The Medici Queen

by Emily Bex

  Kate laughed as she snuggled into Shade. "I guess you could call them my pets. They’ve adopted me, I think. You'll be fine. They’re very leery of newcomers, but once they understand you’re no threat to us, they’ll pretty much ignore you. You may not even see them the next time you come. You're safe here. Don't worry."

  Rissa eyes never left the four legged beasts as they finally calmed and sat next to Kate. "Let’s hope I never see them again.” Directing her attention toward Shade, she inquired, “Can we please go see my horse? And thank you for Hyde. He does a wonderful job. We get along quite well."

  Shade took Kate’s hand and started to walk in the direction of the stables. "I am most glad to oblige you, Rissa. Hyde is one of my best. Now, shall we go to the stables? The horses arrived yesterday morning, the stable master, Angelo, got them settled in. Biondo made the trip fine, and I wanted the horses to have a good day and night to adjust before letting you come out. Angelo will attend to all your needs, he will take care of your tack and so forth, make sure Biondo is groomed and gets exercised on days you are not here. If you have any special requests, please take them up with Angelo. He will oblige you and he knows all of the horses quite well. The stables are open to you twenty-four seven. Angelo is a day-walker, so anytime you wish to ride, feel free to come out to Bel Rosso and enjoy our home." Shade wrapped his arm around bel as the four of them strolled casually to the stables.

  Rissa still felt a bit on edge as she kept a tight grip on Alec's hand. Walking to the stables, she felt her excitement building. A horse of her own! The night was made even more exciting because Alec was with her, sharing time with her, and that made the evening perfect in her eyes.

  Kate saw the raven circling in the sky above them, the raven that followed them home from Florence. He circled lower and lower and appeared agitated. Clearly, he could see she wasn’t at risk. Before she could speak to him, he swooped down, diving at Rissa’s head and grabbed a beak full of hair, ripping it free. Rissa screamed as she swung her hands wildly in the air, shooing the bird away.

  "That fucking bird pulled out my hair!"

  Kate yelled at him, "Poe! Stop it!"

  The raven flew to Kate, the strand of long blonde hair held proudly in his beak. He dropped it at Kate's feet and settled on Shade's shoulder, before issuing a loud, "Caw, caw!"

  "Rissa, I'm so sorry! This one is new. I had no idea." Kate looked at Poe who sat non-nonchalantly on Shade's shoulder, cocking his head as if to say, 'What's the big deal?' Kate telepathically sent him a scolding and told him to behave. He blinked his eyes a few times before flying off.

  Rissa screeched, "Look at my hair! I have a wedding coming up. This will be a nightmare to fix. What in the hell is going on out here? It’s like a damn episode of Wild Kingdom!" Rissa turned to Alec and glared.

  Alec ran his hands through her hair, aware that Rissa had no knowledge of this rare gift. "Calm down, my darling. It’s hardly noticeable. Kate has a rare gift, and she is still learning to master it. She’ll be able to speak to animals. I'm sure the bird was just checking you out."

  "Rissa, our apologies." Shade chuckled and shook his head. "You will have to forgive Poe. He is a new member to Kate's warriors. The wolves will be around, but they have been warned about getting too close to the stables. Perhaps, Kate can have a word with the raven as well. Come, let us go inside the stables before something else happens." Shade looked down at bel and grinned. ”I think I love that bad ass bird of yours!”

  Rissa took a deep breath and calmed herself. She talked to the animals? What was she now, some kind of Dr. Damn Do-little? "I’m trying to be calm. I just wasn’t prepared, please, can we get inside? I just want to see my horse before something else crawls out, swoops down, or jumps me."

  As they entered the stables, Angelo approached and Shade made the introductions. "Angelo, this is Larissa, Master Canton's mate. She will be riding Biondo as we have discussed."

  Turning to Rissa, Shade introduced his stable master, "Rissa, this is Angelo, my stable master."

  As Rissa and Angelo shook hands, Shade requested Angelo bring out the new horse.

  Rissa was impressed with the stables. She’d visited the stables of many of the wealthy polo set, and this one would stand up to any she’d seen. Her eyes wandered to the many horses inside their stalls. "This is beautiful! I’m so impressed. I love it here."

  Suddenly, there was a great ruckus inside one of the stables, as a large black stallion started snorting and kicking at the stable doors and Rissa hoped that wasn’t her horse.

