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)
“Okay, I have a plan,” she announced, fixing her attention on Rathbone. “As previously suggested, you’ll flash the throne and floor to a new location. A temporary fix. Once Mistress Skeletoria is secure, I have something more permanent in mind. To facilitate this, I need you to fetch a harpy, a second skeleton, a piece of paper, and a pen.”
He fixed his attention on Neeka in turn, as if the glowering Lore no longer existed. “The Astra will never believe a common set of bones is—”
“Oh ye of little faith. I’m not going to trick them into believing the fake is Lore,” Neeka interjected. “I can explain the plan and run out the clock, or you can help prevent a disaster. Please trust me when I say these supplies are absolutely mission critical.”
He gave a stiff nod. “Very well. Will any harpy do?”
“Bring me the one known as Downsize Daisy. She’s in Harpina...somewhere. Whatever you do, don’t look her in the eyes while she’s mad. Now go. Tick tock, tick tock.” She gave the king a little shove. “Okay, bye.”
He was frowning as he teleported, but still snubbing the goddess.
Lore’s air of concern dissolved. “You won’t steal him from me. He’s mine.”
“Is he though?” She hadn’t forgotten the stardust Azar would leave on the goddess’s skin.
The goddess notched her chin, a cold smile spreading. “Go ahead. Ask him.”
What a snake! “You are rotten to the core, and he’s not a fool. Not always.”
“Darling, don’t kid yourself. You hope he grows to hate me because you want him for yourself. You’d do anything to win him for yourself. But let’s be honest. No one keeps the Unwanted for long.”
Neeka flinched, every word a bullet. Win Rathbone for, like, forever? Hardly. Sure, she would never forget the incredible feel of his hard-won strength, demanding her body mold to his. And yes, she kind of loved the way his mátia watched her, as if there was no one else worth seeing. She also greatly enjoyed his scent. And his thoughtfulness. He’d provided a scrumptious meal without prodding. And okay, fine, she still admired his loyalty. If he hadn’t been gaga for a dead woman, Neeka might have climbed aboard the Rathboner Express. But none of that meant she sought a happily-ever-after with the guy.
“You underestimate my appeal,” she grated.
“And you overestimate it.” Satisfaction glimmered in the goddess’s crystalline eyes.
Pleased she’d struck a nerve? Hoping to shred Neeka’s self-confidence so she’d back down? Ha! It was a trick as old as time, and good ole Neeks wasn’t falling for it.
She levelled her shoulders and raised her chin. The King of Agonies didn’t deserve to be saddled with this hideous creature. Starting today, Neeka would be cranking up the heat. Tomorrow, after this present danger passed, she would begin fetching the ingredients for the elixir. Breaking his tie to this monstress had just jumped to the top of her priorities list.
“I will take immense delight in luring him away from you. I’m already halfway to the finish line,” she boasted. “He loves kissing me.” He must. He’d practically eaten her face.
With a hiss, Lore jabbed a sharp nail in her chest. “You shouldn’t cross me, oracle. You may see the future, but I control the will of my males. The slightest suggestion can make Rathbone your greatest enemy. He’ll do to you what he did to the former king. Oversee the annihilation of everything you love.”
“Joke’s on you. He and I already agreed to that.”
The other woman floundered for a response. Not used to being thwarted?
“Enjoy your last days with him, oracle. Your misery is assured.”
Rathbone materialized with a screeching, bound, and blindfolded harpy in one arm, and a plastic skeleton in the other. He held the notepad and pen between his teeth. Wounds peppered his face, torso, and arms, each in the process of healing.
He looked between Lore and Neeka, and spit out both objects. “Why are you upset?”
Lore spoke up first. “The oracle admitted she intends to steal you from me by any means necessary.” Pale and trembling, Lore wrapped her arms around herself, pretending to be frightened. “She’s cruel, Rathbone. I can’t be in her presence.”
“Then leave,” he stated, his tone unbending. “We’ll handle things.”
He defends me? To hide a wild surge of pleasure, Neeka busied herself with collecting the notepad and pen. She couldn’t stop a peep at the goddess to gauge her reaction.
Lore dropped her jaw. “You allow an employee to disrespect your wife? Are you sure that’s wise, my darling? While I recognize your incomparable strength, I worry your enemies will assume you’re weak.”
He narrowed his gaze, saying to Neeka. “Hurry along.”
Not going to respond to Lore’s insinuation? Was that good? Bad?
“Hey, Daisy,” she said, focusing on what mattered. “Glad you could make it to our party. Listen, the big guy is gonna set you down. Don’t try to psychokinesis us, all right? Instinct suggests we’re going to be great friends, you and I. Plus, when we reach our next destination, I’ll be making you an offer you can’t refuse.” Yes, she’d borrowed the phrasing from Rathbone. Why mess with a classic?