Gamer for Love (Alpha World Book 8)

by Daniel Schinhofen

  Gerald was exiting the carriage as the four left the manor. Dressed in his best suit, Gerald gave them a smile while he waited for the footman to help Marysue down. Taking her arm, Gerald led her toward their friends. “Are we the last?”

  “Rolland and Kim haven’t—” Alburet began but cut off as another carriage came through the gate and stopped. “That’s probably them now.”

  Rolland got out first before helping Kim out. “Oh good, it looks like we made it on time,” Rolland said.

  “You did indeed… Lord Magiblood,” Alburet grinned. “We’re going to want to hear that story.”

  Kim’s smile was a little strained toward Alburet, “After dinner?”

  “Of course,” Stacia smiled. “Let’s nay be keepin’ our guests outside.”

  Stacia led the way inside, and to the dining room. Once everyone was seated, Loralee came out of the kitchen. “I have prepared a five-course meal for tonight. Lord Darkhand hinted that we’re celebrating a new House being founded in the city.”

  “I didn’t think it would slip past you, especially once you invited me to dinner,” Rolland said.

  “It didn’t, but we also just wanted to have dinner with you again.”

  “Lord Magiblood, I hope my humble skills will prove to your liking,” Loralee smiled as she stepped away from the door. Two of her assistants brought out the first course and drinks.

  The first course was small bowls of Infernal stew, along with bread. The salad was mixed greens with a tangy vinegar dressing, which helped cleanse the palate for the next course. The appetizer was Langistor cakes; remarkably similar to crab cakes, but with a lighter texture than expected.

  Everyone was eager to see what Loralee had planned for the entrée, and they were surprised when they had plates holding small cubed pieces of meat with a dark red sauce lightly drizzled over them placed on the table in front of each of them. Alburet raised an eyebrow at her and Loralee smiled.

  “Before I tell you, I would like you all to sample the dish. The bread is there in case it’s too spicy for you,” Loralee said.

  Marysue popped one of the pieces of meat into her mouth. Chewing slowly, a light sheen of sweat beaded on her forehead and her eyes went wide. Swallowing, Marysue smiled at Loralee, “If you weren’t obviously attached to this House, I would have to steal you for ours. This is amazing. The spiciness is right on the edge, but it enhances the other flavors perfectly.”

  “You are too kind, Lady Stoutheart,” Loralee replied, her eyes twinkling. Seeing the others sample theirs, she finally described what they were eating, “These are Sandworm steaks, cubed and cooked in a secret sauce that was pioneered by the Dark Lord himself. That sauce is then drizzled over the top before serving. I have tried to match his recipe and I’m still not quite there, but I get ever closer.”

  “Like with the stew, a piece of bread helps after a few consecutive pieces,” one of Loralee’s assistants added.

  Everyone ate, torn between wanting to shovel the delicious morsels into their mouths as quickly as they could, but also wanting to savor the meal slowly to let the moment last a bit longer. Eventually, everyone finished the entrée course and the table was cleared.

  “I hope you’ve enjoyed everything so far. We now present you with the Dark Lord’s favorite dessert,” Loralee smiled. When she finished speaking, the staff placed coffee and small two ounce cups in front of them.

  “Darkness Incarnate,” Alburet smiled, recognizing the innocuous appearing dessert.

  “Indeed, Lord. It seemed appropriate,” Loralee replied.

  The four who hadn’t had it before looked at the small cups with questioning gazes. “I can’t even begin to explain it,” Alburet said, “besides it being the finest dessert I’ve ever had.”

  Rolland, Kim, Gerald, and Marysue took their first bite at the same time while the others watched them with knowing smiles. Each placed their spoons down when they finished their first spoonful, smiles on their faces.

  “That…” Gerald began, trailing off.

  “Four years old, sharing chocolate the day before Easter,” Marysue murmured, her eyes going to Gerald.

  “Me too,” Gerald nodded, covering her hand with his.

  “You giving me chocolate while our parents worked at the Portal Guild,” Kim said.

  “You returning the favor a few days later, when your mother watched us,” Rolland replied.

  “How is this even possible?” Marysue asked, looking to Loralee.

  “The dish is a secret almost never made outside of the Dark Lord’s halls. He gifted Lord Darkhand with enough of the special ingredient to make a previous batch and this one. I can’t say any more than that.”

  Marysue’s lips twisted in disappointment. “I shall have to see about changing that in the future.”

  “Peace has a similar recipe,” Loralee said. “Light’s Memory. Mother has spoken of it over the years.”

  “I’ll have to ask her about it if I get to speak with her again,” Marysue said as she picked her spoon back up. “For now, I will savor this wonderful confection. Thank you for making it for us, Loralee.”

  “It is a pleasure to make a feast for the Lord and Ladies’ friends,” Loralee said before she retreated into the kitchen.

