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A Boy in Trouble
One
Malleus has been a little under the weather for the past couple of weeks. He has been moodier than normal, even for him. The dorm and the school have been suffering a number of severe weather events. He has been missing even more classes and snapping at the slightest provocation. Diasomnia dorm is buzzing with the news that the prince may be actually sick and Sebek is beside himself with the thought that it may be because of something that he has, or hasn’t, done. Lilia thinks that he has finally figured out what the issue is, but can’t quite believe the conclusion that he has come to. If he is right, this is an interesting development and one that he hasn’t bargained for. He is need of a confidante.
May I visit? I am in need of your counsel. L
The note, written in a most elegantly decorative hand, fluttered through Mozus’ open window and landed his desk.
Of course! M
The reply was sent immediately and Mozus set himself to tidying his desk and preparing tea for his visitor.
Lilia arrived in bat form at his window just as the tea was brewing and alighted softly into the room.
“Thank you, Mozus. I have something – sensitive – that I need to discuss.”
“Of course, my dear. Anytime. Tea? Or something stronger?”
“Tea to start with. Thanks. We may need to raid your cellar later…”
“That bad, eh? OK, shoot!”
Lilia took a deep breath. He knew that if he was wrong, he needed to be certain that his suspicions would not leave this room. He glanced over at Lucius, apparently asleep in the sun. But you could never trust cats and they were terrible gossips.
“Lucius? Promise that you will not repeat any of this, or you will be banned from the room!”
A reluctant meow indicated that he acceded to Mozus’ demand, and he stalked with deliberation to the largest patch of sunlight and curled around with his back to the two of them.
“So?” Mozus’ voice was soft with concern.
A pause. Then “I think Malleus is pregnant!” There was no easy was to say it, and Lilia knew that there was no need to beat around the bush when speaking with Mozus. They’d known each other long enough.
“Are you sure?” Mozus asked slowly. “I’m no expert in dragon biology, but is there a chance…?”
“Maybe… but I’m pretty sure. I nursed his mother and grandmother through their pregnancies. All the signs point to it.”
“But how? I mean – I know how! Who? When? And…does he know?”
“As to the who, I have my suspicions. And no, I don’t think he’s realised and I’m trying to work out how to tell him.”
Mozus took a long draught of tea and placed his hand on Lilia’s knee. His brain was working quickly to process this highly unexpected news.
“OK! First things first. Is he OK?”
“He’s moody and – not exactly unwell, but not himself.”
“Sounds like pregnancy to me! Next question, I guess. And please, I do not intend to be callous, but if no-one knows, would it be an option to give him something to…make it go away?”
“Just between us, I have considered that option, but came up against two main issues. One, the child is half Fae – who knows what, if anything, will actually have much of an effect, even at this early stage. Malleus is impervious to pretty much everything!”
“True. And…?”
“The Queen. I couldn’t…”
“You love her too much to even consider killing her great-grandson. I do understand, my dear. Do you think that this is, or will be, considered a joyous occasion by the Queen?”
“That’s what I’ve been struggling with. She’s very indulgent towards him, so I suspect that she will be happy if he is. He is still very young, though, and the fact that it happened at school under my watch – I reckon I’m in for it with her when I get home! And the who, if I’m right, is definitely going to complicate matters.”
“I understand if you’d rather not voice your suspicion, but it would help me to understand.”
Lilia sighed. He might as well tell Mozus. After all, he was the one he chose to come to to talk this through. Who else could he tell? Crowley? The headmaster was going to be in the same shit with the Queen as he was when this all comes out. Divus? He might at least be able to confirm the pregnancy, but if the rumours flying around the school were correct, Divus’ own head was currently in a very perilous state.
“Leona.”
“Ah!”
“Indeed! The Fae have long memories…”
Divus is dead! The thought struck Mozus like a lightning bolt. If Malleus doesn’t kill him in a jealous rage, Farena or the Queen will.
