The Medici Queen

by Emily Bex

  Kate listened as he started giving her instructions. Clutch, gas, brakes, ignition, it all made perfect sense as he was saying it, but it was all a muddle by the time he finished talking. "Uh, okay. What was the first step again?"

  "Mi amore, listen to what I say, push down the clutch, the left pedal, with your left foot, then the middle pedal down at the same time, that is the brake, and turn the key. Put the gear shift in neutral. Always make sure it is in neutral to start. As soon as the car starts up, release the emergency brake. You know what that is, correct?"

  “Yes, emergency brake. This thing right here.”

  Kate depressed the clutch with her left foot, and it already felt awkward. She pushed in the brake and turned the key in the ignition and heard the rumble of the engine. Well, that wasn’t so bad. She took her foot off the brake to move to the gas pedal, and put the car in first and the car bucked forward. She hit the brake pedal and the car stalled out.

  Shade felt the car lurch forward and he grabbed the dashboard so as not to hit his head on the windshield.

  "It’s okay, mi amore. That’s normal for first timers. Keep your foot on the brake and the clutch until I tell you otherwise. Now, engage the emergency brake again. And start over."

  Kate nodded, bit her lip, and could feel her palms sweating. "Should I put the gear thing back in park first?"

  "Bel, there is no park. You see the numbers on the gear shift, there is no park. The middle position is called neutral. You will feel it once you get the damn car started, so I can show you what the gear shift feels like. Now, start the car."

  Shade looked over and could see the boys laughing and smirking. Bastardos! I will teach her if it kills me.

  Kate wiped her palms on her jeans and then grasped the steering wheel again. "So, what gear should I be in?"

  Shade sighed. "Neutral. The gear shift is already in neutral. Start the car. Left and middle pedal down, key turned. Keep both pedals down. Nothing else!"

  Kate felt his frustration already, as she made sure the gear shift was in neutral, and then depressed the clutch and the break simultaneously. She released the emergency brake then sat still.

  “Do I start the engine now?"

  "Keep both feet down and turn the key. It is not that hard, bel, you can do it."

  Kate signed, feeling tense. “So now? Start the engine now?"

  "Si, now. Don’t move your damn feet!"

  Cory shook his head. "Sun will be up before she ever moves the gravel under those tires. It should be easy, but she doesn’t seem to be understanding." They all chuckled and kept watching and waiting.

  Before Kate turned the key in the ignition, she could hear Raven shouting out to Marcello, "I’m so getting new leathers, bro!" Their laughter made her more nervous as she turned the key in the ignition and listened to the roar of the engine again. She sighed before turning to him. "Okay, what next?"

  Shade fought to maintain his calm. "Keep your feet down on both pedals." Taking her hand, he put it on the gear shift knob, his hand over top hers and wiggled it, so she could feel it was not engaged.

  "Feel that, Kate? That is neutral. It is not engaged in any gear. Now, shift into first and keep both feet down."

  She struggled to shift the gear into first, and watched him cringe as the gear made a scraping sound, but she kept both feet on the pedals.

  "Okay... now what?"

  "Now here comes the tricky part. Listen before you move! Take your right foot off the brake pedal and as you slowly give the car gas, ease off of the clutch. You want to match the pressure you apply to the gas to be the same amount of pressure you release on the clutch. If you feel like you are going to stall, push the clutch all the way back in and let off the gas and reapply the brake and you can avoid it. As the clutch is engaged, right foot on the gas, give the engine just a little gas and slowly let out some of the clutch. As you feel that catch point, the RPMs will start to drop, and the car will start to move forward a bit. Slowly give it more gas to keep the RPM's constant as you let the clutch out. The key is to give it enough gas to keep the RPM's constant until the clutch pedal is all the way out. If the RPMs are dropping, apply more gas."

  Kate just stared at him. "Were you speaking in English? I have no idea what you just said."

