Page 36 of Royal Lies

Hmm, maybe a librarian look since, he's so stern all the time.

"A pencil skirt would be nice if he would be willing to let go of some of his gowns and-" I muttered a bit to myself, sipping the wine in my hands.

"I AM A MAN!" Eli’s brows were so furrowed it was like he had a unibrow as I chuckled. A slight snickering could be heard to my right.

I suppose the covering of his chest was instinctual.

"Oh dear, did I just say that out loud? .... Oops." I beamed my lips curled into a wicked grin at Eli's flustered face.

Oh, I totally meant to say that out loud. I just wasn't sure if he caught it. Hell, I knew he would catch it. No one was more prideful than that little pup. A question of his manhood would have Eli going on a rant for days.

"Ya, ya, ya, we all know you're a guy. A man, not so much. I mean you are rather short. Look, is it a deal or not!" Everettacontinued for the reddening man withholding a snicker from me and a glare from her other half as she quickly looked away after that little statement. But before the not-identifiable gender-specific person beside her spoke again I shrugged.

Honestly, the deal was reasonable but was I really one to just accept reasonable?

"Well, it is the truth. On the other hand, we do have magic. So becoming a girl again isn't a problem for Eli. As for your claims, well contingencies must be in place for me to even begin to consider this request," To be honest, half this conversation was flowing in one ear and out the other.

"Fair enough, but you can't use it without consent. I mean changing gender is a big deal. And although I do understand the hesitancy on your part, you truly don't have a choice. Do you? I mean what with twoROYALSand one of you,ROYALSor not, it's two against one. As for your sister, well she hates you and your kingdom, so really- as I said two against mono." She pointed out grinning like a shark. I always thought she might be one, a shark that is. I mean with three land specimens it would only make sense her last was a sea creature yes? Hmm, but shark isn't in her name, is it? Maybe she should add it, I mean it's already long, what's adding another title.

"Good point, good point, but then again when did I ever ask for permission? Plus, I always thought we were friends, Ev. Yet here you are cornering me." I pouted a little as the person with their gender still undecided scowled down on the both of us.

The only reply I got was a smile, as evil as that of a demon from hell. "I'll let you think about it, say two weeks? Or however long your court can fair. Also, before you call us friends, consider all you've done to us thus far?" She smiled as the couple turned. Grinning, I watched as the boy made one last comment towards me.

"Oh and if you even dare think about using magic on me again, just say goodbye to your own manhood," Eli bit back his teeth grinding. Clearly, he wanted to be the first to move towards the door. Did Everetta steal his thunder by walking out first?

"But, you're not all that manly Eli." I heard the girl whisper as Eli caught up to her. Her body leaned closer to the boy-like magnet drawing closer. They both walked towards the iced doors, almost like a couple with how close they were. Now that's a sour thought.

"I am too, besides how could you even let him say those things about me!" Eli exclaimed in a hushed tone. It was like he forgot I had enhanced hearing.

"I mean he wasn't wrong, you do already look like a girl. Are you sure you're not one?" Everetta seemed genuinely confused.

"No!" The boy raged.

"Really? Maybe trans-" The girl's words cut off as their voices drifted off into the air. The giant doors slammed shut behind them.

Glass shattered down against the palms of my hands. Cutting into my flesh as it shattered in my grip.

How dare they try and insult me with this- this was no bargain.

For I would be requested to aid in their attempt of conquest while mine is left to rot until the deed is done. My court won’t last long under the tyranny of the shadows. Yet, what could I do? Remembrance of the past is both a blessing and a curse. I know now what must be done that has yet to be fulfilled. I see the future that lies if nothing is unchanged all while blind to a new outcome.

Shattering the remnants of the wine-coated shards of glass in my hands I chucked the damn thing at the mirror, creating a lattice of spider webs. Not to mention the truth of their words, though it pains me, it was true. I don't know where the loyaltyof my dear little sister lies. And if I wish to obtain her love once again, I must break her fragile heart once more. But, she leftME.Despite knowing I would never choose to harm her in any way possible. She left me forHIM.

Those two-faced shadows. Worthless gods forsaken boy. Hands shaking, I flashed myself another glass of fairy wine. No, calm down Lucarious. Calm down. You don't have time for slaughtering innocent little sheep for laughs and giggles, no you must understand whether their lie was a lie or a truth. Did their memories honestly come to light? Or is it just Eli's that have returned? How long have they been reincarnated?

With enough-no. Not after what I said- damn it! The red wine stained the white carpeted floor.

"Perhaps I can be of assistance?" A whisper blew towards me, like a curse damning my very soul as it howled in my mind.

"I can get you what you want, your beloved court and your loving sister. I can get both of them back by your side if you heed my words." The idea this disembodied voice proposedwastempting.

It was quite appealing, on the other hand, I wouldn't know what this voice would want in return.

"Tempting, alas I would be placed between two bargains at once now would I not? What makes me want to take up your bargain and not that of the two little cubs?" I asked, popping another wine glass into my freshly magic-healed hand as if listening to a disembodied voice was the norm.

"What I seek is what you seek. What you desire and yearn to gain, so do I." The voice was like wind chimes ringing in my head. It was as if it was dancing around me. Goating me to accept. But I wasn't a fool. Still, his words did sound alluring. Almost like a siren song, like the voice of my once lover-turned-acquaintance. Was it perhaps Everetta's voice disguised as a male? No, it couldn't be. Everetta's not one to play these games.She more of the fae to manipulate events through others. And even if she did want to make another bargain with me, why do it this way? It made no sense.

Frowning, I replayed the voice's words in my mind. His phrasing could just as mean he wished to conquer a land like me or he wished to conquer my land like me. Words of the fae were never meant to be taken at their base level.

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