Mal nodded. “This is the pre-reception for the giant-pixie wedding that takes place in a couple of hours. Many, if not most, of the guests don’t want that wedding to happen.”
“Why not?”
Mal explained about the curse and the current situation of both the little giants and the pixies. “So we need to find Coorsel and Nayena and keep an eye on the guests. Are you and the others up for that?”
She nodded. “Watching we can do. Much more and—” She just shook her head.
“Be careful. Let me know if you see anything that seems off.”
Edna nodded and disappeared. Mal rose, deciding to look for Coorsel and Nayena outside. So’la quickly joined her, sans pixie companions.
“How about you explain what’s going on. Speak slowly and use simple words.”
“Simple words for a simple demon?”
So’la grinned. “Remember that when I get revenge, later.”
“If I don’t, I’m sure you’ll remind me.”
“That I will.”
Mal glanced back at the three pixies, who had now morphed into seven, not all of them female. She looked at So’la. “Before or after the orgy?”
“Does it matter?”
“Probably not.”
“So start talking. Begin with just how in the Nine Reaches the little giants became little and why Law thinks you’re in danger.”
“You do realize he’s being overprotective, don’t you?”
“You do realize he’s got reason to be, don’t you?” So’la returned, mimicking her voice.
“I’m perfectly capable of looking after myself.”
“You are a very strong, very creative, very capable witch,” So’la agreed. “You are also insane, and you have few, if any, ideas of your own limits. Either that or you know them and just wave at them as you whizz on past. Either way, you need someone to keep you on the right side of reason.”
She rolled her eyes. “Your idea of reason is totally selfish and never a help to anyone.”
“And your idea of reason is total sacrifice and never look out after yourself. Which one of us does Law trust to bring you back alive?”
He had a point. She refused to say it. She also refused to let him have the last word because she was ten years old, apparently.
“Maybe you should be the one dating him, then.”
“I wouldn’t mind, but sadly, he seems to think you’re the only one for him.” So’la shook his head, curling his lip in disgust. “Monogamists.”
“At least there are plenty of other fish in the sea.” Mal cast him a sideways look. “Please tell me you don’t actually fuck fish.”
“That does not deserve a response.”
“Oh. I see. Youdoscrew fish. Good to know.”
Chapter Thirteen
“Maybe we should just go seeif they are still in their quarters,” Mal said as they exited the Grand Pavilion. “It would be better if Coorsel and Nayena stayed sequestered until then, anyway.”
“They won’t do it,” So’la said, gaze running over the still-thickening crowd. “They need to make a statement that says they aren’t afraid. That they aren’t going to be cowed by threats. You should be more worried that they aren’t here. It’s likely someone’s got to them already.”
