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“You know the ways in this land,” Bison prompted. “The one who kills the crown becomes the crown. You’ve a right to take the throne, if you wish.”
The blood instantly drained from my face. Dread coated my lungs. I sought Nicolette’s gaze first, needing her support. When I found her interest piqued as if the idea had merit to her, I laughed out an incredulous sound.
“I mean, no,” I said emphatically once I’d calmed down. “Seriously, why the fuck would anyone even want that?”
Bison shrugged. “Money. Power. Prestige.”
I snorted. “Pass.” I’d never be the kind of diplomat who negotiated through opposing opinions and fought for peaceful equality in the land. Sounded like too much responsibility and headache to me.
“Well then, Kalendria plans to take over the reign if you don’t,” Bison said bluntly. “So she needs you to die. Like yesterday.”
“What—a woman ruler?” Nicolette stepped forward with interest. “Really? How incredible.”
When Indigo sent her a scowl, she shrugged. “I mean, incredible that some woman’s taken charge, maybe not that one specifically.”
“It was bound to happen here someday.” Bison led us from the packed entrance and into the simple front room that was filled with a sitting area, kitchen, and a doorway that led off into another chamber. “Hell, on Earth over in Egypt, we’ve had lady rulers since way back in the BCs.”
I had no idea what a BC was, but I had to figure it meant a long damn time ago.
Next to me, Indigo bumped Nicolette’s arm with a grin. “As I told you, they’re far more progressive than us. Bison here’s the inventor of toilet paper, by the way, because he’s from Earth.”
The tall man lifted his hands humbly. “Now, don’t go giving me any more credit than I deserve, there, Indiana. I didn’t actually invent TP. It was already a well-used commodity where I’m from. I just made sure it became one here too.”
Nicolette didn’t seem to care. She drifted toward Bison with her mouth falling open in awe. “You mean, you’re the one who brought toilet paper into our lives? Oh, thank you. I can still remember when it first came to Donnelly. I was young, but it changed my entire life.”
Bison laughed and held up his hand. “High five to that. Walking around with a shitty ass ain’t no joke, is it?”
“Uh.” She blinked at him when he continued to smile and leave his hand raised expectantly.
Indigo leaned toward her and said from the corner of his mouth, “You’re supposed to slap your palm against his now.”
She glanced at her bodyguard as if he’d lost his mind, but he enlarged his eyes almost threateningly, so she said, “Oh!” and hastened to follow his advice. “Sorry.”
Once Nicolette gave Bison a high five, the tall man nodded his approval. “Right on, sister.” Then he turned to Indy. “So why’d you bring them here? I’m a baller, man. Not some Navy SEAL. If a shit ton of palace guards show up on my doorstep after y'all, I’m not going to be much use.”
“We don’t expect any trouble here,” Indigo promised. “I would never lead danger to your doorstep. We managed to evade them as we escaped Blayton. We just need to gather some food and supplies and procure horses before we start back to Donnelly, if you’re willing to spare any.”
“Oh.” Relief lit Bison’s face. “Well, in that case, I can hook a brother up.”
Bison hadn’t lied. He had supplies galore.
Among them were two rusted metal horses with wheels.
“Are those…?” I pointed in shock, my mouth falling open.
“Motorcycles,” Indigo said, patting one as he passed. “Yeah. They showed up fifty years ago exactly with two Replacements named Sean and Dana. But they ran out of gas within a fortnight of arriving, so they don’t work anymore.”
My brow furrowed. I wanted to ask what flatulence had to do with operating the wheeled metal horses, but Nicolette called my name, distracting me, her voice full of excitement.
I turned to see her hold up an everlasting flagon.
“What’re the chances?” she said with an affectionate smile as she tossed it to me.
Breath hitching, I caught it against my chest. And with an aching heart, I remembered the flask my mother had given me. I didn’t regret trading mine away. I was alive today because of it. Nicolette was alive. But severing the last tie I’d had to my mother made me feel significantly older all of a sudden. And alone.
When I realized Nicolette continued to watch me, I flung the flagon toward the pile of supplies we meant to take with us and turned away. I’d forgotten to block her from my emotions since meeting back up at the castle. I guess I could start again now, except I no longer saw the point.
She’d seen all my dreams, knew every dark, pathetic detail about me. I didn’t see how I could disappoint, shock, or horrify her any more than I already had. So I left my guard down and grabbed three bedrolls to add to the collection next.
