Isabelle Saint-Michael's Blog, page 7

Smart Publishing

I wanted to take a moment to before Dragon’s Guide to Slaying Virgins is released and break from the Elven Life story to talk about something that is important to me. I call it ‘smart publishing’ or ‘smart printing’. When Princes and Holiday released last year, I had a number of readers contact me because they thought something had happened in the formatting process on my books because my chapters don’t always begin on the right-hand side. While the first chapters of my books will always start on the right side, I chose not to start all chapters on the right, but rather let them naturally fall to the left or right depending on their length. I also chose not to use drop caps (starting a chapter with an extra-big letter) at the beginning of my chapters.

Why do I do this when it is industry standard?

I found that by allowing chapters to naturally fall in my books and removing drop caps, I cut twelves pages out of Dragon’s Guide alone. Let’s say I sell one hundred copies of the book in trade format – that means I removed twelve-hundred pages of wasted space. Maybe that doesn’t sound big, but it’s a small step I can take as an author to reduce paper consumption. I don’t believe that you have to be an activist to make a difference. We can all make small changes in the way we do things that can improve the world around us.

No, I am not the only author that has decided to do this, and I certainly hope I’m not the last.

I hope each of you that read my blog and books continue to enjoy the stories I bring you.

Until we speak again, kindest regards,

Isabelle

Sharing the News (Dani’s POV)

“How did you know I was here?” Kat asked.

I grinned wildly at her. “Pixie dust.”

“Really?”

“No, Geren told me while I was visiting the Nest. Vallen had a few books I wanted to borrow for some research,” I explained. I eyed her closely. Something was different.

“That makes sense. Marthailain keeping you busy?” she asked.

“Always, but I love it. Do you know that Tooth Fairy isn’t a job, it’s a Fae class?” I was so excited because I had found a translation of a journal that helped me to unlock a secret language that only those born into the class spoke. “Guess what else I learned?”

“The Tooth Language?” she said with a grin.

I felt my face fall. “How did you know?”

“I know all about the Fae from the island Tooth and how they speak another language. I have a few more journals back in Everbloom if you would like to borrow those as well.” Kat’s grin told me she was proud of herself for beating me to this crumb of knowledge. Gloat all you like, I WILL beat you to the next. “Did Geren tell you about Cariss and Ian?” she asked.

For the first time I looked around and noticed the big fuzzy Werewolf was nowhere to be found. “No, what’s up?”

Kat was silent for a long moment. “Cariss is dying. Ian left a few days ago. When word arrives I plan on traveling to Scotland for the funeral. Would you like to come?”

I winced. I care very much for Ian as a friend but I wasn’t sure I wanted to spend time in den of Werewolves.  “Perhaps like isn’t the correct word. I’ll discuss it with Oliver this weekend,” I told her.

“Fair enough. If something happens I’ll let you know,” she told me.

I was hesitated before bringing up the next subject. “You know you aren’t exiled from Tarell, right? You’re still a Magistrate and have a job there. Marthailain has been paying your rent the last six months while you’ve been gone. I moved into your building, with Oliver, so we would all be in the same building. You can come home,” I urged.

I could see her thoughts tumbling around in her head. When she finally spoke I could tell she had chosen each word carefully. “I’m not sure I can lead a normal life in Tarell anymore. My first mission nearly killed me and led to this entire mess. I love and miss you so much Dani, but right now I don’t know where I belong, if anywhere.”

I felt her pain. “No matter how many wings you grow, how many storms you summon, or even how many ancient Draconic laws you break, Tarell will always be your home. You can always come home.”

We chatted on for a bit about how things were at home and at the Nest. I left out the part about Vallen’s emotional breakdown when I picked up the book and instead told her about how Birda convinced Marthailain to use spray tan and it had turned him green. Why a Dark Elf would need a spray tan was still beyond me.

 

Holiday in Drakemoore

Aiden agreed to my vacation far quicker than I expected. To say my big brother had been a little overprotective ever since he met me would be the understatement of the year, but he was all for shipping me off to Drakemoore for some R&R. Hue saw to packing our bags and making sure the horses were set to go while I checked one last time on the troops. As Hue had predicted, Aiden was an amazing commander and the recruits already showed improvement.

