Page 167 of I Ran Away to Evil
“Cousin Julia married into Nilheim, or will shortly,” Tabitha countered. “I can too.”
“My daughter is marrying Necromancer Chloe from the Dark Enchanted Forest.” Duchess Calisto rejoined us, smiling down on her nieces. Presumably her nieces, as they called Juliacousin. I would go with that. “You should have all received her invitation this morning.”
“Grand Duchess,” Duke Wyldon of Servalt turned to our hostess, and in front of everyone declared, “Princess Henrietta is in grave danger, and I fear she’s under a mind spell as well. Can you help us?”
I couldn’t help it; I face-palmed a second time.
CHAPTER 102
Some People Have No Respect
Keith
Keith was held back by Their Royal Highness Rowen as he made to fly into the air toward the tea party.
“You can’t,” Rowen stressed, placing a firm hand on Keith’s shoulder. Unlike the jovial pat from earlier, this was a viselike grip that kept him rooted. “Her Grace is there, and we can’t interfere. Henrietta is safe; she’s just a little embarrassed.”
Knowing that Ria was safe helped settle him. “How do you know?”
The fox grinned. “I’ll tell you if you tell me how you always know it’s me?”
Keith shook off the hand and considered.
“Your eyes,” Keith lied. “They’re always like a fox no matter your form.”
“And you are an evil tyrant who tortures your prisoner in the dungeon and makes her cook and clean for you.” Rowen laughed.
“What?”
“You lied and I played a trick.”
“How much of your trick was lies?” Keith asked, glancing again in the direction of the tea party. He felt relief when he realized that Jacqueline had fallen back to sleep.
“Very little.” Their Royal Highness looked behind Keith and sighed deeply. “But now we have other problems.”
“Hello, Dark Lord, Your Highness,” Crown Prince Deryl sneered as he joined them in the gardens.
Keith immediately regretted not flying off and ruining the tea party.
“Crown Prince Deryl.” Rowen inclined their head ever so slightly.
Keith did no such thing. “What brings you outside today?”
The prince’s eyes darted in the direction of the tea party. “I just wanted tomake sure no caused a disturbance. It wouldn’t do if our delicate flower of Sumbria was harassed by one of your ilk.”
Rowen choked on air. “I hope you do not treat all of your trading partners this way, young prince. Or there won’t be any left by the time you ascend.”
Prince Deryl flushed with anger and growled out, “King Rowen, was that a threat?”
“No. This is.” Rowen’s magic swirled around their body. A great show, but as Keith knew, unnecessary. When everything settled, a giant fox with seven tails took up a significant portion of the garden as it loomed over them. The sheer force that rolled off the fox left Prince Deryl on the ground, shaking in terror. “If you do not change your ways, boy, then no one will find your bones when your own people tear you limb from limb and leave you for the dogs.”
It was too much for Prince Deryl, who scurried to his feet and ran for the palace door, tripping in the process. He was blubbering about telling his father as he ran back inside and out of sight.
“Was that truly necessary?” Keith asked, crossing his arms. “He’ll be king one day, and we’ll both suffer.”
“If he becomes king, we’ll suffer nonetheless.” There was apop, and a middle-aged noblewoman stood where the fox had been. “Really, calling this beautiful face ‘King.’ He has no taste.”
“You would have chastised him even if he’d called you queen,” Keith pointed out.
