The Courtship of Julian St. Albans Read online

  Chesterfield laughed. “And here I thought you’d be a terrible patient,” he said.

  Before Alex could protest, a nurse came in with a small cup on a tray that was smoking ever so gently. “And so it begins,” intoned Alex, but he drank the whole horrible-tasting thing in one swallow.

  Chesterfield left a note on his chart. “Bring him a proper meal, and maybe a cuppa,” he said, the former to the nurse and the latter to the Guardians, and then he was out and Alex was still making a face, trying to get the taste of the potion out of his mouth.

  “Why are healing potions always so horrible?” Jacques asked rhetorically, heading out to get tea after a nod from James.

  “You should see what’s in them,” said Alex to his retreating back.

  James laughed. “Best not, we do rely on them in our line of work.”

  “So, have my other possessions made their way from the Temple?” asked Alex, rather than giving in to his curiosity about what a modern Guardian actually did. Yet.

  James nodded, going to the closet and bringing down the familiar silk bag from the shelf above where Alex’s clothes were hung, with his shoes tucked down below. “Everything is as you left it, we didn’t allow the police to bother your things.”

  Alex chuckled. “I bet that annoyed Smedley,” said Alex, accepting the bag and rooting around for his phone. He turned it back on, grateful that he’d been made to power it down so there was still some charge left after almost two weeks.

  “Perhaps,” said James, his tone and expression saying it had and he’d enjoyed it immensely. “The woman didn’t seem to mind too much… Lapointe.”

  “She’s smarter than he is,” said Alex, amused, and then he sighed when the message count kept going up. “How many people called me while I was out? Ugh.”

  There were text messages, too, and Alex looked through those, first, scowling at them as he did so.

  “Bad news?” asked Jacques, returning with their tea.

  “Just annoying people,” said Alex, texting everyone who’d sent something to let them know he was alive and would recover, while totally ignoring whatever issue they’d been asking him about. “Thank you, you’re an angel,” said Alex, taking a sip of the tea and making a very happy face. “Oh, caffeine, let’s never be apart again.”

  The Guardians laughed, Jacques taking over the role of hovering by the door while James went to sit by the window with his tea.

  Alex sighed, and listened to his messages.

  The very first one was Julian, calling to apologise again for moving up the date and telling Alex that the others would have to work very hard to top that. It was time-stamped from the morning of the attack, and Alex sighed, feeling guilty that he’d not checked it before going into the Temple. He had a couple more from Julian, all with hopes he’d get well soon, and several from various family members who seemed to think it would somehow help to leave phone messages for an unconscious man. Those he erased unrepentantly, though he saved all of Julian’s.

  After that there were a few messages from the department, all from the day of his attack and clearly unaware that he was out, given the content. He kept those to answer their questions when he was feeling better, and that left just one final message that Alex eyed suspiciously. It was from an unknown number, several days into his involuntary rest.

  He opened it with trepidation, laughing when it turned out to be the tailor letting him know his coat was ready.

  Finally, phone dealt with, Alex turned to Horace, coaxing the bird onto his hand and petting its metal feathers. “Aren’t you a good boy, waiting all this time,” he said softly, feeling self-conscious about talking to the little construct in front of others.

  Fortunately, the Guardians were good at pretending to see nothing out of the ordinary.

  Alex retrieved the little note from inside Horace’s chest, closing up the latch and moving the bird to his shoulder while he unfolded the paper.

  Dear Alex,

  I can’t seem to stop thinking of kissing you, only this time it’s not a spell, just your kisses. It even feels different, though I can’t explain how.

  Of all my suitors, you’re the only one I can imagine would prefer me without the lands and titles. When you kiss me, I know it’s because you want to kiss me, Julian, and not because the St. Albans fortune will go to whoever I choose.

  I am tempted to schedule your third date as soon as I can get away with, just for more of those kisses, but I suppose time apart will help me be certain the spell’s truly broken.

  Just try to leave my heart intact, I don’t want to end up feeling hollowed out like your lovely bird. Though I suppose in a way your message was his heart, and he returns holding mine.

