Page 42 of Box of Frogs
I eyed his expression. ‘You mean Fey like me, don’t you?’
‘I was referring more to those like Rubus. But,’ he said heavily, ‘yes. Fey like you.’
‘Because I work for Rubus.’
Morgan gave me a brief nod. ‘You do.’
I mulled this over. There was more to Morgan’s disgust for me than simply hatred of my drug-dealing ways, even though I was beginning to think that they were bad enough. Credit where credit was due – he certainly possessed an admirable streak of selflessness. ‘We still have access to magic, though. I altered time.’ I pointed at my large body. ‘I look like this.’
‘Fripperies only,’ he told me. ‘Those sort of tricks aren’t meaningful. Not in any earth-shattering way. Not unless you over-use them anyway.’ His eyes took on a distant sheen. ‘We used to be able to encourage growth, affect the seasons when necessary and dampen down pollution. That’s the reason why most of us are located here, in the centre of the country, rather than in the south in London. Not that it makes much difference any more. Now all we can do is a few parlour tricks while pining physically and emotionally for home.’
I swallowed. Any taunts or irritation had gone from his voice; all that remained was a deep melancholy. No wonder I’d turned to dealing drugs.
‘In any case,’ Morgan continued, ‘that is why it is such a surprise that you have been able to keep the glamour for so long. Without setting foot in Mag Mell, our abilities are severely hampered and much diminished. If I hadn’t seen you maintain this body shape for so long, I wouldn’t have believed it.’
‘Under normal circumstances,’ I asked, ‘how would I change back?’
‘You would wish it and it would be done.’
I nodded slowly. ‘I wish to be myself again,’ I declared loudly. Nothing happened: no earthquake, no crack of thunder. When I looked down at my hands and heavy thighs, I was still an overly large man. I grimaced. ‘This was fun to begin with but I’m getting tired of it now.’
‘Viburna was probably right. The rowan poisoning is why you’ve stayed that way for so long. It’s the only thing that makes any sense.’
‘But,’ I pointed out, ‘you said you’d given me nux while I was out. I should be alright now.’ I was aware that my voice was rising. ‘But I’m not alright!’
‘Stop panicking,’ he said briskly. ‘You’ll be fine. You just need a reminder of who you are.’
‘I’ve got bloody amnesia!’ I yelled. ‘I don’t remember who I am!’
He smiled, which did little to make me feel better. ‘Not that sort of reminder.’ He stood up and walked towards me, beckoning me to my feet. ‘I have a plan,’ he said.
‘A good plan? A plan that will work? A plan that I will enjoy?’
His smile turned rueful. ‘You’ll probably enjoy it more than I will.’
I frowned. ‘What’s that supposed to mean?’
‘Come closer,’ he instructed.
I gave him a wary look. ‘Why?’
His lips curved upwards. ‘You’ll have to trust me,’ he murmured.
I was tempted to turn tail and run; instead I fought against my better instincts and did as he asked. It was gratifying to realise that in this body, at least, I towered over him. It was also rather pleasant to be close enough to inhale Morgan’s scent. ‘Mmm,’ I sniffed. ‘Did you bathe just for me?’
He gave a mild snort. ‘You certainly didn’t do it for me. You smell like a trucker who’s been on the road for a month.’
‘Right now,’ I retorted, ‘Iamthat trucker.’
He smirked. ‘Close your eyes. This will go easier on both of us if we’re not looking at each other.’
More suspicion flared up inside me. ‘What…?’
‘Just do it, Madrona,’ he said. ‘For once, just do as I ask.’
Wondering what the hell he was up to, I closed my eyes. I was still half-expecting to receive a no-holds-barred smack in the mouth. Instead it was something else entirely which brushed against my lips.
I leapt backwards, opening my eyes and staring at him. ‘What are you doing?’