  Shade raised his voice, "Impavido! Settle! That is my horse, the black stallion. He does not like females, unfortunately. Well, except for one." Leaning down, he kissed bel. "Could you please go over there and settle him, because he will not calm down until you go to him.” Shade looked up at Alec. “Kate seems to have a way with him. Every time she comes in here, he is not satisfied until she visits him. Damn horse has betrayed me." Shade threw back his head and laughed.

  Kate stepped up on the gate of Impavido's stall, reaching up to stroke his muzzle, leaning her forehead against his. "Easy, boy. We just have company. You settle down now." She stroked his long neck as he chuffed at her. Kate stepped back off the gate and joined Shade. "He's fine, lover."

  Shade smiled at her. “See what I mean? Grazie, mi amore. Ah, here comes Angelo with Biondo." Shade watched as Biondo calmly walked in their direction, with Angelo guiding her by a lead rope. He waited for Rissa's reaction.

  Rissa was entranced as she saw the most beautiful palomino she’d ever laid eyes on. She walked with elegance. Her mane was a beautiful blonde against the horses buff colored coat, which had been brushed to a high sheen. The horse swung her long blonde tail as if she knew she was commanding everyone’s attention and Rissa gasped. This was hers! Her hand came to her mouth. "She’s so...beautiful."

  Shade was pleased with her reaction. He could see she was impressed with the animal and he knew there had to be a special bond between the rider and their horse. "Rissa, meet Biondo. She is straight from Florence, ready to ride. She is broken in, but she still has a great spirit. Come, say hello. She is yours now."

  Rissa never took her eyes from the horse, her hand clutched to her chest as she smiled and slowly walked to Biondo. She extended her hand as Biondo nuzzled and sniffed her palm and then lifted her head up and down. Rissa slid her hand through the horse’s gorgeous golden mane, the hair coarse but silky soft. Rissa continued running her hand along the horse’s side as she walked all the way around her horse. Her beauty was astounding, and her spirit was gentle, yet Rissa could feel a fire inside her. Walking back around to face Biondo, Rissa nuzzled into her neck and heard a softy whinny. Rissa never took her hands from Biondo, always petting and reassuring her. "Biondo. You’re such a beautiful girl." Scratching gently behind her ears, Rissa looked into the horse’s golden brown eyes and there was an instant connection. Peeping around Biondo, she made eye contact with Alec. "I love her, Alec."

  Alec stood with his arms crossed over his chest as he watched her circle the horse. "I can see that, my darling. I think Biondo is an excellent choice for you. You’ll enjoy riding, I think.”

  Rissa smiled at Alec and had never felt so happy over a gift before. She quickly went to him and hugged him tightly, kissing him softly on the lips. "Alec, thank you so much. She’s so beautiful. I can’t wait to ride her!"

  Before he could respond, Rissa returned to Biondo and fawned over her when, suddenly, there was a loud crashing and banging noise from another horse, which caused all of the horses to become riled. Biondo threw her head up and down, and Rissa moved out of the way just as Biondo reared up on her hind legs.

  Kate felt the flow of fear as it ran through the new horses, skittish in their new surroundings. Angelo had stepped away to let Rissa bond with the horse, and now, there was no one attending her as Biondo was rearing up on her hind legs. Kate approached and held up her hand, speaking softly to her and the horse settled down, lowered her head fo
r Kate to calm and comfort her. Kate called out to the other horses in their stalls and they all settled.

  Kate turned to Shade. "That dark brown one got spooked, and the others just fed off of his fear. They're all fine now. She's fine, Rissa. They’re all just getting used to their new environment."

  Shade wrapped his arms around Kate’s waist, nuzzling into her neck and kissing her softly. "Grazie, mi amore. I have a new stallion, he is not yet broken in. He was a bit much to get over here, and Angelo will need to break him in. I may need your gift to help him, si?"

  Looking up at Rissa, Shade saw her jealousy and he was confused as to why. "Rissa, are you all right? Biondo is not normally like this, she is a calm spirit, but as Kate said, new environment and a riled horse can stir them easily."

  Rissa stared at Kate. The bitch had this power over animals now? She had every damn thing in the world, all of Tuscany and queen too, and now she had to rule over the one thing Rissa loved, her horse! She watched as Shade moved with her, like a dance, they fit together like puzzle pieces, as he nuzzled and touched and kissed her constantly. They were so at ease with each other. Bitch! Alec never responded to her affections. He just commented that he thought she’d enjoy riding. She’d rather be riding him!

