Page 25 of These Violent Delights

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OZZY SHOWED UP THATevening, fresh from a hunting trip.He looked at her face and relaxed.“It's just a little scratch,” he said soothingly.“Rumors were flying, and I was afraid it was something serious.That will actually look cute when it heals.”

Zelda, who was more vain than the average Goblin, stared at him in outrage.She didn't share the goblin belief that scars showed battle metal; at least, not when it came to her own face.Maybe she had more in common with her horrible sister than she thought.

“Where is your sister?In the dungeon?”Ozzy asked.“I don't suppose there's much use in questioning her.You already know why she did it, but I'm happy to help, if you like.”

That actually made her feel better.It was practical help, at least.“I'll consider it.I didn't want to deal with her right away.I would probably just rip her head off and be done with it.”

“Public executions can be more useful,” he suggested.“They make great deterrents.”

Zelda stared broodingly into her fancy new glass and swallowed the last of her whiskey.“I suppose I should get it over with, since you came all the way up here.You can serve as a witness.”

Her Uncle Tank came in just as they were leaving.“Headed to the dungeon?I'll come along.”His armor creaked as they walked.“I got rid of her parents by the way, sent them back home.Told them there was no use hanging around by the gates, you weren't going to talk to them.”He looked grumpy.“They should have raised her better if they didn't want her to end up like this.Anyone could have seen this coming.”

Ozzy glanced at her grim expression.“Plenty of people in the market witnessed the incident.”

“Yes.”If she didn't say something, they would keep trying to make her feel better.She didn't need coddling, she needed to get her game face on.

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ZELDA SAT ON A THRONEthe castle had helpfully formed, taking her time as her sister cursed her from behind bars.Ozzy and Uncle Tank flanked her, their faces grim in the lantern light.

Zelda glanced at her sister and a chain rose out of the floor like a snake.The collar on the end clamped around her neck.It retracted, pulling Lady Divine to her knees.

The bars sank into the floor, giving her a nice clear view.

Lady Divine sneered, not cowed in the least.“Nice face!Tell me it hurts.”

Zelda smiled.“I'm thinking of letting you experience it yourself.If we go with the public execution, we could strap you to a board and saw through your face.What do you think?Would it draw a crowd?The merchants would thank me.”

The prisoner shut up...for a whole five seconds.“Go ahead!You're going to kill me anyway.”

At least she had spirit.That could be useful.

Zelda considered Lady Divine.This would have to be carefully managed.“What is it you want out of life?Power?Money?”

Lady Divine didn't hesitate.“I want to be famous.I want everyone to know my name,” she said defiantly.Her eyes narrowed.“I want to bury you.”

She wasn't an ounce sorry.

Redbone shifted, but he didn't intervene.

Zelda appreciated that.She studied her nails.“Hm.And am I in your way?”

“You don't deserve this.It was just handed to you.It should be mine!”Her sister practically foamed at the mouth with rage.

She had rivers of motivation.The question was, could it be directed?

Zelda stared into the distance thoughtfully.“Famous, huh?How about a wager?”

“What kind of wager?”Lady Divine asked suspiciously.

“It won't be easy.I'm not even sure you're up to it.”

“Just spit it out,” Lady Divine said contemptuously.

“Fine.Bring me the Beast Queen's head, and I will erect a statue to you in the town square.I will commission a book about you, to be read to every generation of children.I will hire teachers to teach those children to read so they can read the book to their children.Your legend will never be forgotten.”

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