  Shade slid his hand through his hair and closed his eyes, taking a deep breath. "Okay. Take your foot off the brake and put it on the gas. As you let up on the clutch, you press down on the gas, same amount of each, to level it out. Once you get the clutch released, you should fucking be moving and we can shift into second... but at this rate, let’s see if we can move."

  Kate could feel his frustration level building and it wasn’t helped by the chorus of laughter from the peanut gallery. The more frustrated he got, the more nervous she got. Kate moved her foot from the brake to the accelerator and tried to release the pressure on the clutch as she applied pressure to the accelerator. The car bucked forward with a sudden lurch, she released the pressure on the gas and the car stalled out again.

  Shade threw up both hands. "Enough! We are switching, you watch while I drive. Maybe that will help."

  Shade pulled the emergency brake and put the gear shift into neutral. Jumping out, he growled at the warriors loudly and it only antagonized them more. Switching seats with bel, he had to manually move the seat back before he could even slide in. Slamming the door shut, he looked at her as she slid into the passenger seat.

  "Now, watch my feet. You ready?"

  Kate glared at him, feeling close to tears. "I'm watching!"

  "Listen and watch." Shade stepped on the clutch and the brake and turned the key. Releasing the emergency brake, he put the Jag into first gear. "Now, I am letting my foot up from the clutch and pressing on the gas, slowly, at the same time."

  The car moved smoothly up the drive. "Once you are completely off of the clutch and up to around 3,000 RPMs shift into second gear by letting off of the gas, completely engaging the clutch, and then pull the gear shift down from first into second gear. After it is in gear, remove your foot from the clutch while putting your foot back on the gas, quickly before you lose any speed. This process will be slow in the start, but you will learn to do it quickly."

  Shade gave it gas and then clutched and shifted into second and hit the gas and did a spin down the drive, slowing down and clutching, braking until he came to a stop, then turned the car around until it was facing the house. "Got it?"

  Kate was exasperated. "Got it? Are you kidding me? What's an RPM and how do I know how many I have?"

  He shouted at her, "Kate! How the hell did you learn to drive any car without knowing what RPM's are? Never mind, don’t answer that. Please let’s just try to get the car up the driveway. Switch seats!"

  He put on the emergency brake and turned off the ignition. As he slammed the door to switch seats, he heard the laugher all the way down the drive. He shouted at his warriors, "Don’t make me bust heads!"

  Kate slammed her own door as she got out, changing seats again. "Does my Miata have RPM’s? I just look at the speedometer. I don't need to know RPM's." She climbed behind the driver's wheel once again, her nervousness turning to anger. "Is this thing in park?"

  He looked at her with exasperation. “Neutral, and si, it is in neutral."

  Kate muttered, "Whatever," under her breath. She depressed the brake and the clutch, releasing the emergency brake and starting the engine again. As the engine roared, she shifted into first. She released the clutch as she floored the accelerator, and the tires spun, throwing gravel before the car lurched forward, fish-tailing. She slammed on the brakes, her seat belt holding her in place, as he was pitched forward in his seat.

  Shade knew she was angry, but he was as well. "Cazzo, woman! Stay where you are. Don’t move!"

  Shade rolled out of the Jag and started walking toward the house, his temper overflowing when he saw his warriors, all four of them on the ground, damn near dying laughing, and that fueled his anger even more. As he got closer, they
were back slapping each other and struggling to get themselves under control. Raven and Cory acted like they’d hit the jackpot. Little bastards had a bet! Shade shouldered past them and looked Luca straight in the eyes.

  "Your queen needs assistance. Teach her how to drive that thing or at least get it back up the driveway and into the garage." Stomping into the house, he slammed the door and headed for his office.

  Luca was biting down hard on the inside of his cheek to try to keep from laughing, as Shade told him to take over. He nodded to him, knowing if he opened his mouth to speak, the only thing coming out would be laughter. Marcello, Raven, and Cory were rolling on the floor of the garage, tears streaming down their faces.

  Luca saw Kate getting out of the car and slamming the door hard. He shook his head, as he walked toward her. "Giving up, warrior?"

  Kate glared at him. "Don't you dare make fun of me, Luca. I'm not in the mood."