  Rissa smiled softly at Shade, not wanting him to have a glimpse of her thoughts. "I’m fine, thank you. I’ve been around horses enough to know their signs. It’s why I stepped away. I wasn’t sure what Biondo would do." Nuzzling into Biondo's neck, Rissa whispered to her softly. "It’s okay, girl, everything’s fine, just you and me."

  Kate stepped back from the horse, still holding Shade's hand. She knew Rissa and Biondo needed to bond, so the horse would respond well to her.

  Angelo returned, apologizing profusely. "I’m so sorry, my lady, master. The horses were calm when I stepped away. I would not have left them had I thought they were still so restless. Larissa, do you want to ride her? I can get a saddle and bridle on her if you want."

  Shade slapped Angelo on the back. "No problem, Angelo. Rissa, take Biondo for a ride around the main field here. Alec looks like he could use a Midnight, anyway. Join us inside, brother."

  Rissa’s eyes lit up, she wasn’t expecting to ride tonight, but she was excited to get in the saddle and get a feel for Biondo.

  "Oh, thank you, Angelo. I have my saddle, bridle, and tack gear on order. They’re being handmade for me. Do you have a saddle I can use?" Rissa looked to Alec, biting her lip. "Please, Alec, can I ride her, just for a while?"

  Alec looked at his watch. He hadn’t planned on staying long. He still had some work to do at home, and they had driven here. "I still have some work to finish... "

  Shade slid his hand through bel’s crimson silk and looked at Rissa as her face dropped. Cocking his head to the side, he spoke to Alec in a nonchalant tone. "You know, brother, happy mate, damn happy master. Let her ride. If you had teleported your ass here, you would not have this dilemma. Let her ride."

  Alec sighed. "Fine. You better have some Midnight waiting for me in that house, brother. Take a short ride, darling. Be careful. The horse is still skittish." Alec slid his arm around her shoulder and kissed her forehead. "Just come up to the house when you're done."

  Hugging him around the neck, she was ecstatic. "Thank you, Alec, thank you. I promise I won’t be long. Angelo, please can you saddle and bridle her? I would love to get the feel of her." Rissa walked off with Angelo, jabbering away about horses as he led Biondo off to be saddled.

  "Smart move, I think she likes Biondo." Slapping Alec on the back, Shade laughed then swatted bel on the ass. "Come along, minx, let us get inside and have a glass of Midnight.”

  Alec allowed himself to be lead back to the house, as the scent of horses and hay hung heavy in the air. He really didn’t understand what the attraction to horses was, but to each his own. "Lead the way, brother. I could use a drink. How’s your camp coming along?"

  Shade walked back toward the main house with Kate in tow. "Open call is in two days. I’m keeping things closed down tight while we pick and choose who will stay. The ones we cut will be personally escorted out of here. I am hoping to come up with twenty-five or more new recruits, just depends what shows up, brother. Could be less until word really gets around." As they walked inside, Gi arrived quickly and poured out Midnight for everyone.

  Kate held out her hand as Gi poured. "Not too much for me, please. Just a sip. I'll have to stop soon, anyway."

  Shade smiled down at her and kissed her softly. "Mi amore, it is okay to have a sip or two, no harm done, trust me. Alec, I am proud to announce that Kate is carrying the heir to the Medici legacy, our son, Lorenzo. We have just come back from Florence and meeting with Council to record her gifts and inform Council she carries my son."

  Alec was a little surprised at how quickly this had taken place, but he knew Shade's need to have a son to secure his legacy was huge. Alec took the glass offered by Gi and raised it to the couple.

  "Well, then, it sounds like congratulations are in order. I'm sure the Council was pleased to know they finally have an heir lined up for your coven."

  Shade raised his glass in a toast. "Grazie, brother. We are more than happy. And Council was well pleased. They were quite taken with Kate’s gift as well. The animalism can be used as a powerful weapon, but I asked the Council to keep it quiet for now. She will be a target to my enemies if they know of this gift. She is also a day-walker. Council has never, in history, recorded a vampire with two gifts. They were not much help in providing me information on her gift of animalism. They said they had not seen it in over three thousand years, and there was no vampire alive today with this gift. So, it will be a day by day learning experience for us both." Picking Kate up, Shade spun her around and kissed her soundly. "The madre to my coven, my bambinos, and the queen of my heart! What else could a master ask for?"

