Ruler of Beasts (Dorothy Must Die, #0.6)(4)

“Of course you can rely on my courage!” the Lion retorted indignantly, wondering if she was trying to suggest the Wizard’s gift was insufficient. He hadn’t lost the initial battle against Jinjur’s soldiers because he wasn’t brave enough, but because he was outnumbered. Surely she remembered that. Glinda laid a soft, perfectly manicured hand on his paw.

“Oh dear, now I’ve offended you. I didn’t mean to imply you aren’t the bravest lion in Oz, but what I’m asking of you will require more than just brawn. I need you to keep your mission a secret, and to conduct it with stealth.” Glinda lowered her voice and gazed deeply into the Lion’s eyes. “Can you do that for me? Is it too much to ask?”

The Lion drew himself up to his full height, returning her look. “I am at your service, lady Glinda, noblest witch in Oz,” he said huskily, though he hardly knew what he was doing. He didn’t even know what his assignment was to be, or who would look after the Kingdom of the Beasts while he was away. But Glinda was so persuasive and so compelling. Not to mention so beautiful. Her blue eyes glittered and she squeezed his paw tightly, covering his forehead with kisses. “I knew I could rely on you, my brave, wonderful Lion!” she exclaimed. Raptly closing his eyes in pleasure, the Lion couldn’t see that Glinda was holding her nose as she kissed him.

“Then it’s settled!” Glinda said happily. “You can prepare to leave in the morning. I’m sure you’ll have to make arrangements for the kingdom while you’re away. I can’t imagine your mission will take too long, but you never know.”

The Lion nodded, looking up at Glinda in adoration. “My mission,” he agreed, and then he frowned slightly. “What is my mission, exactly?”

Glinda giggled. “Oh, right! It’s very simple, really. I want you to protect Ozma. As you know, her army is gone. . . .”

The Royal Army had been a single man. And Jinjur had taken him out in a heartbeat right in front of him and Scare.

“But she has you,” the Lion said, puzzled. Glinda was powerful. And she had an army of her own.

Glinda frowned the tiniest of frowns before her forehead smoothed out again and she beamed at the Lion. “I’m—well, I have things to do elsewhere,” she said vaguely. “Very important things. And Ozma can be a little difficult. I think it’s best we spend some time apart. And to be honest, there is another reason. Ozma is so bored in the palace—as bored as you are! I thought you might do us all a favor and keep her company for a while. She’s in desperate need of cheering up. I know she’d love to see you, and you’ll make her a perfect companion!”

The Lion felt his heart lift, perhaps this was what he and his courage were looking for. A mission. A purpose. Perhaps a fight didn’t mean anything unless it had one.

“I will bring the beasts. I will train them up into a proper army,” he announced.

Glinda’s perfect eyebrows raised and she shook her head.

“Perhaps, in time. But you need to have Ozma get used to you. Trust you before bring in an army.”

“But how can I keep her safe? You saw how the last Royal Army of One ended up.”

“I will know if there is trouble, don’t you fret, Lion.”

The Lion nodded, swallowing her logic. But it left an aftertaste. Something not quite right. He suddenly remembered the other part of what Glinda was asking.

“Which part am I supposed to keep secret?” the Lion asked, his confusion growing.

“Oh, that! I’m planning a most wonderful gift for Ozma, and I thought you could do me a tiny favor while you’re staying in the palace. She can’t know, or it would spoil the surprise. The Wizard left a ruby necklace behind when he departed Oz, and I need it to finish Ozma’s gift.”

The Lion was getting more confused with every word out of Glinda’s mouth. Maybe he should have asked for brains instead of courage, too. Why couldn’t Glinda look for the Wizard’s necklace herself? Why was she leaving Ozma alone in the palace, if Ozma was bored and lonely? But it didn’t really matter in the end. Glinda knew what she was doing, and she’d chosen him to help her. He wasn’t stupid, but intrigue and palace politics weren’t his style. He was happy to assist the kind, beautiful witch with whatever she wanted, even if her request didn’t totally make sense.

“But how will you get the necklace?” he asked.

Glinda stared at him, her smile faltering. “I’m asking you to get it, Lion,” she said, her voice strained.

“Me?” he asked, astonished. “But I don’t know where it is!”

“No one knows where it is,” Glinda snapped, and this time her exasperation was clear. “That’s why I’m asking you to find it.”

The Lion nodded eagerly, anxious to please her. “Of course! Find ruby necklace,” he repeated obediently. “Keep Ozma company. That’s all you need from me?”

Glinda’s irritation vanished and she clapped in delight. “You’re just as clever as dear Scare, no matter what people say!” she said merrily.

“What people say?” the Lion asked, but Glinda didn’t seem to hear.

“But just to be absolutely sure you know what I’m asking of you, I’ll show you the necklace. And perhaps I’ll do a little spell, just to make sure you don’t have any problems keeping your promise.”