Hail to the Queen (Witch For Hire 2)

Stuffed, we lean back against the couch.

“Okay. Now I can attempt this,” I say. spilling my guts.

“Wait. You’re seeing ghosts now?”

“I saw a ghost. There’s a huge difference. Like you told one prophecy. Which I kept to myself by the way.”

“Uh huh. Keep going,” she says skeptically.

I tell her what Alida showed me.

“Wow. So Mémé and Percival?”

“Yes. Whatever those two know must be shared. I almost got it out of Mémé. I don’t see an issue getting her to tell me the rest, but there are always two sides to every story, and I know from experience, vampires view things completely differently.”

“What are you going to do?” she asks.

“Well, that’s where you come in.”

“What?” She places a hand over her heart. “Me? What can I do? I mean, he’s in your court.”

“Exactly. I’m way too close to the situation and him.”

“And I’m too far away,” she says quickly.

“No, you’re perfect. I’ve seen the connection between you. He’s drawn to you.”

“I’m not an escort.”

I tsk. “I want you to befriend him, not seduce him, Felicitie.”

She frowns. “I don’t like it.

“I know, and I wouldn’t ask this of you if it wasn’t important.”

Fel glances away, and I understand; the pull is mutual.

“The family needs this.”

Fel sighs. “I get it. I know where my loyalties lay. I won’t lie to him.”

“I don’t think you’ll need to.” My throat closes up around the order to abort the mission I know I can’t give.

“How am I supposed to justify my sudden desire to spend time with him?”

“I’ll take care of that. As a future council member, you need a mentor who specializes in vampire politics. If you ever get stuck ask him about our histories. I’ll let him know I chose him to be your advisor. He’ll enjoy it.”

“Clever,” she admits reluctantly.

“I’m trying. I don’t want anyone hurt, Fel. I’m not looking to manipulate. I just want the truth.”

“I understand. You’ve got the greater good to look out for. What did the Fae want?”

“Hell, I’m not sure. To test me? She invited me to visit her lands and look at something for her. Whether it’s real or imagined, I’m unsure.”

“You’re not going, are you?” Fel asks, alarmed.

“I have no choice. To say no would’ve shown fear. I can choose a group of people to travel with.”