Sui Writes

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  • Writing The Prince and His Royal Guard

    Whoa! It’s July 2019. One blink and I’m sixty thousand words in to TP&HRG and looking for that crazy climax and a sweet ending, which could take me to ninety thousand words. I’m in deep.

    The writing process this week looks like this:

    It’s not pretty!

    Notes, and scenes coming to life, and getting axed in a search for the end. After dozens of rereads, and adjustments, I’m very close to the payload. This July I’m hoping to get into a different project so I’m eager to finish The Prince’s story. When the next chapter comes, I promise it will be worth it! I’ve enjoyed creating Leon and Logan. Current soundtrack is Naked by James Arthur. Hard at work.

    Meanwhile, yes, I write with pen and then pencil, when that doesn’t work, I type, and read out chapters I’ve posted. I’m a nutter is what I am. He says he gets that, so it’s only going to get worse. Hahaha. ^_^

  • New Fiction Snippets – Upcoming Stories

    A Prince & His Royal Guard
    This story is something I’m playing around with of late. It will be short, it will be sweet. I have had fun writing it!

    The thud of a bullet hitting a tree too close startled the black thoroughbred stallion into a run.  Leon swallowed bile and leaned over his horse, gripping his reins to keep control of Starburst as they raced through the wild forests surrounding his home.  A second shot sent birds flying from the branches.

    A harsh hiss left his lips when he felt the painful sting on his right upper arm.

    Leon leaned lower on his horse not daring a glance back.

    Starburst ran fast, scared and unsettled.  Leon needed all his wits to keep control of him.

    He thanked his luck as Starburst emerged from the forest and onto an open field a minute later.  The horse kept up his fast pace, heading to the stables.  When they were halfway there, Leon turned back hoping to see his assailant.  His heart thudded in his chest when he saw no one standing at the tree line aiming at him with a gun.  It was little relief.

    Starburst slowed down when they were closer to familiar territory.  Leon brought him to a stop outside the stable and jumped off the saddle with a wince.  Pain lanced up his upper arm, blood dripping down his sleeve.

    The groom who came to take Starburst gave a short gasp taking the reins from Leon.

    “Your Highness, you’re injured!”

    Leon glanced at his right upper arm with a grimace.  The bullet grazed his arm hard and left a deep furrow that dripped blood down his arm.  It stung.  He didn’t want to think about taking a shower with it.  The next few days would be uncomfortable.

    “Your Highness,” Dax, his royal guard and attendant, came running from inside the stable, horror clear in his eyes.  “Oh God, how did this happen?”

    “Don’t start with me,” Leon said, turning away from Dax, intent on running to his rooms.

    Dax grew up in the service of the royal family.  He knew the rules and regulations of running a palace front and back.  When he moved to Castle Arguro, those rules and regulations remained.  His unparalleled dedication to Leon often left him unsettled.

    Having grown up wild and unchecked, Leon often chafed under Dax’s constant attention.  The man took everything that happened to Leon too seriously.

    Ten years of Dax and Leon still had not found a middle ground with the thirty-one year old attendant.  Dax’s concern seemed to deepen with time.

    “Stop,” Dax ordered, running around Leon to stop his progress to the castle.

    Dax’s gentle hands took Leon’s right arm.  Leon winced when Dax ripped the holder on his sleeve wider, his gaze narrowed as he studied the angry bleeding gouge.  A soft hiss escaped Dax when he recognized what injured Leon.  Meeting Leon’s gaze, Dax let go of Leon’s arm and took a step back.

    “It’s time to report this,” Dax stated, his tone enough to tell Leon there was no arguing.  “This is no longer an accident.”

    Leon let a heavy sigh escape, unable to refute Dax, thinking back on the last three weeks.

    His yacht blowing up minutes before Leon boarded two weeks ago.  A week after, the tires on his favorite Ferrari had blown up on a particularly scary stretch of curved road.

    Leon could not avoid reality any longer. Three accidents in the space of weeks was no longer a coincidence

    “Someone is trying to kill you, Prince Leon,” Dax said, his eyes wide with worry.

    Leon’s gaze shifted to the castle beyond the stables, an uneasy feeling brewing deep inside him.

    Castle Arguro was home to the Kingdom’s royal second son.  Leon had called the castle home for twenty-five years.  Arguro was his parents’ home first.  When Leon turned twenty-one, his mother and father died in a tragic car accident in Monaco.

    Leon then became Castle Arguro’s master.

    Four years after their funeral, he now looked forward to living a quiet life in this place.  Content to focus his extensive resources on businesses and the charities his parents founded and supported.  He wanted no political power or official duties from the Kingdom’s Palace.

    Leon never ventured into the royal court, or involved himself in the constant running intrigues that ruled the Kingdom’s seat of power.  He was fourth in line to the throne, and hoped to become twentieth.  If only his cousins would marry and give birth, as expected, ensuring his freedom.

    With that in mind, Leon turned to Dax.

    “Do not go running to grandmother’s officials with this.  Use Castle Arguro’s resources first.  Reach out to private security firms.  Keep it discrete,” Leon warned, when Dax smiled.  “They can also handle security around the castle until we find the culprit.”

    “Okay.” Dax nodded, looking pleased now that Leon was placing importance to the incident.

    “Let’s get you inside and see to your arm.  It annoys me to see your blood staining the grass.”

    Leon chuckled and gave the wound on his right arm a wary glance.  He still couldn’t believe someone had gotten close enough to graze his arm with a bullet.

    ****

    The Unexpected Consort

    I’m on a roll with princes this season. Here is a look at a story I’ve been hatching for a while. The title may change. I ‘m not in love with the current one. It will be long, and gives me the vibes for Crown Prince Yoshi, which I enjoy and love so dearly. This one will be longer than the one above. I’ll post it as the year goes, after working on Seiryu Spirit.

    Chapter 1 – A Resounding Peace

    Kamran Estate, Wild Lands

    “Taste it.”

    Jihan stared at the pink fruit.  Its juices slid down a slender wrist, dripping to the ground.  The hand holding the juicy morsel moved to his lips once more and he gave in.  He opened his mouth and took in the fruit.

    Sweet and tangy taste exploded in his mouth and he smiled at the woman who had fed him the fruit.

    “Delicious,” Jihan said, his gaze returning to the ledger he was writing.

    “Delicious,” she mocked his tone, then laughed, jumping off the platform where he sat.  She ran down the stairs to the open space below. 

    “Ishan! Did you hear him?  The peach is clearly tastier than anything he has ever had.  Why does he sound like he is bored?  Tell me, Ishan, what am I to do with this little brother?”

    Jihan noted down the number of peaches they were getting from Ishan’s orchard and glanced up to see Ishan wrap an arm around Andiya’s waist.  His older sister laughed when Ishan twirled her around, holding her tight against him.  Jihan placed his pen on its holder and watched them tease each other.

    The courtyard was alive with activity.  Work men coming in from Ishan’s orchard, carrying crates of peaches to be taken by Jihan’s work men.  The women working in Ishan’s estate cooked in the corner, in anticipation of feeding the many workers visiting today.

    Ishan and Andiya moved between each group keeping up morale.  Or so it would seem to others, but Jihan knew how much Andiya loved Ishan.  How much Ishan wanted Andiya to become Mistress of the Gura Estate.  Jihan envied them their connection.

    “Jihan,” Andiya called to him, and he blinked watching her raise two huge peaches to her eyes.  She made a pout and he chuckled at the sight of her.  Ishan grinned and the courtyard erupted into laughter at Andiya’s continued antics to make him laugh.

    Jihan indulged her for a few minutes, until the next batch of crates came into the courtyard and he had to pick up his pen to note them down.  He worked steadily for the next hour, and right as lunch was ready, he looked up to see his shadow guard, Shen, walk into the courtyard.

    Jihan finished writing the number of fruits he was taking from Ishan, and the cost in his ledger.  He pushed it aside when Shen reached him and crouched beside him, the grip on his sword tight.

    “Master Jihan,” Shen greeted.  “News from the Kingdom’s Capital.”

    “The war?” Jihan asked, afraid the Second Prince had failed in his defense of the Wei Kingdom’s west border.  Second Prince, Feng Wei, commanded the Kingdom’s army on behalf of the king.  He was to drive out invaders from West Nation.  The war at the west border was three months old now.  The fear that Second Prince would lose was taking root in everyone’s heart.

    “Prince Feng Wei has suppressed the invaders,” Shen said, he produced a note from his pocket and handed it to Jihan.  “Our sources played an important role, your father has received a commendation from the palace.”

    “So, what’s the news from the Capital?” Jihan asked, unrolling the note to read later.

    “King Feng Jun has made a royal decree,” Shen said, his expression filled with urgency.  “He insists on a royal wedding between a Kamran child and Second Prince, Feng Wei.”

    Jihan sucked in air, his gaze on his sister who sat next to Lord Ishan adding grilled fish slices into his bowl.

    “Father?” Jihan asked.

    “He is delighted by the idea of his family tied to the royal family, even though it is a second marriage for Prince Feng Wei,” Shen said.  “Your father is making preparations for the wedding as we speak.  He will come to take Andiya to the capital personally.”