Using the portal bead I managed to get Hue and I to the Fairy Circle south of Maht, and from there it was about half a day’s ride down the coast and then up a ridge along a cliff face. Once upon a time a ride like this would have been terrifying, but now, sitting astride Ghost, it felt like second nature. In fact, traveling up a narrow ledge along a steep cliff seemed like child’s play when compared to riding with the Dragon or Werewolf, who both insisted on waving pointy items at me while I sat on horseback. What they called “practice” or “training” I believe would pass as attempted murder most other places.

As we rode, my mind turned to Ian. I had flown out to find him the morning after my messengers had returned empty-handed. Most of my back pain probably stemmed from the eight hours of flying I’d done that day to cover massive amounts of ground quickly. When I’d found him and told him that Lana was waiting for him and why, he’d been shocked. He’d grabbed me and acted like a husband in mourning – he kissed me and mumbled something about sending word to me when the time came. Then he was off in a flurry of fur, his shredded clothes laying at my feet.

Stunned, I’d turned to the guard and asked them to return home if they hadn’t found any leads on the Dragon. Then I’d flown the long way home. I’d returned just before Ian and Lana left, meeting them along with Hue in the great hall. I watched as Hue handed over his bead to Ian. The two had exchanged looks and then embraced tightly. Something inside me felt different when I saw them together. I couldn’t decide if it was unease, or a deeper understanding.

“Godspeed, brother,” Hue said softly.

“Take care of our girl,” Ian told him before the two parted.

I started to say something to Ian but he simply leaned forward and kissed my forehead. “Be well, love, I’ll see you soon.”

I shook my head, pushing the memory away, and focused on the ride. At the top of the next ridge Hue pulled to a stop and dismounted. “We’re here,” he said, motioning to a cave.

Thankful to have arrived, I dismounted and saw to Ghost before venturing in to explore. Hue walked me into the cave and down a flight of stairs that led deeper into the stone. Within was a large kitchen and shared great room, three bedrooms, and a shared bathroom. All in all it was very comfortable dwelling. “How often is this place used?” I asked, noticing how clean it was.

“Geren comes down here for peace and quiet once or twice a month. His folks, much like mine, have a place in Tarell, but Geren actually grew up in this nest so it’s his special sanctuary,” Hue explained.

“He won’t be mad that we’re here?” I asked.

“Considering he asked me first if he could bring you, I don’t think it will be a problem.” The gentle but husky voice of Geren came from behind me. I whirled around to face the Dragon just as he stepped forward and crushed me in a bear hug.

I stared at him, confusion written on my face like Greek written on the Rosetta stone. “I thought you wanted me exiled?”

He shrugged. “At first I did. Then, the more I thought about it the more I realized that what you did should be celebrated. You crossed the bottom of the lake AND made it back. Princess, you have done nothing but amaze me since the moment we first met.”

“Does that mean I can return to the Nest?” I asked.

Geren seemed to hesitate. “I can certainly champion you to the others as your mother has already done, but while I manage the nest, Vallen has final say. It was his legacy and line that were betrayed. You’ll have to earn his forgiveness before you can return.”

“Great, now to just win over Sir Stick in the Mud.” I couldn’t help but let my disappointment and frustration show.

“Vallen likes you and he loves Hue. He sees you as reckless, but he easily forgets how young you are and how new this world is to you. You meant no disrespect in your actions. You cared only about getting your mate back. Nobody else could have done what you did, of this I am sure.” I looked at Geren and carefully considered his words. I started to say something but he shook his head. “Give it time. He’s a stoic warrior, but he has a big heart.”

“Also has a giant stick up…” Hue cut me off.

“Alizeyah, would you come here for a moment,” Hue called me down the hall towards one of the bedrooms. He smiled at me. “Why don’t you take a relaxing bath and give me some time to speak with Geren alone?”

“Do you need to discuss something you can’t say in front of me?” I asked curiously.

“No, I want to talk to him without you insulting Vallen too many times,” he said in concern.

I sighed. “Fine. Maybe you can see if he knows anything about the Dragon Avery that is causing all the trouble for my people.”

He nodded and kissed my cheek. “Relax some. I brought you a couple dresses that should be comfortable in the heat.”

Muttering under my breath, I turned and went for a bath, hoping to wash away my stress and frustration.

 

 

Bait and Switch

I sat quietly in front of the fireplace playing with the flames. I would turn my hands to make them dance, and then with a whistle of the wind cause them to grow larger or all but disappear. The stone floor was cold and felt amazing on my bare legs. They were covered in bruises  and scrapes from my most recent practice with Hue. He may have a limp, but it hadn’t done much to slow him on the battlefield. Even now, while I sat playing in our bedchamber, he was reading up on tactics and local history. I finally waved my hand and extinguished the flames before laying back on the floor and sighing.

