Page 37 of A Monarch's Fall

Before I could protest, he was kneeling at my feet and lifting my ankle to place it in the boot. He secured my foot and leg firmly before fastening the brace straps.

“You didn’t have to,” I told him.

“I’m a gentleman; it is my duty to assist a lady in need,” he told me.

I tried not to scoff. I had met Arvid briefly only once, and a gentleman was not how I would describe the Halvorsen Lord.

“What now?” I asked as he stood up and stepped away to allow me to stand.

“Now, I introduce you to the legendary Lady Persephone Flores.” He winked, “I speak of your elder, of course, not yourself.” He walked towards the closed and locked door of his suite. “And you find out what she and the witching division of The New Foundation are really up to. Why did the entire Flores coven retreat from society? What do they have planned? What do they so desperately want with you? When you can provide me with these answers, I will see to it that you have the opportunity to escape here and return to your mistress.”

I nodded as I stood.

“I can do that,” I said, reassuring myself.

“I do not doubt you,” he agreed and placed a hand on my shoulder when we reached the door. “I really hate to do such a thing, Percy, but I must also ensure that you are aware that if you betray me, I will see to it that you never leave this training facility.”

“Is that a death threat?” I asked.

He smiled.

“You don’t miss a thing. Keep that up, and you’ll be on your way home in no time.”

Arvid unlocked the door, the enchantment seal glowing briefly as he did.

The corridor was empty, but I could hear people throughout the floor.

“It’s a private study hour before evening training, followed by supper. Most recruits use this time to sleep or socialise,” he explained as we walked. “Do not be disturbed if you attract attention, but I ask that you avoid speaking with any of the recruits until I deliver you to Lady Flores.”

I nodded my understanding.

As we turned the corner at the end of the hall, I could see a group of recruits in the same uniform as me. Arvid reached out to gently grip my shoulder and offer me some balance as I was still learning the most efficient way to walk with the brace boot.

“I imagine that your brace is difficult to walk with,” he commented.

“Yes, a little. I think I just need to get used to it,” I told him.

“Are you in pain?” he asked.

I shook my head, no, I wasn’t in pain. The extra support offered by the boot was helpful in that regard, even if it did cause me to limp and shuffle. Arvid did not seem to mind walking at my pace.

“I’m afraid that we have a bit of a walk. This is the main accommodations unit. We are making our way to the Witching Division headquarters. It’s on base but a tad secluded.”

“How big is this base?” I asked him.

“Oh, quite large. It’s my personal estate. Ten thousand acres. This building was constructed recently. It went up rather fast. We have a mess hall, a hospital, an underground armoury, a weapons range, an assault course, urban training grounds, combat halls, and a parade ground,” Arvid explained, seeming quite pleased with himself.

“How are you keeping this place a secret from the rest of the Borealis Kingdom?” I asked.

Selene and the King had to be aware of The New Foundation and their base in House Halvorsen. Everyone had to be aware of the rebel army training ground. It was hardly small.

“My estate is but a portion of the Halvorsen family land. We are in the deep countryside here. No one can approach without our knowledge. All nearby villages and towns are loyal to House Halvorsen,” he told me confidently.

“You think you’re going to win against Borealis and her allies,” I stated. No one put so much effort and resources behind something they thought was doomed to fail.

I turned to look at him when he didn’t answer, and he tapped his ear in a way that informed me we were being listened to.

“I’m certain of it,” he replied.