by K. M. Shea
“And as I’m leaning theatrically into Solstice and Eclipse like this, Rigel should be just behind us, daggers—and abs—out. Sound good, Rigel?” I turned away from the possibly traumatized artist to give my husband a thumbs up.
“Why is it so important to have my shirt unbuttoned?” Rigel asked.
“Because you are incredibly ripped, and it’s going to make you look wicked cool next to these guys.” I gestured at one of the portrait walls.
“Um…” The artist—an unsuspecting gnome who had shrunk about four inches since I started describing to her what I wanted—clutched her box of oil paints to her chest. “The portrait will take multiple sittings to complete…Are…are you sure you want this?”
She motioned to the little stage I had set up for the portrait.
I’d brought Solstice and Eclipse inside, and I planned to dramatically press myself against Eclipse’s shoulder and rest my hand on Solstice, preferably with an expression that would make me look like a heroine in a gothic romance.
Muffin and Whiskers were going to be lounging near Solstice’s hooves, while Steve and Kevin would be at Eclipse’s.
Rigel would probably look normal—as much as I teased him about his abs I didn’t think he’d agree to it—but that was fine. It would make him a good foil to me. Since all the monarchs in the portraits were wearing dark, somber colors, I’d decided on the one lilac colored dress I owned as my outfit.
The whole thing was going to be ridiculous, and perfect.
“Yeah, it’s exactly what I want,” I said.
Rigel was standing next to me, and he’d been thoughtfully studying one of his daggers, but he looked up when the gnome tottered back to the canvas. “You don’t desire a ridiculous portrait just to stir up your Court?”
“That’s an added side benefit,” I confessed. “But it’s deeper than that.” I paused. “I wanted Killian and Hazel at my crowning party because they’re my friends, obviously, but I asked Hazel to bring a bunch of the wizards because I knew they’d lighten up the crowd. Our Court—our people are scared of me. And it’s not because of the way I took down Myron, but because fear of powerful monarchs is all they know. And I’m going to change that—one ridiculous portrait, one hilarious personal seal at a time.”
Rigel stared at me for several long, uncomfortable moments. “You really do care about the Court.”
“Yes,” I said.
He thoughtfully went back to studying his dagger. I took the opportunity to sneak a peek at Skye and Indigo.
The duo had set up shop just behind the artist at a heavy table Eventide and some of the other servants had dragged in. Skye was typing away on a wireless keyboard I’d bought her, and Indigo was reading a comic book.
“I’m surprised you two don’t have any objections,” I said.
Indigo turned a page in her comic book. “You do you, my Sovereign.”
“Since coming to work for you, I have realized even your most outrageous of actions have viable reasons behind them, my Sovereign,” Skye said.
“I’m really glad, but I was hoping someone would be upset.”
“Don’t worry—I’m sure some of the nobles will faint,” Skye said.
“Faint in awe, right?” I winked at her, then glanced up at my consort when I felt his dark eyes on me.
“My shirt stays closed,” Rigel said. “But I’ll wear my jacket.”
“The one you wear when you’re in your Wraith mode? Really?” I squealed and clapped my hands. “Great—you look awesome in that. Oh—and then we can say it’s in memory of our first meeting!”
The subtle light of Rigel’s rare humor sparked in his dark eyes.
“Though—don’t get me wrong—I’ll mourn the lack of your abs,” I said.
“It has come to my attention that you mainly seem to esteem me for my appearance,” Rigel said.
“Nah.”
“Given how often you carry on over my abs, I must disagree.”
“He’s not wrong,” Indigo piped in.
“I can’t be that bad.”
“Before your marriage, I don’t believe the term ‘ripped’ or ‘amazing abdominals’ had ever been uttered by any fae,” Skye said.
“Ah. Okay, I see your point. Very well! I shall endeavor to start bringing up your other good points, Rigel! I’ve gotta be a supportive wife, after all. Though I wish you’d quit your day job.”