If you’re so bored you could come help me with research, he offered.

I smiled. Our mental link hadn’t diminished in the least during our time apart. I’ve read all the books in this room, I told him with a grin.

Really? I could feel his shock.

I rolled over on my stomach and propped my chin up on my hands. This time I spoke. “Yes, I discovered I was the Princess of the land and I refused to look anymore unaware then I already did. So I ordered all these books brought to my chambers from the library and I started reading, and when I finished reading these I went to the next subject and brought the Tempest journals from the vault and read those.”

He turned to look at me. His face softened when he saw me stretched out on the floor, chin on my hands, hair a mess of curls, and wearing nothing but one of his button-down shirts from Tarell. His grin grew almost wolfish as his eyes skimmed over my backside and down my bare legs. “Oh, the sight of the “great Princess” now,” he teased.

“Everything I own is too hot, too tight, or too expensive for me to comfortably lounge around in this summer heat,” I complained.

He held up his hands in defeat. “Forget I said anything. Do you want to go to Drakemoore for a few days now that your brother is home?”

“I’m exiled, remember?” I said with a sad smile.

“Only from the Nest. Geren has a family home on the coast that we could use. Maybe a few days of the cooler ocean air and being able to run around scantily clad would do you some good. I could send word to your parents, they could come out and join us if you like?” His offer was tempting.

“The troops still need training, I still need training, and someone needs to stop the Dragon running around my countryside. There is too much work to do.” I closed my eyes and began contemplating a nap.

“Your brother has led an entire army and ruled for three decades without you. I’m sure he can manage for a few days.” Hue began moving across the room with a speed and lissomeness I wouldn’t have expected. He sucked in a breath as he lowered himself to the floor beside me. I rolled over and looked at him to make sure he was all right. Before I could say a word he ran a hand along the length of my leg and stopped just under the edge of the shirt to cup my buttocks.

“And what do you think you are doing?” I asked.

“Seducing my mate,” he answered with a chuckle.

I started to argue but stopped when both of his hands began kneading my sore lower back. I had become quite the rider since meeting Aiden, but my thighs and lower back still hated me on days with horseback combat practice. I moaned at how wonderful it felt to have those knots beat back into submission. “Oh, this feels so … good,” I said in a pained voice.

Hue stopped. “Come to bed. Let me make you forget all about the world outside this room for a few hours.”

Not needing any extra encouragement, I pushed myself up and padded in the direction of the oversized bed. I crawled to its center and watched with fascination as Hue, still moving like a hunter set on his prey, shed clothing as he stalked towards me. By the time he reached the bed his pale skin gleamed and begged to be touched. He joined me on the bed, pushing away my hands so that he could undo the buttons on the shirt. I wanted to whip it off over my hands but he went deliberately slow. When the last button was undone it fell open and he pushed it off my shoulders and tossed it on the end of the bed. “It will get wrinkled there,” I teased.

“Let it,” he all but growled before knocking me back into the pillows and smothering my body with his. He buried his face into the curve of my neck and shoulder while running his hands along my body. Every touch made me tingle all over. Every nibble made me gasp for air. I could feel his own mounting need pressed tightly against my abdomen and at the moment all I wanted was to connect with him again and feel like we were one. “You smell like heaven and taste even better,” he murmured. He grabbed my hip and urged me to roll onto my stomach. “Turn over.”

A butterfly bounced in my stomach as I turned over, excited for the sexual encounter about to take place, but he pushed me flat on the matterss and straddled my hips, sitting on my butt. “What are you doing?” I asked, thoroughly confused.

“I am going to torture you with massage until you submit to my demands to go away for a few days.” To prove his point he took hold of my shoulders and began working enthusiastically on the knots there.

“What about making love or even a good hard sex-fest?”

He laughed like an evil supervillain. “Not until we are tucked away from the world on the coast of Drakemoore.”

“You knave!” I shouted at him, trying to turn my head and glare at him. He responded by digging a thumb deep into a knot that I had carried for months.

“Sweet talk won’t get you anywhere,” he told me. “You need a break.”

Kicking the bed multiple times and screaming into a pillow, I begged and pleaded with him to stop, then threatened to run him through if he actually did stop.

