All's Fair in Love and Lion (12 page)

“Not yet.”

“Perhaps you will at the ball later this week.” Alexia waves her hand.

“Ball?” What would I do at a ball?

Her brows knit together. “Monroe didn’t tell you?”

“No.”
Strange. Why didn’t he tell me?

“Neru Vytale, one of the Council members, is very curious to meet you. When he heard Monroe was bringing you here, he insisted we have a ball at his palace.”

Nervously, I squeeze the armrests. “I prefer not to be the center of attention.”

“There will be dinner and dancing, so you’ll have a break. However, I should warn you. Everyone wants to meet you.”

“Everyone?” In my mind’s eye, I envision a huge crowd around me.

Alexia looks concerned. “Did I say something wrong?”

“I’m not a fan of crowds. The ball sounds bigger than what I’m used to.”

She makes a
tsk-tsk
noise with her tongue. “I wish Monroe would’ve told you. Don’t worry. It sounds huge, but they aren’t so bad.”

“Thanks.”

Alexia begins talking about their lands and how she’s glad I came. Then she switches and describes her and Bast’s excitement over becoming parents and the concerns about twins. “It was unexpected. At first we thought I was only carrying one, then Bast said he could smell another baby. The male man-beasts here have a very sensitive sense of smell.”

I nod, not knowing what to say. She asks about my job, apartment, and interests. I tell her about my students and the books I love. My anxiety about the ball doesn’t go away, yet, with Alexia’s calm and gentle manners, it’s easier to relax. By the time Monroe and Bast get back, I feel better.

“If it wasn’t for me, you never would’ve gotten that one,” Monroe says as he and Bast stride into the room. “You know, Delton has more finesse than you.”

“You’re jealous I got a larger one than you,” Bast retorts.

“You only say that because yours was furrier.”

Alexia stands between the two of them. “Perhaps if you’re quite finished with your debate, you might remember we have a guest.”

Bast looks at me, his face apologetic. “Where are my manners? I’m sorry, Sasha. I hope you enjoyed your visit.”

“Yes.” I stand. “We had a nice time.”

Monroe wraps an arm around my waist, kissing my cheek. “I’m glad.”

Alexia wags a finger at Monroe. “You didn’t tell her about Neru’s get-together. I’m shocked, Monroe.”

His grip on my waist tightens. “I tried talking Neru out of it, but he was adamant.”

I shrug. “I’ll manage. Except next time, let me know.”

“Duly noted.” Monroe turns to Bast and Alexia. “We appreciate your hospitality. We should go, now. I’m sure my cooks will be disappointed if Sasha doesn’t have lunch there. They’re delighted with her.”

“Thank you for coming.” Alexia hugs me and Bast kisses my hand.

Monroe says goodbye to Bast and Alexia and we leave the castle. Once again, we’re back at Monroe’s home before I can register the change in surroundings. Monroe’s hand steadies me as we enter his dining hall.

After lunch, I plead a headache and go to my room and lay down. Perhaps Alexia’s right. Maybe the ball will even be fun.
Am I still dreaming?
I pinch my arm for good measure and smile at the pain.
Okay, I’ll handle the ball, somehow, but what else awaits me?

Chapter 19: Monroe

Afternoon shadows slant across the grounds as I stare out the window. Anticipation swells within me. Ayres picked out a gown for Sasha and wouldn’t show it to me.

“Miss Brighton will dazzle everyone in this gown,” was all he said.

Next time I’ll make him show me or he’ll be fired. Comforted by the thought, I finish getting cleaned up and cinch my robe around my waist.

Ayres materializes in my room. “I have your tuxedo ready, my lord.”

I give a nod of approval at the black tux with a gray colored bowtie and vest he’s chosen. “It’ll do.”