  Come back to me soon.

  Julian

  This note was awkward but warm and felt more like Julian than any previous letter. This was the wistful young man enjoying what he could of the velvet trap he’d been led into, trying to figure out any possible way out that could lead to happiness. This was the man who’d stolen his way into Alex’s heart with a few kisses and a bit of honesty.

  Alex sighed. “I’ll need paper and pen, and to send Horace back out, does the window open?”

  “No,” said James firmly, indicating that it would not be made to open, regardless of its actual function.

  “Ah,” said Alex, chuckling. “Well, then, paper and pen and someone to carry Horace outside for me?”

  His puppy eyes must have been effective enough, because James unfolded himself and brought over pen and hospital stationery. “Finish your tea,” he added, going back to the window.

  “Guarding all of me, hm?” teased Alex, but he had no intention of letting his tea go cold. He’d need all the brains he could waken for this reply.

  Dear Julian,

  I’ve just woken up and read your letter, which Horace kept safe for us. The messages are the heart of him, his function I suppose, though he’s more than he seems. If you pet him, he might even grow to like you.

  I’ve already grown to like you very much, and it feels strange to have missed almost two weeks of correspondence. I suppose it means less chances to put my foot in my mouth.

  You’ll be about done with your round of teas and first nights out, and on to the third and final dates for each of us. Give me a bit of time to recover, but don’t count me out just yet. I’m still hoping to survive to the next round.

  Yours faithfully,

  Alex

  PS - I can’t seem to stop thinking of kissing you, either, it seems to work better than any enchantment to keep you at the forefront of my thoughts.

  Alex blushed, but he couldn’t deny the letter was honest, if nothing else. He folded it up in a pretty little shape, to make up for the lack of fine paper or smooth writing, and then carefully tucked it away in Horace’s chest. “Take that back to Julian for me, will you?”

  The bird gave a few little mechanical chirps, rubbing its beak against Alex’s cheek, then cocked its head inquiringly at the window.

  “That’s my cue,” said James, amused. “And as you’ve finished your tea, I shall acquire us all more… Keep him safe, Jacques.”

  “Yes, sir,” said Jacques, moving aside to let James go.

  “Go with him, Horace, he’ll let you out the front door,” said Alex, launching the little bird in James’ direction.

  James held up an arm and the bird alighted, dipping its head to rub its beak along the man’s skin affectionately.

  Alex chuckled. “He likes you.”

  “He has good taste,” said James dryly.

  ~ ~ ~

  Alex endured three full days of healing potions and annoying visits from his relatives and Smedley, along with slightly less annoying visits from Lapointe and Geoff. It wasn’t until after he had returned from his first assisted healing session and finally been allowed a proper shower that he got the one visitor he’d been hoping to see.

  “Julian,” said Alex, his voice embarrassingly breathy. He’d just emerged from
the bathroom wearing the stupid gown and towelling off his hair. At least he’d been allowed one of the ones that tied in front, so only his legs were sticking out and not his arse.

  “Alex!” said Julian, grinning widely as he came over and gave him a gentle hug and cheek-kiss.

  “Is this allowed?” asked Alex with a grin. Then he kissed Julian anyway, full on the mouth despite the two Guardians pointedly ignoring them. They’d tease him later whether he got his kiss or not, so he might as well indulge himself.

  “Mm, I say it is,” said Julian, snuggling up to Alex for a moment before standing back. “I should let you sit, it’s your leg, right?”

  “Right,” said Alex gratefully, managing not to limp too much as he made his way over and into the bed, covering up his skinny legs and incipient erection. “I’m on the mend, though.”

  “I brought a treat,” said Julian, pointing to the pastry box and two steaming cups on the bed tray. A glance showed that the Guardians had gotten their own treat from Julian, which fit with the thoughtful nature he’d shown Alex so far.