  Alec's face turned red as he was embarrassed by the open display of affection. This wasn’t the Shade he knew. This wasn’t the Shade he’d spent night after night with in the chamber deep below Castello.

  "Two gifts? I’ve never heard of two gifts before... for anyone. I doubt Rissa will ask questions about it. I can say Kate is a day-walker, but I doubt she’s ever heard of animalism. If she asks further questions, I can deflect them and just say Kate can communicate with the animals. I’ll keep your secret, brother."

  "Grazie. Maybe you should think about bambinos yourself. You don’t have anyone to continue your legacy either.”

  Alec laughed. "A horse I can deal with, but no babies, thank you. And I can't imagine Rissa with a baby unless it becomes the new designer accessory. I’d have to arrange a feeder for my... appetites. No, I don't think that would work. But I'm happy for you, if this is what you want."

  Shade chuckled as he filled their glasses again. "No doubt I want this, Alec. I knew my future would include bambinos, I just never imagined it would play out like this. I never thought a mortal would entice me, but here we are."

  As the conversation continued, they discussed business, the camp, and the Dead House. A good hour passed before the back door burst open and Rissa ran in, straight to Alec and hugged him like he was her lifeline. Shade chuckled as Alec was obviously uncomfortable with her display of affection.

  Rissa was giddy with excitement. "Oh, Alec, I love her so much! She’s beautiful and incredibly strong. She’s perfect for me. Thank you! Thank you!"

  Alec accepted Rissa's enthusiastic response. "I had no idea the horse would make you this happy, my darling. But it’s getting late, and we still have a two-hour drive ahead of us. It’ll be much easier when you teleport out. Are you ready?"

  Rissa pouted. "Yes, but I hate leaving her.” She turned to Shade and smiled, giving him a hug. "Thank you so much, she’s perfect."

  Shade was startled by the hug. "You are most welcome, Rissa. I hope she brings you a lot of pleasure. I will be in contact, brother. We still have a contract to work out as well."

  Returning to Alec, she was al
l smiles and kissed him softly on the cheek. "We should be going, you still have work to do and I have to arrange my schedule for some riding time."

  Alec nodded as he led Rissa to the door, "I hope you have time to consider my proposal. I look forward to hearing from you." As they exited the front door and walked to the car, Alec noticed the two wolves stayed hidden in the woods near the rail fence. It was clear to him they’d guard this property even against those visitors that were known to the family. Clearly, no one was getting past this security again. He opened the door for Rissa and she slid into the car.

  As Rissa and Alec took leave, Shade stood and looked at bel. He said nothing for a long time and then crossed his arms over his chest and cocked his head to the side. "I think I witnessed two fucking miracles tonight. Alec actually showing a bit of affection to Rissa, and Rissa was happy. When the hell does that ever happen?" Throwing back his head laughing, he took bel by the hand and led her up the stairs. "I think it is time to have my queen lie down and rest a bit, si?"

  Kate gladly complied, feeling tired after Rissa’s visit. "Si."

  35

  Shade sent Raven and his brigade of warriors to the Dead House to patrol D.C. Hyde was on his own schedule with Rissa, and now it was time to get down to business with the new recruits coming into the camp. Shade strolled down to the camp to find it filled with warrior wannabes of all shapes and sizes. Marcello and Fiamma got the new recruits settled into the barracks, doubling up where necessary until the rounds of downsizing began. Shade had no need to identify himself as he walked through the camp wearing head to toe leathers. He was the Medici; he was known worldwide and recognized instantly. He strolled among the hopefuls, keeping his eyes and ears tuned to their conversations.

  Once everyone was signed in and had their gear safely inside, Shade took the list from Marcello and read through it. He was a bit disappointed there were only a little over fifty warriors trying to get into the camp, but he knew this was their first attempt at reaching out in the States, and once they began, word would spread quickly. Shade planned to hold this open enrollment every year in the spring, and he knew the demand would grow with time. He was impressed with the number of females who had responded. He wasn’t sure if this was a good thing or bad thing, considering bel would be happy if she never saw another female warrior, but she needed to get used to it. Female warriors were a part of this new age and their numbers were rising. He’d give the females no slack because of their sex or size, warriors were warriors to him. They must all pass the same test and meet the same requirements.