The Empires (Erafeen, #6)

by David F. Farris

She balked, and Wendel choked out a laugh. Creep felt an immense sensation of satisfaction. She was halfway through calling the guards on the butcher before Wendel stopped the ordeal, grabbing the fork from his sister and taking a bite. He chewed and swallowed. “See, Phanny, it’s magnificent. Give it a shot.” “Don’t call me that around other people!” she hissed. Creep stood, gob smacked. The mission had just backfired. His eyes raked the backstage crowd, as if he would find a friendly with magical instructions to undo what Wendel had just done. He found none. Sally and York weren’t here, Lilu was still on stage, and Queen Shelly was somewhere in the palace. “I still think it’s a tad undercooked, but if you say so,” said Periphan, drawing Creep’s eyes back toward her. She took a bite. “I’m grateful for this,” Creep said. “Two people of your stature giving us the time of day.” “You’re great at what you do,” Wendel replied, offering a respectful nod. “Brilliance is taking notes. I plan on conducting an event like this up there.” Creep watched the LeAnce siblings proceed to the next station. He had done his job, but not without unintended consequences. In four to eight hours, Wendel LeAnce would die … and likely on a toilet.

That went wrong.