Page 67 of A Monarch's Fall
“Selene, let me speak,” he chastised, calmer now. I took a large gulp of bitter whisky. “We simply don’t have the men and resources to focus solely on your pet. We are preparing for a potential war on two fronts and the possibility of a military coup,” he told me.
“A coup? From whom?” I asked.
“It is hearsay, whispers, at this moment. But if we do not regain control of the northern Houses and stomp out The New Foundation in the south, then Borealis will become weak in the eyes of our allies. Allies are only allies when there is something to offer, and Borealis has always offered our strength and power, and the will to do whatever is necessary to ensure our position. We stand at a crossroads, one which will shape our future. We must do everything we can to restore balance. Your pet, however valuable she is to you, is not more important than our kingdom. You are my daughter, for the Gods’ sake, act like it! Do not come crying and whining to me to fix your problems and retrieve your favourite toy of the moment. You are not without your own strength and your own power. I cannot be there to solve all your problems. You are no longer a child, and I have a kingdom to run.”
I was dumbfounded, unable to respond. I swallowed down the last of the drink and savoured the burn in my throat. I hated the way he referred to Percy. She was not a toy; she was not a bloodslave. She was mine, as if she were a piece of me, more than blood, or sex, or a lover could be. Our souls were entwined. Yet as much as it upset me to admit, there was substance to his argument.
“A war on two fronts would be a disaster, but adding a coup to the mix would be catastrophic. The Borealis Kingdom wouldnever recover,” I said, after taking a moment to calm myself. My father’s words had shaken me; perhaps in my desperation over the loss of Percy, I had forgotten who I was.
“Selene,” he said more calmly, lifting the bottle of whisky and bringing it to me to refill my glass tumbler. “I love you, and I want only for you and Borealis to prosper. I am not trying to hurt or upset you. I believe in your ability to fight your own battles. I always have. I have never intervened in your affairs, and you had never requested that I do until you found this girl. I am trying to be understanding. A soul match is something special, I know this. But you are not some love-struck girl. You are my daughter, the future queen. After I lost your mother, I wasn’t even afforded the time to grieve. I awoke each morning still expecting to feel her next to me. I have yet to fully recover from Vasilios’ poisoning, and now I have the beginnings of a war, this Royal Conference, and a potential coup to handle. We, those in power, do not get to rest or indulge our desires, despite what the commoners might think. Too much responsibility is upon us. If civil war erupts, if Borealis falls, the lives of millions of innocents will be at risk, and everything that our ancestors have built over the last two centuries will be destroyed. I need you to handle your own affairs,” he pleaded.
I took another large swallow.
“Perhaps I was too rash to barge in as I did. But you should have spoken with me instead of relying on General Creel to inform me of your decisions. I deserve a full explanation, especially regarding Percy,” I answered.
He placed his hand against my upper arm.
“You are passionate, like your mother and determined like me,” he smiled, “I didn’t expect anything less from you. I’ve been waiting for you to confront me,” he admitted.
“I will retrieve my pet, but I need access to the information which General Creel and his team have and are compiling against The New Foundation,” I told him.
He took a sip of his glass and nodded, “That is acceptable,” he agreed. “Is there anything else you wish to discuss?” he questioned.
“Dennis is proving unhelpful,” I told him, “Are we sure there is no one better available?”
“You asked for him by name?” Father questioned.
“I now believe his reputation to be overrated,” I explained.
“You are welcome to find another enchanter for your needs,” he suggested.
“I think I might,” I agreed.
Father nodded.
“If that is everything, I believe that I am running late for a meeting.”
“Yes, of course,” I said and finished the drink in my hand.
“Keep me updated on your search for the girl,” he told me as I walked towards the door.
I left with a distasteful feeling. Father had seemed amicable toward my relationship with Percy in the summer, yet now he showed no concern for her or interest in helping me bring her home. He didn’t even consult me before instructing General Creel to stop offering me his support. Perhaps it was paranoia, and my growing concern, but something was off with my father.
Chapter fifteen
You Can Always Count On a True Friend.
Heidi Coactus
“And what do we have here?”
I turned, recognising the voice of Vladimir Obscurum. He was devilishly handsome. A womaniser like no other. His poor wife seemed entirely unaware of his transgressions. With a smile as blinding and a tongue as charming as his, I wasn’t surprised.
“Vlad,” I greeted.
He opened his arms for me, and I allowed him to embrace me with a kiss to each of my cheeks.
“It’s been a while,” he said.