Keeping the Genie (Genie's Love, Book 3) by Dee J. Stone Read Free Book Online Page B

sighs, shaking his head.
    I get up and place my hand on his back. “Daisy knows how sorry you are. I know she forgives you.”
    “How do you know that?”
    “Truthfully, I don’t. I don’t know if there’s an afterworld or anything like that, but I do believe that she’s looking down at us right now.”
    His eyes lift to the ceiling as though he expects Daisy to be up there. “We don’t have such a concept here.”
    “What do you believe?”
    He shrugs. “Ortarians die and that’s it.”
    “I believe what Lily believes,” Sebastian says. “I know her sister is looking down on her, on you, too. I know she doesn’t blame you for what happened. She understands.”
    Alaric doesn’t say anything and the room is silent yet again. After a bit, I ask, “Is it possible for us to go back to Earth?”
    Alaric shakes his head. “My magic isn’t strong enough.”
    “But I’m a royal, aren’t I? Can’t I go to Earth the same way you did? Isn’t my magic just as powerful?”
    Again, he shakes his head. “You’re needed her.”
    “But I need to tell my mom I’m okay. She’s probably worried sick.”
    “I understand that, and if I was able to take you back, I would. But it’s not possible. You’re bound here.”
    I lift an eyebrow. “Bound? By what? The Ortarian energy, or forces, or whatever you want to call it?”
    I mean that as a joke, but he nods. “Ortarus needs you.”
    I slump against the bed’s headboard. “I can’t believe this. I’m just supposed to let my mom drive herself crazy with worry?”
    He lifts his hands apologetically. “Like I said, if I was able to, I would take you back. Don’t you see, Lily? You’re fulfilling a prophecy.”
    “A prophecy?”
    “Well, it’s not as though a prophet predicted you’d come to slay the king, but Ortarus expects you to fulfill your task and that’s why you’re not able to return home until Sorenten is killed.”
    “And would I be able to return back to Ortarus?” I ask him.
    His eyes widen, and that’s when I realize what I said. I made it seem like I would want to return here. Would I? I have no clue. All I know is that I want to kill the damn king and go back to my old life. With Sebastian. I want to spend the rest of my life with him.
    “Yes, once you kill Sorenten your task will be complete and you will be able to travel back and forth. Since you’re half human and a royal, you can survive on both worlds.”
    “What about Sebastian? He’s not a royal. How would he be able to survive on Earth?” My heart skips a beat. “Don’t tell me he can only live on Earth if he’s a genie.” Sebastian intakes a sharp breath.
    “No, Sebastian will be able to live on Earth as a human.” He bends forward. “Because of the love you have for one another. It’s so deep and strong, not like anything I have ever seen. Your bond makes it possible for Sebastian to survive on Earth.”
    I sigh in relief.
    “In addition, as king I have the ability to use my magic the way I see fit. I can make as many changes as I wish.”
    “Does that mean you’ll allow Ortarians to travel to Earth?”
    “Years ago, my great grandfather, who was king, decreed that Ortarians were not allowed to go to Earth. He was afraid of mixing in with the humans. Of losing Ortarus. Of the humans discovering our existence. But I don’t want to be as harsh.” He pauses. “If an Ortarian requests it, I may allow them to travel to Earth, but he or she would need a good reason.” His eyes get intense. “I plan on giving my people good, happy lives and hope they won’t feel a need to travel to Earth. The less humans who know of our existence, the better.”
    I nod. If humans were to find out that there’s another world out there, they’d want to explore it. Maybe stick their noses where they don’t belong. We’re a curious species and we can’t help it. I don’t blame my dad for wanting to keep Ortarus hidden.
    “Back to other matters,” Alaric says. “I’m sure