by Sarah Noffke
Trin didn’t seem to know whether she should laugh or not, although Wilder nearly doubled over.
Evan patted the dining room table in front of Sophia. “Where’s that cure for Ainsley? I want that woman out of here as soon as possible.”
Sophia sighed, feeling the sadness that had been building lately at the thought of Ainsley leaving the Gullington for good. “It’s not ready yet. It should be soonish.”
Evan leaned back, folding his hands behind his head and propping his boots up on the dining room table with a dreamy expression. “Then, I can finally live my life without restriction.”
Ainsley strode through from the kitchen, carrying a large tray of roasted chicken and vegetables. She narrowed her eyes at Evan and used magic to cause the back legs of the chair to slip out, making him topple over backward.
Wilder howled with laughter as the shapeshifter laid the food onto the table. With a curt nod, Ainsley glanced at Trin. “Evan is not to put his feet on the table under any circumstances.” She pointed at NO10JO, the cyborg dog stationed on the other side of the threshold. He was busy giving them looks of longing from the entryway. “That mutt isn’t to enter my dining room…I mean, well, the Castle’s dining room. Those are the rules, and they will be followed even when I’m gone. Is that understood?”
Sophia was impressed at the authority Ainsley displayed. It had shown up with her memories and made the eccentric housekeeper seem like so much more than she already was.
“Yes, I understand,” Trin answered, seeming eager to please even if she’d been thrown into something she hadn’t quite bargained for. When Sophia recruited her to be the housekeeper, to replace Ainsley when she left, she hadn’t really elaborated on what that would mean or described how strange the job would be.
Evan seethed with anger as he pulled himself up from the floor and righted the chair. “That was a nasty little stunt. When did you start retaliating?”
Ainsley shot him her own rude stare. “Since I realized that you’re just a lowly jerk who has no right to disobey my authority.” She swung around and strode back in the direction of the kitchen.
Evan folded his arms and scowled. “Can you believe the nerve of that one?”
“She’s a five-hundred-year-old shapeshifter who holds one of the highest positions in the Elfin Council,” Sophia argued. “What I can’t believe is she hasn’t done worse to you.”
“I liked her better when she was a housekeeper without any hobbies,” Evan complained.
Since Ainsley had recovered her memories, the Castle had been full of music. She played multiple instruments like the violin, piano, and cello. She was also skilled in many forms of dance, spoke several languages, and was proficient in archery and swordsmanship. Sophia knew why Hiker had fallen in love with her all those centuries before. She was a catch, and yet, he’d let her go.
“Speaking of hobbies,” Ainsley said, coming back through the swinging door like she’d been a part of the conversation all along. She placed a bowl of freshly baked rolls on the dining room table. “Evan is not to play football in the corridor because he breaks stuff, and it angers the Castle.”
Trin nodded, looking at the quickly growing spread on the table. It was making Sophia’s stomach grumble. She hoped the others would be along soon so they could eat.
“Evan is not allowed to breathe either,” he sang, impersonating Ainsley’s Irish accent. “That angers the Castle. The Castle doesn’t like it when Evan moves, thinks or pretty much exists.”
Ainsley batted her green eyes at him. “And here I thought you didn’t know the truth.”
Mahkah and Quiet entered the dining room. Both gave the table of delicious smelling food strange looks.
“You’re wondering what Ainsley is up to serving us real food, aren’t you?” Wilder asked, sensing their apprehension.
Mahkah gave a polite smile while Quiet muttered something, taking his usual seat and tucking a napkin into his shirt collar. He picked up a fork and a knife and looked ready to dig in.
“I’ve always served you real food,” Ainsley argued. “Since I don’t have any ill will toward Hiker, I’ve decided to serve him and you something you want.”
That was the most astonishing news Sophia had heard. She had found the elf incredibly impressive since learning about her past and many talents. Her ability to get over the fact that she and Hiker had once been in love and he’d broken her heart was rather remarkable.
Ainsley was headed back for the kitchen when Hiker and Mama Jamba entered. The leader of the Dragon Elite was obviously stunned by the spread in front of them, whereas Mother Nature seemed annoyed.
