The Realm

by Leigh Walker

  I primly took a sip of champagne. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

  “Well, I do, because I could see him ogling you while I was saying my vows,” Blake said. “It was distracting.”

  “That werewolf can ogle all he likes.” I was careful to keep my voice down. “He accosted me on the grounds this morning. He looked as though he’d slept in a ditch.”

  “Oh no,” Gwyn said in mock horror. “Not that. Whatever did you do?”

  “I told him to bathe, of course.” I glowered at my friend. “He asked if jumping in the pond constituted a bath. Can you imagine?”

  Gwyn eyed Rhys appraisingly. “He did something to clean himself up. Looks quite good in his leathers, if you ask me.”

  I grimaced at her even though she was right—the werewolf was undeniably handsome. “I think I liked you better when you were too uptight to say such things. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a beast to train.”

  Gwyn almost spit out her champagne. “Tamara!”

  I tossed my hair over my shoulder and smoothed my gown so that my assets were advantageously displayed. “Watch and learn, ladies.” I started to walk directly past Rhys, not giving him a second glance.

  “Lady Layne,” he growled, “are you blowing me off?”

  I looked at him in surprise. “Well, hello. I didn’t see you there. Are you enjoying yourself so far?”

  He broke apart from the group of men he was talking to. “It’s better now that the ceremony is over and our friends are happily settled. Now I can concentrate on you, my lady.”

  “Well, if you insist—I would love some more champagne.” When he didn’t move, I arched my eyebrow. “That was a hint, Rhys. Will you fetch some for me? It would be very chivalrous if you would.”

  He mouthed the word chivalrous as though he’d never heard it before but then took action. As a waiter passed by us, bearing a tray of champagne flutes, Rhys snarled, “Hey! Stop right there!”

  The vampire waiter froze. He knew exactly who and what Rhys was. “S-Sorry, my lord.”

  “You didn’t think I’d want something fancy like this, eh?” Rhys swiped two glasses from the tray, rattling the rest.

  “I didn’t see you. My apologies.” The waiter tensed.

  “Well, don’t do it again. I own you, mate. Bring me these fizzy drinks all night. You pass by me again, I’ll chomp your heart out.” Rhys growled for emphasis.

  The waiter looked as though he might faint. “Y-Yes, my lord.” He hustled away, the remaining champagne flutes jangling dangerously against each other.

  “Here you are, my lady.” Rhys smiled broadly then handed me a glass. “I am but your humble servant.”

  “You are but my humble arse.” I made sure my voice was low enough that only he could hear.

  He gaped. “What’s the matter? You wanted champagne, I got you champagne.”

  “You threatened the waiter at a dignified celebration. That is a no-no, Rhys. You do not need to speak to people like that until you do, and then feel free to scare the bejeebles out of anyone who crosses the line. But a gentleman, a royal, a king”—I couldn’t picture the werewolf before me as a king, but that was what he would be soon—“doesn’t need to shout, bully, or beg. He simply and politely asks.”

  Rhys nodded, looking thoughtful. “I’ll try that, my lady.”

  Another server came closer, this one bearing appetizers. “Follow my lead,” I instructed. The werewolf paid close attention as I smiled at the waitress, catching her eye.

  “Would you like a salmon puffed pastry?” she asked. “It’s garnished with a mint compote.”

  “Oh, delicious. We’d like two, please.”

  I handed one of the treats to Rhys, who scowled at it. “What is a puffed pastry and a mint whatever-she-said?”

  “It’s divine. Just eat it.” I tasted mine and moaned. “It’s scrumptious, trust me.”

  Rhys stared at the delicate flaky crust of the appetizer and proceeded to shovel the entire thing into his mouth in one bite. “Oh, bloody hell,” he choked, his mouth full. Flaky crumbs shot forth and showered the floor around us. “This is disgusting.” He guzzled his champagne in one sip, washing it down, and belched loudly. “I never—who would do that to a decent piece of fish? It’s heresy!”

  I grimaced. “I would. I’m the one who ordered all the food.”

