Page 66 of Maddie

With a grin, Maddie lowered the gun and yanked the White Queen inside before sealing the door shut. Maddie then folded her arms around her friend and squeezed her tight, inhaling her lily scent.

Ever took a step back and smiled. “My attire is rather drab, isn’t it?”

“You look positively human,” Maddie said. She’d never seen her friend not wearing something white and lacy.

Ivory’s ruler placed her hands on her hips and blew out a breath. “Do you know how many safe houses I had to visit before I found you?” She took the wig from her head, exposing her white hair pulled back in messy pinned-up curls, while descending the stairs. The queen’s shoulders relaxed as she peered around the room, her gaze landing on Mouse. “She’s safe.” But then Ever cocked her head as she gazed at Noah. “So it seems all of you are wanted in Scarlet. But I don’t know you.”

“That’s Noah. I’ll explain it all.” Maddie shrugged while Noah studied the new guest with a furrowed brow.

Ever walked to the middle of the room, removed her backpack, and took a seat on one of the chairs at the table. “I heard from my spy that Imogen is dead, but my bastard brother still isn’t. I would’ve come back from the mortal world sooner if I’d known they’d had Mouse. After hearing of Imogen’s death, I knew it was time, but it shouldn’t have taken me this long to return. I was also informed that not only are you all wanted, but my dear, precious, PrinceChessis.” Her lips curled up into a smug grin.

Even if Ever had come back sooner, she likely would’ve been dead before she’d found Maddie anyway.

“Do I have the story for you,” Maddie sang. “But first, what were you planning to do next?”

Ever reclined in the chair and peered up at the ceiling. “The time has come for me to reclaim what is mine and intimately acquaint my brother’s heart with a stake.”