by Alma Boykin
She bowed a little. “Thank you, your majesty. It is a signal honor, and I hope that I prove worthy of it.”
“And you, Colonel Destefani, should have been ennobled some years ago. I look forward to correcting that oversight.”
Beside her, Lazlo inhaled, then bowed. “Thank you, your majesty, but I must refuse the honor.”
Elizabeth’s eyes went wide. What? Lazlo, what are you doing? He’d said nothing to her.
Emperor Thomas’s eyes also bulged and his face began to darken as one hand clenched into a fist at his side. His wife leaned close and whispered into his ear. Elizabeth bit her lip as she watched the imperial couple. Beside her, Lazlo stood relaxed, the only calm and untroubled person in the room. Even the servants in the corners of the audience chamber wore expressions of stunned disbelief and Elizabeth heard a worried rustle from the guards at the door. The empress leaned away and Thomas, face and voice now expressionless, demanded, “What do you mean by rejecting this honor, Col. Destefani?”
“Your majesty, I do not want to cause distress.” He hesitated for an instant, then launched, “I am not called to the duties of nobility. I do not have the skills and talents of people such as Count Montoya, Duke Starland, or my wife. I am not a courtier, have no skill at easing disputes or pleasing the ladies of court. Your majesty, I am a soldier. Godown has blessed me with a gift for logistics and for battle. As we have discussed, I took command of the Sea Republics’ army because no other option presented itself that would protect our allies and maintain the Empire’s honor. But that is not how I am best suited to serve the Empire, your majesty. It is not my calling. Please allow me to remain where my gifts are strongest.”
Emperor Thomas turned to Elizabeth, his voice tight. “What say you, Duchess Sarmas?”
She gathered wits that had scattered like shahma attacked by a dardog pack. “Your majesty,” she choked and had to clear her throat. “Pardon. Your majesty, my husband speaks for himself. He did not ask my feelings on the matter, nor would it be for me to pressure him one way or another. I, of all people, am not fit to interfere with anyone’s vocation and calling, no matter how odd they may seem to others.”
“You will take the honor, Destefani,” Thomas of Babenburg growled. “Order him to, Sarmas.”
She shook her head. “Your majesty, I can do no such thing.”
Fists still clenched, shoulders taut, face dark with anger, the emperor stepped down from the dais and stalked forward until he stood less than a meter from Lazlo. He raised one hand, pointed at Lazlo, and snarled, “You will accept promotion, Destefani. I will not be embarrassed in front of my court.”
Lazlo’s shoulders rose and fell as he took a deep breath, gathering himself. “Your majesty, it is not my desire to embarrass you or anyone else. But I cannot accept being ennobled.” He sounded completely calm and composed, but Elizabeth could see his hands trembling ever so slightly, a faint quiver that betrayed the strength of his feelings.
“Then you will never set foot within the Eastern Empire so long as I live! You will leave these lands with nothing but what you brought to them.” Fire seemed to snap from Thomas’s eyes.
Mouth dry, Elizabeth played her card. “In that case, your majesty, there will be no need for any ceremonies.” He turned, glaring at her, and she continued, “I swore my oath to House Babenburg and that oath remains. However, I will serve through prayer and charitable works instead of by military service. His reverence the archbishop has already given permission for me to reenter the postulancy under half-vows.”
“You what?” He blinked, taken aback by her words.
“I will resign my positions and go to the convent, your majesty.” Leaving you to deal with your aunt and her shahma overload, along with the Turkowi and Laurence. Which just now seems like a delightful idea, your majesty. “Col. Destefani’s and my donations over the years have more than covered my dower gift, so that is not a concern.”
Thomas closed his hand into a fist and raised it, as if preparing to strike her or Lazlo. Elizabeth reached blindly and felt her husband’s fingers searching for hers, taking her hand. They stood motionless as Emperor Thomas of Babenburg glared from one to the other. The skin on her arms and neck prickled just as they had when she’d been on a ridge during a lightning storm. Would the fires hit and shatter her and Lazlo as the lightning had shattered a tree at the end of that ridge those years before? She held her breath as Thomas snapped, “Arrangements have been made, Destefani: there will be a double elevation.”
