A Lady of the Realm (House of DeDe)

by Sharon E Mamolo

  “Did you have to let Bethany get hurt in the process?” Sasha asked him, his irritation with the demon’s attitude obvious.

  “It’s only a couple of bruises, I’ll heal her,” Sig said as he flipped his chrome Zippo closed.

  Sasha shook his head absently, “I can't believe that they tried this in my home. What are they thinking? Malachi,” he turned towards the half—fairy who was politely waiting by the windows, looking out into the street. At the mention of his name, he turned towards Sasha.

  “Sigmund will go by your estate tomorrow with Bethany; you’re right on all accounts it seems.”

  Malachi nodded. “Don’t worry I’ll take good care of her,” he said.

  “I know,” Sasha responded quietly.

  “I’ll see you tomorrow, Beth,” Malachi said and promptly disappeared. Sasha brooded for a couple of seconds.

  “Sigmund, I’m going to be a while. Don’t let any creature in, tend to Bethany and please, tell her something,” he ordered.

  Sig’s cigarette glowed as he inhaled deeply. He snorted after exhaling and quirked an eyebrow. “How else is she to learn?” he asked.

  Sasha shook his head, his tone leaving no doubt as to his opinion on my educational curriculum. “Not without consent, Sigmund.”

  The testosterone level rose as the men stared at each other. Sig finally huffed, grinning as he touched his right hand to his head. “Understood.”

  Sasha narrowed his eyes but didn’t reply. He turned back around to me, popping within inches of where I sat wiping the blood off with my own shirt. Smoothing my hair back so he could take a better look at my battered face he said, “Minx, let’s go get you cleaned up.”

  I rose with his help and trudged upstairs to the well-known bathroom. I was visibly favoring my right side, and Sasha carefully wrapped his arms just under my shoulders. He ran the bathwater in the Jacuzzi tub as I stripped away the bloody garments. He stopped midway into pouring salts into the steaming tub as I straightened up and began taking tentative steps towards him. He looked me over, his gaze straying again and again to the burgeoning bruises covering my body. He pinched the bridge of his nose and cleared his throat.

  “I’ll have some food for you when you get out.” He popped out of the bathroom before I could respond. I eased myself into the tub and closed my eyes.

  Chapter Eighteen: New Start

  “Why’d you set me up?” Those were the first words out of my mouth when I stepped out of the bathroom.

  Sig was sitting on the loveseat facing the TV, reading, amazingly enough, a copy of Vogue. Placing the magazine down carefully, he reached for the never-ending supply of Kools in his jacket and lit one up before answering.

  “You need to learn to protect yourself.”

  “So you lied to me?” I asked. Not only lied about who was at the door, but let me get beat up as a lesson.

  “Death comes swiftly to the spoiled.”

  It was hard to get anyone to talk to me in a sensible fashion nowadays. “What was that guy talking about anyway?”

  “Party lines,” Sig said.

  “Oh … ah, what?” I asked for clarification, not wanting to assume I knew anything.

  “It’s about the money you know,” he said looking me dead in the eyes.

  “No, I don’t know,” I said. I thought dealing with demons would be an improvement. I was wrong.

  “One must stack the deck. As it stands, we know whether certain measures will pass or fail simply from history. This year there will be a power shift. The elves and wolves are handing over control of their votes to a new generation. Many won't know what to expect. If a bill passes, it’s undoable. Now if it fails, it comes back up in the next century.” I was instantly on guard. Politics wasn’t my strong suit.

  “Why was he asking about me?” I asked.

  “Politics. He wanted to know if you would automatically side with the Losalfar House before eliminating you. Your enemy’s enemy is always your friend.”

  That would take me a couple of days to unravel.

  “Why would it matter?”

  Sig didn’t answer right away. He shifted his eyes away from mine and flicked his ashes into an actual ashtray.

  “Many reasons. You live with Sasha and Malachi. You’re rumored to be their lover. You’re a person in position to influence an important council vote.”

  “What’s going on this summer?” I asked as my mind turned over the many possibilities. Something was making people jumpy. The only thing these freaks adored, above themselves, was money.