While he helps me shrug into my clothes, I let my thoughts wander.
I hope Sasha has fun tonight.
Ayres fastens the cufflinks and fixes my tie.
She’ll outshine everyone. Knowing her, she won’t think so
.
I frown. Doesn’t she realize she’s gorgeous? People here are curious about her. Other than John and Neru’s granddaughter-in-law, Lucy, she’s the only other Firstling in the Third Realm. Perhaps I can ease her concerns
.
My brain races through possibilities on how to do that.

Ayres clears his throat.

“Yes?”

He taps his watch. “It’s time.”

I face my reflection in the mirror. “Well, Ayres, you did a passable job in getting me ready. I guess you may keep your job awhile longer.” I slide on my family crest ring, and check the time on my pocket watch. “Is Sasha ready?”

Ayres straightens my family medals of honor. “I’ll find out, sir.” He dematerializes into a cloud of smoke.

I glance once again at the mirror. With luck, Sasha will like what she sees.

Ayres reappears. “Miss Brighton will meet you in the sitting room, sir.”

I give him a nod and stride briskly down the hall. Outside the door, I suck in a breath and enter the room. Every coherent thought escapes me, and my heartbeat accelerates. “Good evening, Sasha.”

She turns around. A shimmering pale pink floor-length ball gown sparkles around her. Sleeveless, the dress provides me an unobstructed view of her shapely arms. She shifts nervously, her features a mask of uncertainty. A piece of silken hair escapes the diamond clasp. Before I’m aware, I reach out and finger the strand. More diamonds glitter from her ears. A silver version of the locket glints in the firelight. Stepping back, I blink. “You’re a vision.”

“So, you approve?”

“Without question.” I clasp her white-gloved hand in mine and kiss her fingers. “Everyone else will seem bland beside you.” I tuck her hand into the crook of my arm. “There’s no way anyone could rival you.” She opens her mouth and I place a finger on her lips. “You’re exquisite, and I won’t hear anything to the contrary.”

“Ahem.” For the first time I notice Ayres standing in a corner. “The carriage awaits, sir.”

“Carriage?” she asks.

I roll my eyes. “Blame Neru. He loves formality.”

Interest replaces her shy expression. “I don’t mind. I’ve always wanted to ride in a carriage.”

We pass from the room, down the hall, and through the front door.

“Wow,” Sasha says. She rests a hand on the top of a sparkling onyx wheel and runs her hand along the frame until she comes to a stop by the Dubay Lion’s head crest painted on the door of the carriage. “Much fancier than I expected.” She steps aside when a footman jumps down.

The footman lifts the door latch and helps Sasha inside. She settles on the red velvet bench and I spring up next to her. The door shuts behind me.

I squeeze her hand. “Relax, my sweet, you’ll be fine.”

“Don’t lie. If we’re going through all this trouble it’s bound to be a colossal event.”

“Well, Neru’s ballroom is gigantic.”

“You’re not helping.”

“What can I do?”

“Distract me,” she says.

I raise an eyebrow. “How?”

“Any way you like.”

“Hmm,” I murmur. “Any way I like. Very well, since you extended the invitation . . .” Leaning down, I draw her into a passionate kiss. Her lips intoxicate me. Desire flares in my veins. With difficulty, I rein myself in
.
It wouldn’t be a good idea to mess up Sasha’s appearance.

Letting her go, I note she’s flushed. Based on how I feel, I must look the same. “Better?”

Her eyes flutter open. “A little.”

When the carriage arrives at the front of Neru’s palace, she clutches my fingers tightly.

We’re escorted into the grand ballroom by a footman in Vytale green and white livery.

“Lord Monroe Dubay and Miss Sasha Brighton,” the master of ceremonies cries.

In one fluid motion, I switch Sasha’s hand from mine into the crook of my arm. Stepping down a wide, hunter green-carpeted staircase, we enter Neru’s gold and emerald grand ballroom.

Neru hurries across the white marble floor and clasps my free hand in both of his.

Derisively, I note he polished the crystal chandeliers.
What would Sasha think if she knew he set out all his best trappings?

Neru’s white hair puffs around his head, making him more gregarious than usual. “Monroe, my boy,” he exclaims. “I see you have brought the lovely Miss Brighton.”

