“Nobody say anything this time,” I command. I point to Sir Sweeps-A-Lot. “And you get behind me so we don’t get stuck in this infernal loop.”
He does as he’s told. I don’t want to die of boredom while we wait for my mirror man to perfect his entrance.
Here lies Daphne Stone, architect of the realm, bested by boredom before she claimed her dragon in the bedroom.
Now that would be a travesty.
Third time lucky. Eron takes shape once more and focuses on me. “Oh, fairest delicious deliberate disastrous delicate dizzying dribbling Denise.” He blinks at me.
I take offence at the dribbling. Also, the delicate. Not my style. I give him the thumbs up. “That was top-notch. But why appear in the lake?”
He tilts his head down to the water beneath him. “You don’t have a mirror with you.”
He appears to be offended that I’m not carrying around his only communication method. “I’m sorry, that wasn’t very thoughtful. I’ll rectify that as soon as I can.”
The genie throws a circular object over his shoulder. Nash catches it and shows me the pretty jewel-encrusted mini mirror.
“Problem solved,” I declare. “Now tell me. Why the big entrance?”
“You’re late.”
If he’s been hanging around with that infernal white rabbit, I cannot be held accountable for my actions. Where’s the grace when you’ve fallen from the stars and been resurrected?
“I’ve been busy destabilizing destiny,” I reply. “But good morning to you, too.”
His jaw tightens. “You need to get a move on.” He goes quiet for a moment. “Yes, yes. I’m telling her.”
Who is he speaking to?
“Rescuing Theo is top of my list,” I say. “We ride at first light.”
“It should have been done diurnals ago.”
“I was caught up being dead. Adjust your expectations.”
A muscle jumps in his cheek. “You are needed at the Hallows.”
“Because of the fairy-tale chaos?” I wonder. “Sidekicks quitting. Princesses opening small businesses. Minor narrative rebellion. It will settle.”
His eyes darken. “That is an issue.”
“But nottheissue,” I press.
The lake ripples once, then stills again. I think it’s when he’s swapping between mirrored surfaces.
“No.”
“What is the issue?” Nash asks.
Eron’s gaze returns to me. “There are four Idols in the Library.”
I suck in a breath. Four in one place? “Which library?”
“The Hallows.”
At least the Living Library is safe. “Is Gwyneth safe?”
“Yes. Actually, she’s a little violent. I never knew she had it in her.”
