by Zari Reede
Epilogue
Meechelo
Ortharos overflowed with merry celebration. Though winter, the grass was mint green, frosted with ice crystals, sparkling in the radiant sunshine. Bright flowers bobbed in the cool breeze that ruffled the Rhineguard banners flying high over the castle. Nearly every soul from the mainland and beyond attended. No luxury was spared for the new queen, who now ruled most of the realm with her beloved Earth ambassador king. It was a shame I needed to take the old souls from the castle and leave the beautiful princess to rule in their stead. A war waged against old bones of a decrepit king and queen marked for death would not challenge nor amuse me. Enticing the sickly pair down the tower stairwell took little skill. Some might say I helped the princess take her rightful seat on the high throne of Rhineguard. Some might say, “Meechelo, you are evil,” and to that I would agree.
The wedding was an elaborate affair, exactly one year to the day from the death of Phryssia’s parents and the necromancer’s demise. The queen stood on the balcony with her new king and waved at the many souls carousing around the keep. Ale would flow like water tonight, and many would perish from a slip into the moat or a fall beneath an ox. No alarm caused, and what fun it would be. Out with the old, I say.
The new queen’s sister and her squat lover entered from the Cyclopes’ secret portal. They thought no one else knew about their little gem. Easy travel between worlds was a lovely thing, and I tried to do it myself, but it had not worked for my lack of substance I think. I must take human form, but will choose wisely.
The Cyclops queen, in all her finery made an appearance. Her children flanked her sides. I had my fun with Kwong, and anticipated it would be Fodjes’s undoing, but her strength surprised me. She would be a challenge, and the prospect excited me. Much surprised me as of late, particularly the near loss of a battle with a mere mortal. That underestimated soul’s particular wit charmed me, and I vowed to see his end before mine.
The brownie would be an obstacle because she cared for the magical youth, and I could be detected by both. Time was on my side, I had plenty of it. I would live forever, and forever was a terribly long time. Thank goodness for all the players in this game of mine. Their destruction would be a most worthy pastime.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Writers extraordinaire, domestic goddesses, lovers of all furry things...Zari Reede is a writing team consisting of Zoe Tasia and Minette Lauren. Both have an addiction to collaborative writing that rivals Oreo Double Stuffed Cookies with fine champagne. Writing solo for years, they decided to engage in a writing exercise to strengthen their skills and enlighten their creative minds. It turned out to be a great venture and is still going strong today. Zoe lives in Houston, has two cats, two boys, and a priceless husband, who supports all her rebel dreams. Minette Lauren also enjoys living in Texas, has five dogs, two god-dogs, three turtles, and a wonderful husband that thinks all things she writes are golden--even if it is horse hockey. They are lucky in life, enjoying every day they can write and dream.
GENRE: URBAN FANTASY/PARANORMAL COMEDY
This is a work of fiction. Names, places, characters and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, businesses, organizations, events or locales is entirely coincidental. All trademarks, service marks, registered trademarks, and registered service marks are the property of their respective owners and are used herein for identification purposes only. The publisher does not have any control over or assume any responsibility for author or third-party websites or their contents.
BLINKED
Copyright © 2017 by Zari Reede
Cover Design by Jackson Cover Designs & Zari Reede
All cover art copyright © 2018
All Rights Reserved
EBOOK ISBN: 978-1-626948-06-8
FIRST PUBLICATION: NOVEMBER 2018
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