wishes would be an easy task to grant? There is much to be discussed before they are fulfilled. Such wishes have never been made before and the Lord and Lady are in quite the turmoil about it.”
Dae threw the blanket aside and stood up angrily. “I know one thing about the Accords, even though I may not have read it all, and that is all wishes must be granted. That is absolute. Would you renege on a sacred deal and the wishes of the Elders and Nemesia herself?” He stamped his foot and glared at her.
The Lady Mage laughed softly. “You are unique, Daliel. You fear no one and have no filter in that pretty mouth of yours. I am indeed heartened to see the passion you have for your life on earth.” Her mouth thinned. “However, do I need to remind you that I am not to be challenged on the Accords or the will of Nemesia herself?”
Dae swallowed. He had rather had a meltdown and challenged someone who could turn him into an earthworm if she so fancied. Perhaps he should apologise. He opened his mouth to, and she held up a slender hand at him imperiously, indicating he should stay quiet.
“I am her mouthpiece here in Quimaria and respect is something I have earned. Don’t you think so?” Her blue eyes sparkled with what Dae thought was anger. His heart sunk. He’d pissed off a powerful sorcerer and his only hope of getting back to Ben. Bane of Beza’s Blight, why couldn’t he have held his damned tongue?
He noticed the Lady’s shoulders shaking. Ye Gods, had he made her that irritated she was about to summon up a tornado to cast him out into the Mire of Marlgamau, where people wore rags and lived in mud huts? The only mud Dae wanted to see was in his face mask.
“My Lady, my effusive apologies, I—”
She raised her head and Dae was dumbstruck—he was proud to admit that happened never—by the sight of her face creased in wrinkled laughter, tears streaming down her face.
“My boy, you are the most precious person ever. Did you think I was upset by your challenge? Your face, oh by Beza’s Beard, it was a sight to see.”
Dae’s heartbeat slowed, but he couldn’t deny feeling rather peevish. Honestly, this was all nothing but a joke?
“My Lady,” he bit out darkly. “I am so glad I amused you. I was ready to prostrate myself on the floor to gain back your good graces. I’m so pleased now that isn’t a thing because as clean as the floor is, I’m not convinced my beautiful form on your floor would do any favours to my clothing.” He sniffed regally.
His snootiness made the Lady Mage laugh even more. He waited, beginning to see the humour in the situation, and his lips curled up unwillingly.
“Oh Daliel,” she finally gasped. “Never change. You are a treasure to us all. Does the man you desire find you to be as adorable?”
Dae preened. “Well, yes, he does.” He took a deep breath. “It’s why I’m anxious to get back to him as soon as possible.”
Her face grew serious. “That is what I wish for you too. But these things must be carefully handled.” She turned and poured them both a glass of lemon-scented water from a jug on the side table. She handed him his drink and regarded him shrewdly. “You are quite correct saying that the wishes must be granted. But as you know, there are trickeries around the wording of wishes. Think back. Did your beloved ever ask for you to be permanently bonded to him in the other world, or was there perhaps a loophole to be exploited by those who would wish to do so?”
Dae realised with a sinking heart that perhaps there had been a loophole despite all their careful planning. Ben hadn’t ever said that he wanted the transition to be permanent that he could recall. It had simply been a heartfelt plea for Dae to become human and remain with him. Length hadn’t been mentioned.
“I…I’m not sure. I don’t believe the word permanent was used, no.”
She nodded wisely. “Then leave it with me. I will need to visit the Lord and Lady and put the case to them to grant the wish in the spirit in which it was meant. As for the second wish,” she hesitated, “that will be more difficult. I am guessing you know that?”
Dae nodded, his throat choking up. “Yes. I