Page 48 of Quick on the Claw

Tiffany shook her head, her wavy hair brushing her shoulders. “It’s not your fault, Zak. But I’m worried. It’s not just Grixxar. There’s something off about Rickon and some of the other advisors too. The way they look at me, at us... it’s like they’re waiting for something.”

Zak nodded, his brow furrowed in concentration. “I’ve noticed it too. Rickon especially has been evasive lately. In our last council meeting, he kept deflecting my questions about the security concerns, insisting that external threats were more pressing.”

“But you don’t believe him,” Tiffany stated, reading the doubt in Zak’s eyes.

“No, I don’t,” he confirmed. “My instincts tell me the real threat is much closer to home.”

Tiffany reached out, taking Zak’s hand in hers. The simple touch sent a jolt of electricity through her, a reminder of the deep connection they’d forged in such a short time.

“We’ll figure this out together,” she promised. “In the meantime, I think I have an idea that might help.”

Zak’s brow quirked up, a smile on his lips. “Oh? Do tell.”

“Well,” Tiffany began, her eyes lighting up with enthusiasm, “I’ve been thinking about how we can use my teaching methods to improve communication and understanding among your advisors and guards. If we can foster more unity, it might make it harder for anyone with... less than noble intentions to cause trouble.”

Zak’s smile widened, pride evident in his gaze. “That’s brilliant, Tiffany. This is exactly why I wanted an Earth teacher here. Your fresh perspective is invaluable.”

Tiffany felt a warm glow of satisfaction at his praise. “I’ll start working on a plan right away. But for now, I need some sleep. All these nights of us being up most of the night having fun have caught up with me and I’m exhausted.”

Zak’s deep chuckle rumbled through her. “Very well. I’ll let you sleep. But don’t think you’ve escaped me, my little Earth queen.”

The next morning, Tiffany threw herself into her teaching with renewed vigor. The educational halls of the palace buzzed with excitement as she introduced her latest lesson plan.

“All right, everyone,” she called out to the eager faces before her. “Today, we’re going to do something a little different. We’re going to use these amazing holograms to take a virtual tour of Earth’s most famous historical sites.”

A chorus of excited murmurs filled the room as Tiffany activated the holographic display. Suddenly, the grand pyramids of Egypt materialized in the center of the classroom, their golden sides gleaming in the simulated desert sun.

“Now, who can tell me what these are?” Tiffany asked, grinning as a sea of hands shot up.

As she guided the students through the wonders of Earth’s ancient civilizations, Tiffany couldn’t help but marvel at how quickly they absorbed the information. Their natural curiosity and the advanced technology at their disposal made for an incredibly rewarding teaching experience.

TWENTY-THREE

Tiffany’s fingers trembled as she traced the intricate carvings on the ancient wooden door of Rickon’s study. The sumptuous dinner with Zak still warmed her belly, but the nagging suspicion that had driven her here chilled her to the bone. She’d excused herself, feigning a headache, unable to shake the feeling that Rickon and Grixxar were up to something. Grixxar had missed dinner and the opportunity to talk down to her.

Now, as hushed voices filtered through the crack in the door, her suspicions crystallized into cold, hard fear.

“Tomorrow morning,” Rickon’s clipped tones sliced through the air, “the changing of the guard provides our window.”

Grixxar’s gravelly voice responded, dripping with malice. “And Zakhar?”

“Distracted,” Rickon sneered. “Too besotted with his Earth whore to see the danger. We’ll catch him off guard in his chambers.”

Tiffany’s heart pounded so loudly, she feared they’d hear it. Her palms grew slick with sweat as she leaned closer, straining to catch every word.

“What of the girl?” Grixxar asked. “Those failed attempts on her life have made Zakhar suspicious.”

A dark chuckle from Rickon sent shivers down Tiffany’s spine. “Oh, she’ll meet her end, don’t worry. But first, we’ll let her watch as we tear her beloved king to shreds. Her anguish will be... exquisite.”

“It reminds me of when we killed the old king,” Rickon chuckled.

“I know. He wanted to change things to listen to Zakhar and his new ways as if there was something wrong with my way,” Grixxar said.

“He had his uses, but he’d outgrown them. That accident was well-timed,” Rickon snickered.

Terror clawed at Tiffany’s throat. She stumbled back, her mind reeling. She had to warn Zakhar, had to stop this madness before?—

The floorboard beneath her foot creaked, the sound deafening in the sudden silence.

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