    Jihan looked away from his smiling sister and stared at the note he held.  Heart pounding with worry at the thought of Andiya forced to marry into the royal family.  His sister was happy.  She loved Lord Ishan.  Their father would never understand that love.  He would force her to give it up.

    “Should we tell Lady Andiya?” Shen asked.

    “Not yet,” Jihan said.  “Have them prepare the evening meal in my house.  I shall have no one else attending to this meal but you.  Do you understand?”

    “Yes, Master Jihan.”

    “Prepare everything, and contain this news.”  Jihan glanced at Ishan and Andiya, nodding when Andiya smiled at him.  “You and I will need to work hard to reduce the damage from this royal decree.  I’m afraid Kamran Estate might suffer a huge loss at the end of it. There can be no mistakes.”

    “Yes, Master.”

    Shen got up and hurried off, leaving Jihan to read the note from one of his trusted troop leaders supplying Second Prince’s army at the west border.

    Master Kamran,

    Beware of the gift given by the Dragon Seat.  This war has exposed Kamran, leaving your Wild Estate open to jealousy and envy from court officials.  Your network is powerful and The Dragon will seek to own it.  If you cannot escape the gift, then cultivate a friendship with the fierce commander at the west.  He is grateful to Kamran for the help and support you gave in secret.  He will look at you with kind eyes.

    As always, my hope is to grow our alliance and create a harmonious and prosperous atmosphere for our families.  I know your sister’s happiness is in danger if she reaches the Capital.  Your faithful friend,

    Swallow.

    Jihan reread the letter twice, and then reached for the bowl left by Andiya an hour ago for drinking water.  He sunk the letter into the bowl, soaking it with water.  His gaze on the ink fading from the paper, his thoughts on the difficult future ahead.

    Jihan could only hope his father was not too eager to be father in-law to a prince.

    ***

    They are both stories about love and adventure. I can’t wait to get them out to you!

  • Year of the Pig – Happy New Lunar Year

    Hapy

    Excited to celebrate this year as Sui was born in the Year of the Pig – 1983. We wish loads of prosperity, good luck, abundant wealth and health to all this year!

    All our love,

    from,

    Scott, Moon, Sui and L.

  • A Love Affair with Creativity

    Over the years, I have written blogs on the process of writing. Some posts felt uncertain, others untrue, and now years into this, I now write a new post that feels right for this moment. I have come to respect Creativity. Because that is what writing fiction is for me. I respect it. I understand that we are walking down the same road together. Wherever that road takes both of us, intentional or not, I love and respect every minute of it.

    Writing is not a fast thing, there is no magic wand that will make it come at you faster. It’s a process, it takes and gives. Demands of your emotions, hard work, your thoughts, your very self. I’m not the same writer I was when I first started. Those days I wanted it all out fast, wanted it to make an impact, and suffered when it didn’t. Now, I find myself being more deliberate in my writing. I’m not looking for fast ends, but an exploration of the journey. It’s easier to write now because I’m not seeking approval, simply writing what feels right. And for that, I’m much happier with what I do.

    Most important, I have learned to respect my creative side, in the same way I value my closest relationships. Without that respect, I don’t think I would like myself very much.

    Of course, there are days when I struggle. Yes, I struggle, you struggle, we all struggle. When I do, I seek out thoughts that inspire me. Thoughts like this one:


    We feel guilty for all that is authentic in ourselves – our salary, our opinions, our experiences, our hidden desires, the way we speak – we even feel guilty for our parents and our brothers.
    And what is the result? Paralysis.
    We grow ashamed of doing anything different from what the others are expecting.
    We do not expose our ideas, we don’t ask for help.    ….
    And how can that be changed?
    Have faith. Believe that it is possible, and all the reality around you will begin to change.

    Paulo Coelho – Feeling Guilty

    Feeling guilty – I loved reading this post because at the time of not writing, or being without that charge or spark, it’s often because I’m dealing with external pressures. Dealing with external pressures/forces means I haven’t given myself a chance to sit and dedicate the time allotted to my work. My desire, my needs. So, I have to take a step back and survey what’s causing that feeling, and is it very important that I stop myself from doing what I really want to do. If it is, find a solution to make it work around my writing. If it is not important, then how do I stop caring so much, and return to my writing. One thing that’s always true, I have deep faith in my creativity. The muse is never gone, she’s always there, waiting for me to solve my external bullshit, so that I can get back to work.

    So, I watch videos like this:

    In this short amazing conversation on creativity, this sentence alone stood out so much, that I think it’s my year’s new mantra.

    Creating because it brings you joy.

    Marie Forleo’s channel

    If it’s not making you happy, don’t do it! If it’s not bringing you joy, stop. The best philosophy for everything in life, most importantly, I get pleasure from writing. When something is pulling me away from that happy place, I make a conscious effort to get it out of my life. The same way I will deal with anything negatively impacting my relationships with Hubby or my friends. It’s the only way to grow, and discover where your creativity will take you. Don’t demand from it more than it promises, instead, enjoy the ride it gives you. This is why I loved listening to the conversation between Elizabeth Gilbert and Marie Forleo. So much of what they say is true, and it felt good to hear it aloud. It brought me to a great head space.

    I’m on a journey, that feels like a love affair with my creativity. Ups and downs, astonishing moments, and truly wrenching ones. I’ve come to embrace them all, and look forward to more.

    If you haven’t already, download The Assassin and explore a different love affair with Daven and Kian.

  • Road Trips are Sweet as Sugar

    I have spent my fair share of time on road trips. I have gone on them alone, but I have to say the most fun I’ve had is when I’m on the road with Moon, Scott and L. Road trips turn wild with these three. They love testing random food from stalls we meet on the road.

    I’ve since sworn to only ever buy whole fruits on these runs. This way I don’t have to worry later about stomach upset. The most important aspect of a road trip is that you have to like the people you’re traveling with to stay in a good mood. If you’re unhappy, being out on the open road will get you back to happy quite quickly. Forgetting why you were unhappy happens like magic. So, if you’re not in a good place, I suggest getting in your car, and going on a short trip, with someone you really like or go alone. It pulls you back into a great head space, gives you time to think.

    Music is such a big part of road trips, of my life in general. A few months ago on the road to tour Lake Victoria, in Western Kenya in East Africa. We ended up on this stretch of road that shows off this steep overview of the Rift Valley pictured below. We stopped to take pictures, and Moon kept humming Sugar by Maroon Five. It stuck in my head, and now every time I hear that song, I remember that trip.

    I loved the memories we made during that trip, so Sugar has become this super special song for me.

    The Rift Valley
    Sunset on the road

    Make time for road trips. They don’t have to be long distance, even two hours out of town, or the place where you live will do wonders for you. Hope you have a song you listen to when you’re in your car, on a fun trip. Make some memories.

    In the Assassin, Kian Raja and Daven go on a road trip from Paris to The Netherlands. Discover more about them. Download The Assassin ebook.

  • New Year Plans

    Same path

    This 2019, I’m walking on the same path with my best friend, my partner in crime, my no.1 supporter. My Everything. I #gothitched in 2018 and now I’ve taken on a new last name. L says it’s important to gush and brag about these things, so here I am. I’ve spent a chunk of my life on a lone path. Some days were hard, others too easy. The best part about this new path together is that I’m no longer alone. It feels great to know that there is someone walking along with me. On good days, and on those very hard days. I can’t wait to see what this year brings for both of us.

    On Writing:

    The Morgan Lore – I’ve caught a werewolf bug these last few months. Rory Morgan has captured my interest and imagination, growing into this entity that I can’t put down. #TheMorganLore is primarily posted on GA Stories. If you love you some werewolves, are into adventure and mystery, then check it out at this link. I promise I’m doing my best to get to the end of this one.

    Seiryu spirit –(WIP) My dear Koji and Andre are still ongoing. If you caught a bit of their story on this site, or over at GA, then don’t worry. I’m still working on their story. My writing process is diversifying and I’m finding that I don’t want to post content until I have a large chunk of it available. Seems to be working out for The Morgan Lore. Once I’m confident enough for Seiryu Spirit, more will come up.

    A Forgiving Heart -(WIP) Rafa and Hyu are also on the list. Be patient with me with these two. Writing Rafa is always a fight. He’s very stubborn and I’ve found a huge trail of story that’s deviating from the original plan. I need to reconcile it first before I share it.

    To Compile – The Crown Prince Yoshi – 2018 was huge as I finished this story, which had lasted for years in the WIP list. I’m particularly proud of CPY because it was the first that didn’t follow the same pattern as all my other work. It’s given me the confidence to explore different formats. Moon promised a cover, hopefully, I’ll get one soon and we can compile it into a book for download soon.

    The Assassin – If you haven’t already, this ebook is already available for download. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did writing it.

    That’s my start of the year. Let’s go together and see what this year brings us all.

  • The Morgan Lore – 8

    New Year’s Blessings in a Syringe

    “Are you still angry with me?” Kiyo asked, his gaze on the machines on a stand beside the lounge chair Milan was using.

    Milan stared at the IV line going into the back of his left hand, his heavy black sweater pulled back to make sure it didn’t interfere, and let out a soft sigh.

    “I don’t know why I couldn’t have done this tomorrow. I really wanted to go to the party with Mamma. It would have been nice to meet everyone before I went to school. Don’t you think it’s unfair?”

