“Still say you’re intatimode,” I sing-song before taking a huge bite and groaning happily. “And that isnota complaint because these are awesome.”
“Keep it up and you don’t get your cupcake, witchling,” he grumbles as he flips through the book again.
“Where do you think we should look next?” Khol asks between bites, his gaze fixed on the map unfurled amongst our scattered notes.
Good job changing the subject before I earn an ass warming—not that I’d allow that, of course.
“Here, here, and here.” I point to three towns skirting the edge of Harvest Court. “They’ve got historical significance, and could hide what we’re after.”
“But?” Dezi prompts, sensing the hesitation in my voice.
“But it feels too easy. Like we’re missing something big,” I admit, frowning.
Dezi nods thoughtfully. “The ultimate goal will probably be close to the capital city in Harvest Court. Power centers attract power seekers, after all.”
“The last stop on this leg of the tour,” I murmur.
We all lock eyes, understanding that our journey’s crescendo awaits amongst its storied streets.
“Then that’s where we’ll focus after these three,” Khol concludes, determination sharpening his features.
At least we have an ultimate target now, even if it makes my gut churn with nervousness.
Dezi’s fingersdance through the velvet, silks, and brocades on his rack with a skeptic’s precision. “I can’t imagine what they’ve concocted for us this time,” he mutters, pulling out a garment that seems to be made entirely of feathers. I snort, watching him flick the hanger back into place.
That has to have been for Rev and put in the wrong place.
“Expecting something between court jester and peacock, then?” I tease, leaning against the wall, arms folded across my chest. Dezi shoots me a wry look, but before he can retort, the door swings open.
Gwennon’s voice booms first, full of mirth and mischief, “Prepare for transformation, my friends.”
Tanya, swathed in vibrant scarves, follows closely behind her arms laden with palettes of makeup and bags of hair styling accouterments. Orchid and Basil trail in after her, their laughter mingling with the clinking of their metal-studded belts.
“Let’s turn these scarecrows into stars,” Gwennon declares, and Ican’t help but grin at their enthusiasm, even if thinking about what they’re going to do makes me want to die.
The bus becomes a whirlwind of activity as they dive into their work. Dezi stands patiently as Tanya drapes fabric over his shoulders, measuring and pinning with an artist’s eye. Orchid and Basil are a flurry of brushes and powders around Khol, who sits stoically, if not slightly bemused.
“Wait till you see yourself,” Tanya says to Dezi, stepping back to assess her canvas. She nods, satisfied, and the next thing I know, Dezi is stepping out from behind the makeshift changing screen looking nothing short of regal. The dark suit hugs his chiseled frame in all the right places, the vest accentuating his broad shoulders. An aura of untouchable grace replaces his usual casual demeanor, and I catch my breath, struck by the transformation.
Holy motherfucking shit.
“Wow,” is all I manage, and Dezi’s lips quirk up in a smirk.
“Your turn will come, witchling,” he says, and though his tone is light, there’s a promise in his words that sends a thrill through me.
Khol rises to his feet next, and it’s like he’s been born anew. Gone is the rough gang member, and in his place stands a cover model-like rebel carved from leather and steel. His eyes gleam with a wild edge, the kind that hints at fast rides and faster living. It suits him, this new persona, and I grin at his astonished expression as he takes in his reflection.
I could definitely climb him like a goddamn tree right now.
“Damn, they’re good,” I murmur, more to myself than anyone else.
“They’ve outdone themselves… without a single feather,” Dezi says wryly and I giggle.
The sound makes everyone look at me, and I growl until they stop. Khol coughs as he turns, and Dezi pretends to look at everything but me until I get my flushed face under control. Gwennon and theglitter minions, however, look pleased as shit, though, so I take a minute.
Fucking hot dudes make me stupid, I swear to fuck.
“Go to the bedroom, Fiadh, and we’ll bring your outfit along,” Basil says cheerily.
