The Medici Queen

by Emily Bex

  Shade returned that hug. "It is overwhelming, I know. But you will get used to it, I promise. Everyone ready? I am sure Dante has the car ready to go."

  "Ready, lover." Kate linked arms with the two of them, as they headed downstairs.

  Entering the grand foyer, the staff was in attendance once again, and this time, Marco appeared. Shade broke away from bel to give his oldest friend a hug. "Damn good to see you, old man!"

  Marco had already heard the buzz about Shade arriving with a new son and he was anxious to hear this story. "Damn, can’t get rid of your old ass, did you not just leave here several weeks ago?"

  As they both laughed, Marco bowed to his queen. "Welcome back home, my queen. We are honored, as always, to be of service to you."

  Kate nodded to him and smiled as she laid her hand over the swell of her belly. Cory seemed nervous again in Marco's presence, and was watching his face for any signs of disapproval.

  Marco looked at Cory and nodded. "Welcome home, Cory. You are truly missed here, but the leathers you make for the warriors arrive weekly. They are appreciated. Welcome to Medici. It is my greatest honor to serve and protect you."

  Dropping to one knee in front of Cory, he paid him homage as a Medici son. Cory looked down at him and then rolled his eyes to Shade, his mouth hanging open in complete astonishment. Marco was bowing to him.

  Shade watched Cory's face and bit his lip trying not to laugh. "Marco is pledging his protection to you, as is his duty as my SIC and warrior of my coven. Rise, warrior."

  As Marco stood, he nodded to Cory and stepped back. Cory looked to Shade. "Am I supposed to do something?"

  Shade smiled. "Well, you can crack him over his hard head if you like or kick him in the shins. You can even attack him if you want, he won’t fight back. His job is to protect you. But I would suggest you just thank him. That is most appropriate."

  Marco looked at Shade and scowled. "Grazie, master!" Their laughter rang out, echoing off the walls. Cory couldn’t believe how comfortable Shade was around all these people. He did everything with ease and grace.

  Cory nodded to Marco. "Thank you, Marco. It feels weird, but I’m told I’ll get used to it."

  Marco smiled at him. "You will, trust me. Not looking too bad in that suit either, you should make yourself some ceremonial leathers."

  Marco nodded and left, as Shade led his family out to the car and the serious business of Council.

  61

  As they rode in the car to Council, Shade began to explain to Cory some rules of etiquette. It could be a frightening experience facing the Council for the first time. Shade was pretty sure no half-breed had ever stood before Council before, and he had no idea what kind of reception they’d receive.

  "Son, while we are on our way to Council, a few things I wish to explain. We will be announced to Council before we enter the chambers. There are seven Council members, and, like warriors, they are born to Council. It is their birthright and they serve as Council their entire lives. Each was born to a High Master, and they are identified at birth. They oversee the activities of all the covens, and monitor adherence to our laws and practices, as well as hear grievances between masters. Each one has a specific duty to our community.

  “I will address them all today, but it will primarily be Malachi and Ivor who will make the final decision. I will be requesting they record your birth in the official records as I claim you as my son.

  “We do not sit until bid to do so. I will do most of the talking. The Council will address me personally. If you are asked a question, speak and answer honestly, but under no circumstances are you to speak until spoken to. Council means us no harm, but to be honest with you, I have no idea what I will be up against going into this meeting.

  “Our community does not recognize half breeds, as you are painfully aware. This won’t be easy, but their anger will be aimed at me, not you. They will most likely ignore you. The place is daunting, but Kate and I are with you, you are well protected and safe."

  Shade turned his head and looked at Cory who was staring down at his hands. "You are Medici now, Cory, hold your head up, be proud and never let them see your fear. Council needs me and the money I bring to their coffers, so they won’t give me too much grief, but if they do, things could get heated. Let me handle them. You just hold yourself with honor and respect. If I think things are getting too intense, I may ask you to escort Kate outside of the meeting chamber. Do whatever I ask of you, without argument. There is one other thing, they may want to taste your blood, it’s no big deal, but they need to know Medici runs in your blood, it is only for verification, si? Any questions?"