  Alex kissed Julian’s hand. “I’m lucky, then, two treats today,” he said. He opened the box to find a pair of fairy cakes and laughed, kissing Julian’s lips. “They’re perfect, thank you. You’ll join me?”

  “Of course,” said Julian, perching on the edge of the bed and handing Alex his tea before picking up his own cup. “To recovery,” said Julian, the toast holding an edge of seriousness for both of them despite the frivolous nature.

  “To finding a future,” said Alex, tapping together their to-go cups before taking a sip. “Mmm, perfect.”

  “So, about our third date,” said Julian teasingly.

  “I can hardly take you out while I’m in here, though I’m told I’ll be allowed out in a few more days,” replied Alex. “I’ll be very dashing with my cane, but I still need time for a gift.”

  “I suppose it is too early to demand the gift of yourself,” said Julian, scooting a little closer, “but it would be fun to unwrap you.”

  Alex slipped an arm around him and stole another, more lingering kiss. “I don’t think that counts as a gift, and aren’t you meant to wait until at least the second round?”

  Julian laughed and kissed him again, snuggling up happily. “As if you think for a moment you won’t make it,” he said warmly, sipping his tea.

  “A little doubt is healthy,” said Alex. He set down his tea and picked up one of the fairy cakes, taking a nice big bite and managing somehow not to make a mess of himself doing it. “Mmm, as is a little sugar.”

  Julian picked up the other with a noise of agreement, and for a few minutes they were quietly occupied with their treats, though the Guardians took turns eating theirs so one of them was always paying attention.

  Alex very much appreciated their attention.

  He and Julian chatted and flirted a bit longer, and then it was time for another bout of Healing and physical therapy, and he had to send Julian off with a kiss.

  “I hope you know I’m going to feel terribly jealous when we do get to the second round and I have to think of all those other men trying for a place in your bed,” murmured Alex.

  Julian grinned. “Good,” he said, stealing another kiss. “I’ll send you another letter by courier, is it all right if I keep Horace for a bit longer?” Julian hesitated and then added, shyly, “He feels like you.”

  Alex kissed Julian very warmly indeed, as he’d not often been told the feel of his magic was worth keeping around. “You may, if he starts to seem listless just bring him by for a bit of energy, he’s used to getting ambient magic from living with me.”

  Julian looked delighted. “Thank you,” he said, and they shared one more kiss before the nurse came back in looking very impatient indeed.

  “I’ll see you soon,” said Alex with a sigh. He’d have the Healing in here, and then they’d all troop downstairs for the physical therapy, nurse, Guardians and patient in a little parade.

  Julian smiled and took himself away like a good boy. “As soon as we can,” he said, then vanished out the door.

  Alex sighed.

  “So, not just investigating a murder, then?” said James, his voice rich with amusement.

  Alex decided on the mature, rational response, and stuck his tongue out at James. Then the doctor came in and it was time for a different sort of concentration, Alex combining his energy with the doctor’s to Heal himself faster, more accurately, and with less wasted magic than the doctor could have done on his own.

  ~ ~ ~

  After several more days of Healing and physical therapy, Alex’s thigh wound was completely closed and barely even left a scar, and he was nearly as exhausted as when he woke up in the first place.

  “Just a couple of weeks of physical therapy to make sure everything’s working properly, and you’ll be right as rain,” said Dr. Chesterfield cheerfully. “You’re an excellent patient, Alex, make sure you get plenty of rest when you get home.”

  “Thank you, Doctor, I will,” said Alex, wishing for nothing more than his bed. That wasn’t to be, as Chesterfield was replaced by Victor, who insisted that he would take Alex and the Guardians home himself.

  “I brought you something to make you less cranky,” said Victor through the bathroom door; Alex had taken his clothing in there for a moment of supposed privacy while he dressed.

  “Is it caffeinated?” asked Alex grumpily.

  Victor laughed. “It’s heirloom,” he said teasingly.

  Alex sighed and kept dressing, realising he wouldn’t get relief until he went home, and even then he’d have to find the energy to re-do his bedroom wards. “That covers a lot of ground, and bad taste,” he countered.

