by Geri Foster
Penelope put her hands on her hips. “Now that doesn’t sound fair, Ronic. Can’t you stand up for your friend?”
Ronic’s eyes widened. “You are in love with him, too?”
Penelope backed away, holding out her hands. “No, no. I’m not in love with anyone. I have too much on my plate. A man is out to kill me. I have no time for love.”
Ronic jammed his hands on his hips, displeasure pulling down the corners of his mouth. “So, you will break my friend’s heart?”
Penelope turned, ran back inside her house and slammed the door.
Altair turned to his prince. “You scared her off.”
“So did you.” Ronic ran his fingers through his hair and gritted his teeth. “We don’t know enough about this love thing to make any sense of it. Neither of us knows how to woo a woman. We’re like two bungling idiots.”
Altair lifted his chin. “I, for one, am a warrior. I know how to get things done. I’ll just have to convince Penelope that she loves me.” He searched the ground. “Did you see a plate anywhere?”
“A plate?”
“Yes, she said her plate was full. I intend to empty it.”
“That’s what Earthlings call a metaphor.”
“Oh, of course. It must mean she had many things to consider.” He looked at Ronic. “What does your father do to make your mother happy?”
Ronic barked a laugh. “He stays away.”
“Hmm, we must think of something else,” Altair said.
“Don’t forget, the real Mystic Star is here in Magic and we must find her. Perhaps we can still talk her into marrying me.”
“How do you propose we find her?”
Altair tapped his ear and listened. The other end of the receiver announced that the Mortarians would possibly be there tomorrow. “Can you pinpoint Mystic Star?” he asked the information department voice. It’s important we find her before something dangerous happens to her.”
“We know for certain she’s near your location.”
“What?” Ronic asked. “Do they have any additional information?”
“No, nothing.” He looked around. “We have a choice here. We can get Penelope to walk around town with us and hope we encounter the princess, or turn to Topper.”
Ronic shivered, backed away, and then pointed at Penelope’s door. “Get in there and talk her into helping us. That crazy Witch turned you into a funny looking creature. I don’t want her to turn on me.”
Obviously, the prince wasn’t any more comfortable with Topper than he was. Wiping his hands on the side of his pants, Altair turned and marched up the stairs determined to enlist Penelope’s help.
He motioned with his head for Ronic, whether he liked it or not, to join him.
He didn’t have to knock, the door opened swiftly. An angry Penelope stood in the doorway with her arms crossed. “What?”
All his bluster faded when he looked into her eyes. “We need your help.” She moved to turn away, but he stopped her with a gentle touch. “If you don’t, an innocent woman will be kidnapped, killed, auctioned off, or worse.”
Penelope stilled. “Are you telling the truth?”
“If you could read my mind, you’d know I speak only what is true.”
“I’m glad I can’t read your mind.”
He trailed his gaze down her body. “So am I.”
Chapter Fifteen
enelope's secret was out. So there was no reason for her to use the name Mystic Star. She was Penelope Stubblefield and nothing could change that. And while she was so confused she didn’t know which way to turn, she couldn’t allow another person to come to harm if she could prevent that from happening. Even if she had to be in the presence of a man she found far too handsome to resist.
“I’m not sure I can. What do you suggest?”
“I don’t know. Have you recently come across other people whose mind you couldn’t read?”
“Mostly just you and Ronic. I can read Frost’s sometimes, but not always. Topper can.”
He let out a deep breath. “I’d like to avoid her if possible.”
Penelope smiled. “She’s quite harmless, you know.”
“No, I don’t and I don’t want to. She scares me.” He pointed outside. “Did you see? She turned me into a Llama.”
She shook her head. “No, I didn’t. But I find her delightful.”
“Back to the subject, you can read everyone’s mind in Magic?”
“Yes,” she replied with a determined nod. “I try not to, but if I open myself up, I can.”
“Then all we have to do is wander around town and see if there is someone you can’t read.”
Her eyes narrowed. “I told you, she could be hiding. Also, I can’t just open up in large crowds. It all becomes chatter and I can’t tell whose mind I’m reading.”
“What can we possibly do?”
“I don’t know. We might have to enlist the whole town to find her.”
“The whole town?” Altair asked. He hadn’t expected this assignment to be so confusing or strange. In his line of work, weapons were his first line of defense. Now, he was like a detective trying to solve a missing person’s case.
She leaned her head to the right and smiled. “Altair, most of the residents of Magic are different.”
“How so?”
“There are the Fates, Lacey and her sisters, the Twins, Topper. They all have magical powers. Even Theo.”
He looked around. “So, this is a mystical place?”
“In a very special way. Many are drawn here because it’s difficult to live in the regular word. People want to do research on us, stalk us, or write about us. Here, we’re away from all that except during tourist season.”
“Of all the people in town, who do you think can help us the most?”
Suddenly Joseph stood in front of her wearing his black top hat, coveralls, checkered shirt, and a handkerchief wrapped around his neck.” “Mornin’ Miss Penelope. Whatcha doing?”
Before she could answer, Jonah appeared dressed similarly to his twin brother, except he wore a conductor’s hat. He pointed at Altair. “He’s a space alien.”
