“No,” Empress Echo said calmly.

  The person across from her was not calm. “I demand an explanation! Girl, I am the Guild Master of the Traveler’s Guild, and-”

  “And I am the highest authority in the country!” Echo snapped, shooting to her feet. “If you don't like my answer, get Watcher Bonnie’s permission, because I’m not allowing you to have the duplication spell! You will not find the answer you want in my palace, so I suggest you find a church!”

  The old elf glared daggers at her. “I have spent more years in my position than you have spent alive, and-”

  “And I can remove you from that position at any time I choose,” Echo reminded him. “I can also have you removed from this building at any time I choose. I choose now. Good-bye.”

  Before he could say anything else, the two guards who had been standing like statues by the door sprang to life. They escorted the asshole out of her presence.

  Empress Echo groaned, slumping onto the table. “Ok, you were right,” she called out.

  There was a flash of gold, and a fairy appeared in the room.

  “I told you mortals would never be responsible with that rune,” Goddess Bonnie said.

  “I just wish people would stop trying to pull rank on me,” the Empress groaned. “I mean seriously! Crown! On my head! But nooooo, all they see are my lack of wrinkles, so they all think they can push me around.”

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  Bonnie patted her shoulder. “You’re doing a good job, kid. You can't please everyone. And hey, I’ve been getting more prayers to help you be a good leader, so I can do a little smiting on your behalf if you want. Would scaring a few old guys into heart attacks help you rule better?”

  Echo snickered. “Nah. I can handle it, as long as I get to complain once they’re gone.”

  “Good.”

  “Hey… In your opinion, am I doing as good of a job as Athena did when she first became Empress?” the teenager asked carefully.

  Bonnie took a seat, thinking it over. “It’s complicated. She came in when everything was on fire, and fixed most of it. But she also had a group of close friends who she could rely on to help her with anything. You’re coming in at a time when everything is good and established, and are only putting out fires you started. But then, you’re also doing it all on your own. Although, Athena killed a lot of people who pissed her off, and so far you haven't done that, so overall I’d say you’re doing a better job.”

  Echo smiled. “Good.”

  “Speaking of being on your own, I’m not supposed to be here,” Bonnie said.

  She vanished in a flash of gold magic half a second before the door opened. Hades looked in, smiled when he saw her, and walked to the table. His sister followed a few paces behind.

  “Done with the Guild Master already?” he asked.

  “Yep,” Echo sighed. She waved at Selene, who started to wave back, stopped, and dropped into a formal curtsey. “She doesn't have to do that…”

  “Mother Dearest says she does,” Hades shrugged. He straightened his shoulders and bowed. “We have come to escort you to tea, Your Highness. Are you ready, or do you need a few minutes?”

  “I will never be ready for tea with your mother,” Echo told him. “If she brings up freeing Athena one more time, I’ll- I’ll ask the Watcher to smite her.”

  “They were friends,” Hades said with another shrug. “Sure, Athena tried to poison you on the morning of your coronation, but Mom is sure she’s very sorry and will never do it again.”

  Echo laughed, getting to her feet. “Sure. Ugh. Ok, let’s go.”

  Hades nodded, touched his sister’s elbow, and the three went to join Nyx for tea.