  “Some democratic spin the House of Sangria is trying to push. We’ll know more when we get there,” Sig said.

  I padded to the bar to find my dinner, not wanting to continue the conversation. A smile crossed my face as I saw what was waiting. Real food, not the vegetarian slop Sasha was fond of, waited for me.

  Wrapped in wax paper was a steaming hot roast beef po-boy. I could see the gravy seeping through the folds and onto the blue plate. A serving of sweet potato fries was next to it. Sasha even managed to bring Turtle cheesecake for dessert from the Cheesecake Bistro. Well, he did have his moments.

  Sitting down, I carefully unwrapped the sandwich. The smell of the Cajun roast beef was enough to set my stomach rumbling. I dug into it, drenching the end of the bread into the pool of gravy. I chewed mechanically for several minutes.

  “Hey, Sig, do you think you could teach me some self defense?” I asked when I was halfway through my meal.

  The demon perked up. He got up from the couch and walked towards where I sat at the bar slowly eating the meal now that my hunger had abated. My face was purple and blue, swollen along the jaw line on the right side. My lower lip, split during one of the blows, stung from the salt in the gravy.

  “It’s on the program. You should’ve had tutors on the subject for most of your existence. You’re going to need it. Pity about your education. What did you have in mind?” he asked as he surveyed my bruised face with actual concern.

  “I don’t like feeling helpless,” I said becoming animated, “or being smacked and kicked around by you freaks.” I added as the sharp pain from my ribs reminded me not to sit up straight.

  Sig smiled knowingly. “We’re just like humans in many respects. Some are stronger than others. Some are more skilled. Some have more passion. We’ll work on it for the next few days. The key is to unlock your talents. It’s in your blood and your charm.” He turned away to throw the cigarette into the trash can and returned with a grin. “I’m leaving you tonight with your lover.”

  “I told you not to call him that,” I said between mouthfuls of food. It never ceased to irritate me when he mentioned Sasha as my lover. Sig did it often, enjoying my aggravated response.

  He tapped his fingers on the bar ignoring me. “Be prepared to leave tomorrow as soon as I walk in. You have a lot of catching up to do before we step foot at Court. I won’t have one of my pupils unprepared,” he said.

  “Sure, Sig, whatever you say,” I said as I thought about spending a long week with his cheery self.

  “Beth,” he began softly, “I’ve been a tutor for centuries, and I take my job seriously. You should take your role seriously, considering it’s you who came to claim her title.” His voice was flat, and it made me feel inferior. I glanced up to see piercing blue eyes rimmed in red. It seemed as if he could look straight through me. To the place I tried desperately to hide even from myself.

  “Yes, sir, I’m sorry,” I said contritely. And I was sorry. I didn’t have to like him, but I did have to respect him. He’d been adamant about that.

  He sighed heavily and the red from his eyes diminished. Placing a hand on my shoulder and squeezing lightly he said, “Finish your dinner. I’ll tend your bruises when you’re done.”

  He said no more as I ate the fries one at a time. I saved the cheesecake for breakfast and went to the bed, collapsing down among the many pillows strewn about.

  Surrendering to Sig’s notion of a massage, I lai
d perfectly still amid the feather pillows, sheltered in softness. His hands were devilishly warm as they roamed against my bruised ribs. I relaxed further into sleep as he cradled my head in his hands. My last conscious thought was, damn, he’s rough.

  *

  I woke up startled for no good reason. What time was it? Rolling over I squinted my eyes blearily towards the clock on the nightstand. Where the hell had Sig vanished to this time? I stretched, fighting with the sheet I was covered in.

  “Did I wake you?” Sasha asked from beside me.

  “Where did Sig go?” I asked since I didn’t think I had to answer.

  “Didn't ask. We’re alone, apart from Peaches. She’s sleeping in the bathroom. I assure you, your insomnia is due to her snoring.” He placed his hands on my shoulders and pressed me back down onto the bed. “It’s past one. How are you feeling?” He asked as he gingerly pressed his palm across my forehead.

