"I don't believe I heard you correctly," I say to Kubla Khan, my voice steady.
Daji taps her velvety fox ears. "I definitely didn't."
"Then I will repeat myself," he says patiently, as if he expected this reaction. "I want the two of you, who have proven that you rule over the Wendigo Inn with fairness and justice and intelligence, to rule Xanadu for three days. I haven't had a vacation in ever so long. And after waiting for me ever since men began using steam-powered engines, Abora deserves one too. A romantic holiday."
I flush. "That's--"
"IF you want Coleridge, that is," he explains patiently.
Do we want Coleridge this badly? I grip Daji's arm. She seems as nonplussed as I am.
"Was this why you put me through that multiple-life review?" I demand.
Daji bares her teeth. "Did you plan this all along?"