The gnome artist made a mewling noise of distress as Rigel shrugged on the slitted jacket that made him look even more wild and spectacular.
“Would you rather I hold a sword for the portrait?” he asked. “It’d be more imposing and impressive.”
He was changing topics—a tricky fae…trick—but I knew this was a battle I wasn’t going to win. I gave up and took the offering. “That is an excellent idea! Want to borrow my pistol, too?”
“No, thank you.”
“Your loss.”
As I took up my place with Solstice, Eclipse, and my other pets so the poor artist could begin, it occurred to me that I was actually happy.
I’d been miserable those first few weeks after being queen. But I’d come to trust Skye, Indigo, and Chase. Rigel, surprisingly, had become a fun addition to our group.
He’s willing to play along a lot more than I thought any fae would.
I smiled, and I felt warmth settle in my chest.
We’re going to be okay. We’re in it for the long ride. The other monarchs are poisonous, but eventually I’ll wear them down. It might take years, but eventually I’ll get the other Courts to stop fighting.
Chapter Twelve
Rigel
All my life, Night Court socials and events were occasions I dreaded. When my parents and brother were alive, it meant being dragged to a stuffy party filled with insincere people who insulted me or even slapped me if they felt it fortified their position of power above my family’s.
Once I was the sole member of my family, they became things I despised.
Queen Nyte always skulked around, whispering in my ear as she tried to lure me into a contract or bargain while the rest of the Court was too terrified of my reputation and the bodies I left in my wake to approach me.
They were suffocating, cloying, and I knew I wasn’t the only one who hated them.
How did things change in such a short amount of time?
“No, no, no. Don’t get two small popcorns, get one big tub,” Leila instructed Dusk and Dawn. “I specifically rented the three theaters today because it’s Discount Wednesday when their popcorn and drinks are half off. That means the large tub is—for this event only—the better buy.”
The stable managers nodded in unison. “If you do the math, you can see it.”
“Exactly,” Leila agreed. “Remember to tell them to put it on my tab. You guys are my employees. I’ll pay for your snacks. But for crying out loud, do not tell Lord Linus!”
I let my arms fall to my side, casually checking that the artifact I had slipped into the top of my right boot was still secure. It was a prized piece of my weapons collection because, although it appeared to be a butter knife, once magic touched it, it transformed into a full broadsword.
It was one of the few weapons I could easily smuggle into the facility.
“Yes, Queen Leila,” the siblings chorused. They bowed to her, then ambled off to join the line at the concession counter.
Leila smiled fondly at their backs, then spun around to speak to her steward. “Skye, how long until the movie in the third theater is over?”
“Half an hour,” Skye said.
“And the movie in theater one already started?”
“Yes—it is a romantic comedy, I believe. Theater two has another children’s animated film starting in ten minutes,” Skye said.
“Good! The second round of movies has started—I’d say we’re about halfway done today.” Leila pumped an arm, then took a sip from her soda.
From our spot in the movie theater lobby, I could see the entrances to the three th
eaters Leila had rented for the afternoon’s Court event.
A pixie flew out of theater one and darted into the bathroom while Indigo led a group of naiads to theater two.
Humans gawked from the other side of the lobby, slowly moving over to the theater rooms Leila hadn’t rented for the afternoon.
“Any complaints, Skye?” Leila asked.
“None so far,” Skye said.
“Excellent. I thought this would be a fun change of pace since the mini golf outing was unexpectedly popular.” Leila rattled the ice in her paper cup and chewed on her straw.
“I’m surprised you were willing to spend the money to rent out the theaters,” I said.
“Well, it’s the afternoon. The rental fee is cheaper since it’s matinee shows. And I just had to pay for the room rental. Since most fae won’t know any better, I decided not to rent new movies because they are so expensive, and just got the theater to put up movies that came out about five years ago. To top it off, I’m making everyone buy their own food as ‘part of the experience’!”
Leila placed a hand over her heart. “My accountant was really impressed with my ability to cut financial corners. But—most importantly—everyone seems to be enjoying themselves!”
