s not like me, except in this case. If the king finds out what’s happened, he might cancel the broadcast or at least delay it. I’m not going to let that happen.”
“But you can’t go against him or lie. If he finds out, you’ll be charged with treason.”
“You said I’m not in the business of lying to the king, and you’re right. But I am in business, and it’s show business—the one thing I’ve learned over the centuries is that the show must go on.”
I motioned to Rhys. “You can’t exactly film your bachelor king like this, Mira.”
“I know.” Her nostrils flared. “But we need to give him time to heal. Werewolves have excellent health, in case you didn’t know. Like most supernaturals, their systems heal rapidly, much faster than humans. So Rhys needs days, not weeks. But if the king hears about the attack and sees him like this, he’ll declare a state of emergency and put the contest on hiatus.”
“The king doesn’t want the settlers to know anything about what’s really happening up here,” I countered, “and you know it. He’d just as soon film Rhys on his deathbed and pretend it’s something else than let the settlers know there’ve been attacks.”
Mira opened her mouth then closed it. “I used to think that was true,” she said after a minute. “But now I’m not so sure.”
“Mira, you’re talking out of two sides of your mouth, and you still aren’t saying anything. Tell me what’s going on.”
She looked me in the eye. “Honestly, I’m not sure. All I know is that my ultimate loyalty is to my show and my crew. Some people are married to their work, and I’m one of them. I don’t care if it gets me into trouble, I don’t want word to get out that he’s been hurt.”
“Duncan said the same thing. He made me swear not to tell Blake and the others.” I studied her face. “What are you both so afraid of?”
She leaned forward, and even though Rhys was the only one in the room with us, she lowered her voice to a whisper. “I’ve heard some things lately that I’m pretty sure weren’t meant for vampire ears. All I know for certain is that the king has motives for being here other than just hiding from the rebels. I’m worried—and I think Duncan and the other advisors share this fear—that any weakness Rhys shows might be an opportunity for King Black.”
“An opportunity for what? Rhys was just barely sworn in as king!”
Mira shook her head. “I don’t know, and I have a gut feeling that I don’t want to know. So that’s the point—we have to protect our bachelor king here. He needs to heal and do it fast, and then we need to move on with the contest. Rhys needs to be in control of his kingdom with his new bride at his side while he has the support and adoration of the settlers. Can we at least agree about that? Isn’t that what you want for him too?”
“Yes, Mira.” My head was swimming. “But what do you want me to do?”
“I want you to go and see the King and keep him distracted.” She smiled at me, her bright-white teeth glinting in the dullness of the room. “I need you to Tamara Layne him.”
“What on earth do you mean?”
“Keep the king busy. Run circles around him. Heave your bosom at him—something. Do something, and do it well. Can you at least try?”
I glanced at Rhys. His breathing was shallow, his skin cool to the touch. “I’ll do my best.” It was all I could do. It was all I had left.
A Simple Plan
I refused to leave Rhys’s side until Duncan could take over. But when he arrived, I couldn’t bring myself to go. “Just give me one more minute,” I begged the blond werewolf.
Duncan nodded. “I’ll be outside if you need me.”
I smoothed the hair back from Rhys’s face again then rested my fingers on top of his thick, coarse hair. “I meant what I said earlier, you know,” I whispered to him. “I’m sorry. And I do love you, even if you no longer care for me. Please come back, even if you never speak to me again. I’m begging you, Rhys. Your people need you.”
I needed the wolf as well, but I’d made such a mess of things… I bent down and gently kissed him on the forehead. “I’ll come back when I can.”
I met Duncan in the other room. The wolf was pacing, his brow furrowed. “Mira is sending you on a mission, I heard.”
“Yes. She wants me to distract the king for as long as I can. She’s sworn me to secrecy about His Highness—you don’t need to worry. I won’t say a thing, not even to my friends.” It would kill me to hide something so important from Blake and Eve, but I didn’t feel I had a choice.
Duncan frowned. “Mira’s an unexpected ally, but I don’t wholly trust her. She seems to care more about that blasted show than anything, even her relationship with the king.”
“I think she’s worried about something else.” I watched him pace. “Is there any chance you’ll tell me what’s really going on?”
“No, but it’s not because I don’t trust you. I’ve heard you with Rhys these last hours, and I know you truly care for him. I’m not telling you because it’s safer that way, and that’s how Rhys would want it.”
