5
My parents, Lincoln and I sit around the kitchen table, polishing off our second pepperoni pizza. Dad nibbles at his slice for show; the rest of us chow down.
Mom positively beams at Lincoln. “It’s such a treat to see you.” With her auburn hair, curvy body, and long dragon-scale tail, my mother looks like an older version of me, only in a purple suit.
“Good to be seen,” says Lincoln.
Mom glances at the wall clock. “Aren’t you usually back in Antrum by now?”
“Yes, but I’d like to stay for a while, if that’s alright with you.”
“Of course,” says Mom. “It’s kind of your parents to spare you.”
“Mother will have her price, as always.”
I stop mid-chew. If Queen Octavia has a price, I’m probably not going to like it. “What is it?”
Lincoln stares at me out of his right eye. “You know wha