“I’m assuming that Leona had no idea that this was even possible?”
“That’s my assumption. Given his tendency to bed anything, I’d have thought that he’d be fully aware of the need for protection. So I can only assume that he didn’t think it was necessary.”
“Hmm. I think we leave that problem for now. One more question – how long before the transformation takes place?”
“It will happen gradually until the child is born, and then become complete.”
“OK, so how’s about this for a plan? You tell Malleus and then depending on his wishes, he or you or we tell Leona. We need to keep this as contained as possible. I know you’ll need to tell Crowley, but I leave it up to you to determine when. Prince Farena and the Queen will also need to be told, but after we’re certain that you’re right. In the meantime, once both boys are aware, I suggest we take them to a friend of mine in the village. She is a trained medic, specialised in this type of medicine. And very discreet. She currently runs one of the – establishments – in the village and uses her skills to ensure that her girls, and boys, are clean, healthy and that there are no unwanted results of their occupation. She will be able to confirm your expectations and to give Malleus specialised care. Deal?”
“Sounds good. Thanks, Mozuchan. Knew I could count on you.”
And with a quick kiss Lilia transformed and flew out of the window.
Ah, this was going to be a very interesting few months.
Two
“Leo! Leo! Please wake up!”
Malleus had teleported onto Leona’s bed and was now sitting on his pillow, looking down at the sleeping lion.
“Leo, please, I really need to talk with you.”
A single tear fell onto Leona’s cheek, shocking him to wakefulness.
“What the hell? Ouch that really burns! Mal? What are you doing here? Are you crying?”
“I’m sorry, Leo. I didn’t mean it. If you want to bail I get it, but I’d really like…”
“Whoa! Mal! Back up! What are you talking about? And why are you crying? What’s wrong? Also, did you know your tears are acid?”
“I’m pregnant!”
“Say what? Could you please repeat that – slowly. I think I …”
“I – we – are going to have a baby.”
“Are you sure?”
“Lilia is.”
“Lilia?”
“Yeah, he was the one that told me. He’s seen it before, apparently, with mother and grandmother.”
“Of course he has! I knew there was more to him than he let on. Are you sure it’s mine?”
The temperature in the room dropped noticeably as the pressure rose and thunder sounded in the distance. Malleus’ voice became very tight.
“I am not the self-confessed slut here. You know very well that I was – untouched – when we…”
“OK, I’m sorry. It’s just that you woke me from a nap and laid this on me. It’s a bit of a shock is all. For you, also, obviously.” He added hastily, as more thunder sounded.
“There’s more.”
“What more?”
“Once the baby is born, I’ll…transform.”
“Transform how?”
“I’ll become…female.”
“HUH?”
“Apparently it’s a royal dragon thing. Lilia is going to explain it, after we go to see someone in the village who can make sure. Will you come with us? Please?”
“Um, sure. When? I just need to do something first, if that’s OK.”
“After last class. OK. I’ll see you later then. And thanks.”
“For what?
“Taking this so well.”
With a kiss and a cuddle, Malleus disappeared, leaving Leona more than a little stunned and not entirely sure that the last half an hour wasn’t a dream.
Three
“You lot – OUT! NOW!”
“Um…Leona? May I help you?”
“Oh I hope so! We need to talk – NOW!”
“Boys, that will be all for today. Please make your way to the library for half an hour’s study time. OK, what is SO important that you had to waltz in and disrupt my class?”
“Call yourself a fucking biology teacher! Why did you not tell me that he could get pregnant?”
“He who? WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT?”
“The dragon! The MALE dragon PRINCE is pregnant BY ME! How is this possible?”
“Malleus is pregnant? Oh my! How interesting! Wait – you were messing around with me while you were screwing him? Oh fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck!”
“Divus! Focus! How is this possible? And why was this NOT one of your biology lessons?”