  Dessert took longer than any other single course, as everyone wanted to savor it. Eventually, the last bits were gone, and everyone seemed a bit sad for the moment to be over. Sipping their coffees, which had been all but forgotten during dessert, the table was cleaned around them.

  “Thank you for having us over for that wonderful dinner,” Rolland said.

  “It be our pleasure,” Stacia replied.

  “Would it be possible to maybe invite one of Loralee’s assistants to become our cook?” Kim asked.

  “That would depend on the King,” Alburet said. “Currently, the only free Infernals in the city are here at the embassy. Other than that, it would be up to them. Once we deal with Stein, I’m sure the King will be willing to ease things a bit more.”

  Kim’s smile faltered when Alburet mentioned Stein’s name. “Of course.”

  “Maybe we should retire to the sitting room and hear about Rolland becoming a Lord?” Karen suggested.

  “An excellent idea,” Alburet said, getting to his feet.

  When they were comfortable in the large sitting room, Rolland explained what had happened, “When the King talked to me right after the raid on Peace, he asked if I would be willing to take up a House.”

  “It was weeks ago?” Alburet asked.

  “No, the initial question was weeks ago,” Rolland said, looking a bit embarrassed. “I turned him down at the time.”

  Everyone blinked at Rolland’s admission, but Kim cut into the conversation, “How many Houses have been more than just powerful assholes? Neither of us wanted to move in with those circles, present company excluded.”

  “Don’t blame you,” Alburet nodded. “It’s one of the reasons I handed off Alpha Company to Gerald. The Dark Lord wrangled me into it later, but yeah.”

  “That’s very close to how I came to be Lord Magiblood,” Rolland sighed. “You see, I’m the key to opening the portals like this. Without me, it can’t be done, and the King insisted that I become a noble so he could hold me up as an example for others.”

  Kim’s jaw stiffened. “And the fact you might die from doing this,” she added with anger.

  “What!?” most of the room asked.

  Rolland sighed as he covered Kim’s hand. “Opening the portals to every continent and to Law is going to tax me. Possibly even kill me. It’s not certain, but it’s a distinct possibility.”

  “I can understand why Kim’s pissed, then,” Karen said.

  “I’m upset that he has to do this now, right when we…” her words trailed off as tears began to fall from her eyes and a hand covered her stomach. “We are expecting.”

  Everyone was frozen for a very long moment, not sure if they should congratulate the couple or not. Stacia spoke up, “
Tha’ be good, Kim. Nay matter what, ya husband will live on: in ya heart and in ya child’s blood.”

  Kim began to cry and Rolland held her. “I’ve tried to say much the same,” he whispered.

  “I don’t blame her for being upset,” Marysue said. “If Gerald and I were in your position… I couldn’t accept it, either.”

  “He has to,” Kim managed to get out between sobs. “Otherwise, more will die because of Stein. A few days ago, we both had a dream in which the same being who appeared before came to us. Rolland might live through it is what we were told, but it would take a special circumstance for it to happen.”

  “I’ve been looking into ways to help augment my bloodline to help me survive,” Rolland said softly. “I haven’t found anything, though.”

  “We can save you,” Alburet said, pulling one of his rings off. “Wear this, but please make sure I get it back before we get to Alctriuz.”

  Rolland looked puzzled and took the ring from Alburet, his jaw dropping when he saw it. “I see…”

  “It’s the right call,” Karen nodded.

  “How can that ring help?” Kim asked. Rolland held it out to her and she touched it. “Oh…” Tears falling more, Kim got to her feet and hugged Alburet tightly. “Thank you, Alburet… thank you…”

  Rolland took one of his rings off, slipping the new one on in its place. “I’ll give it back as soon as I finish the ritual.”

  Marysue smiled, “It is the right call. Alpha Company has always been there for the natives, and these two are even more special.”

  “You definitely need that ring back before the raid, though,” Gerald agreed. “For your quest.”

  “Yeah,” Alburet nodded.

  “We’ll get it back to you,” Kim sniffled as she finally stepped away from Alburet. “I’ll never forget this.”

  “Neither of us will,” Rolland said, taking Kim’s hand. “I was going to invite you all over to our new home tomorrow when we move in. That was when I was going to tell you all.”

  “We’ll be there,” Karen said first.

  “I’ll bring my supplies so you can have a portrait done.”

  “I was going to ask if you’d do our family crest, too,” Rolland admitted to Fluff.

  “Gladly.”

  “It’ll be a small affair; nothing like either of your parties,” Kim said as she blotted the tears away.

  “I’ll lend you a cook for the day at least,” Alburet said. “I’m sure the King won’t mind if it’s for a single day.”

  “Thank you. We still need to arrange for staff,” Rolland said.

  “Wilbur can probably help there,” Karen said.

  “Aye, me sis would be willin’ to help,” Stacia nodded.

  “Thank you… all of you,” Kim said, her smile bright. “I’m so happy we met and became friends.”

