“Yes. Potentially the only thing the Royal Conference ever unanimously agreed upon,” Adamantia agreed.
“It was the only unanimous vote in the history of the Royal Conference,” Selene said as she walked towards us. At some point, Sasha had sat down at the table while speaking and Adamantia had remained stood, almost like a guard at the entrance to the space.
“The vote was the year before my birth. A query put forth by Ardens—whether the Flores coven should be forced out of hiding and made to perform their duty for the land. There was of course some discussion, but over the course of nine days, a unanimous vote was reached. That Flores had given freely—to each House—and asked nothing in return. But they were asking for something then, with their actions. To not be sought after. They had no enemies and they had friends in high places of all the Houses,” Selene told me.
“I don’t get it. Where did they all go?” I asked.
“We don’t know. And either those we come across won’t talk, or they, like you, do not know themselves,” Sasha replied.
“So, everyone was just… okay, with not knowing?” I asked.
That didn’t make any sense to me. I had only now learned about this mysterious disappearance, and I wanted to know the reason behind it so badly I felt ill.
“No,” Adamantia answered. “There was a promise of sorts made.”
“What promise?” I asked.
“Flores’ coven leader, returned after the Royal Conference and thanked the House leaders for their decision. She promised that Flores would one day return, but not in her lifetime,” Sasha answered me.
“And everyone was just…fine with this?” I asked.
“You did not grow in a coven, Percy,” Sasha said. “Each coven has their ways. Traditions, rituals, beliefs, that they follow.”
Her response made no sense whatsoever, and my frustration must have been obvious as Selene stepped past Adamantia and slid into the seat beside me, her thigh pressed against mine. The heat of her bleeding into me. I loved how warm she was in the cold.
“If you desire answers, I will find you them,” Selene dipped her head to speak in the lowest of whispers. A promise.
I noticed the way Adamantia scowled and looked away, as if disapproving. I wasn’t sure what she disapproved of exactly.
“Who was the leader of Flores ?” I asked, and decided to release my frustration and lean into Selene.
Sasha smiled. “Your name seems to be awfully popular amongst Flores witches.” She laughed.
“Her name was Persephone?” I asked.
Sasha nodded.
20. Family Mysteries.
Persephone Flores
I turned over again to face Selene, the room was almost completely dark, only a faint glow from the fireplace allowed me to see the outline of her face. I couldn’t sleep. Not while the mystery of my coven remained unsolved. It was so bizarre. A whole coven didn’t suddenly decide to go into hiding. It was ridiculous.
“Why are you awake?” Selene asked and I flinched in fright.
“Why has no one ever said anything about my coven disappearing before?” I asked in place of answering.
Selene exhaled tiredly. “We’re in the north,” she replied as if that was answer.
“And what does that have to do with anything?” I asked, frustrated.
“Flores were never the showboating type, nor a large coven to begin with. They travelled alone or in small groups from place to place, offering their services for little more than a place to sleep. The south of the kingdom has never required the help of Flores to the same extent as the north. You’ve spent your life further south than most of Ardens will ever go. Those you have been familiar with have likely never had any significant interaction with Flores at any time in their living history. No one has discussed it with you because it did not impact them and they do not care. As for the case of other witches you may have encountered, witching covens are exclusive, secretive by nature, they do not pry into the affairs of other covens,” Selene answered, opening her eyes which ever so subtly glowed in the darkness of the room.
“That doesn’t feel like a good enough answer,” I said, upset. “A coven doesn’t just disappear.”
“They didn’t. There are still Flores witches, they are simply fewer, and they do not practice their innate magic,” Selene answered.
“That is a problem too!” I said, my voice rising above the acceptable low levels of nighttime talking. “I find it difficult enough to understand the Enchanters Guild. I’d never willingly stop using my magic. It’s a part of me. It’s like breathing. You can only hold your breath for so long,” I told her. “No one could convince a whole coven to stop practicing,” I argued.
