Page 27 of Dark Princess: Shadows

The three teenagers laughed, the sound grating on Drova's nerves.

"That's the whole point," Cheryl said.

"Don't worry," Parker added in an infuriatingly patronizing tone. "You can call me anytime you have trouble understanding something. I'd be happy to tutor you for a fee, of course. I'msure your mother would gladly pay me for helping you with your education."

Drova felt her cheeks burn with humiliation. The idea of needing help from a fourteen-year-old boy was humiliating. Or was he fifteen? Did it matter?

"Fine," she said through gritted teeth. "I'll read your books, and I'm sure I won't need any help. The fact that I hate studying doesn't mean that I can't do it." She leaned toward Parker. "Let's see either one of you in the training ring able to follow my most basic moves."

Parker's eyes started glowing. "Challenge accepted. I'll help you with your studies, and in exchange, you will train me."

Magnus cleared his throat. "Perhaps once you get your own earpieces. Until then, your visits with Drova will have to be supervised."

"For how long?" Drova asked.

He gave her a sad smile. "I don't know. You will have to earn back our trust, but frankly, I don't know how you will be able to do that nor how long it will take."

19

ROB

"Oh, look." Margo's eyes lit up. "That's Gertrude."

Rob followed her line of sight and felt his breath catch in his throat.

The woman approaching their table was strikingly beautiful, with long dark hair that fell in soft waves around her shoulders and piercing green eyes. Even among all these perfect immortals, something about her stood out.

It was like an aura.

Was she a goddess?

No, there was only one goddess in the clan, and she was a tiny redhead who looked like an angel.

Rob straightened in his chair, suddenly very aware of his appearance. Had he made sure to wear a clean shirt this morning? He hadn't done laundry since arriving at the village and was recycling the few clothing items he had bought at Walmart on the way.

He really should have gotten better clothes by now. What would this perfect beauty think of a human guy dressed in a Walmart T-shirt and jeans?

"Gertrude!" Margo waved the woman over. "Come join us!"

As the woman reached their table, Rob stood, feeling awkward but determined to make a good impression.

Margo rose to her feet as well and made the introductions. "Rob, this is Gertrude. She's one of the nurses here in the village. Gertrude, this is my brother Rob."

"It's a pleasure to meet you," Rob said, extending his hand.

"Likewise." Gertrude's grip was firm and warm, and her smile was genuine. "Welcome to the village, Rob. I hope you will be happy here."

"I'm sure I will be." He pulled out a chair for her. "I don't think I've seen you around before. I would have remembered you."

It sounded like a cheesy line even to his own ears, but it was the truth. A face like hers wasn't easy to forget.

Gertrude smiled. "I've been at the keep, taking care of Ell-rom and Morelle. I just got back to the village after the experiment was completed." She turned to Margo. "Did you tell Rob about it?"

Margo nodded. "I did."

"There's no reason for the doctors or me to stay there until we are needed again when it's time to put the trackers in other hosts."

"Do you know what they are going to do with the trafficker after he's no longer needed?" Rob asked.

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