Page 88 of Perfectly Perplexing Zombie

At a loss for words, I stared, mouth slightly open as Queen Silvidia shifted her attention to Muriel.

“Priestess.” Queen Silvidia tilted her head. I think it was a show of deference and appreciation. Ray’s hushed gasp gave me the feeling that it wasn’t something my aunt did often. “You have my undying gratitude. Were it not for you and your skills, I would have lost Wendall before I knew I even had him. Hanan’s bloodline would have come to an end, and should I have ever learned of his existence, I would have been devastated.”

“I…” Muriel threw me an uneasy glance before she pulled herself together and said, “The pleasure was mine. As far as I’m concerned, you don’t owe me a thing. Knowing Wendall has been payment enough.”

“How sweetly naïve,” Queen Silvidia chided. “The young are always so precious.”

I didn’t think the belittlement was intentional.

Muriel’s cocked eyebrow and pinched lips told me she was just as confused. Muriel remained silent, keeping her thoughts to herself. Despite heryouth,it was a wise decision.

With her thanks given, Queen Silvidia dismissed Muriel and moved her attention back to me, or more precisely, Trinket. “Come here, you darling girl.”

Trinket scampered down my arm and into Queen Silvidia’s outstretched ones. “Hamish told me what you did. What a magnificent creature you are.”

Trinket preened, cooing and rubbing her furred head against Queen Silvidia’s now crimson dress.

“Go on,” she prompted. “Go back to Wendall.”

With hardly a look back, Trinket did as told, planting herself on my shoulder.

Hands clasped in front of her, Queen Silvidia took Ray and me in, her gaze straying and fixating on our entwined hands.

“The djinn did a great service,” she said. “I can feel Wendall’s fairy bond. It is quieter than most but still present. Now, when the two of you bond, it can be as equals.”

Ray tried to release my hand, but I wouldn’t allow it and squeezed down tight. Ray sounded unsure when he answered, “Wendall and I haven’t had time to discuss it. I…I am unsure if that will be the outcome.”

I appreciated that he didn’t want to speak for me.

“As for myself,” Ray continued, “I truly desired the bond when Wendall was a zombie, and his rebirth has not changed my desire.”

An indistinct sound echoed up from deep within my chest. My heart pounded, thudding heavily and sparking welcome discomfort. I wanted to say something, but every word that came to mind seemed insufficient.

The sweetest smile curved Queen Silvidia’s lips. With her head tilted to the side, her white hair haphazardly shifted over her shoulder. A row of blood-red roses bloomed along the line, trailing down and blending in with her dress. Running her fingers through a length of Ray’s crimson hair, my aunt lovingly said, “Seers are called that for a reason, Hellfire.”

“Seers?” Ray sounded as confused as I felt. “I do not see what that has to do with the current situation.”

“Mm-hmm.” Queen Silvidia’s gaze grew distant. “There is no reason you should.” She gave another indulgent smile. “It wasn’t me the seer came to, but Hanan. It was shortly after you came to court. Hanan told me one of our seers came to him and told him of a vision she’d had involving you.”

Ray shifted and pulled me a little closer. I went easily and laid a hand along the length of Ray’s abdomen. I didn’t know anything about seers and asked, “Are we talking about what I think we are?”

Ray’s nod was hesitant. “Seers are…dangerous. Their visions don’t always come true, at least not in the way one expects. Visions are often shrouded and cryptic. Being a fairy seer is considered more of a curse than a blessing.”

That sounded ominous.

“Hellfire is correct. As with most visions, this one was confusing. It was centuries ago, long before it was necessary for us to intervene in human affairs. You can imagine Hanan’s confusion when the seer told him that she saw one that was of his lineage—more human than fairy—bonded to you.” Queen Silvidia smiled sadly. “Not long after, Hanan was killed. At the time, no one knew he’d sired a child. Visions are one of multiple possibilities, and I’d thought this one was doomed when Hanan died. Centuries passed, and Hellfire did not give his bond away. That only solidified my impression that the one that had been meant for him was destined never to be born.”

With a beatifically mischievous smile, Queen Silvidia said, “Do you truly believe I would have asked Hellfire to give his bond away, to commit himself to a life with one he had no knowledge of, for my own selfish reasons?”

“Wendall is the last of Prince Hanan’s line. It was not a selfish request,” Ray quickly answered.

“It was a little selfish.” My voice was barely audible and held more than a hint of reprimand.

Queen Silvidia gave me an indulgent smile. “I was not privy to the seer’s full vision but was hopeful. I am pleased that hope was not misplaced.” Pulling me into her arms, my fingers finally twisted away from Ray. The loss left my skin cold and barren. “I hope to see you in Fairy soon. But for now, I will leave you to your life. Take care of Hellfire for me. He has been loyal to a fault, and I fear I’ve asked more of him than any queen has a right.”

“Happily,” I easily answered, my cheeks flushing.

Queen Silvidia released me and laid a hand on my chest. “One heart, not two, but that one heart is worth a thousand.” Leaning in, she kissed my forehead. “Be well and call on me if needed. I am always at your service.”

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