“Don’t worry,” Ainsley sang, carrying a tray of pancakes as she swept through the door once more. “I’ve got your favorite.” She laid the plate in front of the short woman with large silver hair, earning her an endearing smile from Mama Jamba.
“Why thank you, dear Ainsley,” the southern debutant said sweetly.
The elf nodded and stepped back beside Trin. “Mama Jamba loves a short stack for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The Castle knows how she likes them, but you’ve got to put in the orders.”
Trin scratched her head full of wire-like hair. “I don’t understand. So you don’t cook? Not really? You put in orders?”
“I do both,” Ainsley stated. “It depends on the Castle. You’ll figure it out.” She laughed. “Then things will change. They always do. There are no two same days in this place.”
Quiet mumbled something.
Ainsley nodded at him. “I was just thinking the same thing.”
“What?” Trin asked, looking between the pair. “What did he say? What were you thinking? I’m missing something.”
“Get used to it,” Evan muttered, watching as Hiker carved the chicken.
“It’s quite easy to understand Quiet,” Ainsley argued. “You’ll figure it out in time.”
Trin didn’t appear as confident.
“Also,” Ainsley continued. “The guys aren’t allowed in the pantry since they don’t know how to clean up after themselves.”
“What about her?” Evan asked, pointing an accusatory finger at Sophia.
“Oh, S. Beaufont can do as she pleases,” Ainsley said, curtseying in Sophia’s direction. “She makes her bed every morning and doesn’t leave dirty clothes all over the floor.”
Evan shot her a scathing look. “The Castle just loves her. Pink Princess can do no wrong. Before long, Hiker will be putting her on a pedestal where we all have to look up to her and bow to her undeniable grace.”
Sophia gave Hiker a nervous expression, wondering when he would announce she’d be taking on a leadership role. He cleared his throat and made a minute head shake. The timing wasn’t right for that just yet. Sophia was relieved and impressed at how well they communicated nonverbally. For as much of a pain in the ass as the Viking was with his stubbornness, Sophia actually got him.
“The only way we can ever look up to her is if she’s on a pedestal,” Wilder said with a laugh.
She pretended to be offended. “Keep it up, and I’ll lock your phone so you can’t get back into it.”
Hiker narrowed his eyes at the pair. “Again, I don’t want phones at the table. I have allowed them against my better judgment, but there must be rules.”
Wilder nodded at once, slipping the device into his pocket. “Of course, sir. My apologies.”
“Trin, are you going to join us?” Sophia asked, watching the cyborg stand uncomfortably.
She looked as though she’d swallowed one of the many bolts that comprised her. “I-I didn’t think the housekeeper—”
“Oh, don’t be absurd,” Ainsley interrupted, buzzing in and laying a bountiful green salad on the table. “The housekeeper is part of this merry bunch. The Dragon Elite won’t be as successful without you, so learn to join in on things. It’s more fun that way too.” She slid elegantly into a seat and nodded to the chair beside her. The long dining room table that ran the length of the hall wasn’t full. With one more p
erson occupying its many chairs, it was starting to feel like it could one day be filled with dragonriders and staff.
Trin took the seat and forced a smile.
“Very good,” Hiker said, looking down the table. “Ainsley is right. Everyone here is a part of the Dragon Elite, serving our mission in their own unique way. We must never lose sight of that.”
He lifted his goblet and appeared, much like Ainsley, like a new version of himself. “Now, I say we toast our newest member and all the possibilities ahead.”
In unison, they all lifted their goblets and clinked the glasses, muttering “Cheers.”
When Sophia had taken a sip, she noticed the tiniest bit of regret in Hiker Wallace’s eyes. He might be relieved that Ainsley was okay with things, but there was something still lying across his heart and marking his eyes with stress. She hoped to help him if he’d allow it.
Chapter Three
Mama Jamba wasn’t in her usual place in Hiker’s office when Sophia and Wilder came in one minute early for the meeting the leader of the Dragon Elite had called. Instead of being perched on the sofa with her feet curled under her, Mother Nature was leaning over the Elite globe, her brow furrowed as she studied it, humming the song California Girls by the Beach Boys.
