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“Nita took Giancarlo.” Forget the formality of greeting. “She said you
gave the hotdogs to her family. They’re dead.” She held out the circlet.
“I charge you to return Giancarlo.”
“As I did not take him, I cannot. Only someone who has a claim on him
can take him across the border.”
She had no idea if her claim was strong enough— They had never done
anything that wasn’t related to the job, but Eva took a chance. “I was
contracted to keep him safe when dealing with Faerie. If you take me to
him, I will win Giancarlo free myself. Tell me what your price is.”
“A kiss.” His lips curled into a thin smile.
She bit the inside of her cheek, thinking. Kisses were the catalyst to a
lot of different spells in every region of Faerie. This wouldn’t be as
simple as it sounded. “What would you do with this kiss?”
“Nothing. I am required to ask for a price and that is the price I ask. I
promise you I will let no harm fall to you as long as you are under my
protection.” He tilted his head. “That protection will end when you
grant me the kiss, but I will not ask for it until you are safely returned to
the mortal world. This is the least I can ask for and still accept your
charge. Do you agree?”
Did she have a choice? “I agree.”
He leaned forward and let her place the circlet on his head. The wood
twisted to pass over his antlers and settled on his brow.
LE PORTRAIT MAGAZINE
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