Page 32 of Grimoire Omens

“Was your mother?”

“Oh yes. Who do you think taught me to fight?” His grin had a hint of boyish charm and humor that had my belly doing somersaults. Damn him for being so handsome.

“Will you marry?”

He shrugged. “Perhaps. If I find a female that I can tolerate and brings worth to my name, then perhaps we’ll form a union.”

“What about kids? Do you have any? Do you want any?”

“Perhaps. I haven’t thought of it much, as I’ve been rather busy doing tasks for my king.” To my surprise, he then asked, “Do you wish to have children?”

“I do, but my clock is ticking, and the longer it takes to find Mr. Right, the less likely it is to happen.” While some women had babies in their forties, I knew that came with increased risks to not only the mother’s health but the child’s too.

Before we could continue our conversation, he suddenly stalked for the door. I almost asked why until I sensed it. Even murmured aloud, “Cedric’s back.” Don’t ask me how I knew. I just did.

Ulseere gave him entry, and the cat sauntered in as if he owned the place and the elf prince were his butler.

“That was quicker than expected,” Ulseere remarked.

“I’m not done but, given your request for clothing, figured I’d pass on that info before continuing my rounds.”

“How’s the security you’ve seen thus far?” Ulseere leaned back against the dining table arms crossed over his chest.

“If you were hoping the staff would stop demons or Gryvak, think again. They’ll likely run screaming at any hint of confrontation. While the guest elevators require keycard access for specific floors, the stairwells are quite easy to penetrate, and people keep dumbly holding doors open for others without checking to see if they’re allowed entry.”

“Meaning Charlotte should not be left unattended lest Gryvak be watching and swoop in,” Ulseere murmured. “You mentioned finding attire.”

“There is a woman about Charlotte’s size on the third floor. Room 302. I saw her leaving but don’t know when she’ll return. For Flo, the room right below us should suit, and even better, the female and her husband mentioned going to dinner, followed by a club for dancing, giving you plenty of time to scavenge.”

Ulseere glanced at me then Cedric. “What are the chances Charlotte remains out of trouble while I fetch the clothing?”

“None. She attracts it.”

I would have protested, but the feline had a point. Besides, did I want to be alone knowing demons and a dark prince hunted me? No. Plus, I better make sure Ulseere didn’t grab the ugliest items out of these strangers’ suitcases. Me and Flo had certain fashion standards to uphold after all.

Cedric pawed the door. “If you would…”

Once more, Ulseere played butler before turning to face me. Stared at me. I stared right back.

The long—and I mean really long—suffering sigh from Ulseere came with a grudging, “You’ll have to come with me to fetch the garments.”

“Don’t sound so excited.”

“I’m not,” he groused, not catching the sarcasm.

“Why do you assume having me along is going to cause problems?”

“Because it will.”

“Then it’s a good thing you’ll be there to save me, handsome.” Said with a wink.

“This isn’t a joke.”

“I agree. If I’m going to fight a dark prince, I need the right outfit. So, let’s get to it.”

I thought his head might finally explode the way his face went still but for a rapidly pulsing tic in his cheek.

“Don’t worry, your royal hotness. Things will be fine. It’s just a little break and enter.”