The Medici Queen

by Emily Bex

  He walked to the bed, sliding beneath the blankets with her, the blinds already sealing out the day. He held her close as the slumber took him. "Ti amo, mi amore.

  93

  Rissa and Hyde spent the entire day attending to her busy schedule. She stopped at the house to take a quick shower, change her clothes, , and asked Hyde to wait for her. She wanted to teleport out to Bel Rosso to ride Biondo. She asked Hyde to ride with her this evening.

  The riding had become a big part of her routine now, alternating her kick boxing and gym workout with the horses. She’d never felt better physically, plus it seemed to help her to mentally calm herself as well. Alec had been right, she needed to relax and have down time in an environment that was safe and secure, and allowed her to enjoy the beauty of nature.

  Changing into her riding gear, she rejoined Hyde in the foyer and they teleported out to the stables. As always, Angelo had Biondo saddled up and ready for their ride. It was getting dark much earlier, now that November was here, the air was brisk, and as far as Rissa was concerned, this was the best time of year to ride.

  Hyde mounted one of the other horses Angelo wanted exercised today as he joined her for the ride, a practice which had become quite common. He was an excellent rider and Rissa found him very compatible. He always helped her mount Biondo, and she never objected. In fact, she rather liked his gentlemanly attentions and his strong hands on her waist.

  He had a firm grip. She felt it often, as he was always close to her throughout the work day. He easily led her through the crowds of press, his hand firmly placed on the small of her back. His voice was a constant reassurance in her ear piece, as he spoke to her about what he wanted her to watch out for, in his strong, commanding tone.

  He’d been a great choice as her protector and every day that passed, they became closer. He looked at her, mounted his own horse and nodded, signaling her to move ahead. Rissa snapped the reins and kicked her heels into the horse, and Biondo took off. Rissa’s hair flew behind her in a torrent of blonde waves as she laughed. "Let’s ride!"

  She took off through the pasture, riding hard and fast, pushing Biondo and freeing her mind. She could hear the hooves of the other horse following her and knew Hyde was close behind. As the fence line approached, she prepared to jump, leaning low over Biondo's outstretched neck, and lifting from the saddle as she jumped the fence with ease.

  They were soon well away from the house and stables and out into the open fields near the mountain base. Hyde blasted past her, riding full out and she smiled, watching his fine ass in those tight jeans. He was so damn sexy, yet had all the qualities of a gentleman.

  As he rode past her, he reached for her reins, slowing them both down. "There are some trails that lead up the mountainside. You interested?"

  Rissa nodded as she patted Biondo. "Yes, we need a cool down. Lead on."

  Following Hyde as he led the way up the trails, it was a perfect Fall night for a ride. After about thirty minutes of riding the curving uphill trails, they came to a clearing near a jagged rocky cliff. Hyde dismounted and helped her off Biondo, as they walked out onto the flattened, hard stone ledge.

  Rissa walked as close to the edge as she felt comfortable. Her eyes scanned the incredible landscape that glistened in the moonlight. “This is a beautiful view!" Taking a deep breath, she inhaled the clean, cold air and felt the calming effect of being surrounded by nature.

  Hyde stepped up next to her, sitting on the ledge, patting the space beside him for her to join him. "Come on, sit down, Rissa, and enjoy nature for a moment."

  She carefully sat down next to him, as she scanned the valley below and absorbed the quietness of the night. It was so relaxing. She tried to clear her mind, but the ever present thoughts of the wedding pushed through. All the time and energy she’d spent to make it perfect, she only hoped it would come off as she’d so carefully planned.

  Hyde pulled a flask of Midnight from his pocket and handed it to her with a smile. She quickly took a long, deep drink, feeling it sing through her system.

  "Easy, there’s only one flask full." Hyde could always tell when she needed to feed from Canton. She was easily agitated and tired more quickly.

  Rissa handed him back the flask. "It tastes good, gives me some energy."

  Hyde took a sip and let his eyes roam. "You need to feed more often, Rissa, your schedule is tough. You have a lot ahead of you. You need to be on your game. The press is all over us lately, and it will only get more intense."

