Page 37 of Lethal King

“Impossible,” Babcia laughs. “Unless the kitten will also pay off my debts and buy me a cozy little cabin by the cliffs?”

“Well, I mean, I did find her at a king’s palace,” I shrug. “Who knows how much she’s worth.”

“A king’s palace,” Babcia smiles. “How magical.”

The grandmother I never had sighs as her sparkling brown eyes trail off into some fairytale.

I take the opportunity to jump forward and plant a kiss on her wrinkly forehead.

“You’re sweaty,” I notice. “Do you need me to fix the AC again?”

“Heavens no, dear. I’m just old. Truth be told, I’m glad my sweat glands are still working.”

A light laugh putters from my lips.

On the counter beside me, little Kaja nibbles away at her breakfast.

The small slice of domesticity is a far cry from the recent events of my life. It makes me glad I found Babcia when I did. Otherwise, I might have spiraled out of control after we lost Gabriel.

Gabriel.

“I can’t wait until I’m old,” I announce. “No more stupid mood swings. No more endless cravings. Look, Babcia, I’m sorry about being moody, it’s just—

“Woman problems,” Babcia knowingly nods. “I know all about them—or I used to. You take care of yourself. Come back tonight; I will have some pierogis ready for you and that brother of yours. Kaja will be well taken care of.”

My stomach rumbles at the mere mention of her famous pierogis.

“I’m not sure tonight works,” I reluctantly admit. “But if all goes well, Tytus and I will be treating you to a feast soon.”

“I can’t wait.”

Kaja meows, and I get a whiff of the tuna on the counter. Fuck. I’m already starving again. It feels like I’ve grown a second stomach.

“Mind if I raid your fridge?”

“Someone needs to eat that food.”

Twirling on my tiptoes, I pull open the fridge door and scan the insides. Sure enough, there are all sorts of delicious treats.

“Are those cabbage rolls?” I ask, reaching into the back.

“Only a couple of days old,” Babcia confirms.

“Perfect.”

Shrugging my backpack to the floor, I zip it open and nudge aside the crown to make room.

That’s when I see something I had nearly forgotten about.

“There’s some Hunter’s Stew in there too,” Babcia says. “Bring it to your brother, please. I know it’s his favorite.”

“He has more than enough to eat,” I chuckle, jumping to my feet. “But you are all skin and bones, Babcia. Here, this is for you.” Curling my hand, I scoop out the discarded slice of cake I had stolen earlier. “I know it’s a little squished, but I’m sure it’s worth a small fortune.”

“It’s that rich, huh?”

“Dessert made for a king.”

“Then maybe I’ll sell it, buy you something nice.”