“Sasha, this is Neru Vytale, our illustrious host for the evening.”

He takes Sasha’s free hand and kisses it. “Well, Monroe, she’s gorgeous.”

Sasha blushes. “Thank you for inviting me, Lord Vytale.”

He wags a finger at her. “Enough of that. Call me Neru.” He ushers us in. “Come, most of the guests have already arrived. I was beginning to wonder if you were coming at all.”

“We took a scenic route,” I say.

“Young love.” Neru’s eyes dance.

I grimace.

Weaving through the room, I nod to various acquaintances. I almost don’t recognize the monkey-man, Delton, at a table with his wife. For once he isn’t disheveled.

Based on their absence, I deduce Minuet gave birth to her and John’s baby. I shove the disappointment aside. I’ll introduce Sasha at a later date.

Bast and Alexia stand in a corner with Loralyn and her escort, Adler, a man-beast eagle of influential descent.

Other members of the Council are there with their various chosen mates or intends. Samson Wyki fails in his attempt to hide behind a column with his tiny wife, Alnora, who titters at something a fellow rodent descendent, whispers in her ear.

Quin Erone, a Nightshade, leans against a wall on the other side of the room laughing with his fiancée, Merilee, a wood nymph. Again, the contrast between light and shadow in their relationship baffles me.

Several fairies wander through the ballroom. Their tall, lithe, flowing bodies move fluidly as they float above the floor, moving from group to group, their elegant heads incline in greeting.

In a far corner, next to the buffet table, Lily stands wearing a sour expression.

With my free hand, I grab Neru’s arm. “You invited Lily?” I whisper to Neru as one of the head fairies intercepts Sasha. “After the commotion she caused at the last Council meeting?” I dig my fingers into Neru’s arm until he winces.

He extracts himself from my grasp, his eyes pleading with me. “I had to. I invited everyone in the Magic Region of the Third Realm.” He rubs his arm. “Can you imagine the ruckus she would cause if I neglected to send her an invitation? My dear boy, I’m certain she will behave herself here. Lady Tygress has manners, despite her temper.”

I clench my teeth. “If she does anything amiss tonight, I hold you personally responsible.”

“I understand. Pardon me, I must go see to some of my other guests.”

When I join Sasha, the fairy, Brinda, regally acknowledges my presence. “Your fiancée is a lovely human, Monroe. How fortunate the other Firstlings are to have her as an instructor.”

“Quite,” I agree.

Sasha ducks her head. “Brinda is too kind.”

“As always.”

Brinda gives one of her rare smiles. “Monroe, I think we can finally say you have found a woman worthy of you.” She inclines her head in a slight bow and glides to over to one of her sister fairies. Leading her over, she says, “This is my sister, Clarine. Sasha Brighton is Monroe’s intended.”

Dressed similarly to her sister, Clarine greets Sasha. “Welcome, Miss Brighton.”

“Please,” she says, “it’s just Sasha.”

“Of course,” Clarine answers. “How brainless of me to forget the informal ways of you Firstlings. Monroe, she’s a treasure. Hold on to this one.” The two sisters float off.

Sasha watches them go, a confused expression on her face. “That was interesting.”

“You’ll have to excuse them. They’ve always been abrupt. They can get away with it because they’re the highest ranked fairies in the land. I suppose the distinction encouraged their aloof manners. Although, Clarine is less standoffish than Brinda.”

“Oh,” Sasha mumbles.

“Would you like some refreshment? I can have a waiter bring you some punch, or, if you’re feeling adventurous, some champagne?”

“No, thank you.”

“You must be uncomfortable. I really am sorry.”

“It’s okay. I can’t believe the things I’ve seen. But I need something for my nerves.”

“My brave lioness,” I murmur.

“Right,” Sasha mutters.

“Perhaps a little food, a waltz or two, and you’ll feel more at ease.”

