Frank leaned forward to look up through the clear roof. “We don’t needthisbird when we have those two.”
Kaley laughed. Tanek and Mekos went quite high. When they began the descent, she got out of the chopper and waswaiting when the two of them landed. “We must find the girls,” she said urgently. “We have to—”
The sound of laughter made them look toward the garden. Aradella and Bree were walking side by side and... laughing.
“Doesn’t look like there will be a war,” Tanek said smugly.
Kaley just kept staring. “Something really big had to have happened to cause that and I want to know what it was.”
23
It wasn’t long before they sat down at Qip’s abundant table.
Aradella looked at Kaley. “We want to know what happened after we left.”
Everyone turned to Kaley in expectation.
“Why me?” she mumbled, then sighed. She knew she was the designated storyteller. She looked at Bree. “Your sister...” Obviously, she didn’t want to tell whatever had happened. “I’d rather hear about your adventures.”
“What has Shay done this time?” Bree asked.
“She married Prince Nessa,” Tanek said quickly.
Kaley said, “We weren’t there, but we were told that immediately after you left, Shay had a private talk with that slimey little weasel.”
Tanek nodded. “She told him he should tell everyone thathehad broken withyou.” He looked at Aradella. “Because—”
Bree said, “Because he’s always been passionately in love with my sister. She fantasized about that exact thing happening. And it worked?”
“Yes and no,” Kaley said.
“King Aramus—” Tanek looked at Qip “—he’s Prince Nessa’s father, declared himself as the ruler of Pithan.”
“Which means that Fahir, his right hand man, the bully-with-the-magic, is now in charge,” Kaley said.
“The men?” Aradella asked. “Do they stay or go?”
Kaley smiled. “They stay.”
For a moment they were silent and smiling. It looked like something good had been achieved.
It was Bree who asked, “What about... uh, them?”
They knew who she meant: Olina and Urah. The smiles disappeared.
“Gone,” Tanek said. “Vanished. No one saw them leave or knows where they went.”
“I bet they used the tunnels.” Aradella’s voice was heavy with guilt.
“No matter how they left, I’m sure they took a big part of the island’s wealth.” Bree looked at Kaley. “How is my sister doing?”
“Uh—uh,” Kaley stammered. “We were told that she’s adapted to her new position very well. She seems to like having authority and rank.”
Aradella and Bree looked at each other, their eyes lit up, and they grinned wickedly.
“She married a prince so you’ll have to curtsy to her,” Aradella said.
“I wish it were only that. I’ll have to touch my nose to the floor.”
