Lilly frowned. “I’m pretty sure that Tenia doesn’t speak like that, so where are you picking up your vocabulary?”
The djinn shrugged. “I’ve been introduced to something called the American action movie. They are… What’s the word? Oh yeah,badass. Torion loves them, too. It’s been about as exciting as watching pixies gather flowers around here, so I’ve had to distract myself somehow.”
Lilly sputtered. “You’ve been letting Torion watch movies with that kind of language?”
“What?” Myanin frowned. “They contain some very important life lessons.”
The queen’s eyebrows rose. “Such as?”
“Hownotto be a coward.” Myanin lifted her hand and held up a finger. “How to be brave.” She held up another finger. “And how to taunt your enemy until they make stupid mistakes in a fight.” She smiled. “See? Life lessons for a warrior. And Torion is destined to be an amazing warrior.”
Lilly pinched the bridge of her nose and let out a long sigh. “Did you ask Tenia’s permission before allowing him to watch these wisdom-filled films?”
“I told her when the runt is in my care, then I am in charge of his training.”
“Fantastic.” Lilly threw up her hands. “It’s not enough that we have Jen’s hellion spouting off hell-this and hell-that every other word, now we’ve got another brazen child in our midst?
“Sounds like they’re going to be a perfect match,” Gerrick offered.
Lilly pointed at him. “You’re not helping.”
“Have you heard him talk? It’s hilarious.” The general laughed. “And like Myanin said, it has been a bit too quiet around here. Torion’s less-than-savory language offers us an entertaining distraction from the monotony.”
“Good grief.” Lilly shook her head. “Whatever. I’ll deal with it later. I called Dillon, and he’s waiting for you to arrive. And Peri’s supposed to be sending—” Before the queen could finish her sentence, a male fae appeared in the throne room out of nowhere.
“Hello, Queen Lilly.” She recognized Dain, a high fae. He bowed to her formally. “Peri asked if I could be of assistance.”
Lilly nodded. “Yes, thank you for being willing to help.”
“I’m happy to. Our kind should have been helping long before now.”
“No need to dwell on the past. Myanin and Gerrick”—Lilly motioned to the pair—“need to be taken to the Colorado pack mansion. Do you know where that is?”
Dain nodded. “Peri gave me the location.”
Myanin slipped her sword back into its sheath and walked over to the fae. “Let’s get this show on the road. My blades are thirsty for vamp blood.”
Dain’s brow rose. “I like the enthusiasm. I get the feeling we’re lucky to have you on our side.”
Myanin smirked. “You’re damn right. It’s because I’m not quite right in the head. Or at least that’s what my BFF tells me.”
“She’s not wrong,” Lilly muttered.
Myanin looked at her. “Try not to die during the attack on Alston’s stronghold. I’m pretty sure there are too many people who wouldn’t handle it well. Not to mention”—she pursed her lips and said dryly—“I kind of like you.”
Lilly chuckled. “It really bothers you to admit that, doesn’t it?”
Myanin flicked her hand at Lilly. “Whatever. I don’t do sentimental mush. Just keep your royal ass alive.”
“I ask the same of you,” Lilly said. “If you die, Tenia will most likely attempt to resurrect you simply to beat the crap out of you.”
Myanin grinned. “I almost want to die just to see if she could do it.”
Gerrick growled. “Not funny, mate.” He walked over to join her next to Dain.
“It kind of is.” Myanin nudged him with her shoulder as he wrapped an arm around her waist. He placed his hand next to hers on Dain’s arm.
“We’ll be in touch,” Gerrick said to Lilly.