  “Ah.” He chuckled, his eyes still watering from choking. “I can tell I’m not doing very well with this. Maybe we need more drinks.”

  A flash of gold from across the room caught my eye. From beneath his gleaming crown, King Reginald was studying us. Queen Serena stood close at his side, wearing her signature cerulean-blue gown. They probably expected the werewolf to behave boorishly at the reception. We needed to make a better showing, and it was on me to guide Rhys. I cursed under my breath.

  “What was that?” Rhys leaned closer.

  “We can do better than this.” I faced the werewolf. “We’re being watched by the king and queen. Do you think you can behave long enough to dance?”

  His expression sobered immediately. “Absolutely.”

  I held out my hand. “Then come with me and do exactly as I say.” I dragged him out onto the dance floor just as the orchestra began a waltz. “You put your hand here”—I planted his big paw of a hand on my waist—“and hold my other one.”

  He laced his thick fingers through mine and flexed the palm of his hand on my hip. I wasn’t sure why, but I shivered. I was much shorter than the werewolf, even in my spiked heels. He’d kept his promise and taken a proper bath. He smelled like soap and something spicy, earthy, and not as unpleasant as I would have expected.

  Rhys bent his neck, bringing his mouth closer to my ear. “Shall we begin, my lady?”

  The feel of his cool breath made me tingle. I ignored it. “Yes. I’m going to show you a box step. Like this.” I guided him back a step, to the side, then forward once more. We only collided once—I smashed into his rock-hard chest, almost knocking the wind out of myself. “Oof.”

  “Sorry about that.” He glanced cautiously at the king and queen, but they were chatting with some of the other guests. “Can we try again?” The hopeful tone in his voice made me smile.

  “Yes, but try not to barrel into me, okay? It’s like hitting a brick wall.”

  Rhys beamed. “Thank you, my lady.”

  I shook my head, puzzled. “I’m sorry, but I didn’t exactly mean that as a compliment.”

  The werewolf laughed, lusty and deep. “If a brick wall and an arse are the worst things you call me tonight, I guess I’m doing all right. Do you like to waltz, my lady?”

  “I love it. I always have, since I was a little girl.” My father had taught me the box step by having me stand on his feet while he danced.

  “I find the movements more than a bit awkward, but for you, I will dance.” Rhys tightened his grip at my waist.

  Again—I wasn’t sure why—I shivered. Maybe I’m allergic to werewolves. He leaned closer, his breath wafting across my cheek and down my neck. My skin felt very, very hot.

  Perhaps I was coming down with something.

  “Tamara Layne, as I live and breathe, you’re a sight for sore eyes!” Mira Kinney, the celebrity television host, accosted me at the chocolate-fondue station.

  “Hello, Mira.” I air-kissed the flawless blonde.

  Mira had been the host of The Pageant, and she’d always favored me. That night, the vampire celebrity wore a hot-pink column gown made of heavy satin. A giant bow was tied off to the side at her neck. Her hair was coiffed to perfection into an icy-blond helmet.

  “I’ve heard we have you to thank for all this.” She waved her hand around the great hall, which was decorated with garlands of flowers, twinkling fairy lights, and centerpieces bursting with blooms from the castle gardens. “It’s spectacular.”

  “Well, thank you. I agree.” I smiled proudly. “It had to be perfect for my darling Blake. She’s too busy being happy to plan something so
complicated.”

  Mira sighed as we watched Blake and Austin glide around the dance floor. The vampire prince had his princess wrapped in his arms. They gazed deep into each other’s eyes, talking and laughing.

  “It’s nice to see you girls getting settled.” Mira eyed me. “Now, tell me, what’s going on with you? It’s been the talk of the party, you and that werewolf.”

  I checked my urge to grimace. I needed to make Rhys look good to Mira as she had the ears of the king and queen. “Ah, yes, Rhys. He’s handsome, don’t you think? He’s about to be crowned king of the Realm.”

  “Werewolves have never been my type, but…” Mira nudged me with her bony elbow. “This one’s quite a catch, isn’t he?”

