He lost his cool.
A quiet growl. “So you do like him.”
“No,” I argued easily. “I think he’s an asshole. But it’s complicated. On the flip side, it’s nothing I can’t get over.”
He turned on his side, facing me. Even with my eyes shut, I could still feel him staring at me, his potent gaze a tangible touch across each of my features. I didn’t think he was going to say anything further he was quiet for so long, but he surprised me, finally mumbling, “Be careful until you get your shit figured out.”
I yawned, my teeth flashing in the night. “I know that too. Already working through it.”
“You are still so young.” He sighed. The blanket on his side finally moved as he slid under the sheets, and he switched topics of conversation. “Do you think you can handle staying on your side this time?”
My lips twitched. “No promises, my lord.”
“That’s what I thought.” He snorted. A second later, he hedged, “As you know, I’m not allowed to say anything to a candidate about the Challenges. But I am allowed to say this: get some sleep.”
My eyes did fly open then.
I blinked at the overlord across from me.
His eyes were closed as if he had never spoken.
Gently, I closed my own. I whispered, “Thank you.”
Morning would be here too soon.
CHAPTERTWENTY-SIX
~ GWYNNORE ~
A folder landed on the desk in front of me with a crash.
It was too early for this bullcrap.
Turning up a lip, I poked at it and looked up at the overlord who had dropped it.
Cato. Of course.
I growled. “What the hell is this? Is my Challenge to clean up your mess?”
Snorting, he turned and walked back to his seat with the rest of the overlords.
Lord Pippin slapped his forehead from the ridiculousness of Cato’s gesture. I finally felt some connection to the arrogant ass at that moment.
Lord Belshazzar yawned.
Lord Otto and Lord Xenon were rolling their eyes.
Did they find Cato to be as big of an asshole as I did?
Interesting.
Leaning forward in his chair, oversized and ridiculously ornate, he grinned. “Well, my little candidate, are you ready for me to issue your Challenge?”
“That’s why I’m here, overlord.”
He didn’t like me addressing him without respect, but he had to earn mine as well. And he most assuredly hadn’t. He narrowed his eyes, and leaned on his knees, steepling his fingers.
“I have a bit of political intrigue for you, my sweet. There is a human who is running for a powerful political seat. I want him destroyed. That folder,” he swept his hand toward the case file he’d dropped on the table, “has all the information you’ll need to find and destroy him. I’d adore you if you could humiliate him and leave him alive, but I’ll also understand if he’s dead at the end.”