  Cory listened intently. He was frightened but didn’t give a voice to his fear. That would be showing weakness, and he never wanted to show that to his dad. He looked up at Shade, their eyes locked. Shade held his gaze for a long minute and Cory felt him inside, giving him strength and calming his fears. "I want to make you proud of me. But explain the feeding. Not sure I like that idea."

  Shade smiled. "They will score your skin at the wrist, bleed you into a chalice and then drink from that. They will not feed from you."

  Cory felt a flood of relief wash over him. He’ll do whatever he had to for his dad and his newfound family, but he was relieved no other vampire was going to feed from him again. "Good because I made a promise to you, and I’ve kept it. No one feeds from me any longer. I’m a Medici now."

  Shade reached over and hugged him around the shoulders. "You will be fine, son. I have no doubts."

  When they pulled up in front of Council, Dante exited the car and opened the door for Kate, taking her hand and helping her out. Cory and Shade exited the car and Shade took bel into his arms.

  "Just relax, things may get a bit heated, but you are safe, and no harm will come to those I love. As always, just be my queen. I know you love Cory, let them see that."

  Kissing her, the three of them walked inside the grand hall. An attendant greeted them and took them to the chamber hall where they waited their announcement to Council. Shade watched as Cory sat up straighter, his hands restless. Shade could feel Cory’s nervousness of whatever was to come.

  "Relax, son, this is about me, and they will focus on me."

  The large wooden doors opened, and the Medici warriors flanked each side, as the announcement for their entrance boomed loud and clear through the Council Chambers. The attendant called out, "King Shade Medici, Queen Katherine and Cory Robbins."

  Shade led bel on his arm with Cory flanking his other side. They walked to the long table positioned in front of the Council, seated in their colored robes on the raised dais. The expressions of the Council members looked foreboding as they prepared to hear the case before them.

  The Council members had been speculating all evening on what matter could be so important to require this special session. Once they were all gathered in the Council Court, the attendant announced them, and the Medici entered with his queen, and a half-breed.

  Onyx stood in his black robe, his face obscured by the hood and banged the gavel down hard, calling for the guards. There was a loud murmur that ran through the remaining Council, as they reacted to the presence of the half-breed. No mortal or half-breed had ever breached the walls of Council.

  "Stop right there! Medici, what is the meaning of this? You know our protocol. No mortals. No half-breeds. The only vampires who may present before Council are masters and their mates once the mating has been sanctioned by Council. Children of masters must have their birth witnessed by Council and may only be present accompanied by their parents. Coven members can only be recognized here by their master, they cannot present in person. We mean no disrespect, Medici, but you have brought a half-breed in our midst. I must respectfully ask that he be removed."

  Shade felt the guards walking toward him and the growl ripped from him. "Back off now! I know the rules, Onyx. You mean no disrespect, but you attack me before I enter your chambers. I was not born yesterday. I bring forth this half-bre
ed in your presence for a damn good reason. Let us sit and explain. I am asking you to trust me!"

  Shade gripped bel’s hand and pulled Cory closer to him. Shade’s eyes moved instantly to Malachi. "I asked for a meeting with Council and I expect to have it. I have good reason to be here with him, I would not otherwise have asked. Give me a chance."

  Malachi stood, his green robe draped around him, holding out his hands to the guards. "Medici, we have convened as you requested, but your actions were not anticipated. Onyx is only doing his job. We will grant you some leeway to hear your case but understand this is unprecedented. Take a seat and state your case, but I cannot imagine any argument that would justify the presence of a half-breed in our chambers."

  Shade nodded. "Grazie! I plan to claim my justification to the Council."

  Leading bel to her chair, he pulled it out and seated her as he nodded to Cory to take a seat. Cory looked like he was about to jump out of his own skin. "Cory, sit on my right side. Relax, no harm will come."

