Total pages in book: 60
Estimated words: 57184 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 286(@200wpm)___ 229(@250wpm)___ 191(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 57184 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 286(@200wpm)___ 229(@250wpm)___ 191(@300wpm)
“You are not traveling alone with the Blood Army, Lake. I forbid it.” Sitting on the ground, Alwar sets down the sword he was just sharpening and folds his enormous arms over his broad, battle-scarred chest. The pronounced pectorals look delicious and juicy. I wonder if he’ll let me bite one later. His abs look pretty good, too.
I wince at my savage thoughts. Men aren’t snacks. I hate what I’ve become.
I look away at the dwindling light in the red and orange sky. The neon trees around us are fading to a dull brown or gray. The War People, who’ve spread out all around the perimeter of the palace for my protection, are starting up their campfires for the night. I already see flickers of flames sparking off at a distance in the forest. Soon the air will fill with the sounds of laughter and the scent of charred meats, which they roast on sticks. Giants will eat just about anything they can catch.
“Last time I checked,” I push back, “I am the ruler of Monsterland, so you don’t get a say.”
“I am still your husband, and those vile bloodsucking fiends cannot be trusted.”
I glance over my shoulder toward the tree line. General Rool and fifty vampire soldiers insisted on walking me to Alwar’s camp. They stayed back a few yards but are watching from the shadows. I’m pretty sure I can’t trust them either, but I have to wonder if the real reason Alwar doesn’t want me going without him is that he thinks I’ll bolt for the wall, for freedom. But I won’t. I have work to do here before I get to go home.
“I’ll remind you that I am also a vile bloodsucking fiend now.”
“Yes, but you are mine to protect,” Alwar says firmly.
I’m not going to win this battle, am I?
“Regardless, the journey is a waste of time,” he adds. “You cannot simply knock on the Scholar People’s door and enter their temple. They are very private, very busy creatures who spend their days documenting events.”
“You’re saying if Benicio were alive and asked to go inside, they’d turn him away?” Doubtful.
“No. They are not fools.”
I guess the problem is that I don’t have a reputation as a ruthless ruler. “Well, I guess they’ll have to make an exception for me, then.”
“I cannot stop you from going, but you cannot stop me from accompanying you. What is it you wish to ask them about, anyway? Perhaps I can save you the trip.”
“Research. I’m planning my address, as you requested.”
“I can tell you everything you need to know.”
“I would welcome your input,” I lie. “But I prefer to see things from a historical perspective. I’m sure every leader has attempted to set a tone, including you.”
Alwar raises his scruffy chin. “My address was very fierce, very powerful. Half the kingdoms soiled themselves.”
I resist rolling my eyes. “And I’m sure that tactic worked well for you. Except that you were overthrown.” I know it’s cruel and impolite to point that out, but that’s the culture here. It’s what they respect.
Master comes tearing through the trees, barking like mad. Everyone around Alwar’s immediate camp jumps to their feet, including Alwar. The ground beneath us thunders and shakes with their weight. Master runs right up to me without stopping his verbal assault. There’s a bit of blood on the side of his face.
I try to make out what he’s saying, but it’s not like that with him. I don’t understand him in terms of his “language,” but I’m very good at discerning his thoughts. Right now, it’s a mess of noises.
“Did something take a bite out of you?” I ask.
He barks repeatedly, his black-and-white polka-dotted ears pushed back.
“He’s upset,” Alwar explains. “You left the palace and did not inform him. Also seems he ran into a tree trying to follow your scent.”
Ah, yes. Alwar speaks dog, or whateverthehell Master is. Someday, I’ll be brave enough to find out. For now, he’s my grandma’s dog. The end.
Even if I don’t find his scent appetizing, I resist licking the red blood from Master’s face and whoosh out a breath, turning my focus back to Alwar. “Fine, you can come, but if you or any of your men—”
“They are your men, too, Lake.”
Not even close. “If any War People make a move against the Blood People, there will be hell to pay.”
“My men will not be the problem. They know if they disobey me, I will chain them to the wall for ten years or throw them down the never-ending well. Are you prepared to punish your Blood soldiers if they step out of line?”
I shrug. “Sure. Why not?”
Master barks again. “Yes, you can come, too.” I sigh. “Anyone else want to join me in a two-hour walk?” I twist my body in a circle. “Speak now or forever hold your peace.”