“Um. Not much is known of dragon biology, even less of royal dragon biology. It was considered – polite? politic? – not to discuss what is largely speculation with the Prince’s cohort. Princess, I guess now?”
“Prince….cess? What are you talking about?”
“I can only tell you what we think is the case. Lilia is probably your best bet for actual detail.”
“Malleus mumbled something about transforming. We’re going to see someone later this afternoon who apparently has a better understanding of this than you. Can you please tell me the short version so at least I know something!”
“SO…it seems that royal dragons are born male but are actually hermaphrodites. When they get pregnant they gradually transform into female. Lots of other animals do something similar. Um, is he OK? Are you?”
“Yes? No? Yeah. I’m OK. He seems OK. Thank you. Doesn’t help with my – our – current situation, but at least I know. I mean, if I’d known, I could have used protection, but here we are. Oh and if I were you, I’d keep out of his way. He is OK, but he’s pretty moody and he’s a fucking dragon – not sure how much I can do if he does find out about…us.”
Four
“Well, I guess this means you can tell Farena that you’ll have your princess.”
‘Not funny! Wait! What?? What do you mean I’ll have my princess? Farena?”
“You heard her – I’ll transform and become female.”
“Yeah, I got that bit! And Farena?”
“Well obviously we’ll have to tell him about the baby and the engagement.”
“Obviously! Engaged?”
“Of course! Grandmother will want us to marry.”
“Of course!”
They walked on in silence, close but not touching, each lost in his own thoughts. A few metres behind them, Mozus and Lilia were engaged in a hushed and cryptic conversation – an attempt to conceal their own concerns and considerations from the boys.
“If you, or they, need anything, let me know. I’m not sure what I can do, but I’ll do anything I can. Even if you just need…comfort.”
“Thank you, my dear. I may well take you up on that offer”.
“My window is always open.”
*****
“Leo?”
“Mmm?”
“Are you ok with this? It’s ok if you’re not. You don’t have to marry me. Grandmother and Lilia brought me up, so we should be able to bring him up. I know you have your duty, but I can pay and I’d really like if we could…”
His voice trailed off and there was a long silence.
It would have been nice to have been asked, Leona thought. Aloud he said “Mal, I just have one question: do you regret sleeping with me?”
“Gods, no! It was the most incredible experience of my life!”
“Then the rest doesn’t matter. We’ll work it out – together.” His tail wrapped around Malleus’ thighs and their fingers intertwined, a little self-consciously, knowing that Mozus and Lilia were behind them, but then again, they knew that they’d been sleeping together so what did it really matter?
Malleus nodded and smiled and was quiet for a moment, before a brilliant flash of green light transported them to a different reality.
“What is he up to now?” Lilia sighed. “Well, we may as well take a seat and wait.” They sat on the grass and Lilia rested his head on Mozus’ shoulder. “What am I going to do?”
“Let’s see what they decide to do, eh? They may yet surprise you.”
Five
They were standing on a hilltop, a vast fertile plain stretched out before them.
“All of this I can give you, and more. If you need food, or drink, the rocks and land will transform for you. If you fall, the air will bear you up and support you. All is at my command, and will be at yours also.”
Malleus knelt down in front of Leona, reached into the air and produced a gold ring. He proffered it to him. “I’m sorry I haven’t asked, that I just assumed. But I’m asking now – will you marry me?”
“You know it’s not my decision – not entirely – I need to speak with my brother.”
Malleus looked crest-fallen. Leona smiled wryly. “Don’t be so glum, Mal! Yes! As long as I can convince Farena, yes! I’ll marry you. But I can’t…”
Again, Malleus’s emotions played across his face. “Can’t…what?” he whispered.
“I can’t accept that ring! I can sense the power and it’s too much. What IS it?”
“It belonged to a cousin of mine from another realm. Isn’t it beautiful? The smiths of that world created 19 such beautiful rings, but over time some of their wearers became careless and several of the rings were lost. My cousin managed to acquire four of them, and kindly bartered one so I could give it to you.”
