“How did that go?’ he asked. ‘Your first lengthy conversation with a girl your own age?’‘Fabulous,’ said Artemis, voice dripping with sarcasm. ‘We’re planning a June wedding.”

“Wait," said Butler. "Just wait, Holly. Artemis has a plan." He squinted through the green dome. "What is your plan, Artemis?"All Artemis could do was smile and shrug.”

“How was your... eh... trip?”Artemis felt the sting of tears in his own eyes. “Um, eventful...”

“Holly clambered after him, struggling up the human-size steps. "Wait! Just wait," she called, overtaking Artemis and looking him in the eye from one step up. "I know you, Artemis. You like to play your genius card close to your chest until the big reveal. And that's worked out for us so far. But this time you need to let me in. I can help. So, tell me the truth, do you have a plan?"Artemis met his friend's gaze and lied to her face. "No," he said. "No plan.”

“Holly, do you trust me?”Holly groaned. “Artemis, don’t ask me that. I just know one of your outrageous plans is coming.”“Do you trust me?”“Yes,” Holly sighed. “I do. More than anyone.”

“Artemis: How long will it take you to prepare the time spell?N1 chewed his knuckle: About as long as it takes you to take your clothes off."Aaarrk," Artemis half choked.”

“Hey, look—your girlfriend is saying something."Artemis had a vast mental reserve of scathing comebacks at his disposal, but none of them covered girlfriend insults. He wasn't even sure if it was an insult. And if it was, who was being insulted? Him or the girl?”