Page 120 of My Pleasure

“You will have to strategize with fruit instead.”

Meryn thought it over. “If we’re having pasta for dinner, could I get a bowl of that hot and sour soup Genevieve made last night?”

Ryuu nodded. “Of course. I’ll get that reheating,” he said, then returned to the kitchen.

Kiera sipped her tea. “If we can’t investigate the Academy using my magic as an excuse, and you say Zoe is safe, could we use her as an example?”

Meryn looked surprised. “Good idea! I’ve been chasing down the Fire Temple’s funds…” She gasped. “The thing I forgot!” She reached for her phone and tapped furiously. Seconds later a voice answered. “Your Highness, to what do I owe this honor?” Lena asked.

“Lena, I need your help on something, like now,” Meryn said, looking around for her laptop.

“Of course,” Lena replied.

Nigel walked over, reached down and handed Meryn her laptop. She opened it up and began rattling off numbers. “I tracked those accounts down to a bank, but hit a wall. Is this one of your type of banks?”

“One moment,” Lena said.

“Meryn, is this Mikel’s account?” Aiden whispered.

“Yeah.

“Your Highness, I am showing this account as one of ours, but it is registered to someone else. Are they with you now?” Lena asked.

“Nope, but you can call him. He’s the one who gave me the account numbers.”

“Can you verify the name?”

“Mikel Appleblossom,” Meryn replied.

“Are you sure that is the name of the account holder?”

“One-hundred percent sure,” Meryn said.

“Could you have Mr. Appleblossom contact me directly?”

“Yup.” Meryn picked up her phone, then started tapping. “I just sent him a text.”

“Given the nature of this account, would it be permissible to call you back if the account holder agrees?”

“Sure, anytime.”

“Thank you, Your Highness,” Lena said, then disconnected the call.

“That’s what you had forgotten?” Aiden asked.

Meryn stretched. “I feel like there was more.” She closed her laptop. “Who do you think will call us back first, Lena or Mikel?”

Caiden laughed. “Mikel may drive that bike of his over here before calling.”

Daia put her cup down. “Mikel Appleblossom had you look into the Fire Temple accounts?”

“Yeah, they got jacked by Karl,” Meryn said.

“That’s impossible,” Daia said.

Meryn just stared.

Daia shook her head as if to clear it. “What I mean to say is, that isn’t allowed.”