“The smiths of your cousin’s world must be master craftsmen indeed! I have never felt anything so powerful.”
“You like it? You’ll accept it – and me?”
“Yes, Mal! I accept your ring, and your proposal…and our child.”
“Our son.” Malleus corrected softly, nuzzling into Leona’s shoulder. “A dragon prince with pure Kingscholar blood. There’s never been anything like it.”
Six
“So to recap, Highness. We’ll approach from this...” The royal adviser was unexpectedly interrupted by a flash of emerald light which cleared to reveal two figures not 5 metres from the throne, surrounded by a contingent of royal guards with their weapons drawn.
“Ladies,” Leona greeted them with a smile. “My, you are on the ball today. Brother, is this any way to treat an exalted ally and guest?”
“Ally?”
“Prince Farena! So good to see you again. Forgive our unannounced arrival, but we have urgent business to discuss.”
With a wave of his hand, Farena, Prince Regent of the Sunset Savannah, dismissed the guards. “Prince Malleus?” He bowed low and Malleus inclined his head in acknowledgement. “Business?”
Leona knelt before his older brother. “I – we – have come to ask a boon of you.” He stopped, sighed, gulped and continued. “I have found the one I wish to marry and I ask that you keep your promise that I may marry whom I choose.”
“Wonderful! I knew you’d find the right princess if left to your own devises! Who is she? And why is the dragon here? Is she from the Valley? I didn’t think they had any princesses!”
“They don’t, but he is from the Valley. And He is my choice.”
“But you can’t!”
“But you promised! Farena? Please! I love him.”
“I meant a princess…”
“You said ‘whoever’…I guess your word isn’t worth anything…”
Leona looked so sad, so forlorn, and Malleus looked so very threatening. There was also a thunderstorm brewing in the distance and travelling quickly.
Before the advisors could gather their thoughts and their objections, Farena made his decision.
“I promised, so I agree. On condition that the dowry and treaty terms are favourable.”
“To whom?” Malleus softly mused aloud.
“Mutually, of course!” Farena blustered. “Mutually favourable.”
“Thank you, thank you, thank you.” The two brothers started nuzzling and licking.
“Over my dead body!” No-one had noticed the approach of the old, usually bed-ridden King of the Savannah.
“Father!!”
“Granted!” Malleus’ response was immediate and cut the old man like a knife.
“What?”
“Your wish is granted! You do not wish to see your son marry me. Very well: before the sun sets on our wedding eve, you will die.”
“This is outrageous! You dare threaten me in my own palace? Summon the shamans! Farena! DO something! Summon the fucking shamans!”
Malleus’ laugh was cold, mirthless. “It will do no good. Dark, old and powerful as your shamans’ magic is, it cannot undo my own.”
Another flash of emerald light, and the princes were gone.
*****
“Malleus, dear, I wasn’t expecting you. And Prince Leona, always such a pleasure.”
“Majesty!” Leona bowed low to the Queen of the Valley of Thorns, then took her hand and kissed it, while teasing her palm with his thumb. “Likewise. You are more beautiful than I remember.”
“Grandmother, we have some exciting news.”
“Come, sit, drink with me and tell me your news.”
The strong Valley wine was rich with age and occult herbs.
‘Two things, actually. Um, first, I guess…I’m pregnant!”
There was silence for a period longer than made Leona comfortable. What is he going to do if she reacts badly? Death by dragon may end up being my fate! Relatively quick, at least.
After what seemed like an interminable time, the Queen refilled her glass, raised it in a toast and asked “Am I correct in assuming that Prince Leona’s presence here is indicative of his role in this happy news?”
“You’re happy for us? Yes! He is the father. Won’t our son be magnificent? You are happy? I know I’m still really young, and we probably shouldn’t have…at school…but he’s so beautiful and so gifted and so…”
The Queen laughed and held up her hand. “Malleus, dear, you don’t have to explain yourself to me. He is all of that, and more. Yes, I am happy for you both! And the second thing you wished to tell me?”