  “Better than I should be,” I said. My lip didn’t burn and my ribs, despite the battle with the sheets, weren’t killing me.

  “Sigmund is good at healing,” Sasha said as he smiled down.

  “Hmmm … he sure is.” I snuggled closer to him. He smelled good. The calming effect of sandalwood was soothing. I’d missed our nighttime conversations. My hand slipped up over his chest.

  “Sasha, can a shadow can be of any race? Any gender?” I asked.

  If the allodials from the past had taken shadows, they might still be alive. Shadows. The powerful Lords and Ladies of the Realm trusted no one. In keeping with this motto, they formed a bond of trust with one other person, their shadows. In all my research I never came upon a case of shadows betraying each other, it’s how powerful the magic was.

  When I asked Sig about choosing a shadow, he said my best bet would be a family member. I didn’t have another member from the DeDe bloodline so my choices were limited. Sig had given me seven files of potential shadows. Each was a witch with a distant family relationship. I didn’t care for women.

  “You could break protocol, but it’s best to keep it in the family. As for gender, I don’t suppose it matters,” he said.

  “Who’s your shadow?” I asked

  “Malachi. Why do you think we live together? It’s a powerful bond between shadows.”

  “I know he’s not family,” I said.

  “I like breaking rules,” he said faintly. “It’s a mutual feeling, I assure you. You’ll learn more about shadows with Sigmund’s help. I told you this life isn’t what you’ve been taught, but here you are, of your own free will I might add.”

  He turned on his side, looking at me with dark eyes. He grinned suddenly and pushed himself a little closer to me. I scooted back reflexively. His cool breath caressed my lips as he spoke.

  “I know I seem to have all the answers, but it isn’t true. Life confounds even me at times,” he said.

  “Freaking helpful, Sasha,” I murmured.

  “Let’s begin anew, Lady Beth.” Lady Beth, my new title in the world. I liked how it rolled off his tongue. My title conveyed status and power. The two things I’d been working for in the last two years.

  “Why, Lord Alek, are you coming on to me?” I asked with a smile.

  “Sasha, pet. Let’s begin with new rules,” he said.

  “I’m not good at this,” I groaned.

  “I’ll start. No business while in bed,” he said softly, his tongue running along my bottom lip.

  I swallowed noisily. “It’s the only time I get you to be halfway decent. How about not losing tempers while in bed,” I asked scooting back a little farther.

  “I rarely lose my temper while in bed so it would only pertain to you. I like the idea. I promise not to lose my temper while in bed with you.”

  “I’ll hold you to it,” I said.

  “Expect you will.” His hand slithered towards my breasts. I swatted it away.

  “Come lay your head on me, I’ve missed you. I’ll behave,” he said lowering his voice. I scooted towards him and placed my head on his chest. I inhaled deeply, and my arm came up to encircle his neck. He rubbed my lower back in small circles.

  “By and by,” he mumbled, “Sigmund will be your roommate during the convention.” I moaned softly into his chest, and he chuckled. “Trust him.”

  The way he said those last two words gave me chills. “A demon?” I wondered aloud.

  “I trust him with your life,” was Sasha’s response.

  “When are you leaving?” I asked.

  “First light, Sigmund’ll take you to Malachi’s estate when you wake. I’ll see you in a few days. Try to stay out of trouble.” He touched my nose with his. “I heard you’re a quick learner. Why don’t you keep to only studying for a while?”

  Wow, that was surprising. “Sig tells me I’m slow and am destined to die.” Usually he told me exactly how he saw me die, and how quick and painful it would be. He could be very descriptive.

  “It’s his way to motivate,” Sasha said between bursts of unmanly giggles.

  I didn’t think it was funny. “Sure it is,” I said.

  He began another round of sensual teasing. His hands roamed up my shoulders, sweeping the unruly curls away from my face and cupping my jaw. His lips came down beside my ears, peppering the suddenly heated skin with kisses. He murmured something in an unintelligible language, and I writhed in ecstasy.

  It’d been such a long time, months in fact, since I felt Sasha’s searing touch. His scent enveloped me, drowning my common sense. The warmth radiated from his hands, making me wet where I most wanted his touch. I couldn’t let this continue.