Evan rammed into Sophia’s shoulder as he strode past her and plopped onto the couch in Mama Jamba’s usual spot.
“Watch it mate,” Wilder said, a warning in his voice to the other dragonrider.
Evan scoffed at him. “Pink Princess likes it. This is our sibling rivalry thing, so don’t interfere.”
Sophia shook her head at Wilder, dispelling his protectiveness. “It’s fine. Evan thinks that being mean to people is the way to endear himself to them. He wonders why he doesn’t have any friends.”
“Come here, boy.” Evan patted the couch and NO10JO, who had been in the form of an ottoman, shapeshifted back into his form as a cyborg dog and jumped onto the sofa. “I have friends. Look who loves me so much he made himself into a footrest, anticipating my needs.” He let the dog lick him on the chin and smiled.
“The one creature who loves you and they reduce themselves to being your footstool,” Wilder said, shaking his head. “Yes, please teach me your ways, Evan. You obviously have this relationship stuff down.”
He shook his head. “Well, at least I didn’t hook up with the first girl to enter the Castle in five hundred years.”
Wilder winked at Sophia. “Really? Because I call that capitalizing on a good opportunity, especially since she’s the best girl on this planet.”
Hiker, who had been busy sorting through papers on his desk, glanced up. “Are you lot quite done yet because I’d like to begin.”
“Mahkah isn’t here,” Mama Jamba remarked absentmindedly, rotating the Elite globe. She appeared to be searching for something.
“Hey, Mama Jamba,” Evan began. “Not that I’m trying to do your job or anything, but why is it that you’re looking at a globe of this planet when you created it? Do you really need a map?”
She glanced up in obvious irritation. “I know what I’m doing.”
“Which is?” Hiker asked, a hint of skepticism in his voice.
Mama Jamba arched an eyebrow at him and smiled. “You’ll find out.”
“I can’t wait,” he said dryly.
“So, Mama Jamba,” Evan sang. “Is there a place that you regret having created, like Florida or Yemen?”
She scowled at him. “Yemen is a perfectly lovely place. And no, just like all my creatures on this beautiful planet, they all serve a purpose and are perfect in their imperfections.”
“Well put,” Sophia mused.
“Except for flies,” Mama Jamba added after a moment of reflection. “They are nasty little beasts I really shouldn’t have created. It was a Monday, what can I say.”
“Good, you’re here,” Hiker said as Mahkah entered his office, looking rushed.
“Sorry, sir,” he replied, bowing slightly. “I was working with the dragonettes. They are becoming quite demanding.”
Hiker nodded. “There is only one of you and many more of them.”
“It’s true, but I can handle it.” Mahkah didn’t sound so sure.
“I’m happy to lend a hand,” Sophia offered.
Evan coughed, and it sounded very much like, “Suck up.”
She narrowed her eyes at him.
Before she could volley her own insult at her “little brother,” Hiker broke in. “That’s actually a good idea and brings me to our first order of business.”
“Sophia is now in charge of shoveling all the dragonette poop littering the Expanse,” Evan guessed. “Great idea, sir. She’s closest to the ground, so that makes a lot of sense.”
Hiker shook his head and directed his attention to Sophia. “No, I’ve decided that as we grow, we’ll need more leadership.”
Mama Jamba glanced up from the Elite globe, giving Hiker an encouraging smile.
He cleared his throat. “I will remain the main authority over the Dragon Elite. However, I’ve elected that my second in command, who will mostly handle directives when in the field, will be Sophia.”
Evan’s mouth popped open as he exclaimed, “Whhhhhat?!”
Wilder pressed a hand on to Sophia’s shoulder. “Nice.”
Mahkah nodded appreciatively at her.
“Do you need to lie down, sir?” Evan asked, indicating the couch where he was sitting with NO10JO. “You’re obviously not well.”
“He’s perfectly healthy,” Mama Jamba argued.
