Page 50 of Bewitched

“I agree,” said Rhys. “However, there is more.”

“More what?” asked Zann.

“Well, when I was at the Pyramids of the Gods, Zoroct gave me a warning about her as well.”’

“He did?” Darium raised a brow. “If Zoroct spoke to you, it must be important. I’ve never known anyone who received a message from the gods before.”

“What did he say?” asked Zann.

“He told me that the girl cannot be trusted. Of course, he also said not to trust the elf, either, so that is rather confusing, I suppose.” The damn bee was back, buzzing around his head now. He stepped back, swatting at it again.

“Not trusting the elf is something I can see. But why would Zoroct say that about Medea?” asked Darium. “She’s a stranger to Mura, and he doesn’t even know her.”

“Zoroct said she was greedy, taking things she wanted without asking. He also said she’d be punished for her mistakes.”

“Ah, like what happened to her on the bridge.” Zann nodded.

“I suppose,” said Rhys. “However, I get the feeling this isn’t over with yet.” The bee was back, aggravating him by buzzing right next to his ear.

“So, do you regret coupling with the witch?” asked Darium. “I mean... Medea?”

“No, not really.” The bee flew away.

“Then don’t worry about it,” said Zann with a shrug.

“It’s just that both Mother and Rapunzel warned me about Medea’s darkness as well,” Rhys told his brothers. “I don’t want to believe it, but after hearing it from so many people, it makes me wonder.” He felt something crawling on his arm and looked down to see the bee. He tried to smash it, but the bee was fast and he missed, smacking his arm with his open palm instead.

“You sound like you are having second thoughts about Medea, Rhys,” said Darium. “You’re not thinking about taking the King up on his offer after all, are you?”

“Why do you even feel the need to ask me that?” Rhys didn’t want to think about this at the moment.

“Because,” said Zann. “King Osric is going to make you his heir if you kill Medea, her sister and the dragon. It is a big decision, Brother.”

“I can’t take the offer. I can’t kill Medea or any woman,” Rhys answered.

“Nay, I suppose not,” said Zann in thought. “But still... that is an offer that won’t come twice. Just think. You can be one of the rulers of Mura and make sure magic is never prohibited again.”

“I know,” said Rhys. “I have to admit, I did consider the offer for a brief minute. Who wouldn’t? Ow! Damn it,” he shouted, feeling a sting on his ass. He turned around to find the damned bee buzzing furiously around him now. “I just got stung. I’ll kill that damned bee.” This time, he used his strength to swat at the bee. The bee shot far, and fell down into the flowers along the bank. “Well, that should do it.” He rubbed his aching ass.

They heard a rustling in the flowers on the bank. To his surprise, Medea stood up, rubbing her head.

“Medea?” Rhys hadn’t seen her in the flowers. “What are you doing there?”

“You really do want to kill me, don’t you?” she spat, her eyes turning pitch black with anger.

“Uh oh,” said Zann, realizing what was about to transpire.

“Damn,” muttered Darium. “I think you made her angry.”

“Y-you were the bee, weren’t you?” asked Rhys, realizing now she had shapeshifted into the form of an insect. “How was I supposed to know that? That was a stupid thing to do, Medea. I could have killed you. Why did you do it?”

She stormed over to the men. “Rhys, I heard you speak my name and figured you were telling your brothers about us spending the night together. I wanted to hear what you had to say. However, now that I have heard what came from your mouth, I wish I hadn’t.”

“Medea, I can explain.” Rhys watched as her whole face seemed to change and contort. She became very angry. He didn’t like to see this side of her at all. It was not becoming in the least.

“You used me, Rhys Blackseed!”

“No, I didn’t.” Rhys saw Rapunzel and his mother coming from one of the cottages and hurrying in their direction.