“It is a well-planned event,” Skye said. “Each of the two showings per theater is sold out.”
“Yeah, I thought having the two rounds of movies would give fae more flexibility to come when they wanted, but it seems like most everyone is attending two showings.” Leila waved to a troll that ambled past.
“Indeed. Next time we should perhaps begin earlier to fit three rounds of movies in?” Skye asked.
“I was actually considering taking everyone bowling, or maybe going to a play or musical or something. But after the popularity of the movies, there’s no way we could do that. There are too many of us,” Leila said.
“You could limit it to the nobles,” Skye said.
“No—that’s not fair,” Leila said.
“Then limit it to everyone who is not noble, and make the nobles pay to go,” I said.
Leila slowly turned toward me, as if moved by a crank. “Rigel, you are brilliant!”
“Now that’s something you don’t hear every day!” Dion laughed as he descended on us. “Good afternoon, Queen Leila. You look very stylish today!” He bowed to her before he draped an arm over my shoulders.
“Thank you, Lord Dion.” Leila smiled. “I’m glad you could make it today.”
“I wouldn’t miss this for the world!” Dion winked. “I’ve been to many theaters myself, but it’s rare to see my kinsmen in a place like this. We should get some good laughs. Wouldn’t you agree, Skye?”
I was almost positive Skye knew Dion was interested in her. My guess was confirmed based on the way she stared at him and spoke in a flat tone. “We should not wish for laughs at the expense of others due to their ignorance, but strive to help them learn and understand.”
“You’re right, of course,” Dion said, ever able to shift in hopes of finding favor with her. “I am lucky to call you a friend so you can correct me like that.”
“I would not presume to call each other friends,” Skye said.
Leila sidled up next to me and tapped my elbow. She looked at Skye and Dion, then grinned.
I shook my head.
No. Not going to happen—at least not anytime soon.
“Oh, then what would you call me?” Dion gave her his best smile, helped along by a tiny bit of illusion magic that made his teeth sparkle.
Skye furrowed her brow. “The suitor of Queen Leila who was not worthy of her?”
Leila snorted into her mostly empty soda, then violently coughed to cover her strangled laugh.
I was similarly amused—Dion hadn’t been turned down by a woman a day in his life. Leila had never responded to his compliments and attempts at winning her over, but he hadn’t really wanted to marry her, so it hadn’t bothered him much.
But this would.
Dion opened and closed his mouth several times. “You—that is…what?”
Skye bowed her head. “Quite.”
Dion was my friend—however reluctant I was to admit it. He was my only friend, actually. But there was still something about the crack of his ego that was deeply satisfying.
“Clean up required on the third line of the concession stand.” Indigo marched up to us and pointed back at the concession stands. “One of the lords is attempting to pay for his popcorn in gold coins.”
Leila frowned. “Like, real gold?”
“Yes.”
Leila rubbed her forehead. “Maybe I should just make all the nobles hand in a fieldtrip fee next time. They seem the least capable—none of the others had any problems with purchasing concessions!”
“I’ll handle it.” Skye gently touched Leila’s elbow, then hurried off in the direction of the concession stand.
“I guess I’m chopped liver,” Dion laughed.
“You should follow her,” I said.
“And leave you here alone? What kind of friend would I be?” Dion gave me a friendly slap on the back. “Besides, even I’m not so pesky to venture where I’m not wanted. Perhaps I’ll be able to catch her in the next movie.”
Leila checked her cellphone. “She mentioned she wanted to see the last movie in theater three—it’s starting in an hour, one of the Star Wars movies I think.”
“Thank you, Queen Leila. You are a true friend.” The way Dion slapped my back again clearly communicated that he was aware I wasn’t setting him up for success.
Leila saluted him. “Good luck! I hope you succeed—she needs to take more breaks.”
“I shall certainly try. But I must tell you how greatly impressed I am with your social functions. I think these have been the most well attended socials in years, and that’s impressive considering everyone was scared to death of Nyte and was terrified to miss a party.”
