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Oops. Better explain myself to the weapons.
“I was attempting something involving Noctus’s and my magic, but it’s not working. I’ll just go now. Thank you. Sorry. Excuse me.”
Truck.
“Yes, goodbye Truck,” I hastily said—just in case.
I yanked my hand out of the portal, relaxing once the gate faded.
“I’m impressed,” Ker said. “That’s the first time I’ve seen Dale Carnegie’s teachings applied to an elven weapon.”
“I want to stay in their good graces,” I said. “Especially since some of them might hate shadows, being made by elves and everything.”
“Wise, but I wasn’t criticizing you,” Ker said. “I am genuinely impressed with your unique approach. You know, once elves go public, we could teach a Dale Carnegie class at the Cloisters! His wisdom should be shared with the supernatural community. They need it.”
Before I could say anything more, the doors to the training stadium clicked open. Charon stepped inside, back to wearing his hood, though this one appeared to be a new model because it was less of a watery gray and closer to a cream color.
When Charon saw me he nodded his head. “Chloe,” he said. “Kerberos.”
“Hey, Charon!” Ker waved. “Is something wrong?”
“I was going to inquire with Chloe to gauge her interest in a tour of Calor—specifically the levels of the town she has not seen,” Charon said.
I blinked in surprise, trying to adjust Charon’s behavior to my mental schematics.
Charon always did whatever Noctus wished—like training me, which I knew he enjoyed in a twisted kind of way given how he delighted in making me take stairs—and things that would benefit Noctus’s kingship.
Noctus must have come up with the plan. But it would be a good idea. I refuse to think about what would happen if I became que—no, I won’t even think the word. However, no matter what the future holds, it would be smart to be familiar with the whole city.
“That’s very thoughtful, Charon. Thank you.” I smiled, hoping to show him I was willing. “I’d be delighted to see the rest of the city.”
“That’s an excellent idea, Charon,” Noctus called, surprising me.
Not because he and Aristide weren’t fighting—I hadn’t heard a gunshot since I tried talking to Noctus’s weapons—but because Noctus’s statement implied the tour was Charon’s idea.
“But the timing is off,” Noctus continued. “Give us twenty minutes. Aristide and I need to clean up and reset the hall.”
“Forgive me, Your Majesty, but the invitation was for Chloe. Not you.” Charon bowed to Noctus. “Your presence is unnecessary.”
Noctus paused mid-step, staring at Charon as if he’d suddenly grown another head.
I gaped at Charon, and even Ker seemed shocked.
Aristide, however, cackled. “That was beautiful. Well done, Charon! The first time you ever refused His Greatness over here, and you justhandedit to him!”
Noctus blinked. “What.” He didn’t sound angry, but genuinely bewildered.
Aristide caught up with Noctus—who still hadn’t moved—and bumped his shoulder. “I’ll tell you what: your place as Charon’s favorite golden child, with whom the sun rises and sets, is not just in jeopardy, it is weeks away from ending.”
Noctus let Aristide manhandle him, his eyebrows sliding up with the vampire’s colorful description.
Aristide, however, was just getting started. “You are the King of the Mors Elves, the ruler of Calor Villa. But Chloe is very likely to become your consort—theQueenof the Mors Elves. No longer will you have sole custody of Charon’s affection. Nay, you shall be forced to share it! It’s possible that she may even eclipse you—she’s a lot nicer and less sarcastic than you!”
“She wins friends and influences people,” Ker said.
“I’m only sarcastic and mean to you, Aristide,” Noctus said. “Because you have the personality of a lemon that has been pickled in a vat of vinegar.”
“See! That’s what I’m talking about,” Aristide said. “But that’s fine! I’ll just wait. Your comeuppance is on the horizon!”
