Page 68 of Dark Rebel's Fortune

Down at the parking garage, the bus was already waiting for them when they got there, and as the doors hissed open, a squat man in a crisp suit stepped out. His whole appearance screamed 'butler' even though he wasn't wearing a uniform. It was in his fake smile and in the bow he executed with perfect flare.

"Mistress Jasmine. It's a pleasure to see you again." He shifted his gaze to Fenella, and his fake smile got even wider. "Mistress Fenella, I presume?"

She nodded and was about to say that it was just Fenella when he moved to the girls and correctly addressed each one by name. "Mistresses Arezoo, Donya, Laleh, and Azadeh."

"I'm impressed," Jasmine said. "How did you know who was who?"

"The village roster was already updated with the names of Kyra's family members."

"I see," Jasmine said as if it was self-explanatory for the butler to be updated on everyone's names.

"My name is Okidu," he said as he bowed again to Fenella and the girls. "I will be your driver today." He motioned toward the stairs leading to the bus. "Please, step aboard."

There was something off about the bloke, but Fenella couldn't put her finger on it. "Nice to meet you, Master Okidu," she said as she followed Laleh up the stairs.

Two could play the game of making the other feel uncomfortable.

"Just Okidu, mistress."

She turned around and offered him her best fake grin. "Well, in that case, call me Fenella without the prefix."

"Very well, M—" He stopped himself. "I mean miss."

Behind her, Jasmine chuckled. "Stop tormenting the poor guy, Fenella. He can't call you by your given name. It's not how he's programmed."

Fenella looked at Jasmine over her shoulder. "What do you mean it's not how he's programmed? He can't overcome his so-called programming?"

"Not easily." Jasmine put a hand on her back, giving her a light push. "I'll explain later."

These people were not as nice as she'd thoughtthey were if they forced their employees to call them masters and mistresses.

What was it, feudal Ireland?

The interior of the bus was much more impressive than its exterior. Plush leather seats were spaced out to provide plenty of legroom and there was an entertainment system built into each seat.

"Wow," Laleh said, checking out the system.

The others followed, their earlier wariness giving way to curiosity as they explored the vehicle. Ell-rom boarded last, ducking slightly to accommodate his height.

"This is bloody ridiculous," Fenella muttered as she settled into a seat. "Riding in a massive bus with just seven passengers. What happened to the van we took to Universal Studios?"

"It was a rental," Jasmine said. "Only approved vehicles can enter the village."

"How long is the journey?" Arezoo asked as the butler closed the door.

"It depends on the traffic," Jasmine said. "When it's light, it takes a little less than an hour; when it's congested, it can take up to two. Get comfortable, watch a movie, or listen to music."

"Very well." She watched as the vehicle went up the spiral driveway, climbing several levels before finally emerging on the street and into the bright California sunshine.

Fenella had never been to Los Angeles, so she preferred the view outside to whatever she couldwatch on the small screen attached to the seat in front of her.

The landscape gradually transformed, urban sprawl giving way to a more open terrain as they climbed into the foothills. She preferred the open nature and the freedom it represented.

Then, without warning, the windows of the bus started turning opaque, still letting the light through but nothing of the scenery.

"What's happening?" Donya asked.

"It's okay." Jasmine raised her hand to calm the girls. "It's just a security measure to protect the location of the village."

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