Steal the Sun (Thieves #4)(36)

“Not if that mean old hunter is an example,” I said crossly, leaning over to stroke Neil’s head. He thumped his tail but seemed like he was still a little disoriented.

“Barghest, Shuck,” Herne said, leaning down to speak to his dogs, “Her Grace seems like a woman who could use a kiss.”

I was suddenly assaulted by two huge dogs. I fell back on my butt as they licked my face and looked far cuter than any death omen should. They panted and nudged me with their great noses, begging for me to play. One of the black dogs sniffed Neil’s backside and he ran to hide behind Lee. I laughed and ran my hands through their coarse hair. I did love strange creatures, especially when they were as sweet as the dogs seemed.

Dev shook his head and looked at Daniel. “She’ll want to take one home.”

Daniel was watching me with a smile. “Let’s not let her get around the Cù-Sìth, then. We would look strange running around Dallas with a green dog with flaming eyes.”

“Yes,” Herne said with an indulgent smile. “I think Her Grace would fit in with the Unseelie. Let’s have an ale. I’ll get to know your partner, and perhaps we can find a way to mend our friendships.”





I finally slipped away from the men two hours later. Herne was having lunch with Dev while Daniel sat in and listened as they told stories of the hunt. While listening to stories of the Hunter killing small creatures might be interesting to the men, I had other objectives to pursue. I also wasn’t sure exactly what kind of meat they were eating and after my cat taco experience, I was more careful. I liked to be sure what my lunch was made of. I approached the kitchens with Lee and Neil, who had just rejoined us after finding clothes since his had sort of exploded. Faery was turning out to be hell on Neil’s wardrobe.

Sarah had gone into the village to speak with the gnome and Felix had followed his wife, but Neil ambled beside me and he’d finally made friends with our new guests. The black dogs seemed to like me, and Herne made no move to stop them when they trailed after us. They were perfectly well behaved and hadn’t tried to hump anything, so I was comfortable with my escort.

Lee, on the other hand, was a little grumpy.

“Stop,” he commanded as Shuck nudged him with his huge nose.

“He’s just trying to play with you.” I scratched Barghest behind his big old ears.

Lee growled and if dogs can pout, that’s what Shuck did. He ran over to me and presented his head for a pet.

“Don’t take it personally,” I told him. “He won’t let me pet him either. He’s not playful.”

I heard a ruckus from down the hall. Someone was shouting and there was a great clanging noise. Neil and Lee both moved quickly to secure me. I found myself up against the wall with Neil covering me.

“Watch her,” Lee ordered.

“Like I don’t do that all day long,” Neil muttered.

“He likes giving orders.” I was pretty sure we were safe. The argument sounded like it was coming from the kitchen. It wasn’t the best place for an assassin to hide.

“He’s a drama queen.” Neil sighed, watching Lee disappear behind the doors. The black dogs set their backsides down, their tails thumping against the floor as they looked between us and the door.

“Don’t let him hear you say that.” Lee could be surprisingly sensitive. My tummy rumbled, and I hoped he dealt with the great cooking tragedy before I used up all of Danny’s energy again.

“I hear everything!” Lee yelled. “Zoey, get your ass in here. This is all your fault.”

Or it could be all my fault. That happened more than you would expect. Neil and I exchanged a look and followed orders, getting my ass into the kitchens as quickly as possible.

I was presented with a small but important battle. Albert was on one side of the kitchen, looking entirely professional in his white dress shirt and black slacks. He had a very masculine apron on. All he needed was a chef’s hat, though I wasn’t sure how we would fit it over his horns.

Bibi was sitting on the kitchen counter close to him, her legs and tail dangling. I had wondered where Bibi was spending her time when she wasn’t with me. I now discovered she made her way to the kitchens and aided Albert with his preparations. I had no doubt she’d been talking his ears off because once Bibi felt comfortable, she could talk a mile a minute. She was flushed with anger and looked across a marble island that was filled with fresh fruit.

Her adversary stood his ground on the other side. He was an officious-looking faery with his long brown hair in a neat bun at the back of his head. He was dressed to cook and looked at the demon and troll with utter disdain. Bibi, for one, was having none of it.

“This is Her Grace’s personal cook,” Bibi explained, and from her tone, I could tell it wasn’t the first time she’d gone over it. “He has every right to be in this kitchen. He has to make sure Her Grace eats properly for her baby.”

The faery sighed and it was easy to see he didn’t think talking to these creatures was a good use of his time. “These are my kitchens. I am the head of the palace’s chefs. You are not needed in here. I assure you I can handle Her Grace’s nutritional needs far better than this demon can. He is not Fae. How could he possible know how to nourish a faery child?”

My secretary shook her fist. “If you don’t allow Albert to do his job, I will call my mistress in and then you’ll be sorry. She will show you.”