Page 60 of Tricky Magic
“None of them do,” Sam cut in. “You know the story about the wolven, we are a bunch of inbreds with no brains who like to have sex with each other, blah, blah, blah.” He finished by waving his hands.
“No.” Ellea took a deep breath. “I want to hear it. Not much was shared with me growing up. My nana and uncle raised me, and they’re seers, so I don’t know my history.”
She could feel Ros’ eyes on her, but she wouldn’t look his way. He saw too much as it was.
Devon cleared his throat. “Once upon a time...”
“Boo!” Sam said, and Devon rolled his eyes.
Ellea took a steadying breath and a few full sips of her drink. It was delicious and warmed her as it settled in her stomach. Devon gave both men a stern look before he continued.
“Once upon a time, a pretty princess traveled to distant lands to visit the royal family that ruled there. Her father had sent her to learn more about their customs, how they lived in those lands, and to possibly win herself a husband. She was beautiful, smart, and very cunning.
“When she arrived in the city that surrounded the castle, she was greeted with a parade. They showered her with flowers and gifts. Knights would lay down their swords in the presence of her beauty, promising to slay beasts in her name and win her hand. It was all very magical.
“But the princess had a secret. She had her own magic, and she was there on a secret mission. Yes, she was to learn their ways and how they did things. But she was also there to steal the crown.
“It only took her three months before she was crowned queen, and she didn’t need one of the princes or the king to do it. Now as queen, she took control of their lands, their riches, and kicked the royal family to the curb. The people she ruled over revered her ways and welcomed her with open arms.
“One winter’s day, a prince came home from war only to find his family nowhere in sight and a foreign ruler sitting on the throne. He was horrified and began his quest to avenge his family. He started small, spying when he could and whispering into ears. He bided his time and learned the whole story.
“The new queen was a witch, an evil trickster who used her cunning ways to take over the lands. The townspeople were horrified and accused her of working with Lucifer, the ruler of Hel.” Devon’s arms stretched out dramatically, and he gave an evil smile.
“Of course, he would show up,” Ros said with a roll of his eyes. Sam shushed him. Ellea was thankful for the break. She’d had a feeling it would get to this, the part where all tricksters were bad and up to no good.
“As I was saying…” Devon cleared his throat and continued, “The townspeople were horrified. They revolted and threatened to string her up in the town square. And when it all became too much, the queen rained destruction onto all the lands. If she couldn’t have the throne, no one could.” Devon paused for a dramatic effect. “That launched the Newhope witch hunt, and that began the extinction of trickster witches.”
Ellea’s heartbeat wildly as anxiety began to wash over her. It was hard to pull her mask down or calm her voice.
“And you wonder why I apologized for being what I am,” she snapped at them.
“Oh, it’s just a fairytale,” Sam said with a wave of his hand. “Hey, do you think you’re a long-lost princess?”
Ellea rolled her eyes and stood. She shook her empty tumbler as an excuse. “I’m going to find something else to drink.”
She left without another word, but could hear them whispering behind her. They grew distant with each angry step. She had never heard anything close to that story, but it fit. Raining destruction and angry people, she knew a lot about that. Heavy footsteps followed her, and she looked up to ask the stars for strength.
“Hey,” Ros said from behind her. She paused, plastered on a smile, and turned toward him.
“Yes?” The night had been going so well, and now she didn’t know what to feel. Had anyone else heard the story? Did they all know? Were they just being nice to the new witch in town? She looked around and only saw people as they had been before, enjoying the night and each other.
“Stop that,” he said and stepped toward her. “I’m sorry about Devon and that story. You should hear the ones about me.”
Now she was curious. What stories were there? She couldn’t stop her mind from wandering to the possibilities. She wished she knew what other secrets he carried and how many more demon qualities he had besides his sharper teeth and size. She shook her head from the thought.
“It’s fine,” she said with a sigh. “Honestly, I’m not surprised. I’ve spent my life living that story.” She groaned inwardly. “You know what, never mind. I don’t want to dull the night any more than I have. I’m going to go.”
“What? No.” His frown was so genuine. “Everyone loves you, and those kids”—he threw a thumb over his shoulder, and his huge bicep rippled along his black sweater—“it’s the first time they haven’t let a field of cows or goats into the celebration.”
The brief distraction of his muscles rippling with any movement was overshadowed by her anxiety. Life here was different, and they had to be feeding the men something, ‘cause no one should look like that. Maybe she was being stupid, but it was too hard to believe no one looked at her differently.
“Come home with me,” he blurted out, and Ellea almost laughed. “I have a book you might like.”
“Right, Ros,” she said, crossing her arms. “If you want another blow job, you don’t have to use such a lame excuse.”
“No.” He shook his head. “I do have a book for you.”
“Sure you do.” She stepped up to him and patted a hand on his hard chest. “What happened to the male that was threatening to turn my ass pink in front of the whole town?”