She watches as the guests pass by. “There’s a lot of people here. Is there anywhere less conspicuous we can go?”

“We’ll find Bast and Alexia. A familiar face will do the trick.” I guide her over where Bast and Alexia stand talking with Loralyn and Adler.

“Monroe, Sasha,” Bast calls. He leans over and kisses Sasha’s cheek. “My, you clean up better than Monroe.”

Sasha colors. “Thanks.”

Alexia gestures to Loralyn and Adler. “Sasha, may I introduce Loralyn Xavier and her fiancé, Adler Viaire?”

“Good evening,” Loralyn says.

Adler bows. “A pleasure.”

I clasp Adler’s hand. “Long time, no see.”

“Entirely,” he says. “You’re doing well.” He gestures in Sasha’s direction.

“Indeed,” I answer, my lips twitching. “How about yourself?”

“I’m content,” Adler says in his usual grave tone. His sharp eyes rake over me then Sasha, measuring us. “Enjoy the rest of your time here in the Third Realm, Sasha.”

“I believe,” Loralyn says, “the buffet is ready. Shall we?”

“Oh, yes,” Alexia says, “let’s all go.”

We wander over to where trays of various meats, fruits, vegetables, seafood, bowls of passion fruit punch, and various cakes await. I motion for Sasha to precede me. “Go ahead and make yourself a plate. I’ll have whatever you get.”

“Are you sure you don’t want your own?”

“Don’t worry about me.”

She shrugs. I follow her as she fills her plate with pineapple, grapes, and melons. Then she moves to the seafood and places shrimp, scallops, and calamari beside the fruit. Next she piles on ham, sausage, and lamb.

“You must be hungry,” I comment, indicating the tower of food on the plate.

Sasha shakes her head. “This isn’t all for me. You said you would eat whatever I got, so some of this is for you. Where should we sit?”

I lead her to one of the round tables set off to the side. I slide out a chair for her.

“You didn’t have to get extra for me,” I protest as I settle into the chair next to her.

“I can’t put it back.”

“Very well,” I say with a chuckle. “I’ll help you.”

Bast and Alexia approach our table. Bast sets down his plate and pulls out Alexia’s chair. “I have to get Alexia some punch and I want to have some of Neru’s champagne. I hear it’s the best.”

“That would be because Neru said it is,” I say.

“Then it must be true.” Alexia laughs.

Bast grins and heads off in the direction of one of the punch bowls.

“Are you enjoying yourself, Sasha?” Alexia inquires.

“It’s impressive.”

Alexia chuckles. “Neru likes extravagance. The more elaborate, the happier he is. You wouldn’t know it to meet him in another setting.”

“Most of the time he is tasteful,” I add, “although today I’d say he went a bit further than usual.”

Bast returns with a glass of punch in one hand and a flute of champagne in the other. “Here you are, darling. Punch for you, champagne for me.” Bast sits. “Did I miss anything?”  

“Just remarking upon Neru’s garish style,” I inform him.

Bast lets out a burst of laughter, then covers his mouth. “You’re too generous, Monroe. I’d expect a worse description from you.”

“Not in the presence of ladies,” I say.

“Good for you,” Bast says.

Neru’s master of ceremonies bangs his staff. “Let the dancing commence!

Bast rises, gives his hand to Alexia, and the two glide onto the floor. Several other couples follow in the lively waltz.

I offer my hand to Sasha. “Do you want to dance now, or wait?”

“We can dance now. I’m not very good, though.”

“I told you, you need the right partner.” We leave our table and soon are whirling in each other’s arms. “Why do you say you aren’t very good? You keep up perfectly.”

“Didn’t you notice I stepped on your toe?”

“Did you?” I cock my head to one side. “I thought you executed the spin nicely.”

“Not the rest of it.”

“Nonsense. You’re the best partner in the room.”

“I’m not, and you know it. That’s the second time I’ve gotten your foot.”

I blink. “I couldn’t feel a thing.”

“Are you wearing steel-toed shoes or something?”