    “You have school tomorrow and your health comes first,” Kiyo insisted, satisfied with the numbers he was reading. He perched on a stool and took Milan’s free hand. “I know you hate shots every other day. So, I’ve worked to make this process easier for you. If we complete this therapy today, we won’t need to do it again for four weeks.”

    Milan dropped his gaze to where his father held his hand.

    “Papa, are you happier here?” Milan asked.

    “I’m more productive here,” Kiyo said, after a moment of silence. He reached out to raise Milan’s face to him. Milan met brown eyes similar to his. “Are you not happy?”

    “It’s cold all the time. I can’t go out like in Turin. I don’t know if I’ll like any of the people here. Can’t we go back home?” Milan asked.

    He could only complain to Kiyo, seeing as he knew Ilaria and Ayu were also adjusting to a new life here. They were trying their best to make him comfortable.

    “Cucciolo, this is our new home,” Kiyo said, stroking Milan’s cheek. “I signed a contract to stay here for three years.”

    “Three—”

    Milan broke off upset, though he didn’t understand why. Then it clicked in a wave. He felt lonely here. The task of facing new people seemed too big, too exhausting. He missed Turin’s old world charm, and warmth. The neighbors who knew him by name, and dropped by to see him on days he had to stay in like today.

    “I might find a cure for you here,” Kiyo said, his excitement tangible.

    “I’m not curable,” Milan scoffed, shaking his head. “I have a chronic condition, Papa. One I need to manage for life. You know the science of it better than me. There is no cure.”

    Kiyo squeezed Milan’s fingers and let go, folding his arms against his chest.

    “You’re upset, Milan. You were excited to go today, and I came in with this, I know. You want to take it out on me, that’s fine. I can take all your anger, but don’t ever lose hope on me.”

    Milan closed his eyes, the headache that came with these infusions already starting.

    “How do you feel?” Kiyo asked, getting up to press his palm on Milan’s forehead.

    “The usual,” Milan said, wanting to curl into a ball on the comfortable lounge chair. “How much longer?”

    “Thirty minutes,” Kiyo said. “The pain meds I gave you before we started should help with the headache. I’ll slow the drips down though, and turn on the humidifier.”

    Kiyo looked around the room with a frown.

    “Damn it, I left the humidifier in my lab after configuring it. I’ll go get it. Will you be okay alone? I can send Marie to stay with you.”

    “I’ll be fine,” Milan murmured, shifting on the lounge chair to stare out the wide windows to the gazebo.

    “Okay, I’ll be right back.” Kiyo kissed Milan’s forehead, pushing back strands of damp hair from Milan’s forehead with a gentle caress. “Don’t go anywhere.”

    Milan chuckled watching his father hurry out. His gaze returned to the infusion pump and the IV line going into the back of his left hand. The time counter read thirty-six minutes remaining, he let out a sigh.

    “Siri, turn on TV,” he said, smiling when the screen on the opposite wall came on. “Let’s watch Black Butler on Crunchyroll.”

    Milan was lost in Sebastian and Ciel when Marie came hurrying into the lounge holding a pie dish. She looked flustered, which was rare, Milan sat up with a frown.

    “You have a visitor.”

    “Me?”

    “Yep,” Marie held up the pie pan. “I would give you this, but your father would have my head. I’ll force your visitor to wear a mask as he comes in. He says he won’t leave and must see you with his own eyes.”

    “How strange,” Milan said.

    “He says he saw your pretty face at the grocery store yesterday,” Marie chuckled. “It must be amore a prima vista.” Love at first sight.

    “Marie!” Milan gaped at her as she hurried away laughing.

    Milan sat on the lounge chair waiting.

    A minute later, Rory Morgan appeared at the lounge door, the white mask on his face looking out of place. He looked…vibrant with energy.

    “Hi,” Rory said, lifting his hand in greeting, not moving from the entrance.

    Milan pulled his sweater down to cover the IV line going into his hand.

    “Hi,” Milan said, staring.

    Rory looked good in a white t-shirt and jeans, his hair dark wild on his head. He wore no sweater, as though the cold weather did not bother him.

    Rory reached up and adjusted the mask over his nose and mouth.

    “How are you?” Rory asked, his blue gaze intense.

    Milan blinked, fighting the urge to scream. This was not how he would have wanted to meet Rory Morgan again.

    “I’m fine. My family is paranoid about keeping the house sterile,” Milan said. “I’m sorry you have to wear that. It’s because Marie doesn’t know you.”

    To be truthful, Milan didn’t know Rory either, other than meeting him in a grocery store, and Rory finding sparkling wine bottles for him.

    “Uh, please come in.” Milan waved his free hand to the chair next to the one he was using. “I’m sorry I can’t get up to greet you.”

    Rory nodded and walked into the room, his steps deliberately slow as he closed the distance between them. When Rory sat down, Milan took in a deep breath hoping to ease his racing heart.

    Milan adjusted his sweater over the IV line again. His right hand in a fist, as he settled back on the lounge chair. He cleared his throat, reaching for the remote on the table to lower the volume on the television.

    “H-how come you’re here?” Milan asked, meeting Rory’s gaze.

    “I missed you at the party in town,” Rory said. “You promised to be there.”

    “I couldn’t make it.”

    “So, I came to find you.”

    Milan stared at Rory, amused. He had never met anyone so pushy in his life.

    “My parents don’t like strangers in the house.” Milan felt compelled to point out. “Papa is out for a few minutes, when he comes back, he might drag you out by the ear.”

    Rory chuckled.

    “Are you trying to scare me away?”

    “Is it working?”

    “No.”

    Milan smiled, oddly happy. His smile slipping when Rory moved, leaning over him to take his left hand. He frowned when Rory squeezed his hand gently, before folding the sweater’s sleeve back, exposing the white tape holding the needle in place.

    “You don’t have to hide this from me,” Rory said, his touch gentle as he smoothed the sweater’s sleeve after folding it. “It’s to keep you healthy, right?”

    Milan looked up from where Rory held his hand, to find startling blue eyes studying him.

    “I could be contagious,” Milan said, then.

    “I don’t get sick easily,” Rory answered. “Besides, I know you’re not contagious. Your family would be sick too.”

    “You have an answer for everything.”

    “I try to be on my toes,” Rory said. He settled back in his chair, his gaze never leaving Milan. “If I asked why you’re sick, would you tell me?”

    Milan bit his lip, the question common enough. He had answered it almost all his life.

    “If I asked you to pretend I was not sick, would you?” Milan asked, instead of giving the usual CVID explanation his mother had helped him memorize.

    “If that’s what you want,” Rory said with a nod, settling back in his chair, and turning his gaze to the television. “What are you watching?”

    “Anime. Do you watch?”

    “I don’t watch television. I do know loads of my cousins have kids who love watching a show called Boruto. Though, I couldn’t tell you what it’s about.”

    Milan imagined a guy like Rory spent a lot of time outside. He imagined Rory hiking, playing football, or swimming. Milan smoothed his fingers over his folded sleeve, touching the tape on his skin. He, on the other hand, could never play sports. So, he watched Ayu play, and cheered for him during his soccer matches.

    “What are you thinking?” Rory asked, drawing his attention back to the present.

    “Oh, nothing important. You seem like an outdoors kind of guy.”

    “I can stay in too,” Rory said. “Watch anime with you if you want it.”

    “That’s sweet of you,” Milan chuckled. “But you don’t have to.”

    Milan checked the time left on the infusion pump, and was surprised to find five minutes had passed.

    “So, did you pop the fizzy wine bottles at midnight?” Rory asked.

    “Si,” Milan said, smiling hard. “Papa and my big brother, Ayu, ran around the backyard spraying it on the ground, ushering in 2018. They got Mamma, and she was all wet, screaming like a banshee because it got in her hair.”

    “What about you?” Rory asked. “Did they get you?”

    “A little,” Milan said, remembering Ayu pouring a glass of the sparkling wine and handing it to him for a sip. “They were careful not to spill on me.”

    Rory fell silent and Milan looked up to find Rory studying him.

    “What?”

    Rory shook his head and looked around the lounge instead.

    “Your house is nice, great view of the forest from here,” Rory noted.

    “I love it best,” Milan said, pointing at the windows showing off the gazebo. “The other day, Ayu took me out to the gazebo and we were just hanging out.Then I saw a white wolf coming from the trees.”

    “Were you afraid?” Rory asked.

    “I was terrified,” Milan said, thinking of that moment, staring at the large white wolf standing at the forest’s edge. His heart racing a mile a minute, thinking himself prey for a stronger, wilder animal.

    “At the same time, it felt thrilling seeing such a wild animal so close. There was something majestic about it. You’re from around here. Tell me, is there a pack of wolves living in the forest? Or could it have been a lone wolf passing by?”

    “There have been a few sightings,” Rory answered, his gaze sliding away from Milan as he spoke. “Lone wolves are rare in this parts. If you ever meet one, run for safety.”

    “Doesn’t that trigger the wolf’s need to chase prey?”

    “It does, but if you run into a populated area, the wolf is less likely to follow you.”

    “That’s useful to know,” Milan noted. “Are you a Portento native?”

    “Yes.”