Leila’s features softened into something warmer. “I’m glad to hear that.” Her usual bright, “monarch” voice was gone. She was talking how she sometimes talked to Skye and Indigo—or the night mares, glooms, and shades.
“I was hoping to take everyone out kayaking sometime before it gets really cold. But the lake by the mansion is way too small. The lake in the Night Realm is plenty big, though,” she said.
Dion shook his head. “Even you would have trouble getting us out on that lake, Queen Leila. Tradition has it that there’s a sea monster in those waters.”
“Yes, I’ve heard that before. Maybe we can just rent kayaks in downtown Magiford, then. Their lakes are plenty big for a decent sized party.” Leila tilted her head back and appeared to stare at the ceiling as she thought.
There was something about her voice when it was like this that was intoxicating. It wasn’t sultry, but listening to it made one feel…
A scream ripped through the theater.
Two creatures made of shadows streaked across the lobby. They were serpentine in appearance, but their bodies were made of black, insubstantial shadows.
They weren’t attacking anyone, probably because they hadn’t seen their target, Leila. They had to be after her; these monsters had the same feeling as the creatures that attacked in the parking lot.
Leila turned toward the noise just as the creatures spotted her.
The shadow monsters hissed, then slithered across the carpet, their glowing eyes locked on her.
As I thought.
I yanked my hidden knife from my boot and activated it. “Austero!” Tapping into the wild magic around us, the knife transformed in a glowing sword.
Humans screamed and ran from the theater. Some of the fae did as well—the pixie emerged from the bathroom and shot off to the theaters. Others, like Dusk and Dawn, dropped their popcorn tubs and soda drinks and fumbled to grab their artifacts.
I stepped backwards, intending to sink into the shadows, but Leila’s reaction was almost as fast as mine. She activated her prism with a shout and threw down a ward that blo
omed into one of the biggest personal magic barriers I’d seen as it covered herself, Indigo, Dion, and me.
I edged my way out of the barrier—I couldn’t attack the two creatures from within it, at least not the way I liked to fight.
The two snake-like monsters crashed into the barrier. It shook, but held strong—all of her practice was paying off.
I cloaked myself in shadows, and magic spilled over from the sword as I tapped my natural magic.
Shadows flickered across my eyes, and in a heartbeat I was standing in the shadow of one of the creatures.
I tried slicing through the monster’s tail, but the blade only made the monster’s shadowy innards swirl as it passed through it as if it were a smoke cloud.
That’s going to make things more difficult.
“Look at me,” Dion commanded the monster. Even through the purple haze of Leila’s barrier, his magic was strong enough that the second snake creature actually turned its head to him.
Dion’s eyes narrowed, and his poppy red magic flowed from his artifact—a bejeweled pin forged in the shape of a bird.
The creature I was attacking rammed into Leila’s barrier again.
The surface didn’t even ripple, but Leila growled. “These suckers pack a punch.” She shook her head as if shaking off pain—and maybe she was—and arranged her feet in a solid defensive crouch. “I can’t cast anything else at this rate.”
“I’ve got a bit of a line on them,” Dion shouted. “They’re forged of magic, and they’re controlled by a fae compulsion spell.”
“Can you break it?” I tried stabbing my blade through my snake’s head, but it was also insubstantial, and I did no damage.
“Nope—too powerful,” Dion said through gritted teeth. “I can hold this one here, but that’s about it.”
I briefly flicked my eyes at him. Dion is very powerful in compulsion magics. For him to be unable to do anything…whoever made these is incredibly powerful.
“Try blowing them away,” Indigo suggested.
“How?” Leila asked. “Fae can’t use elements—like wind.”
“No.” I yanked one of my hidden daggers out of a bracer. “But we can make things explode. Aer.” I jumped backwards and threw my activated dagger at the snake. Just as the blade started to pass through the creature’s head, I activated an anti-theft spell on the dagger.