Wickedly Ever After_ A Baba Yag - Deborah Blake Page 0,6

She didn’t know what was coming, but she was pretty sure it wasn’t going to make anyone happy. Least of all her.

“What are you thinking, dearest?” the King asked. Even he looked a bit concerned, an unaccustomed wrinkle appearing on his smooth forehead underneath the ebony sweep of his hair.

“You suggested a compromise,” the Queen said. “I have come up with one. Since the Baba Yaga is so certain that having this Human in her life will be good thing, We will allow them to prove to Us that he is an asset and not simply a distraction; that she will still be as capable a Baba Yaga as before. You imply that their love is as deep as Ours; we shall see if they work together as well as We have done all these centuries.”

“Um, and how would we prove that, exactly, Your Majesty?” Barbara asked.

The Queen smiled. “Why, I shall take a page out of your stories, Baba Yaga, and give you and your man three impossible tasks to do. If you can achieve them, We will grant your request. If you do not”—her voice dropped ominously—“if you fail, then you will continue in your role as Baba Yaga and there will be no more talk of marriage or sharing the Water of Life and Death. Ever.”

Barbara swallowed hard. She was used to being the one who demanded that others fulfill three impossible tasks and she didn’t much like being on the other side of the equation. Especially since when she did it, she always made sure that what she asked for wasn’t quite as impossible as it sounded. It was never meant to be unattainable, merely difficult enough to prove the seeker’s dedication and strength of character. Barbara didn’t have much faith that the Queen would be so considerate. Unfortunately, it wasn’t as if she had any choice.

Head high, Barbara nodded. “I agree to your terms, Your Majesty.”

The court murmured. This was all very entertaining for them, since they weren’t the ones whose lives were on the line. Not for the first time, Barbara wished that the Otherworld could just get cable TV. It would probably prevent a lot of trouble.

“Excellent,” the Queen said, sounding pleased with herself. If anything, the King’s frown deepened.

“May I ask what the tasks are to be, Your Majesty?” Barbara said. She was impressed with the calm tone of her voice, since inside she was shaking like a leaf. But it didn’t do to show weakness in front of predators. Even the ones who usually liked you.

“Nothing beyond your abilities,” the Queen said. “Especially now that you have such stalwart assistance.” She tapped one finger against her lips. “We require that you do these three things: catch the song of the ocean in a bottle.” She thought some more. “Bring me the living representative of a dead species.” There was a pause as she gazed around as if looking for inspiration, and the tiniest hint of a smile flitted across her face. “And find me a Human whose heart is so pure that he or she has never spoken a lie.”

Barbara and Liam glanced at each other.

“Piece of cake,” he said with a straight face.

“Easy peasy lemon squeezy,” Barbara said back. He’d taught her that one.

“I am pleased that you are so confident,” said the Queen. “You have a fortnight, as time is measured in the mundane world. At the end of the two weeks, you will return to Us having accomplished these tasks or to tell Us you have failed.”

“Oh, and one more thing.” She held out one hand imperiously toward Chudo-Yudo. “You may leave the flask containing what remains of your portion of the Water of Life and Death. We would not wish there to be any cheating, should you be unsuccessful.”

Chudo-Yudo let out a noise that sounded suspiciously like a growl, despite the fact that he was in dragon form, and Liam took a step forward.

“I do not cheat,” he said firmly.

The Queen raised one eyebrow at his lack of formal courtesy but finally nodded her head in reluctant admiration. “No,” she said. “I do not suppose you do.” She waved him back and made a shooing motion at the entire group. “Well, you had best be on your way. You have much to do and little time to do it.”

“Good luck, Baba Yaga,” the King said.

“We’re going to need it,” Barbara said under her breath. As they walked away, she could hear the wagering begin.

***

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