Page 16 of Heir of the Beast

“You will automatically speak their language, so no worries there. But you can die in this world, so you have to be very careful.”

He walks up to me and leans in very close to my face. He smells like Old Spice. I could almost hear the Old Spice jingle.

“This is important, so pay attention. You have three lifelines. Let’s say you’re about to be killed by a wild animal, for example. You may use your lifeline, and you will immediately transport out of harm’s way.

“If you forget to use it, you will be mauled and die. If you use all three of your lifelines, on the fourth, you will be ejected from the world entirely. No ifs, and’s, or buts. You’re too much of a liability.”

He held up his hand. “Not my rules.”

I swallow and nod. “How do I use a lifeline?” I should probably know that.

“Very easy. You say, ‘Lifeline activate!’” His gaze holds mirth.

“That’s it?”

“It has to be simple, does it not?”

I thought about that. “Okay, let’s say they capture me, and I say the lifeline, and I disappear. Won’t that mess with sensibilities? Like, what the hell? She just disappeared.”

“Yes.”

I stare at him, waiting for him to respond. Really though, I’m about to punch him.

“Leave that to us. This is not our first rodeo, and you only use it if you’re going to die. It is not permitted to use a lifeline in less-than-desirable situations.”

He winks at me, then walks over to the machine, or alien-fairy-pod. He bent down like he was getting the thing to start with elaborate waves of his hand.

“You are to be a slave, congratulations.”

“That’s horrible,” I say, wondering what I’m missing. “What kind of slave? I am not going to do sexual stuff against my will.” That is a deal-breaker.

Pierce glances at me and nods.

“Pierce?” I bite out.

“Yes.”

“Elaborate.”

“Of course, do you think I would send you without informing you details of your position?” He has the gall to look offended. “I read over your file, and it is fascinating.”

Mort steps forward. “I have read and confirmed a plan of action.”

“Perfect, Mort. You can get into details once arrived.” He turns toward me. “Your position is simple, except for the fact that you harbor a secret. The secret is that you are the long-lost princess of Galleon.

“Now, here’s the kicker. Laura is the current princess of Galleon and an impostor, not the true birthright princess—you are. I love it when Fate creates drama!” He claps his hands.

“Now, this does not mean Laura is evil. She is not to blame for this mix-up. It’s Laura’s deceitful mother. You were lost as a baby, and the title has passed to your cousin, Laura.

“This is a competition. No one will know of this deceit unless you bring it to light. Which will be a task because Laura must stop you from exposing her. It can get rather cutthroat out there.”

“Oh, perfect,” I say, looking at them both in awe. “I’m not only a slave, but I have to expose my birthright in three months and make Apollo fall in love with me?” I’m breathing hard, about to lose my mind.

“Yes,” he says, and moves his hands around. “It’s not just you with obstacles. Each player will have them and must overcome them. It makes for a much better journey.

“Laura’s obstacle? She is not the birthright princess. April? She is an outlaw. Destiny? Is a Galleon spy.

“Ivy? Must save her brother, who the Queen of Garthorn wants to kill. Cherie? Is promised to another prince from Mont Gallow.”

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