My Property

"A genie?" The emperor climbed down the steps, too excited to stay seated. "Fascinating! I've heard of your kind but believed you all dead. You must grant me three wishes."

Laeddin cleared his throat again. "Indeed, I am the last of my kind. My brothers have all gone." My irritation at Laeddin momentarily fled at the mention of his brothers.

"And the wishes?" The emperor towered over Laeddin now, but Laeddin didn't balk.

"I am Laeddin, genie of the lamp, and I can only serve one master at a time."

"So, someone else controls you." Disappointment softened the gargoyle's features. Well," he returned to his seat. "I am Jagg, high ruler of Garoth." He lifted his arms in the air as he spoke. "And I demand you accommodate me."

Unfazed as ever, Laeddin bowed deeply.

"Well, genie of the lamp, tell me who your master is," Jagg said, resting his elbows on the armrests.

I shuddered at the tone in his words. If Jagg knew I was Laeddin's master, he would have me killed. There was no doubt about it