Page 96 of Not Another Happily Ever After

“And one of you tells the truth?” I venture.

“And one of us lies,” they both reply.

That’s twice they’ve answered in unison, meaning for every question thereisone definitive answer. I need only figure out how to get it.

The realization that a middle ground exists makes me think of Frog, though I can’t say why.

“Ask away.”

“Ask away.” They urge, as if reading my mind.

Guilt churns in my stomach at what I’m about to do. I grab hold of the mounted ladder to steady myself. Frog trusted me enough to lead him in a dance. Enough to lie beside me.

But has he trusted me with the truth?

“The Dark Knight,” I start, my need to know this man trumping all sense of reason. “Is he someone I can trust?”

The bottom Inkling’s small mouth curves into a smile.

“With your life,” it says.

The top Inkling smiles just as wide, its two white buckteeth glinting in the lantern’s glow.

“Not with your heart.”

My breath catches. “What does that mean?”

The Inklings don’t answer. They just stare, blinking.

I dig my nails into the palms of my hands.

Let’s try this again.

“Why does he feel so familiar?” I ask.

“Because you’ve loved him before.” The top Inkling answers.

“Because he is your knight.” The bottom Inkling says.

My eyes narrow on the bottom Inkling. It has to be the truth-teller. For Frog is my knight, and as such, my life is in his hands.

But just to be certain…

“Have we ever danced together?” I ask, even though I already know?—

“Not once. Not ever.” The bottom Inkling sings, and something in me snaps.

My spine stiffens as I slowly meet the top Inkling’s gaze.

“Under a moonlit sky.” It blinks.

I reel back.

I loved him before? Yet he can’t be trusted with my heart? The very same one he’s vowed to safely deliver?

“That’s not possible.”

I shake my head, raking my fingers through my hair.