Page 131 of A Monarch's Fall

“He’s going to know that I told you,” I said, fear coursing through me and making it even harder to breathe. “I only have until the opening ceremony, and if I don’t convince you by then, he is going to kill another person I love,” I explained.

“He won’t know. I’m not going to tell him. He is giving the opening speech of the ceremony. He likes to enact his threats personally; he will wait until the ceremony is complete. And he will not be in a position to harm anyone you love by the time the ceremony is over,” she told me and kissed my forehead, reassuringly. “You must trust me,” she instructed and used herthumb to wipe away my tears, which was useless as more fell to replace those she wiped away. “Breathe with me, okay, you’ll pass out at this rate,” she said and began to take long, slow breaths.

I copied her and released my hold on her ruined shirt to hold her hand against my cheek.

“Better?” she asked.

“Yeah,” I said, followed by a hiccup, and she laughed.

“Percy, I need you to trust me. Can you do that? No matter what I ask of you?” she asked me.

“I can try,” I answered honestly. I didn’t think I could ever trust anything or anyone fully again. Not when death followed me around like a current that drags at the keel.

“That’s good enough,” Selene praised, pressing her forehead against mine again. “I have to send you away, to somewhere safe,” she said.

“You said we would never be separated again,” I complained. I had just made it back to her. So much had been lost, so I could see her again, and it had barely been a day, and she was talking of sending me away.

“It won’t be for long. I will come for you. You’re going to leave tonight with Theo. You remember him?” she asked.

“I do, but Selene, please. I don’t want to go,” I told her.

“You don’t have a choice, pet,” she answered. “We’re going to pack you a bag, have dinner, and say goodbye,” she instructed. “Don’t look at me like that. This is for your safety.”

“What happens when the King realises that I’m gone? What if he gives the command to kill my family?” I asked worriedly.

“He wants you gone, doesn’t he?” she asked.

“Yes,” I answered.

“If he noticed you missing, which he will not, I would say you ran away and left a note saying you didn’t love me anymore,” she told me, and a deep shame filled my chest.

“I didn’t mean that. I didn’t mean it. I had to say it, to make you believe me,” I told her, fresh tears threatening to fall.

“I know,” she reassured, and kissed my lips lightly. “I know, but you must know that I would never give you up. Even if you wished it. You are mine, Percy.”

Chapter thirty-three

Fireworks and Celebrations.

Selene Borealis

Iwas nervous.

Heidi had insisted that Valen was certain of an attack.

Adamantia had been informed that an attack would take place at the closing ceremony.

All that could be certain was that, at some point during the Royal Conference, The New Foundation planned to attack, and that it would likely take place during either the opening or the closing ceremony.

Percy had left in the early hours of the morning with Theo, disguised in an oversized winter coat with a hood. Theo was dressed casually, and being the newest member of my guard, I believed he was the least likely to be recognised. Rylan confirmed that they left the castle grounds unchallenged.

I adjusted how my suit jacket sat. I had chosen to wear my official dress mess for House Ardens, a deep blackberry purple. If war were to break out, I would be dressed for the occasion.

Rylan accompanied me to my father’s study, giving me a silent nod of encouragement after I knocked as he opened the door and took his station outside to wait for me. He would be my personal guard during the opening ceremony, communicating with the rest of my protection and ensuring safety and extraction should anything happen.

After spending the evening with Percy, Rylan briefed me on procedures for the opening ceremony. I had not slept. Thankfully, since feeding from Percy, my ability to consume blood had returned, and over the last day and a half, my stamina, strength, and general health had bounced back remarkably.

“Selene,” Father greeted pleasantly before commenting, “I see you have gone with House Ardens.” Looking me over critically.