Page 13 of Once Upon a Curse for True Love
“How would I know?I don’t inventory your refrigerator,” the hedgehog sniffed.
“You’re such a ray of sunshine,” Andromeda muttered.“Hang on,” she told the jackalope, who waited patiently, whiskers twitching.
She darted to the kitchen, rummaged through the vegetable drawer, and returned with a fresh carrot.“Here you go.Sorry about my familiar.He was born without a joy gland.”
The jackalope accepted the vegetable with a small bow.“Most appreciated, miss.My route is long today.”
“I object to the baseless accusation that I lack joy,” Quill protested, waddling forward to peer at the furry postal bunny with suspicious little eyes.“I reserve my enthusiasm for things worthy of it.Like fine literature.Or properly brewed tea.Not hopping vermin who deliver bad news.”
Nox slunk into the room.“Jealous much, Quill?”He snickered.“No one’s ever offered you a carrot, uh?”
“I do not eat carrots,” Quill huffed.
The jackalope crunched on his snack, unfazed.“If you don’t mind, miss,” he said between bites, “I need your signature to confirm receipt.”
He produced a tiny pad and pen from his postal pouch.Andromeda signed, delighted by the miniature stylus between her fingers.
“Thank you, Miss Swan.Have a magical day.”With a wink and a final crunch of carrot, the jackalope hopped down the porch steps and disappeared around the corner with impressive speed.
Andromeda sat on the couch with the envelope, the DMJ seal glowing against the cream-colored paper.Her stomach twisted as she broke the wax, and the missive unfolded itself in her palms.
DEPARTMENT OF MAGICAL JUSTICE
SUMMONS FOR HEARING
RE: Violation of Magical Communication Act, Section 12.3
DEFENDANT: Andromeda Swan
You are hereby summoned to appear before Judge Templeton at the Department of Magical Justice, TODAY at 3:30 PM to answer charges regarding the unauthorized use of curse-embedded electronic communication.
Failure to appear will result in a warrant for your arrest and immediate suspension of magical privileges.
“Today?”Andromeda yelped, nearly dropping the missive.“I have less than”—she checked her watch—“three hours!Shelly told me I’d have a few days!”
“Let me see that,” Quill demanded, scrambling up the cushion next to her.
“Hex, do I need a lawyer?What do I wear?What do I say?”
“Calm yourself.”Quill puffed his chest.“I am a certified member of the Board of Animagical Solicitors.Graduated with the highest honors.”
“I know, but Shelly said it’d be a fine at most.This seems more serious.”
“Regardless, I am qualified to represent you in court.And given the circumstances, you should be grateful.Most magical attorneys would charge exorbitant fees, but I’ll do it for free.”
“You are so magnanimous.”
“I only crave the satisfaction of seeing justice served,” Quill replied loftily.Then added, “And would also love a Mealworms ice cream from Enchanted Scoops on the way home.”
“You’re disgusting,” Nox commented.
Andromeda ignored the bickering familiars and rushed to her bedroom, flinging open the closet doors.Her usual wardrobe of comfortable jeans, graphic tees, and oversized sweaters was laughably unfit for court.
“Pick something conservative and respectful,” Quill suggested, having followed her into the bedroom.“Court is not the place for your ‘hacker chic’ aesthetic.”
Andromeda shot him a glare.“I wear comfortable clothes for sitting at a computer all day.”
If Quill had eyebrows, he’d be raising them now.
