“I don’t think that you do.” Flavian stared down at his wayward charge with a gaze that flickered with doubt, a momentary wavering of confidence reflected in his eyes and even in the thin strands of emotion that were escaping from his strong barriers. “But I am, at the very least, duty bound to at least try to impart wisdom.”
This conversation was infuriating. Leander was not able to see a quick out and clearly Flavian wanted to drive the point home so he was stuck here until his father decided to dismiss him. The easiest thing would be to bow to his recommendations with a charming and apologetic veneer.
The demigod bowed his head. “Then explain it to me in words you think I will understand.”
“You are a prime example of how someone was unfit for the mantle of power. Too young, maybe, or simply too arrogant to see exactly what destruction there might be when inimical powers are left in the hands of the incompetent.”
Had he no presence of self, Leander might have gaped like a fish at his father’s hostile and well-aimed words of recrimination. Thank the Nine, he had been prepared for a verbal lashing from the man and took it with as much stoicism as he could muster, his face remained blank, his eyes never left their target as let the weight of Flavian’s words settle over him.
But Flavian was waiting for a response. Leander merely nodded, not quite trusting himself to speak.
Mollified, Flavian made an announcement. “The king has… requested your presence tomorrow. You are to appear before him at the palace at ten hours past the midnight chime. You are to do as he commands.”
“What? Father?—”
“You will also find that, if you do not change your attitude and actions, your stipend will cease until I can be assured that you will spend my coin wisely. Verin has been tasked with more direct oversight of your diary and you will do well to receive his instructions with grace and dignity.”
Leander had to bite his tongue, lest he lose the generous allowance paid to him with some barely thought through words in response. He wouldn’t put it past the megalomaniacal lord to strip him of those few good things that remained in his life just to prove a point.
“Do you understand, Leander?”
Leander nodded once again. “Yes, Father.”
Chancing a glance at his mother, Leo was unsurprised to see that she had become a statue of sorts, unmoving save the inhalation and exhalation of breaths as she watched the conversation unfold. She really had just watched Flavian scarify him without batting an eyelid.
That sight caused his anger to flare once more. “All you see when you look at me is the son you wish youdidn’thave, isn’t it?”
Finally, she spoke, after a deep sigh. “Enough, Leo. I’ve heard this from you a hundred times, and I won’t hear it again. You think love means letting you do whatever you want, but that’s not how it works.”
“Bullshit.” His temper rising again, he was seconds awayfrom proverbially stamping his foot. Leander opened his mouth to speak but Leía finally moved, holding up a hand to stop him from interjecting.
“No. This ends now, because Iknowthis is not you. I have applauded you at your best and I’ve defended and protected you at your worst. For you to waste this chance Taskevi has given you… how can any of us find worth when you see none of it in yourself?”
The wind rushed out of the demigod as he stared at Leía. Hurt, anger, even desperation flared in his stomach. “I just wanted you to care, just once, for a minute out of your busy fucking day. Ihadworth, a purpose, and you left me here to rot.”
Fighting back his tears, Leander felt nothing but the overwhelm of emotions surge through him. He stood, fists clenched as he breathed heavily, eyes darting between the two impassive expressions on his parents’ faces.
Conversation over, he did not wait to be dismissed by Flavian, choosing to leave now before his emotions really did overpower what was left of his sliver of self-control. He wanted to be alone, because there was not a chance he would allow either of his parents to see his vulnerabilities shine through the aloof pretence he often presented to the world.
Chapter Thirteen
The grandeur of the palace overwhelmed Leander as he stood next to Prince Jarryn of Desanne in the opulent throne room belonging to Vyrica’s king, its marble floors reflecting the flickering light of torches hanging around the room.
The air hummed with anticipation and no small amount of animosity as the pair awaited the arrival of the king.
They had arrived within seconds of each other and were both equally surprised to find the other in attendance, called before the king. Neither of them had, evidently, known the other had been summoned, but Jarryn’s presence here gave Leander a shrewd idea as to why.
The pair watched in silence as the king ambled in at a sedate pace and took his seat upon his throne, which was adorned with intricate carvings. Once sat, he surveyed the two men before him as if they were disobedient children.
His voice cut through the silence like a call to arms. “Lord Leander, Prince Jarryn,” the king began, his tone heavy with the burden of dealing with the constant bickering of his two guests. “This kingdom yearns for unity against the threat at our borders, yet division festers from within our very midst.”
Prince Jarryn’s brow furrowed, a flicker of confusion dancing in his eyes. Beside him, Leander regarded the king with a mixture of curiosity and apprehension.
“We stand at a crossroads,” King Caisa continued, his gaze unwavering. “The rift between the two of you has not been a secret, to put it mildly. It threatens not only the stability of this realm, but the very essence of the legacy we leave behind for generations to come.”
A moment of silence hung heavy in the air, the weight of the king’s words sinking deep into the hearts of the prince and the demigod.
“It is for this reason,” the king declared, his voice resonating with quiet resolve. “That I decree you shall both embark on a mission of unity and reconciliation within our own borders.”
