Page 90 of A Monarch's Fall

Now or Never.

Percy Flores

Ithought I had made it unnoticed back to my room within Witching Command until there was a knock on my bedroom door, and I answered it to find Kat standing there, an upset look on her face.

“Where have you been?” she demanded.

“What?” I asked, trying to buy myself time to think.

“Narkissa was looking for you. I told her you weren’t feeling well,” she replied. “I don’t like lying, Percy,” she told me.

“I was looking for Ana,” I told her.

“Your friend who brought you here?” she asked.

“Yeah,” I answered. “I’ve been here almost a week, Kat. Or I’ve been awake for that time. I don’t know anyone. I’m homesick, and I haven’t seen any of my friends. I just wanted some social time, I guess. It’s been hard,” I said. Father always said if I was going to lie, I needed to tell the truth. I never really understoodwhat he meant before that moment. Not until the anger and suspicion in Kat’s eyes dimmed to understanding.

“You can’t just leave like that,” she said, sighing.

“Why not? It’s not like I’m a prisoner or something, is it?” I asked.

She frowned. “No, you’re not a prisoner. It’s just that you’re important. Your safety is top priority,” she explained.

“What threat is there here?” I asked her.

She hesitated.

“I don’t know,” she admitted. “Sometimes, command can be over-cautious. But I still had to lie for you,” she continued, upset.

“I’ll tell Narkissa that I wasn’t feeling well, a headache, next time I see her,” I reassured. “No one needs to know.” I smiled, hoping it would make Kat less upset with me.

She smiled back.

“Thanks,” she said. “You’ll get your chance to cover for me covering for you soon anyway. She wants to see you tonight,” she told me.

“Why?” I asked.

“I don’t know, just head to her office after the mess hall.”

“I was hoping I could go to the earlier meal this evening. I found Ana, but she was busy. She said we could eat together,” I explained.

Kat looked put out.

“You’re scheduled for the second session,” she said, which meant that Kat was aware that Ana had been attending the first session, and we were being kept apart on purpose.

“It’s the only time I’ll get to see her. She doesn’t stay in Witching Command,” I pleaded.

“I’ll see what I can do,” she replied reluctantly, “You have been given more freedom since this morning. Your meeting with Lady Flores must have gone well. I’m not instructed to give daily updates only weekly now.”

“It was a good meeting, yeah. Thank you, Kat,” I said, and I didn’t have to try to look grateful.

“It’s okay. This place can be lonely, I get it,” she said. “Just don’t go sneaking off again. It’s my neck on the line if you go missing.”

“I didn’t realise I was sneaking off,” I lied, “But next time I’ll check in with you first,” I agreed.

She nodded, “Right, well, I’ve got inspections to make,” she turned to leave, but hesitated before turning back, “Look, I’ll probably be late, but I’ll meet you at the mess hall, yeah? No diversions, go straight there,” she instructed.

“Understood, Sarge,” I replied with a salute, genuinely happy that Kat was obviously giving me time alone with Ana, which was exactly what I needed.