All's Fair in Love and Lion by Bethany Averie Read Free Book Online Page A

back.”
    “Of course.” I hand him a glass, taking one for myself. I lift my glass. “To Alexia. May she endure your hovering better than anyone, and repay you by giving birth to one who will annoy you as much as you have me.”
    He rolls eyes. “Great toast, Monroe. Regardless, I’ll drink to Alexia.” He raises his own glass.
    “You deserve it after how you’ve treated me.”
    “I treat you fine. You’re the one with the irritable disposition. To think of what I’ve borne the last thirty years is enough to injure a weaker man.” The corner of his mouth twitches.
    “If I’m irritable, you only have yourself to blame.”
    “No matter. Your moods never stopped me from being your friend. I know underneath beats the heart of a true and loyal comrade.”
    I shake my head. “You’ve gone soft since you married.”
    “Sasha can do that for you,” he chortles, then pats my shoulder. “I wish you the same happiness I’ve found.”
    “Oh get on with you,” I say gruffly, shrugging his hand off. “I thought you had to return to Alexia.”
    “Before I do, there’s something you should know.”
    “What?”
    “Lily came to see me.”
    “This is what you wanted to tell me? Heavens, Bast, why don’t you cut off my arm while you’re at it!”
    “So, she was telling the truth. She has come to see you since she returned.”
    “When she went to visit her misbegotten uncle, Alveron, and we didn’t hear from her in months, I thought I was rid of her. Then she shows up in her usual way. The usual song and dance about our parents’ accursed desire for our marriage.” I slam my fist on the table holding the tray of port. The tray clatters to the floor, shattering the glass decanter. “Never have I been more relieved my parents were dead than I am now. They were nightmare enough while they lived. The legacy they left me wasn’t this castle or my duty to the Council, but a stupid tigress who can’t seem to get it through her thick skull I hate her!”
    “Does Sasha know about Lily?”
    “Not yet.”
    “Monroe, you know she’ll find out. Either you’ll slip and tell her or she’ll find out some other way. And when she does, you best know what you’re doing.”
    “If only we didn’t have that damn rule about not killing one another.”
    A ghost of a smile lights Bast’s lips. “The Creator Lord be praised we do. If not, you might’ve killed off a good number of Thirdlings because of your temper.”
    “You as well.”
    “No, not me. Despite all your protests, I know you care.”
    “Has anyone told you you’re an idiot, Bast?”
    He laughs. “You have, many times.”
    “Still true.”
    “There’s the Monroe we love and cherish.”
    “Bastian J. Cantrell, you tread a fine line between life and death.”
    He opens his pocket watch. “Unfortunately, I haven’t the time to properly challenge you. Some other time, hmm?”
    “Go run home to the protection of your wife, you puppy.”
    “Always a pleasure seeing you, too.”
    In spite of myself, I feel my lips twitch. “Oh, get along with you, you moronic canid.”
    “Come see us sometime. Alexia misses you. She said if I didn’t invite you over this time I’d sleep out in the cold.”
    “Give my sincerest congratulations to your brave wife. I’ll come soon.”
    “I’ll advise her not hold her breath as you have pressing female business on your mind.”
    “Bast, watch your tongue or else I’ll be forced to cut it out.”
    “Sometime you should do so instead of these empty threats.”
    “One day.”
    “Until then, I bid you a fond farewell. Don’t drive Ayres too crazy, and beware of Lily.” Bast makes his way to the door and I throw another threatening look his way. He salutes. “ Adieu , my friend.”
    “Get out, fiend,” I bellow.
    He exits, his laughter filling the castle.
    Rolling my eyes, I peek into the First Realm. I note it’s past when Sasha’s school dismisses for the day and contemplate entering her mind. A rush of