Still, the timing of the Kings’ visit was highly inconvenient and more than a little suspicious. Five appeared more anxious than usual, and it didn’t escape Zizi’s attention that she was sneaking looks at him. Guilt lurked in those glances.
She wasn’t the only one acting oddly. One stayed at the far end of thelong table, saying not a word to anyone, not even to Zizi. And the fact that Eight was here at all made everything fishier. Eight was a smarmy young man who had recently traded his business shirts and neutral sweater-vests for the same black tee and blue jeans every day. He spent his time staring at numbers on multiple screens and hardly showed up for family gatherings unless it was something official like a Kings’ Council.
Zizi had a good reason for being wary. The last time all the Kings were present in the Fourth Court together, they had chained him to his throne with their powers, and he had been forced to leave his love unprotected. The sense of déjà vu was strong, and he half expected Ten to slither out of the shadows. His siblings seemed bent on overstaying their welcome, and as time ticked by, his tightly wound ball of worry grew.
Finally, he clapped for attention. “We have tasted all the teas there are to taste, and as much as I adore each and every one of you, I have a kingdom to run, as do the rest of you. I’m afraid it’s time to wrap it up.”
“Don’t be a spoilsport. The party’s just getting started,” Six said, sounding tipsy, even though there’d been no alcohol on the table.
“Unfortunately, my interest in partying with you has plummeted,” Zizi told him. “Plummeted to absolute zero. Zilch.” When no one made a move to vacate their seat, his eyes narrowed. “Unless you have a different reason for being here?”
Five dropped her teaspoon, and it clattered against her plate. “Sorry,” she whispered, fingers kneading against each other.
“You are far too paranoid, Brother,” Nine chided. But they didn’t meet Zizi’s eyes, choosing instead to examine their teacup with great interest.
Five stammered, “I th-think Zizi’s right. We—we should go.” She nudged Seven, who was seated to her right.
The girl turned to Zizi. He stared at her.Even you, little bug?
Seven blinked away, cooing at the pet arachnids in her gemstone purse.
Betrayal hit like a concrete slab. The Kings weren’t here for a silly tea party. They were here to trap him. Again.
He had to return to his chambers immediately.
“Your Majesty!”
All heads turned to the mirror next to the throne.
A bruised and battered Nikai was flailing in the reflection.
It was all Zizi needed to know. Rui was in trouble.
Bolting from his seat, he jerked his head and the mirror went blank. The lights in the grand hall flickered as the air vibrated with energy.
Was a fight coming?
Out of pure habit, Zizi ran his right hand down his left arm before realizing he didn’t know if he could summon his mortal spiritual weapon anymore. But black steel rose from where his hands met, the edges of the blade gleaming red.
A sword. Unbroken.
There was no time to wonder why his spiritual weapon had changed in nature. He glanced around the table, daring the Kings to react. “Whenever you’re ready.”
Only Two moved. Lightning sizzled between her wizened fingers.
A ball of blue fire plumed from Zizi’s palm in response.
Six flung his arms out in exasperation. “Do we have to? We literally just got him back, and we were having such a good time as a family.”
“The Elders have spoken,” Two said. “He must remain in the underworld.”
“Let’s not escalate the situation,” Six pleaded. “We can talk it out. This isn’t like the last time.”
As the Kings argued, Zizi scanned the room. One made no move to attack or defend. Seven was still playing with her spiders. Nine twitched in their seat, but Three growled at them, and they sighed and poured another cup of tea instead. Wringing her skirts, Five nodded at him encouragingly even though she seemed frightened by what was happening.
“Look,” Eight said loudly, running a hand over his gelled hair. “If he wants to be an imbecile, let him. As far as I’m concerned, this is between him and the Elder Gods. They told us to delay him so the Guardians could do their job. We’ve played our part, and I see no reason to do more.I’m going back to my Court.” He threw an almost friendly glance at Zizi. “I’ve probably said too much.”
Zizi was astonished. Were his siblings defying the Elders for him?