I took a deep breath. “Mira seems to believe that he will heal in a matter of days. Is it true?”
Duncan nodded. “I think so. He lost a lot of blood in a short amount of time, but he’s been stable since we found him and brought him here. Usually for our kind, rest is what hea
ls us. I believe he’ll recover shortly.”
“Thank you.” I headed toward the door.
“Missus?”
“Yes, Duncan?”
The werewolf smiled. “It’s not often I’m happy to be wrong, but this is one of those rare times.”
“What are you talking about?”
“I was correct in that you are fancy, and that you have fancy ways.” His pale-denim eyes sparkled a bit. “But I was wrong about you otherwise. Satin gnome beds and imported bath salts aside, you’re not as bad as I thought.”
“Ah, Duncan, neither are you.” I was so consumed with regret about the king, I could no longer hold a grudge against my lanky werewolf nemesis. “Protect him for me, please?”
Duncan bowed to me. “I’ll protect him for both of us—for all of us.”
My heart felt a bit lighter as I hustled from the basement. I went to the library to find Joely and Dae alone in the room. They frowned at me. “You lied to us.” Dae jabbed a finger at me. “Outfit change, my bum! You’ve been with the wolves this whole time—what’s happened? Where’s the king?”
“Shh.” I closed the door quickly behind me. “I need you both to return to your rooms right now. Have your maids prepare your finest gowns and do full makeup. We’re going to the Northern palace at once. I’ll explain on the way.”
They looked puzzled, and I couldn’t blame them. We were going on a mission, but I didn’t know how we were going to accomplish our goal. I needed to form a decent plan, and fast.
Shortly thereafter, the three of us traipsed through the forest, followed closely by the ever-dapper and silent Roger. The gnomes whizzed in and out of the trees, and I hoped that Beast’s visit would distract Blake. I had work to do.
“What are we doing?” Joely asked for the tenth time. She held up the skirt of her gown so that it wouldn’t collect pine needles. “Why are we going to see the king, of all people? I don’t know what to say to him!”
“Just let me do the talking.” I picked up my pace. “But seem supportive.”
“Supportive of what?” Joely cried.
Dae came even with me and gave me a firm look. “You need to tell us what’s going on.”
“Mira asked me to do her a favor, is all.” I was talking out of my behind, but like all proper politicians, I had a knack for it. I started to spin a tale. “She wants to roll out another series. Wouldn’t that be grand? She asked if we could soft-launch the idea with the king.”
“Another series? A soft launch?” Joely asked. “What on earth are you talking about?”
We reached the edge of the Northern grounds, and I turned to them, raising my hands as if in surrender. “Do not worry about anything. I have this under control—just follow my lead.” I didn’t miss the look that passed between my two friends, but I did ignore it.
Blake and Prince Austin greeted us at the front door. “Tamara, such a lovely surprise!” Blake kissed me on each cheek then greeted the other girls.
While they chatted, Austin pulled me aside. The vampire prince was as handsome as ever in his black tunic, but his face was lined with worry. “I’m so sorry to hear about your troubles.”
I nodded, praying that he didn’t know about Rhys.
“Blake shared that you’d heard news about interference with the contest.” Austin shook his head. “I wouldn’t put it past my father to meddle, but I tried to feel him out about it. He didn’t seem hard-pressed for you to win. I’m sorry if it hurts your feelings, but he was going on and on about Joely. She appears to be his favorite.”
“Good. Fine. Excellent.” I nodded. “She’s a great choice.”
The prince looked at me funny. “You don’t care about his preference for her?”
“No, I do, of course. It’s just that… I’m relieved that what I’d heard wasn’t true, is all. I’d like the contest to be fair. If that means His Highness chooses one of the other girls because he loves them, I’ll live with it. It would be better for everyone if your father approves of his choice, too.” So long as Rhys lives, I can bear anything. I hoped that was true. In all honesty, it was not my nature to be a good sport.
“So what was so urgent—what do you three want to talk to my father about?”
“Mira has an idea, you see. And she wants me to spearhead it. But we have to get your father’s approval, of course. Ooh, and I brought the gnomes for Blake as a surprise.” I knew I was babbling, but the pure adrenaline coursing through me made it impossible to stop. “Here they are—Elsa, Beast, come and see the prince!”
I handed a surprised Austin the two gnomes then smiled at him. “Now, where is your father? I’m afraid that my presentation is lengthy. We should get going. It’s going to take some time!”