  He shook his head. "Not here to make fun of you. Want to try this again?"

  Kate looked at him like he had two heads. "Seriously?"

  He smiled patiently and nodded toward the car. "Get back in."

  Kate sighed loudly and looked at him with complete exasperation. "If you start talking to me about RPGs and clutch this and shift that, I'm going to scream."

  Luca chuckled. “Okay, no RPGs, just get in."

  Luca climbed into the driver's seat and depressed the brake and clutch. Kate reluctantly slid into the passenger seat.

  "Put your hand on the gear shift knob."

  As she followed his instruction, he kept his feet on the brake and the clutch and had her shift through all the gears. Making her repeat after him which gear they were in. First, second, third, neutral, fourth, fifth, reverse. They sat quietly, his hand on top of hers as he made her go through the gears, over and over and over, repeating the numbers like a mantra. He removed his hand and called out the gear he wanted her to shift into and waited for her to maneuver the gear shift into the proper position. He made her repeat it over and over until she could do it in her sleep.

  "Now, change seats with me." He had her take the driver's seat, as he climbed into the passenger seat. "Now, I want you to concentrate on the pedals. Don't worry about the gear shift. I will shift gears for you. Just focus on the pedals. Think of the pedals like a bicycle. One is up and the other is down. Release the pressure on the clutch and apply that same pressure on the gas. Don't worry if it's not smooth. It will take practice. If the car bucks, just keep going."

  He let her practice over and over, as he managed the gear shift for her and she kept her eyes on her feet and the pedals. He chuckled, as he watched her concentrate on her feet. "Don't forget to look where you are going."

  She started and stopped, over and over, until she could manage to move the car without having it buck and jump forward.

  "That's enough for today. Tomorrow, I'll let you put the two steps together."

  Kate just looked at him. "I don't know why I can't just drive my Miata."

  He smiled. “You may not always have that option. A good warrior is prepared for anything.”

  Raven turned to Marcello. "You owe me leathers, brother, and I mean designer. Cory's best. I already have something in mind. That was the easiest pair of leathers I ever earned."

  Marcello shook his head and turned to leave when Raven grabbed him by the arm. "Not so fast. You owe Cory something. You said anything he wanted. So, what is it, Cory?"

  Cory looked at Raven wide eyed. "Are you serious? Anything?" He looked at Marcello as he nodded yes. "Well, I’ve never owned a car. Nothing new, a used one will do. Never mind, I could never ask for that. Just get me anything, Marcello, it’s cool."

  Marcello looked at him quizzically. "Hold up, Cory. You never owned a car? What kind of car do you like? Look, a bet’s a bet. You won fair and square. I’m sure if I put up half the money, Shade would put up the other half. We can get you something you want. You’ve worked really hard and he appreciates all you’ve done. So, what are you thinking about?"

  Cory stared at them. He couldn’t believe his ears. Marcello would give him a car? Cory had never owned anything that expensive in his life. He had dreamed of owning a car, but he was always struggling to find food. The streets were no place to own much of anything.

  "I couldn’t ask master for a car. But I’ve been thinking, living out here, a truck would be good to have. I don’t need a new one, just something used to get around in."

  Raven flung his long locks over his shoulder. "Cory, you need a vehicle, bro. You need stuff in town, you can’t always teleport everyplace. We live out here in the middle of nowhere. Let Marcello talk to Shade for you, he’ll help, boss-man isn’t the bully here, he takes good care of all of us, and that includes you."

  Marcello nodded. "Let me talk to master about this, Cory, then I’ll get back to you. Raven is right. You need a truck, a new one."

  Marcello watched Cory's eyes light up. Kid never had a penny to his name. Just then, he saw Luca and my lady coming back with the car and she was driving it, somewhat.

  "Come on, I think we better head back to camp before Luca walks back in that house and Shade finds out Luca managed to teach my lady." They all agreed and headed back down the road to the warrior camp.