  With everyone seated, Shade could feel the tension building with Council and he knew he’d have to proceed with caution. "May I have leave to speak?"

  Malachi looked around the dais at the other Council members who all nodded reluctantly and silently. He looked at Shade and nodded. "Make your case, Medici."

  Shade took a deep breath, clearing his mind and preparing to announce something he knew had never been heard inside these walls.

  "The young half-breed you see with me is known as Cory Robbins. I met him recently while visiting California. I hired him and brought him into my coven as my leather artist, sewing the leathers for my warriors. Through a course of events, I discovered his mother was a mortal woman I had met and had a relationship with many years ago while traveling in the States on business. Cory is my son. I claim him as my own, as does my coven and my queen, and I wish for his birth to be recorded within the ancestry books."

  The volume of noise increased drastically as the Council members all spoke at once and Shade stood, ready for anything they threw at him. Shade held up his hand. "I am claiming him! I want this Council to verify his bloodline and record it. I know I am breaking all rules, setting a new precedent. But no child of mine, with my blood in their veins, will be thrown to the streets like trash. That is not in my code of honor. Cory is accepted into my familia as my own, and I wish for that to be officially recorded here."

  The room erupted in chaos as the members of Council all raised their voices, each trying to out-shout the other in their objections. Onyx banged the gavel hard against the table several times, restoring order. Onyx, Malachi, and Ivor were seated with their heads together, speaking in a low whisper. Malachi rubbed his face. Never in the thousands of years sitting on this Council had any vampire ever tested their bylaws. They faced a dilemma in their need to honor their traditions, and yet not fall out of favor with the Medici. He trained the warriors that secured them, and his money went a long way toward maintaining them. Malachi must reason with him.

  "Medici, are you sure you wish for your queen and the half-breed to stay in the room for this conversation?"

  Shade glared at Malachi as he leaned across the table, his hands spread across the tabletop. His anger was close to the surface, his beast ready to take action and fight for what was his son's right.

  "Si! Do I have reason not to have them with me? This is my son. He is Medici! Do not push me, Malachi, I warn you. Do not push me further! The fires of hell will be on this Council and if it is a fight you want, Medici can bring it. Think carefully, Malachi, give me honor and respect. I know this is not within our laws, I am breaking ground here, but my son and my queen have a right to know what faces them. We are familia, and we rise and fall together."

  Onyx started to stand but Malachi held out his hand. He knew the Medici, and his father before him. Both of their tempers were legendary. It was best not to add fuel to the fire and antagonize him further. Malachi knew he must proceed with caution.

  "There is no need for such, Medici. Please, be seated. I am sure we can discuss this rationally. This Council has ruled for thousands of years. It is our sacred trust to protect our species and ensure we will thrive for future generations. It is why we must validate all matings between master's and their mates. It is why we must be present at the birth of all children born as a result of that mating. Ivor keeps very accurate records that go back as long as our race has existed on this planet. We encourage purity of blood to secure our species and our longevity. It is why we discourage matings with mortals."

  Malachi looked to Kate. "I mean no disrespect in my comment, Queen Katherine, I am merely stating our protocol. This Council has fully recognized your mating to the Medici."

  Returning his attention back to Shade, he continued, "A half-breed is not immortal. He will live longer than the average human, assuming he does not meet with an accident, but he does not have that gift of immortality. He cannot breed vampires. Were he to mate, his children would be only quarter vampire, and with each generation that followed, the offspring would have less and less of our power until there was none left. He cannot turn a mortal. His blood does not have the strength. I am sure he is a day-walker as most half-breeds are. They keep that trait from their mortal roots. The half-breeds do not have our physical build or strength. They do not have our immunity to mortal disease, and despite our efforts in the past, they are not able to be turned. It is for this reason the Council does not recognize these offspring between mortal and immortal. They cannot sustain our race. I have no doubt this half-breed is your offspring if you bring him here and speak with such conviction. My question to you, Medici, is why you can’t just continue to care for him, as you obviously are doing now. See to his well-being and that he is taken care of. It more than meets any obligation you have to him. He cannot inherit your legacy and rule over your coven. You have a full-blooded son in your mate's belly now, and that child will eventually rule. Why must you insist this half-breed be recorded? For centuries, the half-breeds have been ignored by our kind. You have already done more than your share by taking him in. Why must you insist on having him recorded as your seed?"

