Free Blood of Sirens: Book 13 of The Witch Fairy Series by Bonnie Lamer Page A

outside to avoid being overheard.  I feel awful.  I wanted to learn more about the Sirens, not their crumbling marriage.
    “How have I changed?” Arie wants to know.
    “You are more concerned with the realm than you are our marriage,” Kai insists.  Could that happen to me when I become Queen?
    “What you mean is I am not available to wait on you and cook your meals while you suck up to another Queen.”  Ouch.  Kai does seem a bit chauvinistic, though.  And he was the last Queen’s highest level guard.
    “You have always been jealous,” Kai accuses. 
    “Because you have always been unfaithful!”  Okay, growing extremely uncomfortable now.  Damn this squeaky chair.
    “I have never once been unfaithful to you,” Kai growls.  “Never.”  I’m inclined to believe him.  I may not like him much but I always thought he adored his wife.
    There are tears in Arie’s voice now.  “Fine, humiliate me by joining the others.  Let both realms see what my consort thinks of me.”
    “Arie,” Kai groans.  “I do love you.”
    “But not enough,” she cries. 
    I hear movement and I’m pretty sure Kai is hugging her.  “Hush,” he says softly.  “We will talk to Xandra and perhaps she can include me in the spell without me being amongst the others.”
    Great.  Now I need to pretend to be surprised when they ask me.  When will I ever learn eavesdropping is a stupid thing to do?  I learned nothing useful about the Sirens and have borne witness to Arie’s pain.  Kai’s too, I guess.  So much for a relaxing afternoon to reduce my stress levels.  After a few minutes, I’m convinced the Mercouple have moved inside and I feel safe moving off the chaise lounge.  I walk back into the bedroom and flop onto the bed.  I wonder when they are going to come ask me.
    Glancing at the clock, I realize it must be close to dinnertime.  I’m not really hungry, but I am just wasting time lying here.  I need to move.  After a quick glance in the mirror to manage my bedhead, I go back downstairs.  I find Kegan and Alita are still going through books.  Both of them are exhausted.
    “I think it’s time the two of you take a break,” I say from the doorway.  The dining room is being readied for dinner.”
    “I am not hungry,” Kegan insists again.
    “Nor am I,” Alita concurs.
    Sighing, I move farther into the room.  “Do I need to give you the same lecture I got earlier?  You need to take a break.  If you don’t, you won’t be at your best and you could miss something.”  I regret my words as soon as Alita looks up at me with a horrified expression on her face.
    “Do you believe we missed something?”  She gives the cart going back to the archives a manic look and rises from her chair.
    I step into her path.  “No, that’s not what I’m saying.  I’m saying that you could miss something if you don’t take a break and let your mind relax a little.”
    “Is your mind relaxed?” she snaps.
    Wow, I’ve never heard Alita snap out anything before.  “No,” I admit.  ‘
    I’m saved from further allegations by a knocking on the door jamb.  It’s Tana.  “I have brought your relief,” she tells Kegan and Alita.  Both of them stare at her dumbly.  “They will continue your research through the night.  You can return in the morning to relieve them if necessary.”
    Oh, that was a good idea.  Why didn’t I think of it?  I turn back to Kegan and Alita and there is some degree of relief in their eyes knowing someone will be searching for answers even if they are not.  They are much more agreeable about going to dinner now.  I turn back to Tana.  “Thank you,” I say softly.  She nods and smiles before disappearing out the door again.  I stare after her.  She has stepped back into the role of Queen nicely. 
    “I am still not hungry,” Alita says.  “Perhaps we will retire to Isla’s.”
    I link my arm in hers.  “No way.  You guys are staying here in one of the