“I refuse,” Lazlo repeated.
“Your majesty, if there must be one, elevate Tim Albinez’s wife or eldest son to be his representative at court,” Elizabeth tossed out in a final desperation counter. Please do no take my husband from me again; please Godown soften his pride, she begged in silence.
Still on the dais, Empress Agatha raised one graceful hand and called quietly, “Col. Destefani, you truly do not wish to rise into the nobility?”
He shook his head. “No, your majesty, I do not.”
The emperor studied them for what felt like a near eternity, almost as long as the all-night vigils of St. François that Elizabeth had dreaded so much. At last he shook his head, letting his hand drop and taking a half-step backwards. He dipped his gaze briefly before meeting her and Lazlo’s eyes again in turn, still angry. “Only a fool destroys his best tools because his own work displeases him.” He gave a short sigh. “I cannot force you to accept rank you feel unable to bear, Col. Destefani. I will, however, make you co-owner of the hunting property of Whitewater and full owner of Duchess Sarmas’ grant at Donatello Bend and Donatello House, to revert to the crown upon your death, so that if she predeceases you her death will not leave you without property or support.” He raised one hand and pointed a finger at Lazlo again, warning, “That you will not refuse.”
“No, your majesty, I will not refuse such generosity.”
Empress Agatha smiled. “Good. Now, come to the table. I wish to hear about the ladies of the Sea Republics.”
Lazlo coughed and Elizabeth leaned back, still holding his hand as she watched his reaction. “I fear I can tell you very little, your majesty, but I will do my best.”
Which is all we can do, Elizabeth mused as he took her arm and they followed the imperial couple.
The next day Lazlo spent at the army stables, working with some new horses. He came back after suppertime dusty, sore, and threatening to turn all three warhorses into stew and glue.
“You are welcome to ride Gray III or Stocky,” she offered, feeling generous.
He snorted. “My love, I don’t have the patience to ride anything I have to persuade. I ate earlier so I’m for hot water and liniment.”
Elizabeth sipped a last cup of soyaroot tisane and smiled. Then she went to her chamber and changed clothes, releasing Mina for the night. Elizabeth slipped down the hall to Lazlo’s chamber, as quiet as could be. As she’d hoped, Lazlo had already dismissed his manservant, giving himself privacy while he bathed. She waited just outside the room, listening to the splashes and out-of-tune humming. Only when she heard the sound of a towel on skin did she peek around the doorframe.
Lazlo stood with his back to her. He preferred to shave, then wash, so there was no mirror to give away her silent approach. Like her, pink and white scars marked his still-fit body, although not as many as she’d have guessed, had she not been his wife. He’d been blessed over the years. She crept closer, heart starting to race, feeling her own excitement building as if she were in her twenties again. Elisabeth loosened the belt on her dressing gown.
“Boo,” and she pounced.
He startled, turning so fast he almost lost his footing, catching himself on the chair with his breeches and shirt on it. He fumbled for the towel to cover himself. “What are you doing?”
“Many years ago, one Major Lazlo Destefani ambushed Countess Sarmas in her bath,” she informed him, looking down her nose. “Long has she planned her revenge, and now her moment has come.”
He recovered quickly, quicker than she’d anticipated. He bared his teeth in a ferocious smile. “Oh really, madam?” He tied the towel around his trim waist and reached for her. She scooted out of the way and he followed. Elizabeth evaded his increasingly frustrated lunges until he discovered that she’d cornered him.
She planted her hands on her hips, a look of triumph on her face. She took one step closer, then another. “Now, at last, Colonel, I have you where I, yeep!” He struck without warning, pulling her against his chest and kissing her. She returned the favor, un-tucking the end of his towel with her free hand while he tugged at the belt on her robe. The towel vanished, tossed behind her, and she began helping him with the belt. “Do you yield?” She managed to squeak.
“Oh yes,” he whispered, kissing her throat as he pushed the robe off her shoulders. “And so will you.”
Some time later she pulled the sheet over her chilly shoulders, and he yawned, “I give in. I’m not twenty any more.”
