Page 83 of Happily Ever Witch
Her lips thinned in frustration. “The magic here is deliberately screwing with us. I’m telling you, Wonderland thrives on anarchy. Itlikesus causing problems, because it wants us to push back and contribute to the chaos.”
“I’m about to make it real happy, then.” Trevelyan shook his head in disgust. “I hate knights.” He waved a hand and low-slung black pants appeared on his glorious body. “Stay here.” He stepped out onto the balcony, two stories above the invaders, and crossed his arms over his chest. Mostly-nude and unarmed, he still looked invincible to her. “Alright.” He called to no one in particular. “Which of you bastards wants to die first?”
Well, that was one way to begin the parlay.
“Maryanna, the illustrious Queen of Clubs demands your surrender!” The Dormouse on the hippo shouted back, magic boosting the volume of his squeaky voice. He was a squirrelly-looking little thing, in full battle-armor. “Comply immediately or pay the price!”
“I’m Trevelyan, the illustrious King of Hearts. Soon-to-be Emperor of all Wonderland.” Trevelyan’s voice rang with authority and promise, as if he wasn’t intimidated by the battalions of men surrounding him. As if he was in complete control. “I demandyoursurrender or I will kill… you… all.” Each word was spaced for emphasis.
The unexpected retort caught the Dormouse off guard. Muttering began amongst the army as they tried to figure out what to do next. The fact they weren’t already charging the castle hinted that the dragon’s reputation for manic violence preceded him. Even knowing he was weakened, they were wary.
Trevelyan’s favorite feathered pig was perched on one of the castle’s chimneys, scared of the invading horde. The other hog-citizens were probably lying low, as well. Esmeralda wished she could join them.
Instead, she moved to stand beside Trevelyan on the wide balcony. “It’s the two of us againstthousands.” The sheer scale of the invasion was staggering.
He frowned, as if surprised to see her next to him. “Two of us?”
“We’re True Loves. It’s always the two of us, when the army shows up to attack.” At least as far as she was concerned.
Trevelyan blinked.
She arched a brow. “No one’s ever fought at your side before?”
“Just my family.”
Esmeralda raised a shoulder. “It’s always smart to stick with your family.” She’d told him that the first time they’d met and she believed it. “Unless they’re jerks, of course. Then, you choose a new family and begin again.” No one got that philosophy better than an orphan.
He cleared his throat, not fully understanding her, and refocused on the invaders. “Well, I’m a dragon and you’re a witch. So, that evens the odds, a bit.”
“A dragon with weakened powers and a witch with twitchy magic. I don’t think your original ‘ambush them all’ plan is going to work. Maybe I should try bargaining.” God knew,hecouldn’t do it. Trevelyan’s negotiating skills would get the Heart Kingdom blown into a crater.
“Queens never make bargains. Not with assholes.”
“Of course we do. I make bargains withyouall the time.”
He slanted her a sideways look.
“Let’s at leasttalkabout giving them the damn spell.” She persisted. “It will buy us time, if nothing else.”
His façade of physical invulnerability stayed in place, but his tone got more urgent. “I can’t. It will unite the four tiaras and ensure the Queen of Clubs controls Wonderland.”
“So?”
“So,Iwant to control it.” He paused and then reluctantly revealed the real problem. “Also, in the wrong hands, the spell has the potential to end all of existence.”
Her mouth dropped. “And you’ve been messing around with it, as a goddamn puzzle game?!”
“I nevercastit, though. I was just passing time. One of the ingredients doesn’t even exist!”
“Shit.” Esmeralda tried to think. They couldn’t retreat, because the force field locked them into the castle. They couldn’t stay put, because the frigging army would bring the building down around them. They couldn’t give in, because the spell the Queen of Clubs wanted might end the world.
They would have to fight.
Shit.
“How many of these men can you kill, with your powers depleted?” She asked him, getting more serious about the situation.
“I don’t know.” His eyes swept over the countless soldiers, his jaw tight. “Maybe enough to scare the others away.”
