Page 41 of Perfectly Perplexing Zombie

Muriel waved a clean knife in the air, this one even more wicked-looking than the last. “Semantics,” she argued. “The scuttlebutt was a stroke of brilliance. He’s already in love with Trinket, and every time that warm and fuzzy feeling hits him, thoughts of you aren’t far behind. That’s the way with well-loved gifts.”

Trinket was indeed a good present, but I did not think the small scuttlebutt would be enough and said just as much. “I do not believe it has changed his mind.”

“That’s true, but it’s gotten him thinking.” Muriel tapped her temple with the pointy end of the knife. “And no, he hasn’t exactly said as much to me, but when he says your name or speaks about you in general, his tone is different.”

“How so?” I asked, genuinely curious.

“For one, the fear is gone. Don’t look at me like that. You’re a fairy, and Wendall grew up human. He’s got a healthy fear of fairies, and that’s not wrong.”

If that was the only way in which his opinion had changed, then the road was longer than I’d previously anticipated.

“For another, there’s a softness to his voice now when he talks about you. That didn’t used to be there. He already thinks you’re dead sexy. We’ve just got to work on some of his other hang-ups.” Muriel’s lips twisted and puckered with thought.

I got the impression she knew more than she was letting on and considered pressing her for more information but didn’t. “I am uncertain if there is enough time for him to come around. His body is deteriorating as we speak.”

I’d seen another area of decay on his hand last evening. I’d refrained from commenting. Wendall was more aware of his body’s condition than me. He didn’t need my commentary.

“That is the question.” Muriel let loose a sigh. “I wish I knew the answer.” She let her knife drop, and its weight easily sliced through the questionable material on the cutting board.

I silently waited. Muriel was frustrated and took it out on a lump of unknown meat. I had no desire to replace that outlet. After several more hacks and chops, Muriel set the knife down while staring at her grisly work. The sight didn’t faze her.

“You’re right. Time’s not on our side. We’ve got two competing problems, and each of them is set on ending Wendall’s existence. Neither of us finds that outcome acceptable. Sounds like we need to step up our game.”

“I agree. Do you have a suggestion?”

Muriel was a gifted priestess, but moreover, she’d lived a long life and had more experience with humans than me. Some fairies were above asking other species for their advice. To my mind, those fairies were foolish. There was no shame in admitting ignorance. The only shame was not correcting it.

“About the djinn?” Muriel shook her head. “Sadly, no. That’s so far outside my wheelhouse that I don’t even know where the door is to get inside. I’m afraid that one’s all on you.” Muriel shot me an apologetic glance. “You use me however you think best. I’m not sure if you need my permission or not, but regardless, you’ve got it.”

Wiping her hands on a nearby towel, Muriel shifted and gave me the full brunt of her attention. “As for Wendall, I might have an idea or two. If you ask me, Wendall’s never gotten the attention he deserves. Now, I’m not talking about fancy, expensive things. I’m talking about genuine affection. That boy’s life became devoid of that the minute his parents died. He’s self-sacrificing, and while that’s an honorable trait, taken to the extreme, it can be damn detrimental.”

I gave a slow nod of understanding. “Wendall does not wish to bind my existence to his own. He views this as harmful to me.”

“Exactly.” Muriel snapped her fingers, and her eyes shone a bit brighter. “He doesn’t want to take advantage of you. Wendall can’t stand the idea of benefiting while that benefit causes another suffering, and he believes that’s what bonding to you will equal. We’ve got to turn that idea around somehow.”

I didn’t disagree but found it difficult to conjure a plan that didn’t require months to years of implementation. As we’d already discussed, Wendall did not have that kind of time.

“You need to woo him,” Muriel stated with authority.

I fought the automatic eye roll. “That is exactly what Queen Silvidia suggested.”

“Oh.” Muriel’s eyes widened, and her mouth fell open before turning into a pleased smile. “Sounds like your queen and I might get along.”

I thought Queen Silvidia would like Muriel but didn’t say so. Instead, I said, “I have little experience in such matters.”

“Understandable.” Muriel seemed unflappable. “Like I said earlier, the scuttlebutt was a good start. You’ve got to appeal to what Wendall enjoys, and it seems to me you’re in a unique position to do just that.”

My cocked head and arched eyebrow must have clued Muriel into the fact that I had no idea what she was talking about.

“History. Wendall loves history. He was a history major. That’s how he met that asshole, Stover. Wendall wanted to travel the world and explore ancient civilizations. You can give him that from a first fairy point of view.”

I considered Muriel’s words before stating, “I was in Fairy for much of Earth’s history. I am uncertain how much I can contribute on that account.”

“Hmm, not a problem. I can’t imagine that Wendall would be particular to human history alone. My guess is he’ll be just as fascinated by fairy history or any other species you can regale him with. Wendall’s got a keen mind. Use it.”

Could it really be so simple? Did I just need totalkwith Wendall? Fairy history was nearly as bloody and tragic as our human counterparts. Would he be interested in the twists and turns that had led to fairy law? Beyond my powerful gifts, I’d never viewed myself as overly interesting. I had one thing to offer my queen, and that was my physical strength. But that was not what Wendall needed right now, or at least, it wasn’t all he needed. My ability to turn half the globe to ash with little more than a thought wouldn’t impress my zombie paramour.

Knife back in hand, Muriel took a couple of steps closer, her eyes narrowed and lips little more than a thin line. Raising the knife, she tilted its business end toward my chest, where she assumed my heart was. I had no idea if she knew two hearts thrummed beneath the tip of her blade.

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