Page 62 of The Last Heir of Elsewhere

She gasped. “Why?”

“She went to Underneath because I asked her to. As for the dungeon, that’s a longer explanation.”

“Tell me,” she demanded.

Alright, that was far more than enough. “You really do not seem to understand how this works. You’ve now had several questions in a row, but answered none of mine.”

She let out an angry growl, and made to stand. “Because your questions are pointless. You already know everything, right?”

“Not everything,” I murmured.

There were many things I couldn’t know through watching her by way of another’s future. And, after the intriguing results of my first question, I was not at all inclined to give up a chance to know more about her.

“What’s your favorite pastime?” I asked.

She looked mutinous. “I don’t have one. My only goal has ever been survival. I’ve hardly had time to develop leisurely interests.”

I waited a beat, but she didn’t react as if she’d lied. Interesting. She at least believed herself, then, though all evidence I’d seen led me to disagree. From what I’d seen, she had carved out a great deal of free time for herself over the years, and seemed to fill it with rule breaking and casual sex. Of everything about her, that was one of her most Fae-like qualities.

“If you did have time for leisure,” I asked, “what would you choose to do?”

She grinned widely. “That’s a second question.”

I smiled, having learned something new from her answer alone. She was a shameless hypocrite. “Fine, answer it and we’ll call ourselves even.”

“I…I don’t know—” She coughed, and changed course mid-sentence. “I suppose, I like winning.”

“Winning…” I said, thoughtfully. She and I had that in common, then. “I suppose we’ll have to find a game for you to play.”

“Why would you care if I’m enjoying myself?”

“Perhaps I want you to be happy.”

She let out a harsh laugh. “Perhaps, but I doubt it.”

I took another sip of wine. “Doubt whatever you like. It’s your turn.”

“Why is my mother in the dungeon?”

“That’s a complex question, but the short answer is she went to Underneath looking for someone whom she has not seen in many years. Landing herself in the dungeon…well, I suppose I don’t know for certain, but given what I know of that court, I am almost positive she is now a prisoner.”

“Who was she looking for?” she demanded.

“My superior,” I replied. “The original Dullahan.”

She sat up straighter, a spark of genuine excitement flickering through her gaze. “Who is that?”

I scoffed. “Nice try, love. It’s my turn.”

“Don’t call me that.”

I raised my eyebrow. “What, you don’t like pet-names?”

“Is that your question?”

“No.” My smile broadened. “I’d rather find that out for myself, love. Now, let me think…” I paused, mulling over what seemingly “pointless” question would give the best insights.

“Go on,” she rushed me.

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