Page 48 of A Monarch's Fall

“Yeah, they were worried that you were unconscious for so long,” he said, and turned to walk towards the drinks cabinet, putting down the tray, glass, and jug of water. “No one knows why you were out for so long,” he continued and rubbed at his forearm.

“We’re getting off track. Why?” I asked again.

He looked at me for a moment, his eye darting to the ground at his side and back, holding his wrist.

“To see if I could,” he admitted. “And it’s harmless anyway, isn’t it? It’s only water. It’s not like you were going to drown, and I mean, you noticed, so fast, no one has ever noticed that fastbefore,” he told me, releasing his wrist and stepping towards me excitedly. “How did you do it?” he asked.

“I don’t know,” I answered, wary of his sudden change in demeanour.

“Have you had practice at defending against psychic attacks?” he continued.

“What?” I said, taking a step back from him. “It’s me who should be asking the questions.” I raised my hand. “Stay away from me.”

He was making me nervous. Everyone was acting strangely. The only person who wasn’t behaving oddly was Arvid, a noble with only his own self-interests in mind. As much as I didn’t like the Halvorsen Lord, I wanted him back. He felt safe in comparison.

“Oh,” he said, stopping his advance and stepping back again. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you. I wouldn’t hurt you. Not ever. We’re on the same side here. We’re the same.”

“I’m nothing like you,” I said as the door opened, and we both turned to meet the newcomer.

An old woman, with long white hair in a braid over her shoulder, wearing a white cardigan embroidered with pink and green flowers, and a polished wooden walking stick, stood in the doorway.

Jack hurried towards the woman and offered his arm.

“Ma’am, let me,” he said as the woman smiled warmly at him and took hold of his forearm with her free hand.

“Always so helpful, thank you, Jack.” Her voice was aged like the woman, but soft and caring.

I moved back as they neared me and the armchairs.

“Would you like anything to drink?” Jack asked once the woman was seated.

“Jasmine tea, please, dear, if you have any,” she answered, smiling warmly at him, her eyes crinkling around the edges.

She turned back to me.

“Take a seat, young Percy, let me get a good look at you.” She gestured to the seat next to her.

I hesitantly moved to sit down.

“I bet you’ve been wondering why you’re here,” she said.

“No introductions then,” I replied, annoyed with the way she felt like she could command me around and dictate what I must be thinking about.

Did she think she was so well-known that she needed no introductions? I didn’t even know she existed until a few days ago.

“Oh, yes, how rude of me, dear. Of course, proper introductions are necessary. I believe we share a name. I, too, am Persephone Flores,” she replied easily, with a smile, unfazed by my rudeness.

“And who are you?” I questioned.

There was no point in pleasantries, manners; we both knew what was happening here. I had been taken against my will because the woman who sat before me wanted something from me.

“I am the leader of the Flores coven, but most importantly,” she leaned forward and reached out, placing her hand warmly on my knee, “I am your grandmother, and I’ve waited a long time to meet you.”

“I don’t see the family resemblance,” I answered.

She smiled with what looked like amusement and turned to accept a cup of steaming tea from Jack.

“Thank you, Jack,” she said as she turned her blue eyes back to me.