Page 176 of Happily Ever Witch
“It’s nothing some magic can’t fix.”
She made a skeptical sound. “That’s what every contractor says.” She glanced around the deserted landscape. Each direction featured postcard perfect views of colorful trees and sweeping mountain scenery. “So, is everyone in this kingdom hiding from us or have you already killed them all?”
“Hiding. They’ve no doubt heard about my little showdown in the Diamond Kingdom, by now. And they surely know that you turned all the citizens of the Heart Kingdom into hogs and the Club Kingdom into frogs.” Trevelyan lifted a shoulder. “As the last kingdom standing, it may take some time for the Spade citizens to recover from their survivors’ guilt.”
“I’m sure you’ll work hard to win their hearts and minds.”
“I’m the fairest emperor in the land.”
“And if any of our subjects disagree, you can always banish them to your stolen moon.”
He splayed a hand over his heart, in mock affront. “I’m not going to steal the moon, again. That was just a phase.”
“Are you making puns, now? I feel like that was a pun.”
“Don’t be ridiculous. Puns are punishable by death. That’s a day-one royal decree.”
“You really are the worst person ever, Trev.”
“I try.” He slung an arm around her shoulders, using his free hand to gesture towards the Spade Palace. “Focus on our newest business opportunity. Picture how amazing your record store will look, housed in this place.”
Esmeralda’s eyes traced over the stone façade. “You want to remodel a hundred-room castle into a music shop?”
“Why not? It’s not like we’re going tolivehere. The lawn will be forever in need of raking.” He cast a disparaging look towards the autumnal trees and the ever-falling leaves. “We’d need a whole team of gardeners.”
“No gardeners.” Esmeralda gave an elaborate shudder.
Trevelyan didn’t argue. “On the plus side, I think the overly-colorful environment will encourage wealthy visitors to spend their afternoons browsing in our quaint record store.”
“You would slaughter any tourists, just on principle.”
“With excellent reason. Everyone is a moron, except you and me. Never more so than when they’re on vacation.”
“That should be the motto on our ‘Welcome to Wonderland’ sign.”
“I hate people, but I love their money. Which is why this plan is so perfect. It keeps all the interlopers in the Diamond Kingdom. It provides the citizens here jobs to keep them busy. And it gives us all their lovely gold.”
“Because the second-richest-man-in-Neverland needs more gold.”
“No one becomes the second-richestanythingwithout needing more gold, darling.”
Esmeralda’s forehead creased as she considered the scale of the remodeling project. “How do you intend to accomplish this grand commercial transformation?”
“Oh, I don’t. I intend foryouto do it.”
She glanced his way.
He arched a brow. “But, you can use my powers to help with the project, if you like. It’s going to take quite a big spell to fill a space that large with enough records. You might have to magically invent some new musical style, just so you can sell recordings at a ridiculous markup.”
“You’re the guitar player in the family. That’ll be your job.”
That made him laugh.
Esmeralda grinned back at him, leaning into his side. Two seconds later, he felt her magic swell. His own powers moved to support it, providing energy and guidance when she hesitated over some part of the spell. But she didn’t need much help. Her confidence grew, as she reshaped the castle to her liking.
It felt so strange to have his magic engaged in Goodness. Nothing about Esmeralda’s remodeling was evil. It hurt nobody. It was just beautiful and creative and helikedit. He’d never ever tell anyone else that, of course. Trevelyan had a reprehensible reputation to protect. But he enjoyed the light, joyful play of energy against his own. And he really liked the delicious hint of darkness around the edges.
He kissed the side of Esmeralda’s head, basking in her wicked virtue.