    “So, you were born here?”

    “My whole family is from here,” Rory said.

    “That’s kind of cool. You have deep roots.”

    “What about you?” Rory asked. “Where are you from?”

    “Um.”

    Milan always thought this question a trial. He was Japanese and Italian by blood. Yet, Japan was not his true home, neither was Italy. His parents rarely visited their childhood homes, preferring the whirlwind of travel they often lived. So, he couldn’t lay claim to either country. Meeting Rory’s curious gaze, he smiled.

    “We just moved from Turin, Italy. We stayed there three years, but before that, there was Brussels, before that Prague, before that, Vienna. I was born in Bern. We’ve lived in so many cities. I can only say I’m from a lot of places.”

    “I think that’s kind of cool,” Rory said.

    “Really?”

    “Yeah, you’ve gotten to see different cultures, meet different people, and learn different languages.”

    Milan smiled. “Interesting way to look at it.”

    “I think it makes you unique, Milan.”

    “Unique in a nice way, or in a weird new kid way?”

    “In a very attractive way,” Rory answered, making Milan blush.

    Rory reached for a small towel on the side table between their chairs. He stood up and came to perch on the edge of Milan’s chair. Pressing the towel on Milan’s forehead, he wiped off sweat, the cloth cool against Milan’s skin.

    Milan bit his bottom lip, holding still, conscious of Rory sitting so close to him. His heart raced as Rory worked on wiping off sweat from his forehead.Fingers tight in fists, Milan closed his eyes afraid his heart was going to jump out of his chest.

    “Are you feeling alright?” Rory asked after a minute.

    Milan looked up to find Rory studying him.

    “Just fine,” Milan managed, forcing his fingers to uncurl, taking a deep breath and letting it out slowly. He didn’t understand why his heart kept speeding up when he got close to Rory Morgan.

    Rory folded the cloth and placed it on the table, though he did not move from Milan’s chair.

    “How long does this take?” Rory asked, pointing to the IV line.

    Milan glanced at the machine. “I have twenty -five minutes left.”

    “Then?”

    Milan smiled.

    “Then, I’ll be ready to go to school tomorrow. Do you go to Ashland High?”

    “Yes. I’m in my senior year,” Rory said. “You?”

    “Eleventh grade. I’m glad I’ll at least know one person now. First day of school is hardest when you don’t know anyone. Before, I would have my big brother, Ayu, but he’s going to college now.”

    “You can hang out with me at school,” Rory said.

    Milan smiled.

    “That would be nice. Just to warn you, I have to wear that mask you’re wearing at school, and gloves. I’ll look like the new freak of the school, and will not add cool points to you.”

    “Anyone who thinks you’re a freak will be at a loss,” Rory said, taking Milan’s right hand and turning it over to study Milan’s palm. “Your hands are really soft, except for the callus on your middle finger. Why is it there?”

    Warmth seeped into Milan’s skin where Rory held his hand, it felt as though he was getting an infusion of heat from Rory’s very warm hands. The feel of it sent thrills through Milan, it took him a moment to answer Rory.

    “I draw a lot,” Milan answered, when Rory lifted a brow in question. “Before I got a drawing tablet with a stylus, it was all on paper, and I was using pencils. I tend to grip them pretty hard, so the callus formed. Papa bought the tablet to stop the it.”

    “Does it hurt?” Rory asked, rubbing his thumb over the fading bump on Milan’s finger.

    “Not anymore,” Milan said, trying to pull his hand out from Rory’s maddening touch. He didn’t succeed. Rory tightened his hold, keeping his right hand prisoner.

    “You still haven’t told me why you came today,” Milan prompted, watching Rory study his palm as though he had a quiz later.

    “I told you, Milan,” Rory looked up then, meeting Milan’s gaze. “I really came to see you.”

    “Why?”

    Rory’s eyes shone with amusement, sending Milan’s heart into another wild riot.

    “Why not?” he asked, and Milan didn’t really have an answer to that, as he had wished for someone to visit him minutes before Rory walked in.

    ***

    tml

  • Crown Prince Yoshi – 12

    “Have you found Midori?” Namik’s sharp gaze rested on his steward.  “I want him here.”

    “My lord, General Midori was last spotted on the borders of Earith fighting against our forces,” Rocke said.  “All attempts to reach him have failed.”

    “You mean his inner circle has killed your messengers,” Namik said, his tone amused.  “Looks like I trained him well.  However, I must have left out vital lessons for him to defy me this way.  No matter, once we have taken the palace and Prince Saki crowned, Midori will find his way back.”

    Rocke stared at Namik’s feet, clearly ready to say more.

    “What?”

    “Sire,” Rocke said, his tone wary.  “They say General Midori protects the Prince Yoshi.”

    “Protects?”

    Namik stared at Rocke, anger rising.  It angered him that his men had missed assassinating Prince Yoshi, not once but three times now.  He’d heard of the incident in a village and dark rider spiriting the young prince into the forest.  The dark rider had to be his son.

    “Leave,” Namik said.

    Rocke nodded and hurried out of the tent.

    Namik grabbed the goblet of wine on his table and drank deep.  Shaking his head in disappointment, he slammed the goblet on the table.

    “Your anger will be your undoing.”

    Namik turned to find Prince Tailen had come in to the tent.  He scowled and gave the man a small bow.

    “What brings you here, Your Highness?” Namik asked.  “You should be in the palace helping the Empress mourn her son.”

    “Don’t mock me,” Prince Tailen growled moving to sit at the head of the table.  “We both know an impostor lies in the casket.  Almira is not as devastated as she should be, I suspect she knows the truth too.”

    “Your hold on her is weak,” Namik said.

    “She’s not easy,” Prince Tailen scoffed.  “Vulan trained her.  A man who subdued the Sand Queen.  What do you expect?”

    “If Saki is going to rule, you need to take more risks.”

    Namik worked to hide his disgust.  Prince Tailen was sly and thrifty, strong he was not, and the idea of serving him for longer than he had to disgusted him.  Still, if this was the only way to wrest power from the Taimeng House, then he would work with what he had.  Once Almira was out of the way, he would kill Tailen, leaving Saki open to his ideals.

    “The Imperial army will surround the palace,” Namik continued.  “The Fier Army will patrol the streets of Lexin City and guard all entry gates.  That should give you enough time with the Imperial Diet.  They will insist on following the laws of succession.  Without Yoshi, you have an easy task.”

    Prince Tailen glanced at him.

    “What of the Quad Council.  The Council works along the Diet, Namik.  The Diet might control the structure of the royal family, but the Council determines how the Empire treats a monarch.”

    “Don’t worry about the Quad council.  Both the ministers of defense and rites are from Fier.  They will convince the others to follow if they hope to survive this.”

    “What of Terra?

    Namik chose a seat then.  He stared at the map on the table.  He didn’t want to tangle with Terra or Lilind, the Queen of Sands.  He knew Almira had sent a messenger to Terra.  As long as the messenger didn’t make it, Terra would not make a move.  As for Dwind, they never bothered with Quad politics.  Piper Klud spent too much time worrying about her people, and Lilind considered Quad politics petty since her tangle with Emperor Vulan.  If he managed to wrest control before they got involved, Terra would bow to the new authority, and Dwind would shrug the change away.

    “Control Almira and we have Terra,” Namik said.

    “Yes, Almira has a strange love for Terra because of her husband,” Prince Tailen said, giving him a small wicked smile.  “The Empire mourns Yoshi’s death, his funeral is underway.  A successor must be named, and the Imperial Diet must meet to attend the task.  Almira will fight to delay that summit, but with your army at her gates, she has no choice left.”

    “This will only work if you’re committed, Prince Tailen,” Namik warned, he’d risked everything.

    Prince Tailen held his gaze.

    “I’ve waited my whole life, Namik of Fier.  No one is more committed to this than me.”

    Namik stood.

    “Then, I will lead the army into Lexin city tomorrow morning.”

    ***

    Lexin City

    Warning drums wrenched peace from the city.  Weeks worth of tension broke into chaos.  Almira stood in an alley and watched her people run on the streets in fear.  Screams of fear, angry voices, frantic men and women carrying their belongings.

    Her talk with Teng Heim had lasted all night.  On her way to the palace, the warning drums at the main Lexin City gates started.

    Now, women clung to their children as they ran to the safety of their homes.  The rumble of mammoth gates closing told her she still had loyal servants within the palace.

    She had been fifteen the last time the warning drums rang.  Her father was Emperor.  Lilind of Dwind had started the war then.  Lilind led an uprising against Emperor Vulan Taimeng.  Almira had watched her father face the Sand Queen, and come out the victor.  Emperor Vulan insisted on one-on-one combat.  Forcing Lilind to face him in the city square.  Almira watched her father fight the terrifying Lilind, heart in her throat as Vulan was wounded many times.  Thirty minutes of fast battle, and Vulan had defeated the Sand Queen, holding her down on the ground with the sword Yoshi now carried.

    Almira had asked her father why he hadn’t killed Lilind later that day.

    ‘Lilind is one of our subjects, Almira,’ Vulan said.  ‘She is vital to the well-being of the Empire.  It is better to compromise with her.’

