Page 48 of Of Rime and Ruin

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The king remembers a book-keeper, from before.

A helpful siren who sat near the entrance. He could find anything, if you asked nicely.

I could use that book-keeper now.

But he is gone, like the rest of them.

He prefers the king, too.

Frustration.

Doubt.

Annoyance.

I tap another tablet.

The image plays.

Still no kissing.

I toss it.

Will Sunfish be angry with me?

The shelves tower high. So many books to sort.

I groan.

But I promised. Sunfish needs these kissing books.

I can’t return with empty claws.

I must bring hermanybooks. My claws will overflow with them.

Then Sunfish will be happy.

Then she will smile.

And then, if I’m lucky, she will show thiskissing.

Pucker her lips so I can taste them, like she did for that male in her memory.

I bet she tastes like the sun.

I pick up a book.

Tap.

No kissing.

This could take a while.

Chapter twenty-one

Aethan

Thishastostop.

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