“He’s in the study on the second floor.” Austin was looking at me as though I had three heads.
“Thank you. Joely, Dae, please come quickly. We don’t want to keep His Highness waiting.” I gave a quick wave to a befuddled-looking Blake then hustled my co-contestants up the stairs. “Did either of you have much schooling?”
“I graduated from high school,” Joely said proudly.
“I dropped out in seventh grade.” Dae shrugged. “My family needed me to help earn money.”
“The reason I ask is, we’re going to do something that I learned about in civics. It’s something that the government used to do a long time ago, in the olden days. It’s called a filibuster. Do either of you know what that is?”
“No.” Joely shook her head.
Dae scowled at me. “How are we going to do something we’ve never heard of before?”
“All we’re going to do is talk.” I brought them over to a corner of the landing, then made sure no one could hear us. “A filibuster is merely an extensive speech used in government. And when I say extensive, I mean it—the longest one in history went on for over twenty-four hours.”
Joely gaped at me. “You think we’re going to talk to the king for twenty-four hours straight, when he usually barely acknowledges our presence, and we don’t even know what we’re talking about?”
“We’re just having a conversation with him.” I grinned at them with false confidence, hoping to rally their spirits. “Look at it as an opportunity to get to know His Highness better, and to flex any nascent political muscles you have. Or at least your jaws.”
“Why are we doing this?” Dae gave me a hard look.
“Because we have to. Trust me when I say it’s for the best. Are you ready? Because if you’re not, go back to the Realm now. Once we go in there, we’re staying until we’re kicked out.”
Joely nodded. “I’m in.”
Dae took a deep breath. “I hope you know what you’re doing.”
“Of course I do.” In fact, I had no idea what I was doing, having only come up with the idea of a filibuster as we were walking up the stairs. Still, I plastered a smile onto my face as we approached the second-floor study.
I knocked, and a grim-looking King Black opened the door. “I’m not sure what was so urgent, but come in.” He eyed us up and down. “I only have a minute, though. I’ve got a meeting in the Realm.”
I beamed at him and sat down. “No problem, Your Highness. No problem at all.”
All My Might
“So you see, Your Highness, we really view these shows as a public service. The settlers love them. It gives them hope. Don’t you agree that entertainment is transformative? Shows such as these help everyone. Let me just show you the flow chart again—”
“I don’t want to see the bloody chart again!” the king roared.
He could have had my head at any moment, and he certainly wasn’t pleased by my extensive speech. Still, I smiled at him as I pressed on. “Ah, Your Highness, I understand. Tell me what you’d like to discuss.”
“I want you to get to the point.” King Black stroked his beard. “You’ve been at this for hours, telling me how important it is, writing on that blasted whiteboard. I’ve yet to understand why you’re here and why Mira did
n’t do the pitch herself. She’s much more experienced. And she’s much more succinct.”
“Of course, Your Highness.” I smiled as though he hadn’t just insulted me. “Mira really wanted you to experience, firsthand, the enthusiasm the three of us have for this project. After all, we’re the ones the audience feels connected to. We’re settlers, just like they are. We’re so grateful for the opportunity to compete in the competition. I know the other girls would agree with me that we feel we have a responsibility to the other settlers to advocate for more shows like ours. That way more girls like us can experience the opportunity of a lifetime.”
Ignoring his admonition, I went back to the whiteboard. “As I mentioned earlier, these reality-based shows truly have an auspicious impact on so many levels. They help the economy in the settlements by increasing demands for goods and services—for example, all the furnishings and supplies needed for the Realm in order to start the show. These shows also help boost morale in the settlements. I’m sure you’ve experienced the direct effects of this, Your Highness. Do you agree that your popularity has increased since the advent of these shows?”
“Of course it has. You were in The Pageant. You saw for yourself how the citizens rallied around my family after that show.” The king rose. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I think we’ve just about covered everything. If Mira has the numbers to back up her claim that yet another show will maintain strong viewership, I’ll approve it. Are you happy now?”
“Oh, I’m thrilled! But I have a few more questions, if that’s quite all right.” I didn’t miss the downward turn of the king’s mouth, and I also didn’t let it stop me. “First of all, how do you think the settlers view the crown differently? What aspect of this positive change is there room to capitalize on, and how much room is there in your poll numbers for good growth?” I’d remembered what Rhys had said—King Black was very concerned with his polls.