  Rissa could see through the now bare trees, the fiery glory of fall starting to fade from the branches. She could see the main house clearly from here. It was dark, and the house was usually well lit, but tonight, she saw nothing. She’d noticed little activity when she arrived and wondered what was going on. "I’m fine, Hyde. Alec is busy too.” Her sigh seemed loud in the quiet. "I hardly ever see him lately. Both of us are too busy with our own endeavors to be bothered.” She pointed to the main house at Bel Rosso. “The house looks deserted. Usually, there are lights everywhere. Is something going on?"

  Hyde looked down at the house. "Kate and Shade have gone to Florence. She’s ready to have the baby. It won’t be long before there’s an heir to Medici. Most of the household staff has gone with them, but the warriors and I have everything under control."

  Rissa smiled. "That’s good. I hope by the time the wedding comes, Shade’s warriors have a plan in place. I’ll need you, Hyde. I don’t want one thing to go wrong! Do you understand me?"

  Hyde turned to her. "Rissa, you need to stop worrying about things you can’t control. There’s so much security being planned it would make your head spin. There will be security inside and out."

  She closed her eyes. “Will I have those long haired brutes roaming through my wedding guests? They’re so uncouth and look like a pack of street thugs."

  Hyde couldn’t help the chuckle that escaped him. "Christ, Rissa, you make us sound like Neanderthals. Medici warriors clean up well, and Shade will select who’ll blend well among the mortals for the assignments on the inside. They’ll all be dressed formally. The rest will be stationed out of sight, outdoors. Washington will be well covered that night."

  She lowered her head and looked at him. "You’ll be with me, though?"

  He took her cold hand in his and squeezed it tight. "Of course, I’ll be with you the entire time, except when you take that walk down the aisle. Alec will be waiting. Why are you so worried?"

  "I know I’m being ridiculous. I need for everything to be perfect. This is the biggest event I’ve ever organized, and it’s my own. It reflects on Alec. I do this for him."

  Hyde let go of her hand as he returned her gaze. He saw a flash of fear and vulnerability, something she rarely showed. “I think you do this for you as well."

  She looked away, trying to comprehend all that was ahead of her. She was excited and anxious, nervous with anticipation, and wishing it was over with already. Every eye would be on her, and any mistake would be on the front page, and Alec would punish her for it.

  “He needs this to be perfect. His climb to the presidency is all he thinks about. I want him to get there without a hitch. I love him. I do wonder, sometimes, how different my life would be if we’d never met. Where I’d be now? Would I still be a mortal? Would I be married perhaps, with babies, living in the house with the white picket fence?"

  She looked at the main house at Bel Rosso with longing in her heart. Why did Kate seem to have it all? She had the perfect mate, the money, the house, the babies, and this perfect little life. Not all of it was for Rissa, she knew that, but her mind still wandered there now more than ever. "I’m rambling. How pathetic I sound, and so middle class."

  Hyde shook his head. "Rissa, your destiny is laid before you now, make the most of it. Be happy in what you have, others are not so fortunate."

  She laughed softly. "Not from my viewpoint, at the moment."

  Standing up, she stretched. "Let’s get back, it’s getting late and tomorrow
will bring another busy day. The wedding is just weeks away. I’m as ready as I can be. I’ll come out on top like I always do. The darling of G-town will rise to her element on that day. And everyone around me will be astounded at the perfection and beauty, the elegance and style of Mrs. Alec Canton, Senator Canton's beautiful, well-spoken wife. And eventually, I’ll be the First Lady." She looked at him and smiled. "I can and will be fine. It’s what I do!"

  He grinned as he stood up. "I have no doubts in that, Rissa."

  Giving a whistle, the horses came strolling back to the two of them. Hyde helped her mount and then mounted his steed as well. Taking the reins, he led the horses down the mountainside and back out into the open fields.

  Once in the field, Rissa rode full out back to the stables, taking the fences like a pro. She knew she was the most prized catch in D.C, and nothing would stop her from having it all. She thought, To hell with the ‘Queen’, and her happiness and her babies. I am Larissa Benneteau, and nothing will interfere with my destiny! Alec and I will rule this country together, two immortals rising to conquer it all. The world will bow at my feet someday, and I have no intention of letting anyone spoil my plans.