Penelope knelt down and took the hands of the town’s mischief makers. Each of the Twins had strong powers and were werevamps. Together, they were almost unstoppable, except by their parents, who kept a close eye on them.
“Have you seen anyone new around town lately?”
“Sure we have,” Joseph said. “It’s tourist season.”
“No,” Penelope said. “I mean someone who has recently moved here.”
“That would be Kelli,” Jonah said. “The gem seller. She don’t want no one to know she’s here.”
Larry, the lizard’s, head popped out of the top of Joseph’s hat. He wore a matador costume, complete with the black felt hat. “That’s right,” Joseph said, his hand slicing through the air. “A spaceship dropped her here and then took off.”
Jonah sadly shook his head. “She can’t ever go back home.”
“How do you know that?” Ronic asked. “Perhaps they’ll return for her.”
“Don’t think so,” Joseph said. “She don’t want to leave.”
“How did you know she arrived on a spaceship,” Altair asked. “When did this happen?”
Jonah looked up. “We were riding our bicycle and we looked down just as it was landing. They shoved her out and she ran down the ramp.” He sliced his hand through the air. Then off went the spaceship.”
“So, she never intended to be my bride,” Ronic said, sadly. “She just ran off like a coward.”
“Getting pushed out of a spaceship doesn’t sound like she was running away,” Penelope said. “It sounds more like they were tossing her aside. Let’s find her and listen to what she has to say.”
“We have to hurry,” Altair said. “The Mortarians are due to arrive tomorrow.”
“What will happen then?” she asked.
“We’re not sure if they’re after you or this Kelli. We think they
plan to kidnap Mystic Star. They could think it’s you, or they know or might recognize the real princess.”
“Oh dear, we’d better hurry.”
“Me and Jonah can take you to her,” Joseph offered.
Penelope straightened. “I don’t want your parents angry. So, tell us where she is. We can go from there.”
“But we want to help,” Jonah said. “It’s no fun to just watch.”
“You can come,” Penelope said, “but you must keep a safe distance from any danger. The last thing we want is your parents or your aunts to get involved.”
“You’ll never know we’re there,” Jonah said eagerly.
Chapter Sixteen
ystic Star, or Kelli Jones as she went by in Magic, knew trouble would soon come knocking. She’d felt a sense of unease for the last twenty-four hours. The same feeling had come over her before her uncle took her from her home on Exeoni and discarded her on Earth.
She’d been so frightened he’d kill her that she would’ve done anything to stay alive. Her uncle’s men forced her into a spaceship and unceremoniously dropped her off here. Now she was alone for the first time in her life...and she didn’t like it. She was petrified.
While afraid to even move at first, she soon learned that Magic was a peaceful place and none of the residents would hurt her. If they learned she was an alien, Mystic Star wasn’t sure what would happen. For one thing, they had no way of returning her home or notifying her parents that she was unharmed.
After being shoved out of the spaceship, she’d stumbled into Magic and, with the translator implanted in her ear, she learned she could understand those around her. It wasn’t long before a man noticed the exotic gemstone necklace she wore and offered to buy it from her.
With a fist full of money, she realized shelter was the most important thing. A tiny apartment would do and she had enough left over for food. Although different from Exeoni’s delicate fare, she wouldn’t starve.
For weeks she’d moved among the residents and tourists without attracting attention, but she knew that could change at any minute. One wrong word and they’d discover she wasn’t an Earthling.
The man who bought her necklace approached her a week later. He offered her a small salary to sell his gems on a street corner. It surprised her that Humans would buy such silly trinkets. The necklace she’d sold was priceless and had been a gift from her parents when she turned eighteen.
As she stood in line for coffee and a croissant, the two pesky little Twins, who were everywhere, entered the shop with three other strangers. Mystic Star’s heart thumped loudly in her chest when she realized they were headed in her direction.
Crossing her arms tightly, she turned away and ducked her head. She wanted to be wrong. Could her uncle have sent someone to kill her?
A strong hand wrapped around her upper arm and gently pulled her from the line. Her head came up and she saw the most handsome man in all creation, staring down at her. His brown eyes pierced her fragile facade.
“What do you want?” she asked, her voice trembling. “I haven’t done anything.”
“Are you Mystic Star from the planet Exeoni?” his gruff voice demanded.
“No, no. My name is Kelli Jones.”
“You are lying,” the man gritted out. “I am Ronic of Vion. You are my future bride.”
Mystic Star nearly fainted, and her breath came in short pants. He was here. The prince had come, but she couldn’t let him take her anywhere. “You’re mistaken. I’m from Magic.”
“I don’t believe you.”
Before she knew what was happening, he escorted her out into the warm sun and into a nearby park. With his hands on his hips, lips tight, and an angry scowl on his face, he straightened to his full height and said, “Why did you run away from our marriage?”
“I didn’t,” she insisted. “I...” She looked at his companions. She recognized the girl, Star, as the fortune teller near the town square. She’d always thought it ironic that another woman in hiding was using her given name. She gazed at the two men and didn’t recognize either. “I didn’t run from anything.”