She played with part of his long hair. “Neither am I. But we’re alive, and mostly whole and sane.”
“Mostly?” He rolled to face her, taking her into his arms. “Mmm, well the important parts are all here, that is true.” He began fondling her breast.
“Love, you’re setting a bad example. We’re supposed to be dignified and proper and ah,” she gasped as his other hand did something lovely.
He smiled, eyes springing open as she retaliated in kind. “You, madam, are a cruel, wanton—” Their lips met and all discussion ended for some time.
About the Author
Alma T. C. Boykin was born in the Midwest, moved to the Great Plains, and after a brief period living in places where trees almost outnumber people, returned to the plains. She escaped college with a BA, worked for a living, then returned for an advanced degree some years later. When not writing or rotating the cat, she teaches and does a few other odds and ends. Hobbies include cooking, reading, hiking, geology, astronomy, and music.
Visit Alma’s blog at AlmaTCBoykin.Wordpress.com
Books by Alma T. C. Boykin
The Cat Among Dragons Series
(Listed in chronological order from the perspective of Rada Ni Drako.)
Hubris: The Azdhagi Reborn
Book 1 of the Cat Among Dragons prequel series.
When the Azdhagi overreach the limits of their science, only a few individuals stand between them and chaos. Three interlinked disasters start a chain reaction of tragedy and triumph leading to the re-creation of Azdhag society.
Available from Amazon.com at:
www.amazon.com/Hubris-Azdhagi-Reborn-Alma-Boykin-ebook/dp/B00J8UCN9O
Available from Kobo Books at:
store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/hubris-4
Renaissance
Book 2 of the Cat Among Dragons prequel series—coming early 2015
A Cat Among Dragons
Book 1 in the Cat Among Dragons series.
They started it. Rada Ni Drako just wanted to do her job, but her father’s people declared her a corrupt half-breed, one unfit to live. Now she’s on the run and in need of a new identity and a job. When she fled back in time to join an interstellar mercenary company, she did not anticipate becoming the Pet of House Nagali, becoming the student of a mysterious but very well connected Healer and diplomat, and fighting her way into power as the only sentient mammal in the court of a reptilian empire. And falling flat on her face several times in the process.
This collection of short stories, the first in the Cat Among Dragons series, begins the saga of Rada Ni Drako and her odd assortment of allies. Join the adventure as Rada takes on her father’s people and tries to keep her head, and the rest of her, intact.
Available from Amazon.com at:
www.amazon.com/A-Cat-Among-Dragons-ebook/dp/B00AMNB0N6
Available from Kobo Books at:
store.kobobooks.com/ebook/a-cat-among-dragons
Available from Barnes & Noble at:
www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-cat-among-dragons-alma-boykin/1113943157
Hairballs
Short fiction from the Cat Among Dragons series.
Rada, Yori, and some of the other Scouts are unwinding from a mission when they hear that the Division is testing new battle armor. Yori gets the idea that someone needs to put the armor through its paces, and against Rada’s better judgment, Yori ropes her into the adventure.
Available from Amazon.com at:
www.amazon.com/Hairballs-Among-Dragons-Story-ebook/dp/B00B1DR544
Available from Kobo Books at:
store.kobobooks.com/ebook/hairballs
Justice and Juniors
Book 2 in the Cat Among Dragons series.
A collection of short stories following the exploits of Rada Ni Drako in a universe full of danger, excitement, and strange alien species.
Available from Amazon.com at:
www.amazon.com/Justice-Juniors-Among-Dragons-ebook/dp/B00CA95AP4
Available from Kobo Books at:
store.kobobooks.com/ebook/justice-and-juniors
Available from Barnes & Noble at:
www.barnesandnoble.com/w/justice-and-juniors-alma-boykin/1118414531
A Double-Edged Wish
Book 3 in the Cat Among Dragons series.
Rada Ni Drako soars to a new height—a moment of carelessness brings her crashing down. Rada and her business partner Zabet survive a King-Emperor’s anger, a contract that leads to plague and discovery, and motherhood. But when inattention, famine, and a conspiracy from Earth’s future combine against her, Rada proves once again that there’s nothing so deadly as a cornered cat. Especially one who already lost her soul.
