Page 94 of A Phoenix Reborn at Christmas

Forty-Four

Percival heard footsteps approach the door. Snapping awake from his nap, Percival opened his eyes and sat up in bed.

The door opened. Leo stepped in, grinning from ear to ear. “Percy!”

Percival threw back the sheet and opened his arms wide. Leo fell on top of him.

“I wasn’t sure you’d be home yet.” Leo breathed against Percival’s cheek. He smelled of baked bread and the wood-fire oven at the Christmas markets.

“It’s been a long day. I needed a nap,” Percival murmured. “How was work?”

“Fine. Nothing too exciting. Although, all my siblings who weren’t there last night had a lot of questions.” Leo pulled back. “Did everything go okay today for you?”

They settled into bed, facing each other. Leo’s hand roamed Percival’s side.

“Pretty good, I think. Nix was happy to have me back.” Percival smiled. “So were all the workers actually. Then I told them all to have the day off. Which made them even happier.” He laughed. “But Nix stuck around to help me organise theclean-up and repairs. He’s very competent. I’m thinking I might train him to help me run the place.”

“Look at you, planning the future of the factory already.” Then Leo made a face. “And what about your uncle?”

Percival pressed his lips together. “That was less positive. I went to his home. He signed the contract handing over control and ownership of Everflame Glass Factory to me. He was…generally unpleasant.” Which was putting it mildly. “He tried to get me to change my mind.”

Leo grinned. “But you were firm with him.”

“I was firm.” Percival chuckled.

Leo grabbed his hand. “You did well, Percy. I’m proud of you. And Cyprian?”

“Hmm.” Shortly before they’d reached home the previous night, Percival’s cousin had begun to grow into an adult phoenix. Then he’d shot flames in all directions. Percival had controlled them, though, so nothing caught fire. But Cyprian hadn’t shifted into his human form.

They’d gotten him home. He’d slept in front of the fireplace. Percival and Leo had slept on the settee, taking turns watching over him through the night. But Cyprian had slept through.

Before leaving for the factory, Percival had asked Uzoth to watch over his cousin. Just in case Cyprian got up to anything whilst he was gone.

“Cyprian was human when I got home from the factory,” Percival said. “We talked.”

“And?”

“He was pretty scattered. Which is not uncommon so soon after a rebirth. The main thing he cared about was being away from his father. He didn’t ask about the factory or his money or anything.” Percival sighed. “He just kept talking about being finally free of Uncle Ignatius.”

It had been pretty upsetting to witness how relieved Cyprian had been. “Cyprian is older than I am. He’s always lived beneath his father’s control. He was practically gleeful at the idea of not having to see his father ever again.”

“Did he seem angry?” Leo asked. “Or murderous?”

Percival laughed. “Not really. But we’ll have to wait and see. He hasn’t really…settled yet. Although, he apologised for trying to kill me. He seemed genuine. But like I said, he was all over the place.”

“Apologising is a good sign though.”

Percival nodded. “I still don’t trust him. Not yet. I want to, but?—”

“He tried to kill you twice,” Leo stated. “I think trusting him yet would be foolish.”

“Yeah. We’ll just have to wait and see. And hope.” Percival sighed. “Honestly, I’m not sure what my plan is for him.”

“We’ll work it out.” Leo squeezed his hand. “Where is he now?”

“I rented an apartment down the street.” Once again Percival had his surplus of money and could make things happen very quickly.

“I also hired two guards to stay with him and watch over him,” Percival said. “I told Cyprian it was for his protection, to keep Uncle Ignatius away. He was pleased about that. But I’ve also instructed the guards to keep an eye on him and ensure he doesn’t try and kill me or anyone else.”