Page 41 of The Syphon King

“Really,” he assured.

“So...so everything is...safe now?”

“Yes.”

She covered her gasp and lowered her head. “I’m so happy.”

“We must get back to discussing your future.”

Joy surged through her, bringing a massive smile. “Okay.” She eyed him. “Would you...like me to try and...cook? It’s probably too late for that.”

“I will cook for you.”

Excitement ate at her frayednerves. “I would love that.”

“Feed Jinxxy for me. Her meals are in the refrigerator.”

“I saw them. I...asked Trixie and she told me what to do.”

She chanced a look at him, finding his lenses aimed right at her. “Thank you, Zeen.” Lord, he was beautiful. “You have nothing to fear with me.”

She stared at her reflection in his lenses and nodded. “I never...did.”

“I will speak to my brothers and meet you at my place.”

“Okay.” She realized he wanted her to go, and she stepped back. “I’ll see you soon.”

“Very soon.”

She smiled and waved then raced out, her joy bringing a happy laugh up her throat that she held down till she was in the hallway. Then she let it out, clapping at the miracle that nothing was broken, and she got to keep her beautiful King and even get fed by him. She hurried her pace, remembering the other dress she wanted to wear. The prettier one. She’d fix her hair and... Her stomach fell at realizing she was headed down the same path as before. She couldn't beg for his affections like a pathetic child. Or for pleasure like some slut. She would be content with his friendship. His guardianship. HisKingship.And whateverelse he felt she was worthy to have that he was comfortable giving. And she’d do everything in her power to give him joy and show him he could never suck it all out of her. Because as long as she was with him, it would never stop multiplying a million times over.

CHAPTER NINE

Seer glanced at the door of the Sanctum, the trouble in his spirit vexing as Nidev closed the meeting. Something was coming. Something big and yet... not. The contradiction was the vexing part.

“Hopefully, King 8-Bit’s friends will be able to unravel Rukem’s scape and we’ll know more about what needs to be done. I was reminded that Belle Eveque’s relationship classes are tomorrow evening and unless more dire things come up, we feel pursuing such wisdom is more imperative to the Kings than ever.”

Seer’s spirit lurched at the knock on the Sanctum door.

One of the Verthurs entered and glanced around, then nodded at Nidev. “I have students outside that requested an immediate audience with the Kings.”

“Now?” Nidev asked, surprised.

“Yes.”

“Send them in.”

The Verthur opened the door and students ranging from no older than seven toyoung adults filed in till a line of them stood just beyond the oval sitting area.

They sheepishly eyed all the faces staring at them and Seer eyed the girl at the end of the row with the wild blond curls down to her waist, rocking on her heels with hands clasped before her. Whatever put that secret smile on her mouth was the thing needing to be heard.

“For the past week,” the oldest boy at the front began. “We’ve been having dreams and...visions.”

This news got all their rapt and immediate attention. Felt like the Lord brought the popcorn to the show.

“Go on,” Nidev said.

“Some of them are odd but...all together they make sense. My vision is of a clock. Ticking. That’s all I see but I know in the vision it somehow means time is important.” He looked to his right to the boy no more than ten.