1 Year, can you believe it?

Elven Life is one year old! In the last year we have watched Kat, Dani, Hue, Ian, and Oliver on a roller coaster ride of emotions and adventure. We’ve celebrated happy moments and cried together. I even worked my way through the piles of angry fan mail when Hue died. I swear I cried harder than anyone. Heading into a new year, I’ve had a lot of people ask if I will keep writing this story or if the focus will start falling more and more to my books. Then answer is both… and then some.

I never expected Elven Life to grow into what it has become. I also never thought I would be looking at a whole new existence of what it could be. I know I promised some big announcements so here they are: This summer we will be launching the Elven Life podcast, where readers and listeners will be invited to write in and speak with some of their favorite characters as well as ask questions of the staff. Then, this fall we are launching the first of our shows to appear on our youtube channel, but the details on that are still a surprise.

Thank you for all of the love, support and word of mouth. I write because you love my characters as much as Lisa, Kenzi, and I do. Many writers claim to have the best fans in the world but I know I really do.

All our love,

Isabelle, Lisa, & Kenzi

News from Tarell

I hit the ground with a hard thud, causing all the air to rush from my body. I glared up at Hue where he stood over me, holding me at sword point. “Stop holding back,” he ordered.

“Who’s holding back?” I growled. “You’ve been doing this for a couple hundred years. I’m a marshmallow compared to you.”

He turned his eyes heavenward and muttered under his breath before extending a hand to help me up. “Alizeyah, you are the Princess of an Elven Kingdom. You lead the Royal Guard and I daresay any of them could take you in a fight. What aren’t you using your powers?”

“Because they’ve gotten stronger and I don’t want to hurt you,” I explained. He let go of my hand and let me fall back to the ground.

“Then you are holding back!” he snapped, throwing his hands into the air in frustration.

I sighed heavily from where I now sat on the ground looking up at him. “It’s not that I am holding back against you, it’s that I am holding back against everybody.”

Hue pursed his lips together for a moment and carefully lowered himself to the ground. He took my hand in his and gave it a gentle squeeze. “Everything you do from now on will affect other people. Every decision will result in something happening in the bigger picture. You are now responsible for these people just as I am responsible for the Dragon’s Nest. I will stay away as long as I safely can. Geren and Jura are both strong leaders, and Vallen will protect it with his life but eventually, I will have to return. It’s my responsibility.”

“What happens when the Nest decides they will not accept you because you are mated to me?” I asked.

“It won’t ever come to that,” he said firmly.

I studied my hand where he held it in his own. “It may. You may have to choose between me and the Nest.”

“No, it won’t come to that. I won’t let it.” He tugged me firmly, causing me to tumble forward across his lap. He raised a hand and brought it down with a firm but playful swat to my backside. “Mine,” he said with a laugh.

I let out a little “eep” at the surprise of it all, but didn’t struggle when he urged me to turn and rest on his lap. “That was uncalled for,” I told him.

He smiled with the boyish grin that always made me forget why I was upset with him. “I’m sorry. I couldn’t resist. I’ve missed you. I feel like even though we are together again we are still apart.”

I thought about what he said. “I’m sorry. I haven’t made it easy. I’ve changed so much since all this began. I think I’m concerned you’ll see the real me and not want me any more.”

Hue released my hand and reached up to claim the back of my head and press his lips to mine. The kiss was hungry and intense. It shocked me, but also felt so right. My lips burned and I leaned into it, pressing my chest hard against him. His other hand gripped my hip and encouraged me to press harder into him. Our tongues danced in a swirl of passion until I found myself moaning into his mouth, wanting more. Hue leaned back, breaking the kiss, and rested his forehead against mine. “I could never stop wanting you. I could never stop loving you. I need you like fire needs air. I can not burn or exist without you,” he whispered intensely.

“Princess? My Lord? A messenger has arrived from Tarell seeking Lord Ian.” I looked up at Byron. My brother’s manservant had stayed behind when Aiden went to the Nest. Just now, he was interrupting a very precious moment.

“Byron, Lord Ian is away. Who is waiting for him?” I asked.

“Lana, his sister,” he answered. I processed the information slowly. I had never met Lana, but I knew she was the closest in age to myself of his siblings. Exchanging looks, with Hue I got up. When I offered him a hand he refused, it choosing to climb to his feet on his own. Stubborn Dragon. 

I know, he told me.