  Victor was undeterred. “Come out and see for yourself, then.”

  Alex sighed, but when he emerged Victor handed him a very valuable heirloom indeed — a proper wand-cane, which would ground and stabilise his magic and help make up for the loss of mobility, in case he needed to defend himself again. “All right,” said Alex, hefting the cane, “This qualifies.”

  “I’ve got your coat from the cleaners, too, there’s a few things in one of the pockets they say you left behind,” said Victor, pointing to where the coat lay wrapped in plastic on the bed.

  “So which venerable ancestor owned this, anyway?” asked Alex curiously. He knew there were other mages in the family’s past, but no one really talked about that aspect of their family history.

  “Uncle Hamish. He was injured in the war, and used the cane for the rest of his life.”

  Alex used the cane to sit, looking over the construction. The handle was chased silver, the patterns worn but still quite visible, while the shaft was a dark wood finished to gleaming black, with a steel striking tip where it would hit the ground. He’d have to remember not to score anyone’s expensive floors with it, but otherwise, he was pleased. “It’s a good piece of work, to have lasted this long, wasn’t he one of the Victorian uncles?”

  “I think so, Mother would know better,” said Victor dismissively. “Are you about ready? The tailor wouldn’t give me your good coat, they insisted on another fitting for your ridiculously lanky frame,” he teased.

  Alex chuckled. “I’m exhausted, Victor, you’re not dragging me to the tailor today, it’s straight home and nowhere else for me.” He put on his shoes, hearing the muted harmony of their familiar spells as he tied the laces. The cane, when he used it to stand, was louder but still harmonious, something that would feel natural for him to use. Alex sighed and went to the little locker, gathering up his possessions and putting them in all the appropriate pockets, then putting the extra things he’d gathered here into the silk bag instead, his phone charger and books and whatnot. Soon enough he had his coat on and was looking wistfully out the window at the grey wintry sky.

  “Ready?” asked Victor impatiently, clearly ready for his own familial duties to be discharged.

  “I guess… James, Jacques?” Alex looked at the two Guardians.

/>   “We’re ready,” said James with a soft smile. “We might have to check in at the Temple once we’ve settled you in at home, you’re warded, right?”

  “Right,” said Alex, making another mental note to fix the bedroom wards as soon as he had one iota of magical energy to spare. He moved to the door without prompting, finding the cane fit his height as well as his magic, and deciding then and there he wouldn’t bother to return it once he was back to full mobility. He could always make it a fashion statement.

  They paraded their way out, Alex having refused a wheelchair and the Guardians insisting on going first and last. Reliable Jones was waiting by the curb for them, arguing with a parking enforcer.

  “He really is here to pick up a patient,” said Alex, pointing at the sign indicating the white zone was for picking up and dropping off patients only. He leaned heavily on his cane and tried to look pathetic.

  “As long as he leaves,” said the enforcer grumpily, wandering off while the Guardians inspected the vehicle, then got everyone settled inside.

  “Sorry it took so long,” said Alex, once they were all seated, including Jones. “You didn’t actually get a ticket, did you?”

  “They’re used to patients taking a while to get discharged,” said Jones, “She was just having a bad day.”

  “My sympathies to you both, then,” said Alex tiredly. “Home, Jones!”

  At Victor’s confirmation, the car pulled out and headed toward Alex’s flat. “Will you two need a ride back to the Temple?” offered Victor, clearly keen to be seen as helpful.

  Victor might actually just want to be helpful, Alex’s better side reminded him, but Alex was too used to taking his siblings with a grain of salt to buy it.

  “That would be kind of you,” said James. “It shouldn’t take us too long to clear Alex’s flat.”

  “And then I plan to sleep like the dead,” said Alex dryly.

  “But not for two more weeks,” said Victor, just as deadpan.

  Alex chuckled. “No, no, just until morning, when no doubt Jones will be there to escort me to my PT and then off to the tinker and tailor and candlestick-maker, or whoever else I need to see about the Courtship.”