  “Oh, yes.” I was an excellent actress. “Any young woman would be lucky to be fancied by him. She’ll be queen.”

  Mira scanned the crowd then smiled shrewdly. “It looks as though someone’s already caught his fancy.”

  I followed her gaze. There stood the werewolf leader, staring at me with that same hungry look on his face. “Perhaps I should get him some food,” I said, hurrying away.

  Mira’s laughter wafted after me. “I don’t think that’s what he’s craving, darling.”

  The Gift

  Rhys and I danced for most of the night. His waltzing did not improve, but he dutifully—if a bit stiffly—followed my constant instructions. We took a break for more champagne and ended up near the king and queen, which was fortunate. I needed a very important title; therefore, they needed to see the werewolf leader in a more civilized light. I had a sip of champagne and readied myself to address them. King Reginald was tall and muscular, handsome like his sons. He had gray hair and a trim white beard. Queen Serena was striking. She was tall and lean, with sapphire-blue eyes, a high forehead, and a long, elegant neck. Her platinum hair was pulled back from her unlined face. It was impossible to tell her age by looking at her, but I’d heard that she was very old indeed.

  “King Reginald, Queen Serena, it’s always a pleasure.” I bowed deeply. “You, of course, know my escort this evening.”

  “Your Highness.” Rhys bowed toward the queen then nodded stiffly at the king. He didn’t say another word, as though he’d been stunned into silence.

  I smiled warmly at the royals, masking his awkwardness. “What a lovely celebration. Congratulations on Austin’s marriage. I’m sure he and Blake will celebrate an eternity of happiness.”

  The queen’s eyes lit up at the mention of her son. She was fierce, and she fiercely adored her children. “I expect they will. They had one of those instant connections. Austin told me it was love at first sight, which is saying something. My younger son was a sworn bachelor for longer than I care to remember.”

  I turned to the king. “King Reginald, how is your return to the North?” The king and queen had left some time back to establish their rule of the settlements.

  “It’s a bit uncivilized”—his gaze rested squarely on Rhys’s face—“once you’re used to the refinement of our home in the settlements.”

  “It must be quite different.” I linked my arm through the werewolf’s, and a flash of surprise crossed his face. He quickly composed his features as I said, “But I’m sure you’ll find that the North is becoming more sophisticated and cosmopolitan. This wedding is just the beginning of a new era of society here, I believe.”

  “That’s optimistic of you.” The king didn’t seem convinced.

  “There are lots of things to look forward to.” I smiled encouragingly.

  “We’ll see about that.” The grim set of King Black’s mouth indicated that he didn’t expect much.

  “If you’ll excuse us, I have to give the waitstaff some instructions.” I smiled with a friendliness I didn’t completely feel. Prince Austin and Prince Dallas were warm, accessible leaders, but the king still treated most of us humans as though we were largely interchangeable and expendable. I’d lived at the castle for months, yet I was certain he didn’t know my name. I would prove myself to him one day, but for the moment, I needed to get Rhys away from them. His nostrils had begun to flare.

  “It’s all right,” I whispered as I guided him to a large table laden with desserts. “Sometimes it takes time. The king can be cold, I know. You have to be patient in order to show him your value—remember, it’s a long game.”

  “He’s never given me the time of day. Thinks he’s too good for my kind. He’s a prat, if you ask me.” Rhys ate some chocolate then chased it with champagne. He practically accosted the next waiter that passed us, grabbing another flute. His expression was dark, as if he would have liked nothing more than to bare his fangs and growl.

  “It’s heresy for me to agree with you, but let’s just say the king has never been a particular favorite of mine.” I made sure to keep my voice low. “There are better ways to govern than sneering down at everyone. Although I do love a good sneer now and then.”

  Rhys surprised me by laughing. “You are one of kind, Lady Layne, you know that? All that hair and a figure that won’t quit… Yet what comes out of your mouth makes me think the most interesting thing about you may be what’s between your ears. Ne’er met a woman like that before.”

  “It’s obvious that you don’t get out much.”

  “It’s true; I can’t deny it.” He eyed me appraisingly. “Still, you’ve helped me tonight.”