  “We all are,” Alburet said.

  “We should go for the night,” Rolland said. “I still have preparations to take care of for the portals, especially if we’re going to have a party tomorrow night.”

  “Let us know where to have the cook go,” Alburet said. “I’ll send her over as soon as you do.”

  “Of course,” Rolland said.

  A round of goodbyes followed, with Gerald and Marysue leaving, as well. Walking their guests out, the family waved goodbye as the carriages rolled out the gate. They headed back inside, his wives smiling at Alburet.

  “We should reward our husband tonight,” Stacia purred.

  “Yes,” Fluff nodded.

  “For being the man we all know him to be,” Karen agreed.

  “It’s just the right thing to do,” Alburet said.

  “Aye, but how many do tha’ when it be time, Asthore? Ya know as well as we tha’ ya need tha’ ring. Instead of keepin’ it safely tucked to ya breast, ya be willin’ to help our friends and pray tha’ ya can get it back before the end.”

  “We’ll get it back,” Karen said simply. “Even if Rolland collapses, they’re going to be opening a portal back to the city when the army reaches the prison.”

  “We will,” Fluff nodded.

  “I doubt we’ll need to retrieve it. I believe in Rolland,” Alburet said.

  “We all do,” Karen said. “This is more a matter of circumstances running amok.”

  “I love you, and thank you for understanding. I was tempted to hold the ring back, but I can’t let a friend die.”

  “We be knowin’ tha’,” Stacia said. “Now shh, it be time for ya wives to pamper ya.”

  Chapter Twenty-nine

  When they entered the dining room for breakfast, Alburet’s steps slowed as he saw the guest waiting in the room. “Mother, to what do we owe the pleasure?”

  “I’m here to invite you to breakfast,” Mother said. “The Dark Lord wishes to converse with you, and breakfast seemed like a good opportunity for that. If you’re free, that is?”

  “We do nay have anythin’ planned until this evenin’,” Stacia smiled.

  “Then you are free to come?” Mother asked.

  “We would be happy to see the Dark Lord,” Alburet replied. “It will give us a chance to thank him for his gifts.”

  “Excellent,” Mother said.

  “May I grab my sketch book first?” Fluff asked when Mother started to come around the table.

  “Of course. I ask that you draw a portrait of him for me,” Mother smiled broadly.

  “Yes,” Fluff said, leaving the room quickly.

  “Convenient that we have the day off,” Karen said.

  “It’s almost as if the gods are involved,” Mother laughed lightly.

  Karen bowed her head an inch, “Point.”

  “I take it breakfast isn’t just to see us, but has a deeper purpose?” Alburet asked.

  Mother gave him a knowing wink, but didn’t say anything. Before anyone could comment, Fluff was back with her book in hand.

  “I’m ready,” Fluff said.

  “Then let us go,” Mother said. She brought both of her hands up and a bright red glyph appeared under them.

  When the light faded, they were just outside the Dark Lord’s palace. Following Mother, the group exchanged pleasant greetings with the Destroyer Lords on duty, who returned their greetings with bows. Once inside the building, Mother led them to a small dining room.

  “Oh good, I had hoped you would accept,” the Dark Lord said as he got to his feet. “Welcome back to my home.”

  “The offer was too good to pass up,” Alburet said as he seated his wives.

  “She does have a very persuasive manner, doesn’t she?” the Dark Lord laughed as he seated Mother.

  “Something her family has inherited,” Alburet replied, kissing Stacia on the cheek after seating her last. “Is it food or business first?”

  “Food,” the Dark Lord replied just before the other door in the room opened.

  Six Succubi entered, laying out a large meal on the table for them. When they had finished, they stepped back to the walls and waited.

  “Please, take what you wish,” Mother said, serving herself some eggs.

  “I don’t know what I expected, but standard fare wasn’t it,” Alburet mused as he took a large portion of bacon.

  “Right?” Karen snorted, breaking open one of the biscuits she had taken and buttering it.

  “I’m just glad you didn’t expect babies or some such, not that you would after all this time,” the Dark Lord grinned as he speared himself a few sausages.

  “Too cliché,” Karen replied. “I wouldn’t have been surprised by a few Succubi tied to the table with sushi served on their bodies, though.”

  “We can arrange that,” Mother smiled, “but it isn’t a normal breakfast and it would make your husband a little uncomfortable.”

  “Aye, but we be workin’ on tha’,” Stacia added.

  “You ever get the feeling that the women in your life are more in charge than you?” the Dark Lord asked Alburet as he spooned eggs onto his plate.

  “More th
an once, which is odd, considering,” Alburet agreed, adding jam to his biscuits. “Is that the real reason you took only Mother as yours?”

  Laughing, the Dark Lord shook his head, “Maybe in part, but it’s more the fact that all of the other Succubi are related to me.”

  “Oh, I didn’t think about that,” Karen muttered.