“That I am,” Hiker stated. “Sophia has displayed natural leadership skills that make her the right choice. I haven’t and probably won’t always like her challenging me, but Mama has gotten me to see that this will help with balance. I don’t need someone who follows my lead blindly, but rather looks at it from a fresh perspective. I think we can all agree that you all are much too similar to me to do that since we’ve spent many decades together.”
“Many, many decades.” Evan sighed, sounding weary.
“Furthermore,” Hiker continued. “This leadership is in line with our goal of balance. It makes sense to have the new and the old. The feminine and the masculine.”
“The sassy and the stern,” Evan chimed in.
Hiker let out a breath. “Like I said, I’ll be your main leader, but in the field, I’ll have you defer to Sophia. Wilder and Evan already have phones and can communicate with her. And we’ve…” He gave her an uncertain look before continuing. “Yes, we’ve decided that Mahkah should have one too.”
“Yes, sir,” Mahkah replied obediently.
“I think this makes a ton of sense,” Wilder said, looking at Sophia proudly. “You automatically take the role of leader during missions.”
“Thanks,” she said coyly.
“That’s because she’s a bossy know-it-all,” Evan declared.
“Who can eat your lunch now if she wants to,” Mama Jamba stated before glancing at Sophia. “But you won’t, and that’s why you’re the right choice. Well, one of the many reasons, anyway.”
Hiker cleared his throat. “Yes, I trust Sophia to be fair and just in her role as a leader.”
Wilder smiled at her. “You’ll be good. You’re a lot like Adam.”
The mention of the dead dragonrider’s name, who had once been Hiker’s best friend, made him stiffen, grief obvious on his face. “I guess she is. Sophia definitely challenges me much like him.”
“And she’s willing to take risks,” Mahkah agreed. “Calculated ones, though.”
“And she has that beard, just like good old Adam,” Evan teased.
This seemed to soften Hiker up a bit. He smirked. “Anyway, as I was saying, it would be good if you, Sophia, assisted Mahkah. It’s volunteering like that which makes you a good choice. Leadership definitely isn’t a glamourous role. Not if you’re doing it right.”
“So does this mean that when you’re not around, what she says goes?” Evan asked.
“It m
eans that but I plan to be here fulltime,” Hiker told him. “It will just be good to have someone to defer to, but this is mostly in anticipation of new riders joining us, which could be very soon or many years from now. I want to be prepared.”
“It will be nice once we have some new faces around here,” Evan said, continuing to pat the dog.
Wilder scoffed at him. “Thanks a lot. It’s been nice sharing the Castle with you for the last hundred years, only to get tossed aside when you have the opportunity to make new friends.”
Evan nodded. “Yeah, out with the old and in with the new. Hope we get more female riders. I could use a good—”
“It’s better if you don’t finish that sentence,” Hiker interrupted.
“Snogging,” Evan said, finishing his thought anyway.
Hiker batted his eyelashes with annoyance. “Anyway, since the demon dragonettes are protected, we need to switch our efforts to fixing mortal’s perceptions of them while also tracking them down. I don’t know where they could be or what sort of trouble they could be making for us.” He scratched his head. “Unfortunately, I don’t know where to start with looking for them since most of our efforts before didn’t work.”
“I think I can help with that,” Mama Jamba said, her attention still on the Elite globe.
Hiker appeared as though he’d just been slapped in the face. His mouth dropped open and his eyes widened. “Now it’s my turn to ask if you’re feeling all right.”
She shook her head, rotating the large orb in its ornate stand. “I’m fine, son. I’m not going to point you in the direction of each of the demon dragonettes, but I’ll offer a solution.”
“You can’t make them appear there, then?” Hiker asked, indicating the Elite globe.
Mama Jamba shook her head. “I could, but that’s not how it works. Only those who choose to be a part of the Dragon Elite show up here, and those demon dragonettes leaving mean they don’t want to be associated with us.”
“Yeah, I get that, but even if they don’t want to be a part of the Dragon Elite, it would still be good to know where they are,” Hiker reasoned. “They could be causing a lot more trouble for us while we try to manage our reputation after the nonsense that Nevin Gooseman has been spreading. I just need to be able to get control over things.”