  “Don’t,” I breathed out. A mere whisper but he immediately complied even with the heady scent of our lust in the air.

  He held his breathe, his forehead touching mine. He settled down again, pulling me closer and urging my head unto his chest. I yawned widely, exhausted despite the yearning he could arouse.

  “I’ll let you know when, okay?” I said. “I want you, Sasha; I can’t lie to you about it. But not tonight.”

  He chuckled dryly, a wave of energy blasting out of his hands. The stereo came on, and the sounds of an old blues ballad filled the air. I drifted back to sleep while Sasha sang.

  Chapter Nineteen: Road Trip

  I woke up later than usual. Peaches was whining in the bathroom desperate to get out. Sasha wasn’t in the room. I felt his absence immediately. I wondered if I could feel his emotional stamp despite whatever distance separated us. I clutched my pendent and concentrated on extending my mind. He must’ve been very far away ‘cause the feelings I did get from him weren’t intense but foggy.

  Peaches was getting snippier by the second, and I hurried towards the bathroom.

  “Coming, coming,” I grumbled, wondering where Sig was. He couldn’t be far; no way would Sasha have left me here alone.

  Opening the bathroom door, the short dog burst through, bitching about unpredictable elves, and her need to use some green space.

  “Couldn’t you come up with a better plan than this? I can’t believe we’re going to spend time with that half-blood bastard. Haven’t you been listening to anything I’ve said? I can understand spending time with the dark elf. You have a connection with him which frankly is disturbing, but hey, whatever floats your boat.”

  “Enough, Peaches, I’m going to open the door, and you can walk yourself around the damn block, okay?

  Don't get picked up 'cause we don't have time to bail you out of doggie jail.” I walked to the door wondering if there was still vodka in the bathroom cabinet.

  “What’s wrong with you? Never mind. Open the door before I have an accident on the expensive bamboo floor. That demon is about to make an entrance. I’ll be in the yard.”

  Peaches left as Sig walked in. He looked sharp in an Armani suit, polished dress boots, lit Kool cigarette, dark sunglasses, and hair immaculately styled. The man of little words merely nodded at my disheveled appearance, and the grunting bulldog as he made his way to the couch.
He unrolled a copy of his favorite magazine, Men’s Vogue, and fell into the cushions without a single word in my direction. Ignoring him, I did my best to get myself together in as little time as possible. It was time to get moving.

  *

  Malachi was still working and as far as I could get from Sig, he’d be working the rest of the week. Joy. That meant I would have little outside contact for the next few days. Sig ushered me to his silver Hummer ‘cause really, what else would he drive? Peaches climbed into the backseat after considerable help.

  We drove I-10 West out of New Orleans and then headed 55 North when the highway forked. I said goodbye to the city I knew and loved. I asked a couple of times where we were headed but only received grunts in response. Wonderful. Giving up on that course of action, I closed my eyes, resting my head back and listening to the soft whispers coming from the stereo. It would be four days or more till I arrived at Court. Sig wouldn’t talk about it, where it was held, or what to expect until we were settled in Malachi’s estate, wherever that was.

  Curling on my side, I looked out the window. The trees along the highway sped by in a haze of orange and gold’s. I wondered if Sig was right, if I could do all kinds of wonderful things with enough time and training. I hoped he was right.

  I could navigate only so far without powers. It was the part after which made me nervous. Sig had made it clear to me when we first met that I needed to gain all my powers and learn how to use them. After I claimed my title and was acknowledged as Lady Beth, I’d have to live and abide by New World laws. New Orleans sat on prime real estate for non-humans because it was a party city. Every group called the city home, and they would all come knocking on my door eventually.

  Sig had gone over some cases with me. I flipped through the file in my hands that he’d asked me to study. Crime and punishment in America was swift. If an enforcer wasn’t on the scene, a Lord or Lady could settle a dispute. The higher you were on the totem pole, the more latitude you had. As a DeDe, I had considerable liberty over the citizens in New Orleans. For serious offenses, I would have to consult with Sasha.