Fashionably Dead Down Under(76)

“Three hundred,” he answered and arched an eyebrow in amusement.
“It’s really not funny. I’m pregnant and I want pickles and ice cream. Only problem is I’m not fond of things that taste like dusty ass,” I snapped.
“I can see how that might be a problem,” he agreed. I rolled my eyes and elbowed him. His grunt of pain made me happy. “How many people know of the Sword?” he asked as he pinched my ass in retaliation.
“Good question.” I gasped and smacked his hand. I considered tickling him or licking my finger and sticking it in his ear, but figured that was very immature and might be conspicuous.
“Hi guys, is this boring or what?” Dixie said as she tucked herself between us. “I hate these things.”
“Dixie, how many people know about the Sword?” I asked.
Her head whipped to me so fast I felt a breeze. Her pretty eyes narrowed and she grabbed my arm in a vise-like grip. “What do you know about the Sword?”
“Ease up,” I hissed and discreetly pushed her to a corner by a ridiculously large plant in a gold and jewel encrusted pot. The show of wealth in Hell was staggering. Ethan stepped in front and hid us from view. “Let go of my arm. I like you and want you to keep your hands.”
She reluctantly released me, but her body stayed tense. “What do you know about the Sword?” she repeated.
“I know it’s missing and I know I now suspect you of taking it.” I watched a myriad of expressions cross her face, but the largest was disbelief. I relaxed a bit. My gut and heart knew she didn’t steal it.
“I would never do that. It would put the Balance of Chaos in jeopardy, not to mention the lives of my father and grandfather,” she ground out. “What else do you know?”
“I’m asking questions at the moment,” I told her. “You’ll get your turn. How many know of the Sword?”
“Most believe it’s a story—that it doesn’t really exist.”
“Yes, and?”
“The True Immortals know.” She glanced around in a slight panic. I wasn’t sure if she was scared to tell me or terrified someone would hear her.
“Well, duh.” I rolled my eyes. “I assumed they knew. Who else?”
“I’m not exactly sure.” She shook her head and picked at her freshly painted nails. “I think my sisters know and most likely my dad’s top advisors . . . ”
“How do you know about it?” I asked. This was going to be a little easier than I’d originally thought—possibly.
She paused and gave me a hard stare before she went on. “Grandpa told me about it,” she said. “I don’t know if he was supposed to so I’ve never told anyone.”
“Which sisters do you think have any knowledge of the Sword?”
“I can’t be sure . . . why do you want it?” she demanded. “If you hurt my father, I’ll . . . ” Her fists clenched in anger and tears filled her eyes.
“Stop.” I grabbed her by the shoulders and I got in her face. “Your father asked me to find it. It’s been stolen. I would never hurt him. You have my word.” I kept my voice low. The room was starting to fill.
She eyed me with distrust, but I saw the hope in her eyes. “You won’t use it against him?” she whispered.
“I may be a loose cannon but I’m not an idiot. I want it back where it’s supposed to be so I can go home. As lovely and over the top as Hell is, I really prefer Kentucky.”
She took a deep breath and laid her head on my chest. “I knew something bad was happening. I felt it. I just didn’t think it was this. I thought it was that Amanda was having a boy.”
“Why is that bad?”
“It means she carries the true heir to Hell.” Her body tensed. “Do you think Amanda has the Sword?” Dixie gasped and tried to pull away. “I’ll kill her.”
“Dixie, no.” I held her firmly and got right back up in her face. “You will do nothing. I will watch Amanda and if she tries anything I’ll take care of her. You are out of this. Do you understand me?”
“I know I’m not as magical as my sisters, but I love my father despite his shortcomings, and I will fight for him. Always.” Her slim body shook and her eyes blazed red. She was gorgeous.
“Why would Amanda kill him? The child hasn’t been born yet.”
“Many doubt the child is his,” she said. “If my father is gone they will have to accept the child as their ruler regardless.”
“Okay, but a simple DNA test will solve that little issue. Whether Satan is here or not.” Heaven help us all, maybe they did really need me here . . .