Dare by Christina Bauer

Author:Christina Bauer [Bauer, Christina]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781946677457
Publisher: Monster House Books

More Day 105

Did I mention I hate Lady Kae? I do.

When we last left my life, I’d just face-planted into Lady Kae. After that, she gracefully steps aside in a move that says, you may now pass, oh queen of clumsiness.

I don’t take a step.

Instead, I stay in place and stare at Lady Kae for a very long time. This is what the Elven High Court used to do when they brought me in to complain about my pranks and stuff. It didn’t work on me, but it’s worth a try here.

It’s not that whoever talks first loses, but Lady Kae does start off the conversation.

Loser.

“I’m here because I heard rumors,” declares Lady Kae.

“Do you always start conversations this way with royalty?”

“Oh, pardon me.” Lady Kae looks like she’d rather eat dirt than speak her next words. “Greetings, your Majesty.”

“There’s a bow you should add in, but we can work on that later. What seems to be the problem?”

“I have my contacts among the palace staff. What they’re saying is outrageous.”

All of a sudden, I realize that I’ve made a few strategic errors here. Namely, I’m not on my throne and wearing my combo gown-n-crown. I could high tail it over there now, but then it would look like Lady Kae is intimidating me.

Which she isn’t.

Mostly.

“Let’s hear it,” I say. Then I clear my throat and go for a second round. “Or rather, tell me what thou heardest.”

Heardest? Is that a word? Who knows. Hopefully, it sounds more regal.

“The man you share courtship rings with is planning to release a plague.”

“His name is Prince Dare and I’ve heard that lie already.” I shrug. “Not worried. Anything else?”

“The council believes the only way to stop Dare is for you to kill him.”

“Wow. Someone needs to cut back on their catnip. I am not killing anybody. If this rumor keeps going, then I’ll just clear Dare’s name. Problem solved.”

“But you must see the risk. If anything should happen to Dare, everyone will blame you.”

“The subject of Prince Dare is off-limits.”

Why, oh why, did I want to talk to nobles? This is worse than palace staff asking me which way to unroll the toilet paper.

“Nice to meet you,” I say quickly. “I’ve got lots to do, so we can catch up another time.” I start to walk away when Lady Kae speaks again.

“It’s also rumored that you want to choke the life out of nulls like me.”

I stop in my tracks. Inch by inch, I turn around. “You mean…” I mime choking.

“Not literally, my queen. I was blessed with great beauty, long life, and a sharp mind. Yet I wasn’t given your natural gifts for magic.”

“And?”

I know where she’s going with this, but I want to hear her say it.

“I’m a null. That’s why I need my changelings forever.”

“Hm, let me consider that.” I tap my cheek. “No.”

“You cannot pass this decree. It won’t work. I’m not sure where you got the idea to even try. Why don’t you just do more pranks?”

“Well, I am ending the Elven High Council.

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