Page 88 of A Monarch's Fall

He lifted an eyebrow in a mocking way, indicating he didn’t believe me but didn’t push me further.

“So, you are Damia’s child?” I nodded. “The rumour concerning her lineage was true,” I didn’t question what rumours he was talking about, but from the photos I had seen of my mother, her siblings looked so much like their father; my mother was the odd one out. People would have talked, speculated, that’s what always happens. I wasn’t surprised by rumours; what I was surprised by was that Arvid had obviously done his research on the Flores coven, or at the very least on Lady Flores.

“Very well, we had a deal. I will arrange for you and your friend to leave my House,” he told me. “I am travelling for some last-minute engagements before the Royal Conference. If you wish to leave, you will have one chance. Tomorrow night, follow the trails behind Witching Command east to the edge of the estate, and an escort will be waiting for you and your friend.”

“That simple?” I asked.

“Yes,” he sighed. “I knew the Flores coven couldn’t be trusted; you have confirmed it. While I don’t view you as a threat, Percy, your grandmother’s instinct to use you as a figurehead, a rallying-propaganda tool, is smart. I have nothing against you, and I don’t gain anything by keeping you here or disposing of you. Your mistress is so desperate to have you back, she has requested a call with me.” He laughed, “Sending you back comes at no real cost to me. That fate you believe in is on your side. If you had arrived with this information any later than today, I’d have killed you. It wouldn’t have been anything personal, simply the easiest option,” he told me.

“Of course you wouldn’t think killing someone is personal,” I said.

He smiled almost cheekily.

“Just don’t get caught. And if you do, do not mention my name, or what you are doing out there,” he warned.

“I wouldn’t,” I said, standing to leave, but I hesitated, “What are you going to do with what I’ve told you?” I asked.

He stood, smiling charmingly. “Reassess my positions accordingly, of course,” he answered.

“What does that mean?” I asked.

He tapped the side of his nose, “Too much curiosity is dangerous, Percy. I suggest you focus on returning to your princess,” he told me.

“Tomorrow night?” I asked.

“Be there before sunrise,” he answered.

I nodded and went to leave.

“Percy,” he said as I reached the door. “I like you, therefore I will give you some advice — be careful who you trust when you return to Borealis; there are some who would much prefer you stay missing or worse.”

Chapter twenty

Family is Still Family.

Selene Borealis

“I’m so happy that you asked to join me for breakfast this morning,” Father said as the servants placed glasses of blood in front of us.

“I want to tell you of some information I received from Adamantia and discuss the arrangements for the conference. We are only a week out,” I informed him.

I brought the glass to my nose and set it back down. Everything offered to me since my return to Borealis revolted me.

“Is the blood not to your liking?” he asked as he sipped his own.

“I’m not thirsty,” I answered.

“Are you feeling well?” he asked.

“I am fine, but I have recently received some troubling intelligence,” I told him.

“Intelligence?” he asked.

“From Adamantia,” I confirmed. “She found a new plaything with The New Foundation member that she captured during the attack on Ardens,” I explained.

“And this plaything has told her something of interest?” he asked.

“Quite,” I answered.