    Almira sighed now watching a small boy fall, screaming as people ran around him in panic.  What was she to do with Namik now?  Was she to compromise with him when he had dared murder her only child for power?

    She clenched her fists.

    Such wisdom was beyond her.

    “Save the boy.”

    Ara, her guard, rushed into the chaos and returned back carrying the boy.

    Almira adjusted the scarf over her head, hiding her face.  She took the boy from Ara knowing her guard would need her arms free to defend them.  Ara led the way down a dark alley heading back to the palace.

    Almira held the panicked boy in her arms.  Tears slid down the boy’s cheeks even as she held him.  Fear in his eyes.  Almira vowed then to squash Namik and Tailen for good.

    ***

    Zia Sayu pressed against the high wall keeping her from entering Terra, and prayed for strength.  Two days, and she had yet to find a way in.  Terra’s defenses were solid.  Her two assassins dogged her every step.  She was tired and thirsty, her supplies long gone.

    A rock dislodged to her left and she held her breath.  The dagger in her right hand held tight.  She stood still, waiting.  Letting the assassin come to her.  She would have the advantage of surprise.  She would not die here.  She had a duty to her Empress and the Phoenix.  Her grip on the dagger tightened, and her muscles tensed in preparation.

    A shadow appeared on the edge of the wall, and she stopped short when a white cat emerged.  It meowed in irritation and continued on.  Zia smiled, amused, and then followed the cat.

    ***

    Yoshi held Senbon’s reins turning him around in a circle, his gaze on the luscious green grass growing in a wide field behind the Furian Palace.  Vibrant flowers on trees surrounded them, thick vines dropping from tall branches created a wall around the field.  So utterly untouched and wild: beautiful, nature forged.

    “Can you win?” Midori challenged behind him, and Yoshi jerked his gaze to his lover.

    His breath hitched at the sight of Midori atop his black stallion, Midnight.  His Fier General was too handsome for words.  Midori smiled at him and Yoshi urged Senbon to catch up with Midnight.  They raced: fast and reckless.  Senbon was swift, but Midnight was strong and he kept up.  Yoshi laughed when they raced head to head, exhilaration in every gallop.  He slowed down Senbon and was pleased when Midori followed suit with Midnight.  They ended up on the edge of the clearing away from the palace and prying eyes.  Midori reached for his reins and moving his horse close, until they could lean close for a kiss.

    “Did I win?” Yoshi asked, meeting Midori’s gaze, his gaze dropping to Midori’s lips.

    Senbon shifted, and Yoshi sighed when a small distance grew between them.

    “You always win,” Midori said.  “At least in my heart.”

    Yoshi smiled.

    “Your words are as beautiful as this field the Iron Furian Princess has nurtured.  Who do you think she comes here with?”

    “Telia,” Midori said with a knowing smile.

    “No way,” Yoshi gaped.  “Are you serious?”

    “When am I never serious?” Midori asked.  “We should go back.  The head of your Black Guard will get antsy.”

    Yoshi sighed.

    “Yes, you are right.  I need to leave for Dwind.  Namik has reached Lexin City by now.”

    “Yes,” Midori agreed.

    “Can I convince you to lead the allied army while Sando, Telia and I head to Dwind?”

    “No.”

    “Midori.”

    “You asked me to stay by your side.  Don’t send me away, Yoshi.”

    Yoshi nodded, a frown dancing on his forehead.  He too didn’t want the separation.  Midori made his duties bearable, kept him focused.  Alone, the responsibilities swamped and paranoia set in.  There were too many who wanted him dead, and equally too many who wanted his support.  Midori helped him cut through it all for a moment of respite.

    “The Princess Naria will lead the allied forces to Lexin City,” Midori suggested.  “She doesn’t need to engage my father, she only needs to show unity until you can return with Terra and Dwind at your back.”

    “Do you think I’m strong enough to convince Lilind of the Sands to follow me?”

    “The Emperor Vulan was your grandfather,” Midori said.  “You are of his blood line, Yoshi.”

    Yoshi started to turn to Midori, and paused when he caught a shadow in the woods.  Meeting Midori’s gaze, he reached for Senbon’s reins.

    “My grandfather’s stories are intimidating.”

    Yoshi shifted on Senbon, ready to act.  Midori noting his stance, brought his right hand to the hilt of his sword.

    “Do you think my stories will be intimidating to the future too?”

    Midori smiled.

    “Of course, Yoshi.”

    The shadow shifted, running at them, Yoshi caught the glint of a sword and jumped off Senbon faster than Midori.  He swung his sword, meeting the intruder’s attack with a strong swing of his sword sending the intruder staggering back.  Before he could engage him again, Tai Migi appeared and took over the fight.  In mere seconds, their would-be attacker was pinned to the ground, a dagger in his shoulder, and Tai Migi crouched over him.

    “Who sent you?” Tai asked, his tone laced with cold anger.

    When no answer was forthcoming, Tai twisted the dagger in the attacker’s shoulder drawing a sharp scream.

    “N—Namik of Fier,” the man cried.  “I—I’m o—only a messenger, sent to Lord General Midori.”

    Yoshi froze, his gaze going to Midori.

    “What is your message?” Tai demanded of the messenger.

    “I—

    “State your message,” Midori roared.

    “You belong beside your father,” the messenger said.  “Lord Namik looks forward to having you at the table.”

    Midori stepped back and Tai Migi sunk a second dagger into the intruder, killing him.

    “Why did you do that?” Yoshi demanded.  “We could have gotten more answers—

    “You are too close to General Midori.  A messenger sent to him by Namik will cause unrest in a budding alliance,” Tai answered.  “It is best for all of us if no one knew this man made it this close.”

    “My father will have sent more than one,” Midori said, his tone low.

    “I’m well aware,” Tai answered, getting to his feet.  He kept his gaze on Yoshi as he spoke.  “Your Royal Highness, must you keep the General by your side?”

    Yoshi held Tai’s gaze.

    “Yes.”

    Tai stood watching him for a moment longer, then nodded, giving him a small bow.

    “As you wish,” Tai said.  “The Black Guard will hunt down any lingering messengers.”

    “This was to be a private hour,” Yoshi commented, looking into the surrounding trees, half expecting the head of the Black Guard to appear.  “Who else watches?”

    “There’s only me,” Tai said.  “You’ll never be alone, Prince Yoshi.  However, when it’s only me, you are alone.”

    Yoshi knew then his world was changing slowly.  Soon, more than Tai would know what he ate for breakfast, who he kissed, when he kissed…

    Midori touched his shoulder.

    “The body—

    “I will deal with this,” Tai said, his gaze on Midori’s hand where he touched Yoshi.

    Yoshi knew what bothered Tai, but made no move to remove Midori’s hand.  He would hold on to this one happiness.

    “When you are finished, start prepping for the journey to Dwind,” Yoshi said, turning to Midori.  “I must meet the Princess Naria before I leave.”

    “Yes, Your Royal Highness,” Tai gave him a short bow.  “I will report to you when I’m done.”

    Yoshi swung onto Senbon and urged the stallion into a hard run, needing to escape.

    ***

    “You will hurt him,” Tai said, when Midori moved to mount his own horse.

    “What?” Midori stopped looking at the man who unsettled him.

    Dressed in black, his face covered but for his eyes, Tai Migi was dangerous.  Midori didn’t need to see him fight to know it.

    “The longer you stay by his side in this capacity, you will bring him harm.”  Tai’s gaze narrowed.  “When that time comes, I will be the one to remove you.”

    “You threaten me?” Midori asked, gripping the reins tight.

    “I don’t need to,” Tai answered.  “The Empress, however, she protects what she must.  This warning is the only courtesy I will extend.  Midori of Fier, if nothing else, know that the Empire comes first for that one you cling to.”

    Tai returned to the dead man on the ground, leaving Midori to stare at him.

    Midori mounted Midnight fast, and urged the stallion after Yoshi.  He did not need Tai’s advice.  He knew very well who Yoshi was, what loving him entailed.  Still…

    Yoshi slowed Senbon down, allowing him to catch up.  One glance at his handsome Prince and the doubt receded.  Yoshi smiled at him and that was enough to send Tai’s warning away.  He didn’t care what the future had in store for them.  As long as right now, Yoshi kept smiling at him.

    “Race you to the stables,” Midori challenged.

    Yoshi grinned and they set off in a fast race, Yoshi laughing when they stayed head-to-head.

    Midori locked away the sound of that laugh deep in the vault in his heart.

    ***

    An hour later, Yoshi sat at the head of a gargantuan table in the Furian Palace Court Room, facing officials and nobles from both Earith and the Furian Forest.

    “The Princess Naria will lead the allied forces into Lexin City.”

    Protests and murmurs of complaints filled the room, rising until Lord Heloth dared voice the words.

    “Why not you?” Lord Heloth.  “We have come together under your banner, Your Royal Highness.  Why must we now serve the Furian Princess?”

    “I go to convince Dwind to join forces.”  Yoshi kept his tone neutral, his expression blank, giving away none of what he felt inside.  “Lilind of Dwind will listen to no one else.”