“Um sort of tell, sort of ask.”
She smiled again. “I see.”
“Majesty?” Leona was on bended knee, the attitude of a supplicant with the assurance of a polished courtier. “May I have the honour of marrying your grandson? None can be worthy of him, but I shall endeavour to be the worthiest of the unworthy.”
The Queen smiled. “You have my permission, boys. You are a handsome pair and will indeed produce a very striking son. You have my blessing.”
“Thank you, Majesty. Malleus, please accept this ring as the symbol of our engagement, It is my coming of age ring, traditionally given by Savannah princes to their chosen mate.”
“Leo, it’s beautiful. But…?
“But what?”
“You seem a little pensive.”
“I was just thinking: my father. Don’t get me wrong, I hate the man. I tried so hard as a kid to win him over, to do all the right things. Believe me, I have wished him dead so many times! But I was wondering if it might not be a better revenge for him to see us married and living happily, totally outside his control and influence?”
“You’d like me to change the spell?”
“Would you? For me?”
“Of course! Done! He will indeed take a turn for the worse and be unable to witness our marriage, but he will not die. He will live out his allotted time in the full knowledge that we are happily married.” He paused briefly as he anticipated Leona’s remaining concern. “And you will not be an exile. You – we – will be welcomed to the Savannah. Happy?
“Yes. Thank you, Mal.”
“That was a generous thing you just did, Malleus. I am proud of you. You two will make a perfect Queen and King of the Valley.”
Seven
“Lilia, dear, I know you have secrets you need to keep, but your cryptics are doing my head in! If you can’t, or don’t want to tell me, that’s fine. I will help you, regardless. But if you do want to confide in me, can you please be a bit clearer? You know that I will keep any confidences.”
Lilia sighed. “Ever wondered why Leona has green eyes, very similar to Malleus’? Where the dark lion genes derive from? Why at 20 he is still growing? Why the fairies from both schools seem so in thrall to him?”
Mozus turned slowly to look Lilia directly in the eyes. “No! Surely not! His birth was witnessed and documented.”
“Not Leona himself, dear. He is the latest dark lion, but not the first. He was born – what? – 500 years ago? Shortly after the last time the Valley re-opened to the mortal world. An indiscretion with the handsome, libidinous young King of the Savannah resulting, inevitably, in the birth of a son. Fortuitous that the child looked almost like a natural royal lion, just a few unusual colourations, but easily passed off as a royal child. Which also served to secure the position of the beautiful, but barren, Queen of the Savannah.”
“So the child was Malleus’ uncle?”
“Uh ah!”
“Oh, my dear! That must have caused you such pain. I never realised. I am so sorry to have dredged this up again. No wonder you are not Leona’s biggest fan.”
“Thank you. For everything. Now you see why I’m not sure just how she’ll react. I know she has a soft spot for Leona, and of course she dotes on Malleus…She may see this as a very positive reflection of her own younger days, or it may bring back memories of her losses. I just don’t know, and I’m also not sure that I’m the right person to counsel her, given that I didn’t react very chivalrously all those years ago.”
Mozus gently stroked Lilia’s cheek and nuzzled into his neck. “My scrying was never anything exceptional, and I do see some rocky patches ahead, but I have a feeling it will work out.”
Lilia smiled, turned his head and kissed him.
Their increasingly passionate embrace was abruptly cut short when Malleus and Leona suddenly re-appeared, shyly brandishing their engagement rings but obviously happy with themselves.
“Hmm. Sorry to interrupt…” Leona smirked.
“We can go back now, Lilia, Sir. Everything is perfect!”
Lilia shrugged and stood up. As he helped Mozus to his feet he whispered “‘Rocky patches’, you said? Bloody great boulders may be more accurate.”