Red Louie drawled, “Did someone call for us?”
Queen Alora rolled over faster than I would have thought her capable of and scrambled to where the trident lay. She picked it up and wielded it, pointing the three prongs at the royals. The Merfolk Queen snarled, “This one is mine.”
As one, we lifted our hands into the air in supplication. No one was going to argue with her. Not in the state she was currently in.
Black Louie moved between the other three gremlins and walked right up to her. He held out his green hand and stated, “I will take the Trident of Love and keep it safe until it is needed.”
Queen Alora glared at him. “That is what it is called?”
“Yes.”
She scoffed. “The others were more...prestigious. I believe it should be called the Trident of Destruction. That is more suitable for the Merfolk Kingdom.”
He blinked his large, round brown eyes. “No.”
She scowled and grumbled, “Where are we to be sent next?”
Black Louie blinked but didn’t open his mouth.
We all gazed at the tiny green gremlin.
Mayhap, he had not read that part yet?
King Traevon narrowed his attention on the gremlin. “Louie, Queen Alora asked where we will be sent next.”
Black Louie said nothing. He blinked.
“All right. It is a mystery.” The Queen of Merfolk grudgingly released the artifact to the gremlin. “You may take the Trident of Love for now, while I leave to procure my own loving. Good day.” She stomped out of the conference room with her head held high…and her feet walking fast.
The Misfits swiftly trailed behind her, almost at a run.
After a moment, I flicked a finger at their retreating backs. “Did that seem worrying to anyone else?” My red brows snapped together. “They would not harm Queen Alora, would they?”
King Elon marched toward the doorway. “I will take my leave and make sure all is well, too.”
“I will walk with you, King Elon.” Queen Mikko retrieved her satchel from where she had dropped it on the ground. “I am eager to be home.” As she walked, she dug into her bag, pulling out a sweater, and yanked it over her head to cover her swimwear.
I cracked my neck side to side and groaned. “I need a soak in a warm tub and a restorative nap. How long will it take for our Fae-gifts to arrive, Father?”
“The royal stable had standing orders that if we were not back last night, they were to send Javon and Penelope here this morn. They are more than likely already here with the stable hand.”
“Perfect.” My gaze flicked to my quiet soul mate. “I shall see you tonight, shifter.”
He sniffed in my direction. And nodded silently.
I eyed him speculatively. “What is wrong? You are never silent.” I took a step toward him. “I cannot go there now. It is barely past daybreak.”
King Athon slowly rubbed at his chin. “I was merely thinking. And I would be pleased to see you tonight.”
“If that is done, let us take our leave, Trixie,” Father grumbled. “I have not seen my soul mate in five days. I wish to be home.”
King Athon stood and stretched. “I think I shall head home too. I am sure there is much paperwork to be had.”
I grunted and walked toward the door. “I say good luck to the ruler and happy slumber for the heir.”
“That was fairly cruel, my heir.” King Traevon chuckled softly. “I think I like it. Especially, seeing as I will also be in bed with my soul mate.”
I shuddered and glared at him as the three of us started down the stairs together. “Truly, Father? I do not want to know that.”