    Midori listened as the nobles argued, and came up with suggestions to keep the Princess Naria from leading the allied forces.  Their irrational fear for the Furians annoyed him, especially after all the Princess Naria had done.  Keeping Fier’s rabid army clear of Earith, fighting for them…

    “Why can’t you name General Midori your proxy?” Lord Heloth suggested at one point.  “He is a proven leader.  He kept the Fier Rebel army at bay until you came back to the Earith border.”

    Midori started to protest but Yoshi beat him to it, slapping his palm on the table, startling the room into silence.

    “The Princess Naria leads the allied forces,” Yoshi roared.  “Her title ranks higher than General Midori or you Lord Heloth.  The Princess Naria knows more of war than all of us in this room.  She has kept the Furian Forest at peace for more years than I have lived.  Anyone who dares question my authority will face my Black Guard.”

    Silence filled the room.  Many mistook it as acquiescence to Yoshi’s words, perhaps an acknowledgment to his threat to meet the Black Guard.  Midori recognized the fact that these noble men and women had finally caught a glimpse of their future ruler.  Yoshi’s voice had rang with undeniable authority.  His gaze cold as he delivered his first edict.

    “Namik of Fier has reached Lexin City.  Our army must face him soon.  We need to draw his attention away from the Palace.”

    “Do you think Dwind will join forces with us?” Princess Naria asked Yoshi then.  “Lilind of the Sands rarely moves a finger when the Quads are at odds.”

    “It is my duty to try,” Yoshi answered.  “If she won’t join us, I will return with Terra’s forces and we can face Namik together.”

    “How long will you be away, Your Royal Highness?” Lord Heloth asked, when Naria took over talks on planning the allied forces.

    “Five days,” Yoshi said.  “It should take us three days to cut through Earith, and enter Dwind.  Depending on Lilind’s answer, there will be no need for stealth, I will enter the Imperial Lands and meet you at the gates into Lexin City.”

    “Who goes with you?” Princess Naria asked.

    “Sando, Telia, General Midori and the Black Guard,” Yoshi said.

    “Will that be enough?” Lord Heloth asked.  “If we lose you, this war is lost.”

    “One of my men will join us,” Midori said, speaking for the first time.  “Lenoth is a seasoned warrior.”

    “I will hold you responsible if anything should go wrong,” the Princess Naria said, her voice colder than Yoshi’s.

    Midori wondered if there was a Royal School hidden in the Empire that taught them how to intimidate their lowly subjects.  Midori inclined his head in understanding and Princess Naria continued on with her plans.  The planning took over three hours.  By the time it ended, preparations were underway for departure.  Midori lost sight of Yoshi as he went off with Sando to talk to the soldiers in the army in person.

    To keep up morale, Midori sighed.

    Yoshi had no idea that having him around was enough of a boost for the men and women in the allied forces.  A Prince who had spent his life hidden away from the world by the powerful Empress Almira, now walked among his people, fought beside them…got wounded…Yoshi was stealing hearts at every turn.  Midori stood on the edge of the clearing near the army barracks and watched Yoshi sit around a fire, joining five other men.  The men laughed at something Yoshi said, and Sando paced behind him in a state of agitation.  No doubt worried one of the men would dare touch Yoshi, or some similar foolishness.  Yoshi patted a soldier’s shoulder and Midori grinned.  Poor Sando.

    “He is changing you,” Lenoth said, coming to join him.  “You smile more readily than you did before.”

    “Do I?” Midori asked, swallowing back his smile, though it was hard for him to stop staring at Yoshi.  “Have Naro pack enough for three days journey.  Once we reach Dwind, we will know what to do from there.  Ask him to consult the Prince’s Chamberlain on further arrangements.”

    “I have never been to Dwind,” Lenoth confessed.  “I hear the sand shifts according to Lilind’s mood.  When she is angry, it rises up into the sky, covering all who dare brave it to their death.  I would hate to suffocate in sand, My Lord.”

    “Your imagination is alive and well,” Midori soothed.  “I promise not to let you suffocate in sand.”

    Lenoth flashed him a grin.

    “I can’t promise you won’t sink into the sand, though,” Midori continued.  “The ground does turn soft in Lilind’s dunes.  One step is all it takes, and you are swallowed up.”

    “Cruel Lord General,” Lenoth scoffed.  “Looks like the Prince has done nothing for your sense of humor.”

    Midori laughed and Yoshi turned at the sound.  Their gazes met and held, and for one solid second, the reality of the war ahead disappeared.  Then Lenoth touched his arm, seeking his attention, and Yoshi looked to the soldiers eagerly talking to him.  The second passed, but Midori locked it away deep inside: a treasured memory.

    ***

    Zia Sayu crawled along a murky dirty drain.  Her fingers touching rough rock, squashy muck she dared not examine.  The stench alone enough to wake the dead.  She coughed, her gaze on the light at the end of the tunnel.  The cat she had followed into the drain long gone.  Skipping on nimble feet along the drainage edge no doubt coming out with no speck of dirt.

    Such cunning creatures, cats.

    At least she had lost her assassins.  The drain the cat had chosen was sunk under the wall, hidden by long blades of grass.  She would never have found it without the cat.  She kept walking forward, her bag balanced on her head.  The ring on a chain around her neck carefully protected by her tunic.  Once she was within the walls of Terra, then her real task would start.

    Her goal: finding Lady Tinya Hellis, Terra’s Commandant the Empress’s sister in-law.  Lady Hellis’s castle was carved out of the cliffs by the ocean and guarded by the men who trained the Prince’s Black Guard.  Zia stopped and touched the blades on her back, hidden under the dark fabric she wore.  Sneaking in was impossible, fighting her way through was the only option.  But before that…she pressed her back against the tunnel wall, crouched and closed her eyes.  She needed at least four hours of sleep if she hoped to succeed.

    ***

    yoshi2

  • The Assassin – eBook – Now Available!

    The Assassin

    The Assassin

    Kian Raja grew up in a cold world where the only rule is to survive and be the strongest. He has learned to live with his choices, and keep it real no matter the situation he meets. Then he meets Daven Noland who makes him wish for a future.

    Dr. Daven Noland has lived a life saving souls in the harshest of places. On a quest to prosecute a vicious man who endangers the lives of an entire village, Daven gains the attention of a murderous organization. They send an Assassin after him, and he must now convince this assassin to help him fulfill his quest. Can he manage? Will they get to the end of this journey intact, or will he lose his life trying?

    I finally got this compiled and ready for download on Smashwords.  As soon as the process is ready there it will also be available at Barnes & Nobles.  If you haven’t read it yet, enjoy it!  Share it! Please support it! ^_^

    Here is the link for Download: The Assassin

    Five Favorites about The Assassin

  • The Morgan Lore – 7

    The Pack House Extension

    Rory drove home in a state of euphoria.  The feel of Milan’s touch fresh in his mind.  He loved it already, wanted more, and it pained him to wait.

    The memory of Milan holding his hand, looking at him with amused beautiful brown eyes left him with a fluttering heart.

    Rory parked his car next to his father’s pickup.  Turning off the engine, he sat in the driver’s seat for a full minute thinking about meeting Milan at the party tomorrow.  He needed to work at not making his need to be close to Milan obvious.  There was so much to show Milan, he didn’t know where to start.  It was frustrating having to wait, but damn, he loved everything about Milan already.

    Grinning like a fool, he got out of his car.  The sound of hammering and drilling drew his gaze to the west side of the house he had called home for eighteen years.

    Shit!  He had completely forgotten about the extension project.  That was probably the reason why his father was calling him earlier.  A frown creased his smooth forehead, when Jack Bennett, Lisbeth’s son, stepped out of a new balcony on the second floor of the extended section.

    “Rory.”

    Jack kept his voice low, easy enough for Rory to hear despite the distance between them.

    “You need to find Beta Kutler to sign off on supplies.  We are almost finished with the bathrooms up here.  We need glass for the shower stall in the master suite at the end of the hall, bars for the towels in all rooms, we’re also missing a sink.  The rest of the list is with Annie.”

    “Got it,” Rory said to Jack and started to the main front door.

    “If we keep a steady workflow, we should be done with major construction before ten tonight,” Jack continued.  “Then we can all go for the midnight bonfire.  You’re coming right?”

    Rory gave Jack a thumbs up, though he wasn’t sure about hanging out with the pack tonight.  He was already missing Milan.  He wanted to see his mate pop the prosecco bottles they had bought earlier.  Entering the house, Rory dropped his keys on the table in the hall and looked up to find his father watching him.

    “Follow me,” Connor said, going up the stairs to the second floor without waiting for Rory’s answer.

    Rory winced at the thought of the coming tirade.  He had not spoken much to his Dad since the day he saw Milan.  He followed Connor into a private study on the second floor.  Closing the door, he turned to find Connor leaning on his desk, arms crossed against his chest.

    “So, you’ve found your mate,” Connor stated before Rory could say anything.

    Rory could not help his smile.

    “Yes.”

    “He’s not one of us,” Connor continued.

    Rory’s fingers curled into fists, and met his father’s gaze.

    “He is still mine,” Rory said, ready to fight anyone who dared say otherwise.

    Connor lifted his hand to calm him.

    “Rory.” Connor smiled.  “The moment you shut me out, I knew you met him.  I understand some of what you are feeling.  I had your mother once, didn’t I?”

    Rory let out a breath, relaxing his stance.  Connor rarely talked about his mother, that he would mention her was enough.

