Chapter IX
She took one last look in the mirror before emitting a bloodcurdling shriek and bringing her fist into the offending glass, smashing it. The noise in the room stopped abruptly. Cursing her commotion, Daine removed all the glass splinters that were stuck in her fist and bound it up.
Suddenly, the door was thrown open, revealing a miffed looking Numair. His eyes flew over the mess and landed on Daine.
Daine restrained the urge she had to look over her shoulder and replied stiffly,
Numair took a step forward, staying clear of the glass. What the hell do you think you're doing?
Daine looked around. Having a fit, that's what. Her eyes widened when she appeared at Numair's side, looking confused.
Daine greeted. (*A/N Okay, this could get confusing. So, from now on, the real Daine is D and the real Serena is S. Okay? Good.*)
S nodded, her lips curving into a knowing smile.
I ask again, what are you doing? Numair asked D.
I answered you, Numair, she replied coldly. I was having a fit. Because that's what Serena does – go insane and break mirrors. When she's not bedding every eligible male, that is.
S gave her a hard stare, then left.
D jumped, remembering how she wasn't able to hear animals. That means I must have Serena's magic! D gestured and a ball of pink light appeared in her hand. She made a throwing movement – the flame flew from her hand only to be interrupted by Numair, who threw it back.
D caught it. Barely. While she was mastering the flame with some difficulty, Numair snapped his fingers and magical chains formed around D. She glared at him and snarled,
You don't know what you're doing, Numair.
On the contrary. I have never been more positive in my life, replied Numair coolly. He put a massive hand around her neck and marched her away – probably to the king.
D threw a desperate glance back, only to see S waving her hand at her, a giant silver ring on her finger.
ÆH7ž
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Serena (the one in Daine's body) brushed her damp hair. She loved baths, and this one had been particularly refreshing. Especially as she had a new, younger body. Serena had taken the advantage of being alone to get used to it. She had even stood in front of a mirror, naked, to look at herself, and her conclusion was very good. She was in possession of a wonderful body.
I doubt Queen Thayet has such a body, Serena thought. Oh, she may have the face, but not the body. Never the body. Amused by that, she threw her head back and laughed, delighting in the feeling of her damp hair brushing across her bare back. I'll never forget the face Daine gave me when her Numair, her fiancé, chained her. Oh, I'd pay big money to see it again!
A slight breeze from the open window made her shiver. She walked to Daine's closet and picked out an overlarge, thin white shirt and put it on. Then she flopped into bed, her eyes glued on the mirror.
Suddenly, what appeared to be a huge greenish-blue lizard jumped on the bed. Serena jumped back with a scream.
The lizard tilted her head and whistled, turning a light pink. Serena inched away from her.
Go away, she whispered. I don't likebig lizards.
The creature turned a strange murky brown color and uttered a low thrill, still coming closer to the terrified woman. Serena jumped off the bed and ran to the door. Yanking it open, she stepped out and collided into Numair, who steadied her.
Whoa. What's wrong?
The creature whistled and walked to Numair, now black. Numair frowned. Kit, what's wrong? I've never seen you look like this before!
The creature, Kit, whistled again, pointing to Serena and shaking her head.
there was a big bug and itit scared me, Serena said lamely, wincing at the strange glance Numair gave her.
was all he said before he flopped down on the bed with a sigh.
So, what did you do with D- Serena? Serena asked, joining him.
I took her to the king. I explained what she did to you and to the mirror, and then Jon told me that they had received a message from the King of the Copper Isles. Apparently, Serena had ordered a wench to poison – or stab, I forget – her husband, making it look like a death caused by anyone or anything but her. So Jon locked her up. Her trial is tomorrow.
Serena laid back. That's good. Dearest, she said huskily, crawling on top of Numair. Dearest, I know you're upset
I amI never thought-
Serena murmured, her hand slipping under Numair's shirt. Let me make you feel better.
Numair yielded entirely.
ÆH7ž
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