“Wait!” I say, then go completely blank. I stare into her eyes while I try to think of a believable reason for stopping her.Say something, you idiot!“Please have my food left outside the door from now on.”
She blinks, looking slightly hurt before answering. “I don't think that's a good—”
Holding up one hand, I say, “Please leave it outside. I can't afford to be interrupted again.”
Glancing at the squash ball on the table, she smirks. “Fine. I'll let you get back to your masterpiece.”
When the door shuts behind her, I let out a breath, somehow simultaneously relieved and disappointed that she’s gone. Relieved because I won’t risk making a fool of myself any longer, but disappointed…why? I have no idea.
12
Xena the Warrior Mermaid Chef
Pierce
When I started the series, I was certain that Lucaemor, the second son of King Draquen would emerge the victor, but as the story progressed, his younger brother, Matalyx, has outshone him in some ways that surprised even me. And in case you aren’t familiar, both of them have done such heinous things in their quest for the crown that I’m honestly not sure I wanteitherof them to end up wearing it.
But who does that leave? It must be someone strong not only in body and mind, but someone with all the integrity of the heavens and an ocean of courage. At least that’s part of the prophecy as told by Mehesi, the immortal witch back inThe Blood Wars. Why did I add that bit about the effing witch? I really screwed myself there…
Needing a break from staring at a flashing cursor on a blank screen, I walk out onto the veranda and stand, inhaling in the perfumed air. If I wasn’t under the crushing weight of this deadline, I’d enjoy it here very much. It’s stopped raining finally, and I squint while my eyes adjust to the sun.
The villa itself—and the jungle in which it is set—are idyllic. From up here on top of the small, lush mountain, I can see the wildest of spaces, leading down to the white sandy beaches and the turquoise sea beyond. If I can’t find inspiration here, I’m certain I’ll never find it again in my life.Come on, Pierce. Everything is riding on this. Just decide who becomes king when the wars end and work your way back from there…
A movement on the water catches my eye. Huh. A speedboat. And it looks like it’s my chef driving it. What is she doing out there on her own?
I watch as she drives away from shore, then stops the boat and anchors it.
Going inside, I snag the binoculars off the console table and return to my previous position. Not because I’m some stalker or something, but we writers are a naturally curious bunch.
I adjust the lenses in time to see her strip down into her bikini—Holy Mother of God. Look at that body. She must be wanting to sunbathe. If she takes her top off, I’m definitely going to put down the binoculars and go inside, I promise. Otherwise, I’ll keep an eye on her, you know, for her own safety. Honestly, I don’t know what to hope for…
Instead of peeling off her top, she puts on a snorkelling mask, stands on the stern while she adjusts it, then executes a perfect dive into the water.
I stand, frozen in place, wondering if I should be trying to get to her somehow. Surely it’s not safe to go off diving into the ocean alone.
Where is she? She still hasn’t reappeared.
Shit. I should go. But, realistically, how would I get to her?
Just when I’m feeling fully panicked, she emerges, tossing something into the boat before diving back under again.
I adjust the binoculars to get a look at what she’s thrown into the boat.
Dear God, is she…lobster fishing? In a bikini? Alone?
What kind of woman is this?
She’s like Xena: Warrior Princess, the Little Mermaid, and Julia Child all rolled into one gorgeous package. I continue to watch until she pops back up again, this time with a lobster in each hand. She tosses them unceremoniously into the boat, pulls her mask off, then climbs the ladder.
Jesus, that was impressive. Too bad Mehesi didn’t predict the throne would be taken by a ballsy gorgeous chef…
And just like that, everything suddenly makes sense. Idohave the perfect hero to save Qadeathas. He’s just not a he. The entire ending comes rushing to me in one giant Oprah Aha! moment. Rushing inside, I sit down and set to work.
13
Flowers Made of Fruit, Men Made of Steel, and Hallmark Cozy Mystery Murder Methods…
Emma
