“Is he seriously looking for an egg?” Malachi mutters as he tilts his head.
Eugene and Hamish fuss around Charming’s butt. Do they see it as a travesty that he’s not laying an egg?
Charming blinks and straightens before focusing on Gwyneth and taking a seat next to her on the sofa. He’s been alternating between being his normal irritating self and embracing the capon still lingering inside of him. I’m not entirely sure which version I prefer.
“Any luck finding the rabbit?” Hart asks as his fingers toy with the hair at my nape. I look up at him from the armchair I’m curled up on. He smiles down at me, a soft expression reserved for me. It makes me feel all fuzzy inside, much like orgasms.
“None,” Nash says as he swipes a few slices of the rapidly disappearing sausage from the platter. I should make it a rule that they only get my sausage if I get theirs. Nash’s face transforms into a wicked grin. “Deal.”
Whoops.
Theo offers me a small plate piled high with fresh, yummy food. I smile as I take it from him. “I think you are my favorite,” I declare.
“Hey,” Hart grumbles. “That’s hardly fair. I was busy giving you or?—”
Gwyneth slams her hands over her ears. “La la la la.”
Eron appears in the mirror and scans the room before his gaze lands on me. “She escaped,” he declares.
“I preferred it when he was getting your name wrong and making useless yet accurate statements about your fairness,” Hart says.
“Malice?” I check.
Eron nods. “So watch your mirrors.”
“She’s still in your world?” Nash asks.
Eron nods. “For now. Be careful.” His image fades from view.
“So long as she stays out of our realm, we should be okay,” Theo says as I munch on my superior plate of food.
“Perhaps the rabbit is waiting for Daphne and Gwyneth,” Nash says. “I think we should gather our reserves and attempt to find it.”
“Failing that, we should consult the living library,” Gwyneth adds.
Wow, that’s smart.
The genie poofs into the room, and gold glitter explodes, covering us. I hunch over my plate, protecting the food.
Hart growls low, his chest rumbling in warning. “Why did you do that?”
Genie folds his arms and glares. “It has been brought to my attention that newer and shinier sidekicks are inserting themselves into the ever-evolving landscape of Daphne’s narrative. I need to demonstrate my usefulness and loyalty to the group. I will not be replaced.”
“No one is being replaced,” I tell him.
Genie deflates. “Are you sure? Because the fortune teller was quite clear that my life is intrinsically tied to yours. If you forget me and leave me to rot in unfulfilled wishes, I won’t survive it.”
“You went to see a fortune teller?” I ask.
“That’s not important,” Genie huffs.
My genie feels threatened. The only way to soothe him is through reassurance. He is here to stay. “Malice has escaped,” I explain. “And we can’t find the White Rabbit, but once we pack some supplies, we are going as a group to find him. I would be honored if you would join us.”
Genie blinks at me before swiping a thumb under his eye. “Absolutely. What do you need from me?”
“Stay with us, but keep your eyes on any mirrored surfaces. If you spot anything out of the ordinary, holler.” He salutes me like I’m his general.
“I’ll get us some extra clothing,” Gwyneth grumbles before urging a mute Charming up with her. “I’ll take him with me to see if I can shake loose the few brain cells he’s holding hostage.”