  Shade moved behind Cory, placing his hands on his shoulders. "Because it is time someone takes responsibility for their lives. I care not that he cannot inherit nor manage my legacy. He already knows these vital facts, but you forget one thing, Malachi. I accept my past, where my travels have led me. It makes me who I am. My padre's generation would have killed him or let him die at the hand of rogues. Today, they are ignored, left to their own devices, and rejected by both mortal and immortal worlds. I cannot live with such. I am a wealthy, successful vampire, a master. And this vampire, half-breed or not, deserves dignity, deserves to know who and where he comes from. He deserves honor and respect. I am not the only master who rules that has half-breed children, there are many I am sure, and more are to come. But I will not stand down and let others berate my child and make him less than what he deserves. He is my son, a product of my loins. His mother willingly gave her own blood to me.

  “Had I known of his existence, I would have taken him in then. You speak of survival of our kind, yet you would see them suffer, live among us on the streets, kicked aside like garbage. This is not the age I live in now, not what our world needs. If we are to survive and thrive, we need to recognize their presence among us. I do not mean for them to rule of any sort, they are not able, but you demoralize them, treat them as less. I bring a full immortal son into my life, while welcoming one I knew nothing of. I love him. I love this half-breed as my son."

  Shade returned to his seat and grasped bel’s hand. "Malachi, I understand if you need to have a closed door discussion on this before making a decision, but let it be known, I will not walk from here until Cory Medici is on record in my own family history as my son."

  Malachi and Ivor exchanged glances and Malachi sighed heavily. "I must address your queen, Medici. Permission to do so please?"

  Shade looked to bel, she nodded t
o him as he responded to Malachi, "With my pleasure, please do so."

  Malachi turned his attention to Kate. "Queen Katherine, your king and master has brought forth to us, today, a child not of your womb. In your mortal world, I believe you refer to these as bastard children. Even in the mortal realm, bastard children are not always officially recognized. What your king and master is requesting of us means you too must accept the half-breed as your child. We cannot record the half-breeds mortal mother in our records. The record will reflect he is a half-breed, and future generations may or may not know his true story. In our genealogy records, many may assume the half-breed was your child, born to you while still a mortal. Do you freely accept this child into your home? Are you prepared to teach him and prepare him for his role as a Medici, in as much as he is capable?"

  Kate stood to face the Council. "The blood of my king and master flows through the veins of this child, as his blood flows through my veins, so he is already part of my blood. I accept him fully into my home, as I accept his mortal mother into my home. I love him as my own, as my king and master loves him. We are aware of his physical limitations, but he’ll know this child in my belly as his brother, not his half-brother. There will be no distinction in our home between full-blooded children or half-blooded children. They’re our children, and they’ll all be loved and raised to understand their role and rights as Medici. I stand with my king and master in that we’ll not leave until this child is recorded as his rightful son...our rightful son."

  Shade’s heart pounded with pride for his mate. He knew in his community she was going above and beyond, she was giving up her own status in his family history by recognizing this half- breed as family. “I love you, mi amore, grazie for giving him your heart as you have given me your own.”

  Shade looked to Malachi. "You doubted her too when I chose her, you did not wish for me to make her my mate and queen. And yet, you see the power and prestige she brings to my coven. She has a gift considered extinct among our kind and is the only vampire of record with two gifts. She carries inside her my strong figlio who will rule Medici. Now you hear her speak of my half-breed as my own son as well. Yet still, I can feel your trepidation to have this done, even after all I have shown and proven to you. Step up, Malachi, move with the coming times, move the Council into the future. “