    “I’m sorry this won’t be easy for you,” Connor said in the following silence.  “While you’ve been away, Lechter and the Mayor have been hard at work.  Biosense slipped Dr. Ilaria into the hospital through a training program.  The doctors in charge say they need the program because of new equipment in the hospital.”

    “Ilaria is harmless,” Rory said.  “She spends most of her time worrying about my mate.  The rest is divided between work, her oldest son and her husband.”

    “Well, now that the hospital is aware, her schedule was changed.  They’ll manage what she has access to.  Dr. Ilaria is not the problem.”  Connor crossed his arms against his chest.  “Her husband, Kiyo Takeda, is the threat.”

    Connor took a folder from his desk and held it up for Rory to see.  The thickness of the folder made Rory wary.  It was never good when the Sheriff could drag up such a thick folder on a person.

    “I’m not going to read that,” Rory said, meeting his father’s gaze.

    Rory paced back, then with a shrug, he closed his eyes and sighed.  Heart pounding hard, Rory stopped close to the door and turned to face Connor.

    “Ok, just tell me what’s in it.”

    Connor chuckled.

    “It’s not a perp folder.  Dr. Takeda is a renowned researcher on genetics, and something to do with blood.  Lechter compiled it with help from his millions of contacts.  He explained the content, but it sounded like gibberish to me.  All I know is that we should be concerned that such a man is living so close to our home.  It also says that he has been working on finding a cure for his youngest son.  Is your mate ill?”

    Rory rubbed his eyes, and started pacing again.

    “Yes.  Something is wrong with him, even though I don’t understand it yet.”

    “Rory—

    “I’m not willing to walk away,” Rory cut in before his father could continue.  “I’m not able to, Dad.  I can’t.”

    “I wasn’t going to ask you to,” Connor said, a slight frown creasing his forehead.  “Though, I have to remind you, loyalty to the pack is cardinal, Rory.  The town’s safety is second to none.  Your mate’s status needs discussion by the council.”

    Rory stopped pacing to look at his dad.

    “What happens when Lechter won’t accept him?” Rory asked, aware that the Chancellor was too paranoid to make concessions.  Lechter would vote against Milan, and his family, that was no secret.

    “You’re jumping to conclusions.”

    “I’m not, and you know it, Dad.”  Rory shook his head.  “Lechter hates humans.  Are you telling me it won’t seep into his judgment?  Milan won’t even get a chance to prove himself.”

    “Milan,” Connor smiled.  “He has a nice name.”

    Rory returned his father’s smile, his thoughts on Milan.

    “He’s so handsome, and lively when he’s feeling well.  I can’t wait to introduce him to you.  It’s killing me not being able to meet him and hold him.  If this goes south, I don’t-, I can’t even-, this—

    “It will be fine, Rory,” Connor said, pushing off the desk, coming to place a gentle hand on Rory’s right shoulder.  “We’ll find a way through it together.”

    “Is this what it was like with you and Mom?” Rory asked, holding his father’s gaze.

    Connor’s dark blue eyes turned stormy and he squeezed Rory’s shoulder.  Rory saw pain slash through his father, and bit his lip hard for having dredged up painful memories.

    “It was complicated,” Connor answered, his voice thick with emotion, “but that is a story for another day.  When you’re ready, bring Milan to meet me.  For now, we’ll delay the council hearing for as long as possible.  Or until we better understand Kiyo Takeda’s work.  Alright?”

    Rory nodded, relief flooding him for the small leeway from the Alpha.  Now, all he had to do was meet Milan officially, get their bond to grow to the point that breaking it would be too cruel.  The council could not sever a mated bond, no matter the situation.

    “Now that we have cleared, stop locking me out,” Connor said, squeezing Rory’s shoulder before he let go and walked back to his desk.  “You’re still under my rule, Rory Morgan.  I have duties for you to carry out.”

    “Yes Sir,” Rory said.

    “Starting with finishing construction on the west-side extension.  You started that project, finish it.  Looks like it won’t be just Topher and his mate who need privacy soon.”

    Rory grinned, excitement filling him at the thought of moving in with Milan.  He gave Connor a nod, then hurried out of the study room heading downstairs.

    Rory hurried down hallway that would lead him to the back of the pack house.  A section of the back was reserved for pack matters.  He entered a mini reception, already occupied by three women and a couple who sat on the waiting chairs.  The secretary behind the desk glanced up from her screen and treated him to a smile.

    “Rory.  Back from town?”

    Rory leaned on the counter.

    “Yep.  Jack says you have a list for me.”

    “I do,” she handed him a clipboard with a neat list of items.

    Giving it a once over, Rory smiled at Annie.

    “Thanks.”

    “Are you coming tonight?” Annie asked him, her gaze hopeful.

    She wasn’t the first to give him that look.  Bonfire nights were like open season among his people.  Willing partners who had not found their mates found comfort in each other’s arms.  He had lost his virginity on a bonfire night.

    Now, knowing there was Milan, Rory found Annie’s gaze irritated him.

    “I might stop by for a few minutes,” Rory said, ignoring Annie’s frown when he didn’t say more.  “Is Beta Kutler in?”

    “Yeah, sure,” Annie said, with a short nod.

    Rory thanked her for the list and hurried past her desk to a short hallway with six doors, each belonging to an official in the pack.  Pack businesses was conducted in this dedicated space.  His father had once told him that running the pack was very much like running an official organization.  There was treasury, the secretariat, pack welfare, and security offices.  Each one with complete staff sourced from the pack members.

    The other two doors were the Alpha’s office and the Beta and Third’s office.  Each one handling different aspects of the pack.

    Rory had spent most of his teenage years learning the duties of each offices.  Six years of hanging out here and he could navigate the insane bureaucracy that was pack politics like a pro.

    Tapping on the clipboard, Rory paused when he saw Dolon’s family in the security offices talking to June Vadisi, the Beta’s wife and the head of security.  Dolon’s mother, a petite blonde, pressed a handkerchief to her eyes.  She was crying.  Her husband rubbing her shoulders, trying to sooth her.

    Rory frowned.  He would have stepped in to learn more, but June chose that moment to close the door.

    They must be complaining about his brother Chris putting their son in hospital.

    Rory smirked.  He pitied Dolon’s mom, but the moment that punk Dolon got out of hospital, he was heading back in.  Rory had not forgotten the reasons why Chris had raced Dolon.  Looks like that family was going to be complaining about the Morgan brothers for a while.

    Rory continued on to the next door, finding it open too.  He knocked on the door, and entered after a gruff grunt replied.

    “Beta Kutler,” Rory said, closing the door, his gaze on the tall man behind a large wooden desk laden with paperwork, and an electric typewriter.

    Rumor was that the desk was as old as Portento, which was a couple of hundred years old.  His ancestors were said to have carved the desk out of old trees in the original pack homestead.  Rory imagined the grannies who had told him that story were exaggerating.  No desk, no matter how well preserved, would last that long without parts replaced.

    “Rory Morgan, did you come in to stare?”

    Rory met shrewd dark eyes and bit back a laugh at the sight of hickory barbecue sauce stuck on Kutler Vadisi’s greying beard.  Walking to the old desk, he took a tissue from a box kept by June on the edge of the desk and held it out to Kutler.

    “June must have made another delicious barbeque burger for lunch,” Rory said in greeting.

    “She does know me well,” Kutler said, flashing him a grin as he wiped off the barbeque sauce.  “Why are you here?”

    “Supplies,” Rory held out the clipboard.  “Before you send me to treasury, remember that this project is not under the pack fund.”

    “Right,” Kutler placed the clipboard on the desk before him and sat back to study Rory.  “You’re a smart one, Rory Morgan.  How did you figure out that The Morgan could pay for this extension?”

    Rory grinned, and sat in the armchair facing Kutler.  The Morgan was an intricate web of companies ran by Kutler outside Portento.   Known only as TMG, they funneled energy back to Portento, provided major construction services, and manufactured an impressive list of products designed to keep Portento unnoticed.

    Rory had gone through TMG’s accounting files after Kutler asked him to sort financial data sent to him in large boxes by the company’s offices.

    “Simple, TMG needed a CSR project, I created one, you approved it,” Rory smiled.

    “Sneaky,” Kutler said, folding his hands against his chest.  “You know, this pack house was originally built as it is for a reason.  The Alpha, Beta and Third live here with their families to keep the pack stable, Rory.”

    “I understand it,” Rory nodded, sliding his hands over the smooth arms of his chair.  “I respect what our grandparents created, but I’ve walked in on Topher and Maryann going at it in the shared bathroom upstairs at least ten times.  He has almost ripped my head off each time.”

    Kurtis shook his head with a frown.

    “I did not need that image.”

    Rory chuckled sure Kurtis was right.  Topher was his first born son and the next Beta.

    “What do I say if the rest of the pack complain about the crazy renovations you’ve created?”

    “You can say you’re helping our family gain serious privacy,” Rory said, watching Kurtis sign the supplies list.  “The extension gives Matt, Topher and I much needed space, leaving our current rooms open for anyone who might need their use.  It’s a good deal.”