  94

  Shade made his way to the barracks across the fields of the warrior camp. Being back in Florence a week now, he was still waiting for the arrival of his son, and it had him out of sorts. Everything was prepared. Kate was resting as much as possible, but the household at Castello, as well as the entire coven, was teeming with anticipation of the big event.

  He needed to keep busy and Kate wanted him out of her hair. He hated leaving her side for one second, in case it was time. She was relaxed about the whole ordeal, and told him constantly to calm down. Heading straight to Marco's quarters, he’d not made a lot of time for his old friend except for the brief encounter when they’d first arrived. Rapping on the door with his fist, he knew the warriors would soon be at their duties and he intended to spend some time out here tonight with Marco. Besides, it was always good for the young Florence warriors to see their master on the field whenever he was here.

  Marco recognized the knock on his door. He smiled to himself as he got off his bed and answered to his lifelong friend and master. "Glad you finally came to see me. Been a week already, brother. You sure your woman knows you're out?"

  Shaking his head and laughing, it was like old times between them already. Their brotherhood went as far back as he could remember, and no one else would ever have the balls to talk to him in that manner and live to tell about it. "Buonasera to you too, old man. I have a pass card from my female to be out of the house, you need to stamp it or some shit, bro?" Flipping Marco the bird, he flopped down in Marco’s sparse, all alpha male accommodations.

  Marco burst out laughing, slapping his old friend on the back. "Maybe I should stamp it. You can take it back to the little woman; make sure she knows where you've been. You got a curfew or something? Wouldn't want to get her riled up or anything." Marco lit up a cigarette and tossed the pack to Shade before he flopped onto his bed.

  Shade grabbed the pack in one hand and lit up, throwing his feet up on the table. He’d almost forgotten how simple and casual the barracks were, and what it felt like to be housed in these quarters, surrounded by males around the clock.

  "You done yet? Let me know when you’re finished." Taking a long drag, Shade stared at Marco. "If you’d settle your old ass down, you could have this life too, but you seem to have never finished sowing your wild oats. I prefer where I am now, to be honest, the love of a good female, feeding is pure and sweet, and my cock is never neglected. And now, I have bambinos on the way. Never thought I would be here, brother, but I am, and I like it."

  Marco slapped his leg as he laughed. "Brother, your single life may be described in many ways, but your cock was never neglected. I'm surprised it still works. Or maybe that's the problem? You wore it out, so you had to settle down? Or you got some kind of extended warranty on that thing?"

  Shade inhaled on the cigarettes. "I got more pussy than you could ever imagine, you always were jealous of how the females flocked around me. They didn’t just go for my rugged good looks but the size of my dick! Don’t lie. You know it’s the truth. And I have a figlio coming, so we know it’s not broken. It’s working better than ever. You jealous of me or just like giving me shit for no good reason? Because I have news for you, my ass will be on that field tonight. So, if you want to test me, you will still lose like always!"

  Shade dropped his feet to the floor and stood pacing, his hands instantly going through his mane of dark curls.

  Marco sat forward, resting his arms on his knees, watching as Shade paced nervously. Marco knew he was eager for this baby to be born and waiting was never Shade's strong suit.

  "Brother, when you die, that cock is going in the Vampire Hall of Fame. I imagine the women will still flock to it. We'll put it behind a glass display case. Sell tickets. Make a fortune. More money than you ever made on all that Midnight. Speaking of which, pour us a glass, old friend. And then, if you want me to beat your ass on the training field, I will gladly take the challenge."

  Shade turned to look at him. "Yeah, well, no females will be getting anywhere near my tool. They will need to get through my queen first. Cazzo, brother, this waiting bullshit is killing me."

  Walking over to the makeshift bar, there was no shortage of drink in Marco's place. Marco had laid heavy on the Midnight in his earlier days, more than Shade was comfortable with, but his brother never let him down.