Leaving the troops with training instructions, we accompanied Byron back to the great hall to meet Lana. It wasn’t hard to tell who she was. She was dressed in Tarell Human fashion: skinny jeans and a fitted bottom-down top. I wondered briefly if this was how the Dragons had seen Dani and I each time we arrived for a visit. She had the same dark eyes and dark hair that Ian had and stood almost a full head taller than me. “Lana?” I asked.

“Kat?” She turned to face me. She rushed forward and captured my extended hand between her own. “Do you know where to find my brother?”

I nodded. “It’s been a while since I’ve had to track him down, but I can always find him. What’s happened?” I led her over to a table and motioned for her to take a seat beside me.

She heaved a heavy sigh. “Father has fallen ill and isn’t expected to make it beyond a fortnight. With the passage of time between realms being so uncertain I can only hope that when we return it isn’t too late.”

“Cariss is dying?” I asked, more to take in her words than for anything else.

“Yes,” she whispered, her eyes filling with tears. “I know you have every reason to hate him but…” She burst out into loud sobs.

I pulled her to my shoulder and rubbed her back. “Shhhh, it’s all right. I don’t hate Cariss. I hated Romijeer. Cariss isn’t a monster, and he loves his people. I may not like what he has done to Ian but I respect his years and leadership,” I told her. She just clung tightly to me and continued to cry. Hue stood watch over us, knowing it was all the comfort he could really offer.

“Kat, Father said that Ian’s life is sworn to you. Will you even allow him to return home for the funeral?” she asked when she was finally able to speak again.

“Of course I would let him return home. Ian chose to stay with me because he didn’t believe in his father’s decision and because he loves me, not because I have made him or asked him to.” I stopped for a moment and thought about my next words. “I love Ian and we both need each other. Yes, he’s part of a strange love triangle, but he is a willing participant.”

She looked at me consideringly for a moment. “It’s funny – the way he behaves, and you do too, it’s like you’re Soul Mates. But I know that you are Lord Hudraer’s.”

I patted her shoulder one more time. “Follow me and I will show you to a room. I’ll send out riders tonight to try and find him. If they don’t return by morning, I’ll go myself.”

After getting Lana settled, in I returned to my own chambers and closed the door behind me. Hue sat by a window with a book open, reading peacefully. When I entered he closed it and looked at me. “So,” he said.

“Yes. So?” I said back.

“Since you will most likely be leaving in the morning and your brother will be returning, can we talk?” he asked.

“Of course,” I told him.

“You should meet with Dani after Ian and Lana head home. We should all go support the family. We’re friends,” he said.

I smiled at him. “Yes, that’s what I would do too. We will wait until we receive word and will go when the time is right.” We were both in complete agreement.

Kitty Care (Dani’s POV)

“Why can’t I stay by myself?” Sheldon whined at me.

“Because you don’t have thumbs and can’t open the cat food cans by yourself,” I argued.

“I could go back to Queen Mab’s court,” he offered.

“You could,” I agreed.

“But it’s so boring. It’s the same stuff that has been happening for over a thousand years. I’m tired of that. I want to do new and exciting things.” He flopped over on the floor and showed me his belly. “Pet me,” he commanded.

I looked at him and laughed. “I don’t think so. I recognize a cat trap when I see one and I don’t need scratches and bite marks up my arm.”

He snorted and looked away. “You’re no fun.”

“Nope. No fun at all.” I hung the wet laundry while I argued with him. “I was thinking you could go keep Kat and Hue company while we were gone.”

Sheldon hissed at me and ducked under the couch. “That would mean dealing with her furball… MacFlurry. He’s EVIL!”

I laughed again. “Big words coming from a furball that considers himself a potential leader of the world.”

“Emperor!” he corrected me.

“Either way, why are you so afraid of him? He’s so cute and sweet,” I said, grinning.

“Exactly. Anything that cute and sweet must be up to no good. Trust me on this one,” he insisted.

“I do,” I grinned.

“What if I came with you to Italy? Then I could keep you out of trouble and protect you,” he offered.

“Nope! You’re not my familiar, meaning I can’t control you. Since part of what I will be seeing is secret, you can’t come. Sorry, fuzzball,” I told him as I folded another shirt.

Sheldon huffed and pouted at me. “Grouchy Pixie. You wouldn’t even have a Vampire if it wasn’t for me,” he muttered.

“Kat has an entire castle to explore. Doesn’t that sound exciting?” I tried to get him motivated.

Sheldon walked away and sat facing a wall, ignoring me and twitching his tail. “No,” he said flatly.

