Everlost by Brenda Pandos Read Free Book Online Page A

look for something to do. “Along with other things—all boring stuff.”
    “Hmmm.” Tatiana popped another berry into her mouth. “Actually, I need your help with something.”
    She stopped, eyeing her warily. “You do?”
    “I’m going to my parent’s house today, to get clothes, but to also set up a romantic dinner for Azor. I need you to cover for me, then send him to my house at, say, six o’clock.”
    Xirene open and closed her mouth in quick succession. “I don’t think that’s such a good idea, Princess.”
    Tatiana chuckled “And why not?”
    “Well, with everything.” She shook her head and tsked.
    “What do you mean, with everything ?”
    Xirene fiddled with her white gloves, pulling them taut around her elbow. “Azor wishes you to stay here, where you’ll be safe. And I don’t feel right—”
    “Safe?” Tatiana tilted her head. “Come on, Xirene. If Jacob escorts me, how would that be dangerous? I could dress like a Dradux—cover my head. Maybe Coralade can help?”
    “About your parents’ house.” She looked down and gulped. “I’ve been meaning to tell you. There was… an accident.”
    Tatiana’s limbs fell limp. “What do you mean, an accident?”
    “When the ball fell, it crushed a few houses. Your parents’… I’m sorry to say… was a casualty.”
    “What?” Tatiana sucked in a deep breath; her fin sunk to the floor. “Why didn’t anyone tell me?”
    “We… we weren’t sure how to tell you.” She flashed an apologetic smile and patted Tatiana’s shoulder. “And… everyone knew they wouldn’t be back, and you live here now—I’m sorry.”
    Tatiana turned and closed her eyes, unwilling to lose it in front of Xirene. “Oh.”
    “I’ll leave you alone.” Xirene slipped out of the door.
    Tatiana wanted to die. Though her home didn’t have much as far as memories, her mom had brought priceless keepsakes from Tahoe. And if Tatiana never saw her parents again, only her memories would remain. She at least wanted to see the damage—see if she could rescue anything, though most everything would be ruined by the water.
    “Gah!” She couldn’t stay cooped up in this room anymore. She was beginning to go stir crazy and her hibernating legs itched for room to breathe.
    Jacob greeted Tatiana with a smile when she entered the hall. “Princess.”
    She startled in surprise. “Jacob?”
    “At your service.”
    She pressed her hands to her sides, grazing the place Azor had stung her the night before, and refrained from flinching. “What are you doing here?”
    “I’m your bodyguard. I go where you go.”
    She pursed her lips. “More like an electronic leash.”
    Jacob’s mouth twisted. “Electronic leash?”
    “Never mind. Human thing. So, what gives?”
    He still kept a puzzled expression.
    “Forget it.” She swam to the porthole, done with small talk.
    Jacob blocked her path, spreading his flukes over the passage. “You can’t pass.”
    “And why is that?” She perched her hands on her hips.
    “It’s just better you stay in your room. You don’t need to be bothered with—”
    “With what?” She huffed. “The big plans? I’m already in the know , so… move aside.”
    “How about a game of Carfunkle?”
    “Carfunkle? You can’t be serious.” She laughed. This wasn’t the time to offer the merling version of marbles. “What do you think I am, ten?”
    Jacob flustered. “It’s just a suggestion—to help you pass the time.”
    “I don’t need to be protected from overhearing the details about the palace repairs, Jacob. I’m not a delicate flower.”
    “It’s not my request.” He moved closer to the porthole and flared the spikes on the sides of his fin. “Please, Princess.”
    She eyed the spikes warily, the last jolt with Azor a little too fresh in her memory.
    “Or you’ll what? Hurt me?” She laughed temporarily until remembering the heat between them when he’d restrained her—her cheeks flushed.
    “I’ll do whatever is