The one standing next to Star stepped forward. “How did you get here and what did you plan to do?”
“I don’t know,” she replied, looking around for a way out. “I want to be left alone.”
“So, you don’t want to marry me,” Ronic said. “You think I’m so hideous I don’t deserve you.”
She glanced up at a man she knew she could look at the rest of her life and be happy. “That’s not true. My uncle forced me into a spaceship and brought me here.” She bit her bottom lip. “I don’t think he had the heart to kill his own blood.”
Prince Ronic’s eyes widened. “So, you didn’t run away from the marriage?”
“Of course not,” she said, tightly. “My father would never allow that.”
Ronic paced the grassy area. “Will you come back to my planet and marry me?”
“It’s very complicated.”
He took her hand. “Nonsense. Let’s leave immediately.”
She pulled out of his grasp. “I can’t leave now. I have to make sure my uncle isn’t waiting to kill me.”
“We’re going to Vion. You’ll be safe there.”
“He told me if I tried to leave, I’d be dead. He claims to have men watching me.”
Ronic’s warrior stepped forward. “Let’s verify the information before we do anything,” he suggested. “For all we know he does have someone keeping an eye on her.”
“What do you suggest?”
“Before we take Princess Mystic Star off the planet, let’s make sure it’s safe. I suggest we contact Vion and have them determine what’s at risk here.”
Star took her hand. The first contact she’d had since arriving in Magic. “My real name is Penelope. I know you must be scared, but it’s all going to be fine. Don’t worry.”
The warrior turned to leave. “I have to contact the Star Troopers to help with Akan and Ulia when they show up. It might be wise, Ronic, if you tell the King that Mystic Star’s uncle, is behind her disappearance. He can take appropriate action.”
Ronic’s lips tightened. “You’re right, Altair. Father will learn if someone is trying to kill her.”
“Why don’t we all go back to my place and have lunch,” Penelope suggested. “I’m sure everyone is starving.” She glanced around. “Besides, if you’re expecting visitors, perhaps it’s not wise to be out in the open.”
“That’s true,” Altair confirmed. “And, since they can alter their appearance, we may be unable to detect them right away.”
“These men you are expecting, can they take Human form?” Mystic Star asked. “If so, they could already be right here in Magic, and we would have no idea.”
Ronic put his hand on her shoulder. “Altair can often smell them.”
She wrapped her arms around her waist. “That’s reassuring” She looked at her future husband. “Can you ask your father to tell my parents I’m not in danger? They must be worried.”
“Yes, he will know how to handle the situation.”
“Good, as much as I like living here. I think it’s time to leave.”
Ronic took her hand. “I couldn’t agree more.”
Chapter Seventeen
ltair walked beside Penelope with the prince and princess behind them. He was relieved that Mystic Star hadn’t run away from Ronic. By all appearances, they were content together and he no longer needed to worry about the prince rejecting her. The only remaining dangers were running into Akan and Ulia and the risks inherent in space travel when they made their way back to Vion.
Glancing down, Altair knew he didn’t want to go back to Vion. He wanted to stay here and be with Penelope. While she continued to remind him that Topper had probably put a love spell on him, he didn’t care.
He only wanted to be with her for the rest of his life. Love gave him hope and desire like he’d never experienced before. He’d never experienced such strong emot
ion. Truthfully, he rather enjoyed the way his heart beat erratically when he was in Penelope’s presence. And being away from her hurt worse than any wound he’d ever suffered.
At Penelope’s house, they gathered around a small table while she made sandwiches and offered drinks. Ronic wasn’t completely sold on food, but the princess’s hand kept reaching into the bag for more potato chips.
He’d just finished his sandwich when the others at the table stared at him. “What,” he asked.
Penelope giggled. “I think Topper is at work again.”
He looked down at his black, hairy hands, rough palms and long, ugly feet. This time he’d barely noticed any discomfort. “What am I?” His voice sound shrill and high pitched. He lifted his long arm and scratched under his arm. How peculiar. “Hat thee doon ta mee nowoo?”
“You’re a chimpanzee,” Penelope offered, a laugh bubbling up inside her. “A monkey.”
He climbed down from the chair, scooted a stool close to a nearby mirror, then crawled up and gazed at the strange creature staring back at him. He screamed, his own image frightening him. Waving his arms, he was only able to say, ‘hoo, hoo, hoo.’ He ran for the door.
Penelope scooped him up in her arms. “Breathe calmly and it will pass quickly. Topper is just teasing you.”
Looking at Ronic and the princess, anger bubbled in his gut. They were practically laughing so hard they could barely stay in their seats.
A wave of dizziness came over him, and Penelope quickly sat him down on the floor where, by all appearances, he’d returned to normal. Angry, he stood, pulled out the chair and sat.
“You can stop laughing now,” he snarled at the prince. “It’s not funny.”
“Of course it is, Altair.” He patted Mystic Star’s back. “It’s delightful to see the fiercest warrior in the galaxy reduced to a silly little monkey. It makes you appear more normal.”
He glared at Penelope and gritted his teeth. “Make Topper stop before I blast her with my weapon.”