“Well then, what do you recommend? I’m not leaving you alone. I can’t take you to Italy. You refuse to go to Kat’s or back to Queen Mab. What should I do then?” He sat silently ignoring me still while I finished the last of the laundry. Finally, I sighed and gave up, leaving the bedroom and making my way into the kitchen.

“What about Vallen?” asked the grumpy cat in the other room.

“What about him?” I finally asked.

“Can I go stay with him?” Sheldon sounded almost pathetic.

“You want me to go see Vallen and ask him? You know he’s exiled Kat from the nest, right?” I couldn’t believe what Sheldon was asking. Vallen still didn’t know about my involvement with rescuing Hue. He didn’t know about Young’s involvement, either.

“Well, if she is still exiled when I stay with him, I will work on resolving the dispute.” Sheldon’s offer sounded sincere.

I took a deep breath. “Ok, I’ll talk to him, but no promises,” I told him.

“Yes, yes. I understand. He will say yes. He can’t deny you anything,” he told me.

But how will he feel if he ever finds out I betrayed him?

Familiar with Vampires (Dani’s POV)

When I come home to discover both Oliver and Sheldon waiting patiently on the couch, I know by now that we’re going to have a talk. It never fails, either, that it always seems to happen on rough days. So after I accidentally summoned a Demon, turned a library assistant into a moose, and managed to spill lunch all over my new white sundress, I should have known I was in for a chat. I walked into the apartment, shedding my shoes at the door, and B-lined for the bathroom. I wanted out of this dress and bra. When I came out in my shorts and tank top, there they were.

Oliver smiled warmly and Sheldon looked disinterested… so, normal. The Vampire motioned for me to take a seat next to him on the couch and took my hand. Sheldon immediately took his “rightful” place sprawled across my lap. “Dani, we need to have a serious talk,” he told me.

I felt the hairs on the back of my arms stand up. “About what?” I asked cautiously.

“I know I brought it up briefly before, but now that the business with Kat is taken care of it needs readdressing.” I watched as he fumbled with his words. “I’m going home to Italy for part of the summer and I want you to come with me.”

“I know, but I’m still fairly new to the job and what if the OAC or Kat needs me?” I asked.

“Then they can call you on your cell phone like normal people. This is really important,” he stressed.

“Why is it so important that I go with you?” I asked.

“Because I want a future with you, and I think you want one with me,” he answered.

I shook my head to shake out the cobwebs that must be clouding my brain. “Our future?” I said slowly. “Are we talking binding and commitment?”

He stroked the back of my hand with the pad of his thumb and shrugged. “Maybe?” He was silent for a moment. “I don’t know if we will ever be at that point, and I must say that I would hope that you aren’t opposed to the idea. Things are just complicated for me.”

I bit my lip and chose my next words carefully. “I’m not sure I am ready to talk about things like bindings and forever,” I told him.

“Do you want to keep being a couple?” he asked gently.

“Of course,” I assured him.

“Then there is a natural progression of a relationship and at some point we will have to talk about it. I’m part of an important family, Dani, and even if we aren’t bound there will be expectations of you if we are to continue being together. You’ll be expected to be as much a part of the family as I am.” He let out a slow breath. “I know that sounds intimidating, but…”

“No, I get it. I have to meet the family sometime,” I told him. I found myself absently petting Sheldon. He purred loudly.

“I think you should go,” said the lazy cat on my lap. “I think you should enjoy this free trip to Italy, meet the scary Vampire family, and be the star of your own life for once. You aren’t a sidekick, you are your own leading lady.”

I paused at his words. Have I become just a sidekick? I knew Kat didn’t see me that way, but did others? Did I see myself that way? My head spun with the concept and I questioned myself and life. “If I go to Italy, what will it prove?” I finally asked.

“It will let my family meet you and, for one, confirm that you are real. They question your existence from time to time since they haven’t heard of you and I tend to be a bit of a workaholic. They want to know if you can be trusted. They want to see you can adapt to the culture. They want to know you could help lead if you needed to.” His words made sense – I just didn’t like the feeling that this trip was a test.

“So, I would be going so that they could test me and make sure I’m good enough for you.” I said flatly.

I saw the uncomfortable look in his eyes, but then Oliver gathered me up in his arms and pulled me into his lap. Sheldon jumped off, whining about finding a place where he wouldn’t have to watch. “You’ve already passed the most difficult test. You make me happy, and I want them to see how happy you make me.” His words made my heart melt. “At the end of the day, that is what is most important to my family, that I am happy. You make my life complete, and fill my days and nights with love and friendship. I want to sing your praises across the world and I want them to see my woman.”

