They squeezed in further, nearly squashing me.
I coughed hard. “My good Fae, do westink.”
“Shut the fuck up, elf,” King Athon growled quietly.
I really couldn’t wait to be away from this prick.
“Touch the damned key so we can get home!” I barked.
A finger from each ruler pressed against the key.
I sucked in a deep breath as my Fae-spark lit back to life.
Oh, how I have missed you!
All my injuries were healed in a matter of moments.
Never leave me again!
Then my eyes widened in shock as I looked around.
“Holy Fairy,” Queen Alora stated.
The five rulers and I stood inside the royal summit conference room at High Pointe, and we were not alone.
The Misfits and Bishop rested against the circular glass wall.
Blue Louie puffed on a cigar and spoke in his deep voice, “How was your trip?”
Red Louie snickered. “They look like hell. It must have been excellent.”
Gold Louie danced in a circle, pumping his fists in the air.
Black Louie said in his monotone voice, “I must take the artifact from you now, Princess Trixie.”
“I beg your pardon?” I quipped, yanking it close to my chest. The rulers were still closed in around me. “You aren’t taking this from me.”
“I assure you, I am. Just as I will take all artifacts if they are retrieved. They must be kept safe.”
King Traevon’s shoulders tensed. “Are you saying the Elf Kingdom isn’t safe?”
“I am saying that the artifacts will go with me. I have seen this. I will protect each one against all enemies, if you manage to collect them. You must hand over the Key of Kingdoms now.” He waited, but I didn’t move. “Or I can have Louie take it from you.”
I wasn’t positive which one he meant.
But I didn’t like the sound of it either way.
I stalked across the room and slammed it into his waiting green palm, and hissed, “If I don’t get this back when I need it, I will find a way to end you. Do you understand, Louie?”
“That won’t be needed,” he stated in one tone. “I will protect it until it is needed for the realm.”
“You had damned well better.” I started to turn and then sniffed in Blue Louie’s direction. I knew that smell. “Stay out of the royal bedchambers, Louie.”
He puffed on the cigar and blew the smoke in my face.
I shook my head. “That just about sums up how the trip went.”
“Where do we go next?” King Elon asked.