  Shade reminded him, "You forget, my ass has been training young warriors in the States. Damn, brother, I got this one female recruit, she is going to rival Fiamma at some point! Either my ass is getting old or they are getting a lot younger. They seem like babies to my eyes. They come to the camp and already have good skills with weapons and killing. I just need to teach them discipline and technique. My ass is getting a work out, but it’s not like the streets. Kate is happier having me home and off the streets. I know I won’t lose my skills...but fuck me."

  Pouring Midnight into two glasses, Shade slapped the drink in his brother’s hand. Downing the Midnight in one gulp, he poured himself another. "Just fucking look at me, five damn minutes with you and I am downing the Midnight like the old days!"

  Marco chuckled. "Give me a whole week, and I will get you back to normal, brother. Heard you built a feeder compound inside your camp. Now you telling me you don't visit? Your woman must know every man needs a little variety in his diet, and you built a buffet. Surely, she can't begrudge you dessert as long as you always come back home for the main course."

  Shade growled under his breath. "Watch it! You probably know more about that compound than I will ever know. She fucking hates feeders. Cazzo! Do you know who the matron is? How many times did we both tap that? Seriously, Kate is all I ever want. I don’t crave anyone else, and I haven’t had her blood in what seems like centuries. Makes me agitated and anxious, but it is worth it to hold my figlio in my arms."

  Shade punched him hard on the shoulder. "So, I assume you are still whoring your ass around and not settled down yet by the comments that roll casually off your tongue. Don’t you even think about it?"

  Shade watched some of the humor leave Marco’s face, and it was just as he thought. "Have you seen Theresa since we came back? Tit for tat, brother.”

  Marco looked at the floor. "Yeah, I've seen her. What the fuck, brother? She ditched the black and white uniform and took her hair out of that tight bun. She was in a pair of tight jeans, her hair hanging down. She added blonde highlights or something. Was wearing make-up. Does she have somebody in the States?"

  Shade shook his head. "No one I’m aware of. She has changed, she will no longer be Kate’s Lady in Waiting, but the nanny to my son. Are you regretting letting her go?"

  Marco shrugged. "I will always miss Terri. But I'll never settle down, Shade, and to be honest, I never thought I'd see the day when you would. I knew you'd mate and produce an heir. That w
as expected of you to continue the Medici dynasty. I just never thought of you as a one-woman man, still having trouble buying it. I had heard how Kate hated the feeders. That is why I was so surprised when I heard you built the compound. And Matron leaving us? I have a feeling Gi had a hand in that selection. But Matron took some of our best young feeders with her to the States. So, what do you do when you need to feed now, just go from girl to girl, so you don't get attached? I'm pretty sure with the tight reins Kate keeps on you, she’s not letting you hunt to feed."

  Shade sat on the edge of the bed, his back to his brother. "The feeder compound is not an option. We found our own solution, one that she accepts. She struggled with it, but we have found peace. Close, convenient, and discreet. It’s Luca. That is the reason I brought him along on this trip. He has a mortal female he is attached to in the States, but she was not able to join him. He has been teleporting back and forth to feed from her.

  Shade waited. No one outside the Bel Rosso household knew of their arrangement. He wondered how the information would be received by Marco.

  Marco let that sink in. "Wait, you're telling me you built a feeder compound right on your property, pulled the sweetest feeders Europe had to offer, and you lie with Luca?" Marco shook his head, slapping Shade on the back. "Brother, you got it bad. Never thought I'd see a woman that could tame Shade Medici. Remind me to bow down even lower the next time I see our queen."

  Shade laughed. "And if you don’t, I will push that stubborn ass of yours to the floor. So, take me out on the field, help me get rid of this fucking angst that is eating me alive. I fucking hate waiting!"

  Shade stood and set his empty glass on the table. "One other thing I need to check out tonight. I need five warriors to come back with me to Bel Rosso, I will need them permanently assigned in California. Kate turned the estate into a working inn for mortals. I have housemaids out there and Reynaldo is running things at the moment. But we need protection, and now, I can’t spare one warrior from my camp. Canton has this farce wedding coming up. So, I need them to get out there, once we have the living quarters settled, which won’t be long. Raven has been overseeing things out there, setting things up. I need you to point out which ones you suggest."