I narrowed my eyes on him. “You know you make it damn near impossible to refuse you when you say stuff like that.”

“I know, and that’s why I am willing to offer you a deal. If you come with me, I will go home for Christmas with you. I can be a good boyfriend and be there to help field questions about all this magic and mayhem you’ve gotten involved with, or I can just help cook dinner. Whatever you want. I want to meet your family and prove to them I am worthy of your love and show them I can and will make you happy.” He leaned forward and kissed my forehead.

I growled. “Ugh, when do we leave?” I finally asked.

“July,” he told me.

“Fine. I will go to Italy and meet the Vampires. Why are all the important Vampires always in Italy?”

 

Young and Distressed

Vallen had returned with a major chip on his shoulder after seeing Hudraer and Alizeyah. Neither had come back with him, and the rumor was the Princess was exiled from the Nest. Geren had washed his hands of the fight, not wanting to be in the middle of a battle of wills between Lord Vallen and Lord Hudraer. It seemed that Vallen was the only one making a big show of what Alizeyah did. Most felt that if she was capable of retrieving her Soul Mate from the afterlife, then obviously fate had lent a hand.

Young had pleaded all night with his brother not to make him return to Sir Leon’s School for Wayward Squires. Vallen hadn’t seen the humor in the name, either. Now Young found himself wandering towards the portal. It would take him two days or so if he shifted into Dragon form and flew, but Young was in no hurry to rush back to his studies so he had decided to walk the distance in Vesaria. The first few nights had proven uneventful, which made the Dragon Squire happy beyond words.

Young didn’t fear battle; he just didn’t enjoy it. As far as honor went, he liked to think he was honorable and a formidable opponent. As night was falling on the third day, Young knew that he would be spending the night in the Faewood. Fairies had a reputation for being tricksters and taking advantage of travelers. The land had been peaceful for over a century, but it didn’t change the stigma. Things were made worse by the number of different races that had come to make the Faewood home.

Young was looking for a place to make camp for the night when he heard a branch snap nearby. His whole body tingled alerting him to danger. The instincts of a warrior were rarely ever wrong. Young drew his sword and spun around to face his attacker. “Come out! I know you’re there!” He gazed deep into the darkness and nobody answered. Swinging his sword, he hacked through some leaves and branches, sending a number of birds scattering to the sky. He huffed out a breath, hoping he could relax, now that he realized the twig had been the result of a few birds.

Giving up for the night, Young camped in a hollowed-out tree stump for the night. It camouflaged him beautifully and was surprisingly comfortable. He had just settled in and closed his eyes, when he heard a branch snap under the weight of something nearby. He tensed, then relaxed, realizing it was most likely just the birds again.  Letting out a sigh, he started to drift off to sleep.

A painfully firm grip closed around his ankle and pulled him out of the tree roughly. Young was so caught off guard he didn’t have time to grab his sword. There, breathing fowl breath just inches above his face, a great, blue-grey Troll sneered down at him. Young wanted to scream, but the air was quickly knocked out of him as the ugly creature crushed its foot into his chest, pinning him to the ground. The Troll bent and looked into the tree stump, then turned and looked at Young in confusion.

“Where is the girl?” the Troll demanded.

“What girl?” asked Young, equally confused and gasping for air.

“This is lover’s tree. Should be girl too.” The Troll stopped and pondered for a moment, looking Young over closely. “Or boy. Agshi no judge.”

“Why would there be a boy with me in a lover’s tree?” Young questioned.

“Boy lover,” answered the Troll with a grunt.

“Mr. Agshi, I was in there alone. I think there has been some mistake. Let me go and you can go on looking for your two lovers,” Young explained.

The Troll scratched his head and looked at Young wearily. “You were in lover’s tree….. alone?”

“Yes,” Young nodded vigorously.

“Oh, Agshi gets it. You are virgin!” The Troll declared. “Using tree for self love.” The Troll looked as if he might be blushing.

“I am NOT a virgin,” argued Young hotly. “And I was most certainly not pleasuring myself.”

“Don’t worry, Virgin, Agshi won’t tell.” He gave Young a wink.

Young recoiled away from the Troll and his creepy wink. “Well, since that is taken care of, I guess I will be on my way.”