A Cat Among Dragons short story collection, including the novella Famine, Fortune, and Justice. 92,000 words.
Available from Amazon.com at:
www.amazon.com/Double-Edged-Among-Dragons-ebook/dp/B00FP46K96
Available from Kobo Books at:
store.kobobooks.com/ebook/a-double-edged-wish
Available from Barnes & Noble at:
www.barnesandnoble.com/w/double-edged-wish-alma-boykin/1118414543
Promises and Powers
Short Stories in the Cat Among Dragons series.
Don’t threaten a HalfDragon’s family: he’ll change the world in order to protect them.
Alien invasions only exist in bad movies. Earth’s militaries know better. That knowledge forces Joschka Graf von Hohen-Drachenburg to make a choice. Will he remain in hiding, or will he risk losing everything in order to protect his family and House Drachenburg? His decision pulls Rada Ni Drako back into his life. She in turn receives an offer she probably should refuse, from a creature as old as Earth itself.
When the Cat and a HalfDragon join forces, everything changes.
A Cat Among Dragons short story four-pack. 24,000 words.
Available from Amazon.com at:
www.amazon.com/Promises-Powers-Cat-Among-Dragons-ebook/dp/B00IOV8L94/
Available from Barnes & Noble at:
www.barnesandnoble.com/w/promises-and-powers-alma-boykin/1118759525
The Colplatschki Chronicles
Circuits and Crises
Prequel to the Colplatschki Chronicles—coming Fall 2015
Elizabeth of Starland
Book 1 of the Colplatschki Chronicles.
Stubborn as a mule? No, stubborn AND her mule.
Colonial Plantation Ltd. abandoned ColPlat XI, writing the planet off as a tax loss after a series of severe Carrington-type events. Now, four hundred years later, Laurence V of Frankonia wants to write Elizabeth von Sarmas out of his kingdom, but like her Lander ancestors, Elizabeth refuses to roll over and die.
To survive, she needs to cross the continent, thread her way through a holy war, and find friends in the Eastern Empire—an impossible task for a sheltered gentlewoman. Or is it? Never underestimate a woman with a mission and a mule.
Available from Amazon.com at:
www.amazon.com/Elizabeth-Starland-The-Col
platschki-Chronicles-ebook/dp/B00HFEWKXY/
Available from Kobo Books at:
store.kobobooks.com/ebook/elizabeth-of-starland-1
Available from Barnes & Noble at:
www.barnesandnoble.com/w/elizabeth-of-starland-alma-boykin/1118414557
Elizabeth of Donatello Bend
Book 2 of the Colplatschki Chronicles
Elizabeth grows into her duties as colonel and lady of Donatello Bend, and makes a fateful enemy.
Available from Amazon.com at:
www.amazon.com/dp/B00KKY2G1M
Available from Barnes & Noble at:
www.barnesandnoble.com/w/elizabeth-of-donatello-bend-alma-boykin/1119608311?ean=2940149210718
Available from Kobo at:
store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/elizabeth-of-donatello-bend
Elizabeth of Vindobona
Book 3 of the Colplatschki Chronicles
Ten years after Elizabeth reaches the Empire, court politics and military command aren’t the only things she has to deal with. A marriage proposal, an assassination attempt, and a siege on the Imperial Capital bring new challenges… and new opportunities.
Available from Amazon.com at:
www.amazon.com/dp/B00LNE7D2U
Available from Barnes & Noble at:
www.barnesandnoble.com/w/elizabeth-of-vindobona-alma-boykin/1120499252
Available from Kobo at:
store.kobobooks.com/en-ca/books/elizabeth-of-vindobona/
Elizabeth and Empire
Book 4 of the Colplatschki Chronicles—coming April 2015
Twenty years after the events of Elizabeth of Vindobona, an untried emperor sits the throne while courtiers scheme. Elizabeth must navigate politics, religion, her relationship with Lazlo, and the Frankonians’ wrath in this fourth book of the Colplatschki Chronicles.