“What’s he doing?” I ask.
“Running security checks,” Genie replies.
That feels… ominous. For girls in red cloaks?
“How?”
“He keeps huffing and puffing at the castle doors to test their structural integrity.”
Oh, he’sthatwolf.
Theo chuckles into my hair. “At least someone is thinking about fortifications.”
“Unfortunately,” Genie adds, “he’s also eaten two footmen and a decorative goose.”
“That goose had dreams,” I whisper. “If he dares even look at my capons, I can’t be held responsible for my actions.”
“Wasn’t aware of your friendship with a goose,” Malachi says with a smirk.
I shrug. “All creatures have dreams, even if I’ve never met them.”
Genie raises another finger. “Rumpelstiltskin.”
Every knight groans.
“Where is he?” Nash asks.
“Everywhere,” Genie growls. “He’s wandering the corridors, offering deals.”
“What kind of deals?” Hart asks.
“Your firstborn for access to the kitchens.”
Are the kitchens still making sausages? Because in all fairness, you can always have more children.
“Three years of your life for a better mattress.”
Can’t fault him for recognizing the importance of a great sleep.
“Someone traded their shadow for a cinnamon bun this morning.”
I clutch my chest. “A cinnamon bun?”
Genie nods. “Still warm from the oven.”
“That’s a dangerous man,” I whisper.
“Correct.” He lifts another finger. “The Witch from Oz.”
Theo perks up. “Which one?”
“East. She’s a tad dramatic. She’s taken the gardens and declared war on anyone carrying water.”
“That feels like a design flaw,” I say.
“Yes,” Genie agrees. “The gardeners are currently negotiating with buckets hidden under their coats.”
“Who else?” Malachi asks.