The Troll chuckled. “Silly Virgin,” he laughed. Young turned to run but it was no use. Agshi the Troll brought down his club with lethal speed and Young fell to the ground, unconscious.

Dragon Sighting

I shifted uncomfortably in my chair upon the dais. I hoped my disinterest didn’t show too plainly on my face. Aiden had gone to visit my parents back at the Dragon’s Nest. I knew part of it was in an attempt to smooth things over with the elders there. I wished he would let it go, though. It was my battle to fight and besides, he should be here listening to all the boring complaints his people had about soil being too brown, skies being too dark at night, and men that had gotten into a fight over the innkeeper’s daughter.

Hue leaned close to my ear. “Stop fidgeting,” he whispered.

I turned and glared back at him to find not just his disapproving eyes, but also Ian’s. Muttering to myself I turned to face the people that had come for royal guidance. The line was finally at an end for the day when a young man burst through the doors of the great hall and ran towards me. Guards on either side of me stepped forward with their hands on their swords but the man skidded to a stop just feet away, collapsing to his knees. “Your Highness, forgive my intrusion.”

I motioned for the guards to resume their posts and I stood, crossing the distance between the man and myself. “What’s wrong? What has happened?”

“Princess, a Dragon has been spotted four days ride from here. There was an encampment of thieves, most of which were young Werewolves, that was found scorched and the youths all dead.” His words made my heart ache. I could see Ian flinch out of the corner of my eye.

“Do we know who this Dragon is?” I asked.

“No, Princess. Nothing has been confirmed yet,” he said.

I sighed. Most of our new recruits were nowhere near ready to go head-to-head with a Dragon, and Aiden had taken a number of the better-equipped guards with him. I looked at the young man. “Let the people know I will dispatch a group immediately to investigate. If the Dragon reappears, let everyone know not to engage.” The young man stood and dusted himself off, giving me a deep bow.

I walked back to the dais with purpose. “Ian, I want you to take half of the guard here that is fully trained and go see what you can find out about this new threat.” Ian gave me a curt nod then turned on his heel to carry out orders. I addressed the guard nearest me. “Let our new recruits know I expect to see them all on the field ready to train after lunch. Our people are in danger. We need to prepare so we can protect them. My brother has been lax for too long.” I started to leave, but Hue’s hands stayed me.

“The castle will be dangerously low on defenses if you send Ian with that many members of the guard,” he warned.

“Hue, this needs to be addressed immediately. We need to know who and what we are dealing with.” I looked down at his hand and watched as he withdrew it. I left to make my way to my chamber. Hue followed closely on my heel. Once inside he pushed the door closed behind us.

“Why are you acting like this?” he demanded.

I looked at him with surprise. “What are you talking about?” I asked.

“Your rudeness on the throne, snapping out orders to Ian, leaving your castle defenseless… none of this seems like you.”

I let out a calming breath. “I realize you have been gone for months, but let me fill you in on what is happening with me. I lost the love of my life, was forced into the role of Princess, and made to lead. My brother used to be hard and ruled in a way that made people shake with fear, but now he is kind. The problem is, the portals are all open now, and because of the years of peace, nobody can defend themselves anymore and people are dying. While I am listening to petty arguments, I could be training an army that could protect these people. I have never had to be responsible for this many lives before.”

His face softened and he stepped forward, wrapping his arms around me. He stroked my hair. “You are an adult in so many ways it is easy to forget how young you are and how new it all is to you. Most of our kind train for a couple hundred years before taking on this level of responsibility.”

I wrapped my arms around him and buried my face in his chest. It felt good to have him back. It felt good to touch him and hold him again. He urged me back towards the bed, bending to press a kiss to the delicate spot just below my ear. I sucked in a deep breath and gently pushed him away. “I can’t do that right now,” I told him.

“I’ve been back for a week and you won’t lay with me. Is it because I am less of a man than I used to be?” he asked. Pain was obvious on his face.

I shook my head. “No, nothing like that. I just need to settle down and relax. Maerryn is here helping train the recruits, but I can’t help but think I should be out there with them.” I looked at the closet, knowing I needed to change.

“Then if I can’t get you to come with me, I will go with you. I’ll get my sword and I go with you to the field.” I started to protest, but Hue just held up a hand. “I was trained as a Knight and have far more years of training that I can pass on than you. Besides, just because I sustained an injury doesn’t mean I will ever stop being who I am.”

I knew it was pointless to argue.