Total pages in book: 159
Estimated words: 144433 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 722(@200wpm)___ 578(@250wpm)___ 481(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 144433 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 722(@200wpm)___ 578(@250wpm)___ 481(@300wpm)
I fight the urge to pinch him viciously. "I just want to talk to her, that's all." Whatever plan to save her will have to come after the fact. For now, I'm focused on my man. I wrap my hands around Zhur's strong arm and hold tight to him. "Like I said, you want us on your side. We're selling the story of the throne handover better than you ever could."
Rem puts up a hand. "I refuse to discuss this in the halls. Follow me to my offices—"
"My offices," Zhur growls.
"—and we will continue our conversation there." Rem turns on his heel, his shoulders ramrod straight, and all but stomps down the hall. I watch as one of the guards—a bigger, uglier cat than the others—peels off and joins him, moving a few steps behind Rem protectively.
Zhur lets out a sigh, pulling me against him. "Come, Maeve. My brother's going to want to talk about this."
He sounds so stressed. I give his arm a squeeze, letting him know I'm at his side. "Don't you worry. Once we explain everything to him, he'll realize just how much he needs our support. Because that party of people out there? They are not thrilled about the situation at all. He's going to need us to sell it for him, because if we're happy, they'll totally buy that his marriage is one for love, too."
Not that I care if we sell Rem's marriage or not. For all I care, he can walk off a cliff. But if I have to put up with his moodiness just to worm my way to Zhur's side? I'm going to do whatever it takes.
CHAPTER
ONE HUNDRED TWENTY-TWO
MAEVE
It's been a really long day. After we not-so-discreetly exit the party, we end up in Rem's offices, explaining that I'm going to go with Zhur into exile and that yes, he wants me there, and yes, I plan on being a very vocal, happy mouthpiece to reassure everyone that marrying a human isn't so terrible and that it's normal. Once Rem is satisfied with our story, Ubagrrresh the vizier is brought in. He fusses over the situation, asks a million questions, and then another advisor is brought in. Then a diplomat. Then Lord va'Rin (but not his lady) for his advice.
After talking to Remrrrtel and several advisors for hours, I'm starting to see why Zhur is more than ready to give up his throne. I'm a people person, but the stream of dignitaries, viziers, advisors and guards that all need to know a certain chunk of the story (but not the whole story) is exhausting. Everyone wants to be in the know. Everyone is insulted they weren't told of Zhur's return, or of Zhur's “real” reason behind his disappearance, or that Zhur had a wife, or yadda yadda. From what I can tell, being Heir means a lot of people making demands and wanting you to give them favors. No thank you.
The mysterious Leah is mentioned a few times, but other than that, she's not brought in or consulted about any of this. It makes me wonder about the entire situation.
Meetings with advisors continue late into the night, and when I start yawning and my stomach growls, Zhur calls a break to things. "Maeve doesn't have to be here for this part," he tells his brother, Uba, Lord va'Rin, and the few guards in the room. "She's tired and hungry and needs to rest."
"I can stay," I protest, even as Zhur helps me to my feet and indicates one of the guards should come to us.
"You can, but I would rather you relax in my quarters." He lifts my hand to his mouth and nuzzles my palm. "I will be up soon enough. Stay there. No scheming."
"I would never," I tell him, feigning indignation.
He smirks against my hand and then gives it one last kiss. "Mrrrkuss will be your guard. I trust him."
"Are you sure it's safe?" I whisper, worried. Humans aren't exactly loved around here.
Zhur gives me a reassuring nod, as does Lord va'Rin.
"If Mrrrkuss betrays our plans, his entire family will be executed for his betrayal," Remrrrtel says in a cold voice, not even looking up from one of the abdication contracts he's making changes to. "He knows this well."
I glance over at the poor guardsman, whose kitty nose is pale instead of pink. He looks stressed but he gives both Rem and Zhur a quick bow. "I will not fail you, Heirs."
"Don't be afraid," Zhur reassures me, taking his cloak off and tucking it around my shoulders. I want to protest that I'm not cold, but a moment later, I feel something hard sewn into the hem that presses against my breastbone. Probably a weapon. Smart.
I hug the cloak close to me, give Zhur one last quick caress, and then follow Mrrrkuss out into the hall. He immediately gestures four more guards forward and I freeze. They simply file in place beside me, flanking us in a protective formation. Oh. Of course.