    “I’m impressed, Rory.  Your father doesn’t have time for numbers, or navigating paperwork like you do.”  Kurtis handed him the clipboard.  “Keep learning, Rory.  I don’t know why, but I have a crazy feeling about your generation.  I think it will be great if you also learn how to adapt fast.”

    Rory stood and took the clipboard with a short nod already used to Kurtis’s advice session.  He always got these little speeches when he entered Kurtis’s domain.

    Rory imagined it was the burden of running the huge company Kurtis did, and worrying about the pack’s financial future.  He did not envy Topher and the heavy burden of taking up TMG at all.

    “Thanks, Beta Kurtis,” Rory said, heading to the door.

    “Be at the bonfire tonight,” Kurtis said, his tone not pleading like Annie’s but a clear order.  “It will be good for the pack to see the future leaders of the pack around.  We need to show strength, Rory.  Let Topher and Matt know too.”

    Rory gave the pack’s beta a short nod and hurried out of the office before more orders came his way.

    His afternoon raced in a whirlwind of activity, all of it to do with construction.  Driving his father’s truck back to town, to the only hardware, he got the supplies Jack needed.  He drove back home, working with Jack to help the crew finish up all major work on the extension of the house.

    “Looks real good,” Topher said, entering the master bedroom in the corner suite on the second floor late evening.  “Now you just need Maryann to help with the cosmetics.”

    Rory smiled with pride as he finished screwing the last towel bar.  He straightened up, swiping sweat off his forehead with his bandana.  Leaving the master bathroom, he adjusted the tool belt around his waist and looked around the empty master bedroom.

    This was his suite…a smile tagged his lips…no, it was his and Milan’s.  His mate would live here with him soon.

    “You’re grinning like a lovesick fool,” Topher teased from the balcony.  “I’m kind of jealous.  I miss those first days with Maryann.  That first intense connection, I didn’t think I would ever get used to it.”

    Rory stretched his arms above his head and walked to the balcony to join Topher who was leaning on the rail watching pack kids in the huge backyard behind the house.

    “Thanks for pushing for this extension,” Topher said after a minute.  “I mean, it’s nice to stay close to our parents, but it was getting…weird.”

    “Weird,” Rory said at the same time as Topher.

    “Yeah,” Topher smiled.  “Sometimes it’s nice to have space just to be ourselves.  You’ll understand when you and Milan are together.”

    Rory closed his eyes thinking of Milan, his chest aching.

    “How long is that going to take?” Rory murmured, looking in the direction of Milan’s house.  “I don’t even want to think about everyone’s reaction to this news.  You should have seen Linda today at the grocery store.  Her eyes were gleaming with excitement for this brewing storm.”

    “It’s your own fault for rushing over there,” Topher grinned, shaking his head when Rory shrugged.  “I can’t believe you pretended to bag groceries.  Everyone now knows you are crazy about a boy named Milan.  They think it’s an infatuation.”

    Rory leaned on the railing not sorry.  The gossip was worth talking to Milan, and hearing Milan call him a handsome tall man.  Brown eyes smiling at him, making Rory want to pull Milan into his arms and kiss him senseless.

    “I want to see him tonight.”

    “It’s new year’s eve,” Topher said, watching him.  “Your duty is with the pack tonight.  You can see him tomorrow.”

    Rory sighed and shook his head, resenting his duties for the first time in his life.

    “Hey,” Topher moved closer to place a hand on Rory’s shoulder.  “You’ll get to see him tomorrow afternoon at the party Linda’s planning.”

    Despite Topher’s assuring words, Rory found his longing grew wider thinking of the great divide between now and tomorrow’s afternoon.  His heart clenched hard, unable to bear that long a separation.

    ***

    Later that night, Rory perched on a log, drinking amber ale as he watched Connor, Kurtis and Lechter take their places of honor as Alpha, Beta and Third.  Their backyard was filled with pack members.   They had driven in from all over town.  They sat on logs laid out along different sized tables in the open space.  Food made in the pack house kitchen filled the tables: delicious platters of meats, fruit, sweet foods and delicacies brought by the pack members.

    An indie band started by Topher’s younger sister, Jade, when she first joined high school, played a mishmash of covers under a tent.  The band’s voices had matured and they sounded better than when they first started.  They had attracted the younger crowd to the tent.

    Chris, Matt and Jack had built a huge fire pit in the middle of the yard for the bonfire.  Their college friends were roasting mash mellows on long sticks, and drinking hard liquor.

    Rory watched Matt throw a bottle of beer into the burning flame, making it flare up.  Topher jumped on Matt’s back.  Matt started running around the pit, both of them screaming like crazy idiots.

    It was almost midnight.  Rory drank deep from his cup, wondering what Milan was doing with his family.

    “Alpha Rory,” a shy voice said his name, and he turned to his right to find Annie from reception standing a few feet away.

    She looked pretty in a white short dress.  Her brown hair loose around her shoulders.

    “Will you dance with me?” she asked.

    Rory stared into his cup, unwilling.

    “Sorry, Annie.  I don’t feel up to it.”

    “Come on, please?” Annie pleaded.  Rory looked up to find her on the verge of tears.  “I just want one dance.  I’m not asking for anything else.”

    Rory wanted to offer her the comfort she needed.  She looked lonely.  She was a member of his pack.  He should worry about her looking so sad…but, the thought of touching her while Milan was so close by.  Not that Milan would know, but—

    “Annie,” Matt said, coming out of nowhere.  “Look at you, how beautiful you are!  Dance with me.”

    Annie blushed, turning ten shades of red, as Matt wrapped an arm around her shoulders.  Before Rory could comment, Matt was already leading Annie toward the tent filled with dancers.

    Rory sighed in relief, but then groaned when a hard slap landed on the back of his head.  He turned to find Topher settling beside him.

    “What was that for?” Rory demanded, rubbing the back of his head, his dark hair tangling in his fingers.

    “Letting all the ladies think they can have you during parties.  You’ve been such a slut, Rory Morgan.”

    Rory scoffed, searching for Maryanne and finding her playing guitar in Jade’s band.

    “Look who is talking.  You were with me when we turned fifteen and you thought Trinity was hot as—”

    Rory didn’t get to finish that sentence as his mouth was filled with a burger bun.  He chuckled and took a big bite of the burger, looking at Topher.

    “First rule of fight club,” Topher said, sipping his beer.

    Rory burst out laughing, turning away from Topher before he could spray bits of burger in his face.

    “Okay.  You don’t talk about my party nights from now on either,” Rory said, though he knew at some point he would need to tell Milan of his crazy antics.

    In time, he decided.  When they were together a long time and Milan would forgive him without being hurt.

    “Deal,” Topher said, with a short nod, holding out his fist to Rory for a fist bump.

    Rory bumped his fist to Topher’s and was going to take a sip of his drink when a small brown wolf ran too close almost making him spill his drink.  He shifted in time to avoid three others following after the first in a race.

    Rory grinned when the young wolves all ran around the pit fire, playing and rolling on the grass, their excitement infectious.  Their enthusiasm seemed to spike the party up a notch as the music seemed to get louder, and conversations bloomed, laughter filled the night air.

    Rory reveled in the joy of being part of this most unique and huge family, one that he would protect with his very life if asked.  As they ushered in the New Year, Rory’s only wish was that he wanted Milan to sit next to him on the next New Year’s Eve.  He wanted to see Milan Takeda accepted into this great family.

    ***

    On New Year’s Day, Rory dragged a sleepy Matt, Topher and his mate, Maryanne, to the town party planned by Linda.  The town hall was buzzing with activity when they arrived.  Linda had everything planned, down to three violinists playing on stage, setting a classy mood, compared to the crazy part the night before.

    Rory walked through the laid back crowd, his gaze searching, listening, and seeking the sound of that lyrical accented voice belonging to Milan.

    “Maybe they are late,” Topher said, when they still hadn’t found them halfway through the room.

    “Ilaria doesn’t seem like the type,” Rory said, filled with anxiety.

    Then he heard Ilaria’s jovial laugh, and elation flooded him.  He turned in the direction of her laugh to see her standing next to Ayu, as she talked to Linda and Mayor Lisbeth.  Ilaria looked beautiful in a lilac dress, her hair held back with a shiny clip.  Beside her, Ayu wore a nice grey dress shirt with white slacks.  They looked elegant and classy.

    Rory frowned when he didn’t see Milan.

    Linda met his gaze, as though sensing his confusion.  She winked at him as she asked Ilaria,

    “What about your youngest?  I met him last time.  Milan?”

    Ilaria’s smile slipped, her fingers tightening on her glass.  The shift was subtle, but hard to miss.

    “He is at home with my husband.  The weather is hard on him.  He starts school tomorrow.  We thought it better that he stay home so that he is at his best.”

    Linda nodded, steering the conversation to Ilaria’s work.

    Rory couldn’t believe Milan hadn’t made it.  Disappointment flooded him and he placed the glass of juice he held on a table, ready to leave.

    “Wait,” Maryanne stopped him.

    She hurried off to the long table on the side laden with dishes brought for the party.  She came back holding a pecan pie.

    “It’s rude to show up without a gift,” she said.  “You can at least say Linda sent you to welcome him to town.”

    Rory took the pie, not waiting for more instruction.  He ran out to the parking lot determined to see Milan.

    ***

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