The mayor pursed his lips and considered a compromise. “We will allow her to hold this festival in the village, but she must comply with a set of rules that we will draft.”
The sheriff’s eyes flashed with ire, but he sighed and agreed. The mayor was correct: the festival would happen regardless of their order. Neither wanted the berserker’s rage unleashed upon them. Nor did they wish to attract the ire of the Fangrys Prime or his Second, who were also fierce warriors. The Fangrys Triad, the two males agreed yet again, allowed their mate far too much leeway.
“Our mate shall not attend,” the sheriff stated.
The mayor shook his head. “No, it would not be seemly. Her absence will show other males the error of their thinking should they allow their mates to participate.”
“I can hear you, you know,” Ursula commented loudly. “What do you think will be more influential: what your Prima does or what the mate of two petty government functionaries does?”
The sheriff’s eyes glittered with rage, and the mayor hissed in affront. “Petty government functionaries?” They turned to face her, glowering.
The hulking warrior beside her showed no expression, but pride and amusement radiated from his body.
“He will be lax as well,” the mayor muttered in disappointment.
“The festival was my idea,” the berserker commented, again showing that the mayor and sheriff had not retreated beyond earshot.
The sheriff growled in barely repressed fury.
“Have you lost all dignity?” the mayor gasped.
“There are more things in Heaven and Earth, Horatio, than are dreamt of in your philosophy,” Ursula said.
The sheriff and mayor looked confused. The latter said, “I do not understand.”
“It means that your understanding is limited,” she replied succinctly.
“My mate wishes to host a community event of entertainment and commerce to the benefit and enjoyment of all Fangrys,” Zul said. “There is no evil in this desire and much to be admired, for she invites all of Fangrys to participate, not just the ruling caste.”
Although the Fangrys Third seemed willing to compromise, the sheriff was not fooled. “We will allow this festival, but it will be conducted in accordance with Urib law and customs.”
“I hadn’t planned on organizing a public orgy,” Ursula replied, her sarcasm biting.
“Do not mock us,” the mayor warned, shaking his finger at her. “This will be a dignified affair.”
Ursula’s lips split in a mocking smile. “Dignified? I don’t think so. The goal is for people to have fun, toenjoythemselves. Music and dancing, remember? Costumes? Children?” She shook her head. “Don’t be stuffy.”
The sheriff opened his mouth to lecture her on proper decorum, but the Prima beat him to it.
“You know? Forget it. Forget about it being acommunityevent. I’ll host the party at Fangrys. Anyone who wishes to come will be welcome.And you will have nothing to say about it.”
The sheriff drew himself up to his full height and snarled, but Zul stared him down.
“Leave,” Zul ordered, his quiet command dripping with menace.
With a huff, the sheriff and mayor departed, walking with stiff dignity, their tails lashing.
“Fireworks,” Ursula said.
“What?”
She smiled, a vicious, devious expression. “I’m going to put on the party to end all parties—and that requires fireworks.Everyone for miles around will be talking about this festival foryears.”
Zul frowned. “What are fireworks?”
She grinned at him, pure delight in her eyes. “Wait until I show you. You’re gonna love them!”
Chapter 14
