Chapter 274

It happened so fast Zoey barely processed it, much less had a chance to react. One moment she was heading through palatial hallways, seeking out Sabina’s room, and the next, something hit her. A blink later, she was staring up at the ceiling, her breath driven from her and a boot on her stomach pinning her to the floor.

Above, a spear-wielding blonde peered down, leaning forward to rest an elbow onto her knee.

It seemed Elodie was paying a visit.

“I know you’re a mage, but I still expected better reactions from a fourth advancement wayfarer.”

“The Estate is supposed to be safe,” Zoey wheezed. “Why would I have my guard up?”

“Supposed to be safe. You think there’s never been an assassin here?”

The words sent a jolt through Zoey. In retrospect, it was obvious that assassins existed and would possibly target one of the most influential families in the world, but still. It had her stomach tying in knots, the idea that there might be someone who came for Rosalie or her family.

“You should always be ready for an attack,” Elodie chided her in continuation, not noticing Zoey’s reaction. “What’s Rosalie even been teaching you these past few weeks?” She paused, then grimaced. “Don’t answer that, pervert. That’s my little sister you’re talking about.”

“I didn’t say anything,” she protested.

“You were thinking it. I know the deviants when I see them.” She poked Zoey with the butt of her spear. “I did see you railing my little sister after you turned her into goo, you know. Any claims toward innocence don’t have a shred of supporting evidence, at this point.”

“I feel like you’re—being slightly unfair.”

“Unfair?” She narrowed her eyes. “We haven’t even gotten started with unfair. And why would I play nice? I know why you’re after Rosalie.”

“What?”

“Please. Innocent act might work on her, she’s naive. Would swear up and down she’s not, but she is. You seduced her. You want a ticket to the easy life.”

Zoey stared at her. It was such an absurd accusation she couldn’t help but burst out laughing—which was a slightly wheezing sound, since she was still recovering from being slammed into the ground by a sixth advancement wayfarer. But, really. How ridiculous. She hadn’t even known who Rosalie was when she met her.

Elodie eyed her, then grunted. “Mm. Maybe not. She told me about you, how you met. But still. I don’t trust you. Random goddess-blessed foreigner drops out of the sky? Too suspicious. And the threats have to come early, since you’re shooting up the ranks. Fourth already? If I’ve gotta kill you, it has to happen soon, before you’re too hard to put down.”

“Do you threaten to murder all of your sisters’ suitors?” Zoey asked. “Or is this special treatment?” She was lying on the floor, Elodie’s boot on her stomach still pinning her down.

Elodie thought the question over. “Charlotte hasn’t had that many. But,” she pursed her lips. “Huh, yeah, I guess I’m three for three, there.” She groaned. “And now I’ve got three more. Rosalie works fast. Wouldn’t expect anything different from that girl.”

“Three more?”

“You. Then the fox, and the illusionist.”

“Oh? Maddy’s included on that list?”

“Halfway, I suppose. Might as well get it over with. That one’s gonna be the least fun, ‘cause it might be considered a ‘diplomatic incident’.” She wrinkled her nose as she quoted the phrase. “Ugh. Why’s she gotta be the daughter of a Sovereign?”

Amused, Zoey said, “These totally aren’t problems you’re creating for yourself. I’m sure having a normal talk wouldn’t accomplish the same thing, without being a ‘diplomatic incident’.”

Another poke with the butt of her spear. “I don’t like sarcasm.” She paused. “Not on people I’m threatening to murder,” she amended.

“Can’t we do this whole ‘big-sister’ routine while I’m standing? Like normal people?”

“Been through this before, have you? A womanizer?”

“Er. Not that many times,” she defended.

A raised eyebrow. “Sure. And don’t tell me you don’t like being stepped on by older women. Somehow I doubt that.”

Zoey’s lips quirked, but she forced herself to say: “I don’t flirt with my girlfriends’ sisters, sorry.”

“So you’re boring, too?”

She tried to not laugh, but she couldn’t help it. Damn—she actually liked Elodie, violent introduction or not.

Elodie sighed. “Fine.” She stepped off Zoey and offered her a hand up, which she took. Both standing, Elodie eyed her. “Why are you so tall? Glowering loses the effect when I’ve gotta crane my neck up, you know.”

“I could go find a stool, if you want?”

Her eyes narrowed—but her lips also twitched. “You’re not helping the whole, please-don’t-murder-me angle,” she warned. “Be scared of me, damnit. And I might spare you.”

“Sorry, but roleplay is only for your sister.”

Elodie gasped. She waggled her spear much closer to her face than was comfortable, and Zoey reminded herself that for all the girl’s banter, she also came from a vastly different society than her own. And was a wild card even to these people. “And now you’re making innuendos! Maybe I’ll take your legs off at the knees. Then we’ll see eye-to-eye.”

“I don’t think Rosalie would like if you crippled me?” Zoey offered in self-defense.