“These, in particular, for the right to become the mate of a female.”
“No truer quest than to win the heart of the fairest maiden in the land,” my mirror man declares from wherever he’s hiding.
“The fish weren’t fighting over me,” I correct him before Theo explodes into his dragon and starts devouring all sea life.
“They should be, given you are the fairest in all the?—”
“He’s relentless,” Hart grumbles.
A pounding knock sounds at the door. My time is up.
“Who is that?” Theo snaps.
“Delivery service,” I say. “Got to swim. See you soon.” Sooner than they realize.
Without saying farewell, I grab my sword and dash through the house to my door. Mr. Tick waits for me, alone. Which is probably for the best. We don’t need witnesses.
Genie floats at my side as I close the door.
“Ready?” the grumpy crocodile asks as he eyeballs the gleaming blade in my hand.
“I am.”
“Then climb on my back, Daphne. We need to make haste. The king is preparing for his afternoon dalliance, and that is our opening.”
I swallow the unease swelling in my chest and climb onto his back. Please tell me I’m not about to seduce an Idol. We all know how that turns out.
We edgearound the ballroom behind the females presenting themselves for Poseidon’s perusal. He seems bored as he flicks his fingers to dismiss them again and again. In his other hand is my prize, the trident.
“Take this potion,” Mr. Tick instructs as a glass bottle materialises out of nowhere into my hand. “Seduce him, make sure he drinks it, and then let me inside the bedchamber.”
I am not enjoying the parallels to King Arthur. Why did everyone believe me capable of seduction? Seduction isn’t anatural gift all women receive. Or if they are, I clearly skipped the line when they were dishing it out.
“I don’t know how to seduce,” I hiss as I tuck the tiny glass bottle between my breasts. Good thing I have an ample bosom. “And fair warning, this never ends well.”
The sword emits faint amusement at my expense. Oh yes, he would laugh it up.
Genie bobs his head in agreement. “It’s true. While she is pretty, she is not graced with feminine wiles.”
“No need. You are in the minority of creatures he’s not had in his bed, and he can’t resist a new conquest,” the crocodile says.
“You stay here,” I instruct the genie. “No need to witness my botched attempt at seduction. Meet me back at the Hallows.”
Mr. Tick pushes me out into the crowd to join the dwindling line of unhappy females.
I’ve got this. Just me, my sword, and my charm.
The line shifts fast, and a tempo later, I am staring at the Idol of the ocean. He frowns. “Lady? You have brought the sword to show me?”
That seems like a far more innocent explanation thanI am here to dose, seduce, and steal from you.
He wiggles his fingers to beckon me forward. I take the few steps up to his throne, and he smiles at me as I dart my gaze to the floor and try fluttering my eyelashes.
“Are you well? Is the salt irritating your eyes? Sometimes the ladies are sensitive to it and need a little help.”
If anyone could hear my sword, they would discover he’s laughing so hard, he is the one crying salty tears.
“I am well, Poseidon. I have brought you the sword for inspection and to enquire if there is any way I can be of use to you?” Okay, now I sounded like a harlot.
