Free She Dies at the End (November Snow #1) by A. M. Manay Page A

named Josue who was wearing a shiny three piece suit.  November wondered why there wasn’t a judge. She suddenly realized that William might well be judge, jury, and executioner, which made her stomach do a little flip.   The diplomat, Mary, had been middle-aged when she was turned, and sported a wild grey spiked hairdo.  She, too, wore a suit, a more conservative wool number.  Her job was liaising with other state lords and with the king’s court.
    Rose, the fairy house manager, looked just like the stereotype of a high society hostess: she had a short blond bob, pearl jewelry, conservative designer clothes, and manicured nails.  November wondered what her real hair color was.  She supposed it must match her violet eyes.  She was the only one who smiled at November, for which she was grateful, even though she knew it might just be part of the woman’s job.  “Please do let me know if you need anything, dear.” 
    “Thank for my lovely . . . accommodations,” November replied. 
    “You’re most welcome, darling.  Were the clothes acceptable?  And the food?” the hostess inquired.
      “The clothes are wonderful, just perfect,” November assured her.  “I did wonder if I might have some influence over the grocery list,” she admitted, thinking about the strangely stocked fridge.  Rose shot an annoyed look at Zinnia.
    “That was my fault.  I didn’t get the right things, did I?” Zinnia asked with a self-deprecating expression.  “None of us eat food, and we don’t pay all that much attention to what humans eat, because it all seems so disgusting.  I should have asked Ben to help, since he’s young enough to remember what you people actually like.”
    “It’s okay.  You did fine.  It was just a rather odd assortment, that’s all.  It’s a better stocked fridge than I’ve had in a long time, believe me,” November reassured the two fairies.
    “You see why I insist on doing everything myself,” Rose mock complained. 
    The more interesting comments began after they’d all given her the once over.  “She’s pretty enough, I guess, but a little scrawny for my taste.  I suppose I’d be willing to take her off your hands once you’re bored with her,” Josue remarked offhandedly in William’s direction. 
    “You might be able to fatten her up a little by then,” Daniel suggested.
    “I’m surprised, my lord,” Mary commented.  “You usually go for a more  . . . experienced woman.”
    “Yeah, this innocent virgin thing is a bit of a departure, isn’t it?” Felix agreed.  “That’s usually more my line,” he added with  suggestive eyebrow wiggle.
    “Oh, I bet she’ll be a fast learner,” Willow said with a wicked grin.
    November flushed bright red at the casual inappropriateness of their statements.  He did warn me, but ouch.   “I’d appreciate it very much if you would all stop talking about me like that,” she said firmly, pressing her lips together.  Everyone in the room turned to look at her aghast.  The silence was broken only when Amy burst out laughing.
    “This is going to be fun.  A human who talks back!” the elegant lawyer whooped delightedly.   
    “How many times do I have to tell you people that she isn’t enthrallable?  She can actually understand the words coming out of your mouths, and she is not here as a source of blood and recreation,” William said, irritated at how the introductions were going awry. 
    “Sorry,” Josue said with a smile and a wink.  “No offense meant.  I’ve never met a magic human before.”
    “Well, I’ve never been kidnapped and installed as a prisoner in a vampire slash fairy household, so I guess it’s new experiences all around,” November replied with an edge in her voice.  Apparently her latent anger and anxiety had been seeking a way out and had finally found one via her smart mouth.
    “I’m afraid you’ll all have to fight me for her,” Greg finally chimed in matter-of-factly, looking