  I nodded. “I told Prince Austin that I would.”

  “You could have some value to me, I think—some use.” The werewolf’s gaze raked over me again. “I like the looks of you—and the smell.”

  “I’d say thanks, but I’m not sure it’s appropriate.” I had more champagne, too. The way he looked at me was making me flush. I was used to male attention, to be sure, but something about Rhys’s stare made me feel like I was his prey. As someone who was used to being in control of most situations I found myself in, I was on unsure footing. Rhys was a wild card, and a very wild card at that.

  “So what d’you think?” Rhys’s eyes sparkled. “Would you like to be my queen?”

  I almost spit out my drink. “I beg your pardon?”

  He stepped closer, his scent wafting over me. “I asked you if you’d like to be my queen. It’s time I took a wife, a mate. We can rule the Realm together. You’ve proven tonight that you’re comfortable with society. I need someone like that. I’ll do all the fighting; you do all the planning. Then you can give me heirs. I’ll take you to my bed every night—and I won’t be the only one howling, I can promise you that.”

  I stared at him, gobsmacked, my cheeks blazing. “I. Have. Never.”

  He grinned wickedly. “There’s a first time for everything, Lady Layne. Once you have a taste of the big bad wolf, no other man will do.”

  It took every ounce of self-control I had not to throw my drink at him. “You’re an animal.”

  “Is that a yes?”

  “It’s a no, it’s a never, it’s a how dare you,” I hissed.

  “Fine.” Rhys straightened his shoulders. “I’ll just have a word with Austin about it. He’ll see the benefit of such a union, I’m sure.”

  I gaped at him, but he only smiled as he strode off to find the prince.

  I waited outside of the formal salon the next morning. I had a champagne headache, but that wasn’t my only problem. Rhys had had a long conversation with Austin at the reception and had seemed positively gleeful afterward. But Austin couldn’t have promised me as the werewolf’s bride. He didn’t have the authority… I hoped.

  I wasn’t eavesdropping, exactly, but I’d spied Rhys striding across the grounds at first light. He was back to his shirtless, shoeless self. I clambered down the castle stairs just in time to see him enter the salon with Austin, the two of them hunched close together, talking in hushed tones. They went inside, and I’d been standing outside the room ever since, my ear intermittently pressed against the door.

  Finally, I could hear Austin clearly. “I cannot gift her to you. She’s not property—she�
�s a person with free will and a mind of her own.” The prince sounded frustrated and slightly amused.

  “But do you understand my point?” Rhys asked. “She could be good for me, good for my new kingdom. Your father is just waiting for me to fail, to fall on my face. And he’s right, you know. I’ve no experience with actual government. We’ve lived in the woods all these years—my pack has no idea how to live in a village, let alone a kingdom. The girl can help me. She knows her way around the royals, she’s smart, and everyone kept complimenting her on how she planned the wedding. She’s a success, Your Highness. She’s got a class and a pedigree that I’ll never have. Please reconsider my request.”

  “I can’t make her marry you,” the prince said, his voice firm. “I’m sorry, Rhys. But I agree, someone to rule at your side would be a good thing. Let me think on it.”

  “Thank you, Your Highness.”

  Head and heart pounding, I ran before they could come out.

  Momentum

  I sought refuge in the dining room, where the staff had laid out a feast for the humans who could eat it. There was coffee and tea for the vampires. Typically, they only drank blood and wine, but I saw several supernatural creatures indulging in the caffeinated beverages. Many of those who staggered into the dining room had stayed at the party all night, dancing until dawn.

  I sat with Shaye, Eve, and Gwyneth at a table facing the eastern grounds. Eve had a cup of tea, Shaye and Gwyn had enormous waffles, and I was sticking with egg whites and fruit—I’d imbibed too many champagne calories the previous night. The food was delicious, and I was happy to be with my friends. The sun rose cheerfully over the lush grounds. But none of these pleasantries kept the scowl off my face.

  “Can you believe it?” I shook my head as I peeled my orange. “He asked the prince to gift me to him.”