  Luca followed Kate back inside the house. They could hear Shade in his office, desk drawers being slammed shut as he muttered to himself. Kate marched to the door of his office.

  "Really? You leave me in the car and you’re the one having a tantrum?"

  Shade stared at her and then at Luca. "So, from now on, I propose Luca teach you everything. For some reason, you respond to his teaching better than your own mate. I have taught hundreds of damn warriors, bel, hundreds, and look at the results. Luca being the best. How the hell can you not know what RPMs are? Who the hell taught you to drive? Cazzo, woman!"

  Kate's temper flared, but she heard Luca snickering behind her and she had to laugh at the absurdity of the situation. "Well, I think it best we not let Luca teach me everything. There are a few areas I think we can agree you’ve mastered quite well. Besides, all I know about cars is steering wheel, gas, and brake. Everything else just gets in the way."

  Shade shook his head in exasperation. "I just find it odd that you were ever able to make it around D.C. in that car without killing yourself or someone else after this episode. But I agree, there are some things no one can teach you but me. After all, I am master here, mi amore." Winking at her, he patted his lap.

  She climbed in his lap and laid her head on his shoulder. "Traffic in D.C. moves at five miles an hour if it moves at all. I usually took the subway. And driving a stick shift in all that stop and go traffic would be maddening." She kissed his neck and whispered, "Don't be mad at me. At least, I can teleport."

  As he held her in his lap, they heard a persistent pecking at their window and looked up to see Poe.

  Kate looked up in surprise. "Oh my god! That bird flew here from Florence!"

  Shade looked at the window and shook his head. "Imagine that!" Kissing her neck, he whispered into her ear, "I think we should tell Luca the news, si?"

  Kate placed her hand on the side of his face, looking at those ice blue eyes, aware of the life they’d created that lived inside her. "I think you should be the one to break the news."

  Shade looked deep into her eyes, and suddenly, driving a stick shift was long gone from his mind. Nothing mattered but the two of them, and the legacy she carried.

  "Luca, some news. Your queen and king are expecting a prince. Bel is with child."

  Luca was dumbstruck and stood open-mouthed. After watching the drama around the driving lesson, this was the last thing he expected to hear. "That's... that's... Congratulations, master! I think this calls for a celebration."

  "Grazie, Luca. You are the first to know. It is why we went to Castello. We informed the Council of Kate's gifts and announced the pregnancy. I have been struggling with whether to let everyone know or to keep it under wraps for a
while. Since we start camp shortly, I would feel better if everyone were aware of her condition. Kate carries our son and his name is Lorenzo. So, we know he is coming."

  Shade picked Kate up from his lap and sat her on top of his desk so she was facing him. Looking into her eyes, he smiled. "Mi amore, I would like to announce to everyone our news. But I want them all gathered here inside this house, my staff, my warriors, and Shannon as well. I want to have some Midnight and a toast to our son."

  Kate smiled back at him. "I’d like that. This baby is strong, healthy. I can feel his life inside of me. And I think he’ll be a better driver, and like fast cars like his father. So, tell everyone."

  Shade laid his hand on her stomach and laughed. "Si, that would be my figlio! Luca, I need you to get Shannon, can she come now, you can teleport and bring her here. Then I will contact the warriors, and the staff. Have Gi break out the Midnight. But no word to anyone. I want this to be a surprise for all. Can you get Shannon here tonight?"

  Luca responded, “Of course! Let me give her a call to let her know I'm picking her up.”

  Shade looked at bel and grinned. "I think he might be a bit enamored with Shannon, si?"

  Kate smiled at him. "I think they moved way past enamored. I haven't had time to talk to Shannon since we came back from the coronation, but I got the feeling things definitely moved along pretty fast while they were in Florence. Does this please you? I hope it pleases you, that Luca has someone."

  Shade nodded to her. "I like Shannon, and she makes Luca happy. I am worried. He will have much responsibility now with the new camp and you being pregnant. It will take a lot of juggling to get him to her. So, I only hope she will adjust to his schedule when he needs to be with her. It will be the ultimate test of them together."