Page 117 of Half Dead

“If anything, that makes it less likely.” He grinned, unconcerned. “I can’t tell you how wonderful it feels to walk on two legs and wear clothes again.” He glanced down at his shirt. “Of course, I’ll need money to purchase more appropriate attire.”

“Do you have a plan on how you’ll get it?”

“I thought I might try busking in the city subway.”

I laughed. “You sing? How did I not know this?”

“I didn’t have my proper voice in my cursed form. Now that I do…”

“I know just the vampire for you to meet.” Otto would adore having a talented musical guest, and Goran would enjoy Otto’s selection of food and drinks. A win-win.

“Really, Lorelei, you don’t need to go to any more trouble on my behalf. You’ve done more than anyone and you barely know me.”

“I didn’t need to know you in order to want to help you.”

“Ah, but perhaps I don’t deserve such kindness to be lavished upon me.”

“Everybody deserves to be who they are. You shouldn’t need to prove you’re worthy of it.”

Goran sniffed. “I need a handkerchief. Add that to the list.”

Claude carried over a box of tissues and set it in front of the prince. Goran took one and dabbed at the corners of hiseyes. “I wish there was some way I could repay you, yet all I seem to do is require more favors.”

“Helping you break the curse isn’t a favor, Goran. You don’t owe me anything.”

I glanced at the microwave clock. “I’d like another nap before sunrise. Before I leave for the trial, I’ll show you how to operate the ward. There are some pitfalls to be aware of. You don’t want to trigger them accidentally.” To be fair, it would be almost impossible to do that, but it seemed only right to be cautious when it came to lethal magic buried on the property.

“Are you sure about this?” Ray asked.

I nodded. It would be good to have a person in the Castle while I was gone. The ghosts had limited contact with the physical world, and although Claude had a physical form, it was still only a hand.

“I’ve always wanted to learn how to cook,” Goran said, eyeing the stovetop. “Would you mind if I used your kitchen?”

“As long as you don’t burn it down, go for it.”

Nana Pratt materialized in the kitchen, as though summoned by the word. “Who’s this handsome young man appearing like a thief in the night?”

“Nana Pratt, this is Prince Goran. He’ll be a guest at the Castle for as long as he needs.”

“And I’d like to learn to cook,” he added.

I smiled at Goran. “There’s a ghost here who happens to be very talented in that arena. Nana Pratt would be thrilled to supervise you.”

“Excellent. I love it when a plan comes together.” He tackled his fried chicken with vigor.

“I can write down instructions for him to follow and offer feedback,” Nana Pratt enthused. I had a feeling Goran was going to get more than he bargained for in this arrangement.

“Is there anything I can do while you’re out defeating evil?” Goran asked, licking his fingers.

“You could restock the fridge while I’m gone,” I said. “I’m out of blueberries.”

“Blueberries,” he repeated, as though making a mental note.

“Organic,” I added.

“Oh, how fancy.”

“Yes, that’s me. Very fancy.”

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