Total pages in book: 118
Estimated words: 111898 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 559(@200wpm)___ 448(@250wpm)___ 373(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 111898 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 559(@200wpm)___ 448(@250wpm)___ 373(@300wpm)
“If you desire answers from me,” she said, pushing the words through clenched teeth, “make sure I see your lips.” She tapped her ears. “These don’t work.”
She was deaf? He closed his eyes for a moment, battling shame and yes, guilt. She must’ve experienced a catastrophic injury before the ability to heal lightning-fast immortalized her.
Forging ahead, he explained, “Things will go smoother if you keep your attention on me.” Considering how well he was paying her, she owed him that and more.
“Cater to your every selfish whim. Got it.” She faked a grin and batted her lashes. “But you should get real fascinating real fast, or my mind will wander, and it won’t be my fault.” Aaand yes, she skipped off to study a tapestry depicting his final battle against Styx. “Is this you? I bet it’s you. Be honest. You executed its creator for depicting you as a red marshmallow man, didn’t you? Oh! Did we just discover your superhero name? The Marshmallow Man. Cherry Marshmallow?”
This must be retribution for the chair. Because he in no way resembled a marshmallow.
Stiffer than a board, Rathbone flashed in front of her to guarantee she read his lips. “I’ll grant you a fourth payment—an unspecified boon—if you find at least one of Lore’s bones today. Proof to me you possess the skills you bragged about.”
“Well. Consider me properly motivated,” she replied with a genuine grin, far superior to the fake. She hooked her arm through his, acting as if she hung on his every word. “Take me to dinner and tell me more about you and your lady love. I learn better when I’m fed.”
How was he supposed to deal with a being like her? Cave in? He had to cave in, didn’t he? “Are you a typical harpy, only able to eat what you steal or earn, or you sicken?” She struck him as more of a flighty seer than a bloodthirsty murderess.
“I am. So be a dear and explain how I’ll be earning each of my six daily meals and assortment of snacks.”
“By breathing.” For now, she was the most important person in his life.
“That I can do.”
He flashed her to his private dining room. A massive space consumed by a long table piled high with both sweet and savory dishes. The spread remained available twenty-four seven, the dishes exchanged every hour and always the right temperature. A mystical amenity already in place when he’d overtaken the kingdom.
“In contrast,” he added once he’d gained her attention, “if you fail to procure my property, I’ll unleash my wrath upon your loved ones. My bucket is hungry for entrails.”
“I thought we’d already agreed to that.” Neeka dismissed him to “ooh” and “aah” over the dishes as she loaded a plate. Munching on steamed broccoli, she claimed the spot at the head of the table. “My compliments to the chef.”
With a sigh, Rathbone picked her up, set her in the adjacent seat, and plopped into the vacated chair.
She continued eating, unbothered. “I can’t help but notice we’re alone here. Where are your servants and subjects?”
“Their loyalty belonged to the previous sovereign, so I killed them.”
“And you couldn’t find anyone willing to work for you after that? Weird.”
“My wife will select our servants.” Also, he’d been busy assisting Hades the past few centuries. The other king had warred with Lucifer, a hell prince currently impaled and in lock up, guarded by winged warriors known as Sent Ones.
“As far as excuses go, it’s threadbare at best. You were too lazy, admit it.” She devoured a spear of asparagus. “So? Delight me with the story of your romance with Skeletoria. Help me understand the fairy-tale romantasy I’m soon to rekindle.”
A harsh rebuke reached the edge of his tongue. For the sake of the partnership, Rathbone swallowed it. “Her name is Lore. Lorelei the Incomparable. She’s a goddess of desire.” He tapped a claw tip against his empty plate. Clink, clink, clink. “I will permit many leniencies with you, oracle, but not this. Not disrespect to my wife. Consider this a solo warning. Next time I act.”
“Ten-four,” Neeka replied with a jaunty salute. “Only say nice things about the nasty bag of bones. Don’t worry. I’ve got it plugged into ole faithful now.”
He swiped his tongue over an incisor. “Lore is my everything. My fated.” No use trying to pretend otherwise. Let this female comprehend the depths of his feelings. His willingness to cross any line, no matter how objectionable, to accomplish his goal. “I won’t compromise her well-being.”
The oracle shrugged, unimpressed. “As long as your check is good, so are my services. Now, then. Tell me the important stuff. Explain your meet cute.”
What an odd, exasperating creature. “We met the same as anyone else, I suppose. I visited the Realm of Agonies to decide whether to contend for it or not.” Back then, he’d been a fresh-faced soldier full of determination and dreams. “She belonged to the former king. I took her from him, then claimed his lands as my own.” From the beginning, Rathbone had striven to prove himself worthy of the gentle beauty. To be the male honored to pamper her as she deserved. She had rewarded him well for it.