Keeping the Genie (Genie's Love, Book 3) Read Online Free PDF Page B

crime, Ortarus went back in time to after the prince was murdered. Sebastian came back as himself, with the memories of his years on Earth. He took the other Sebastian’s place. He was the same person, but had changed.” He turns to Sebastian. “Because you were on Earth all that time, you didn’t know about the revolution. I felt terrible to have to lie to you about your sister’s death, but I knew I couldn’t tell you the truth. I needed you back on Earth.”
    “But why?” I ask. “You keep saying that Sebastian needed to return, but you’re not explaining why.”
    Sebastian pats my arm. “He’s getting there. We’re very confused and curious, but we need to be patient and let him explain.”
    I exhale through my nose. “You’re right. I’m sorry.” All this is driving me crazy. “Why did Sebastian need to return to Earth?”
    “Because he needed to bring you to Ortarus.”
    I’m about to ask why, but shut my mouth. Like Sebastian said, I need to be patient.
    “I didn’t have much magic, and didn’t think I could send him back, but forces beyond my control sent him. Through what little magic I had, I suppose.”
    “Forces?” Sebastian lifts an eyebrow.
    Alaric nods. “Fate. Ortarian energy and willpower, if you will. It is what provides us with magic. It would appear as though you were meant to go back to Earth and bring Lily here to start the revolution.”
    “Why me?” It feels like I keep asking the same question.
    “Because you are the only one who can defeat my brother, your uncle the king.”
    Sebastian and I exchange a shocked glance.
    “Me?” I ask, my voice hoarse yet again. I clear it, but it doesn’t seem to do anything. “Why?”
    “You’ve done some magic since you got here, haven’t you?” Renaya asks. For a second, I completely forgot she’s sitting here. She’s been so quiet, probably giving Alaric time to explain it all without interruption.
    I nod as I remember the lightning shooting out of my hands. “When the palace guards grabbed Sebastian, I freed him. But what does any of that have to do with the king?”
    “Because you’re my daughter and are half Ortarian, you have magic. It doesn’t work on Earth, only here.”
    I stare at my hands. “If I’m half Ortarian, why do I have such strong magic? Sebastian told me shooting lightning is strong magic.”
    Alaric nods. “You’re my daughter and heir to the Ortarian throne. You’re the only one who has royal magic, other than King Sorenten. You’re the only one who can challenge him. The only one who can kill him.”
    “Me?” I squeak. “I have to kill the king? You expect me to murder someone?” I can’t stand mystery thriller movies and TV shows. All that blood and murder makes my stomach churn. My…dad can’t be serious. “No way.”
    “Lily—”
    I’m on my feet. “You can’t bring me here against my will and demand I kill someone. That’s not only wrong. It’s immoral. Unethical. It’s crazy!”
    Sebastian stands and rests his hand on my arm. He doesn’t say a word, and I have no idea what he’s thinking. I cross my arms over my chest. “I won’t do it.”
    Renaya folds her arms, too, her eyes hard as she stares at me. If looks could kill, I would be six feet under by now. “You killed before,” she says. “The two palace guards.”
    “But I didn’t know what I was doing! It’s not like I meant to kill them. I was just saving Sebastian. I had no control over my magic or even my brain.”
    Alaric gets to his feet and steps toward me. Once again, he reaches for my hand, but I pull away. “I know you feel nothing for Ortarus or the people living here. You don’t understand the hardships we’ve been through. The pain. The anguish. Children have been torn from their parents’ arms, slaughtered before their eyes. That is all due to the king.” He steps closer. “Believe me, Lily, if I was able to do this myself, I would never ask you to murder anyone. But King Sorenten is not a