“I’m madly in love. Maybe, when I’m her knight in shining armour, she’ll choose me over you,” she joked, I knew, but I growled in warning. My instinct to possess Percy did not care to recognise jest.
“Calm down, Princess. I’ve been inside her head; Percy has eyes only for you. It’s practically grotesque.”
I was underserving of Percy’s devotion. I had been weak, lenient, and overly concerned with her feelings that I had not adequately dealt with the Viridis mutt when I should have, and I had endured Halvorsen as some necessary payment to keep her with me.
“How can hearing that your soul match loves you create such a frown?” Heidi asked.
“I am why she is not with me now,” I told her.
“I don’t agree and I’m sure Percy wouldn’t blame you either. The desire for power tends to make people a tad tyrannical, certifiably mad, and most certainly dangerous. Blaming yourself will not help us get Percy back.” She stood from her seat, gripping my shoulder, as General Creel returned and called attention.
“All commands have been placed and preparations are taking place. Ana, follow Captain Markus. He will be in command during this mission,” he instructed and both witches followed Markus. Ana had not spoken to me more than strictly necessary, since her arrival and did not speak as she gathered her crystals and map to leave. I cursed myself for even noticing. Yet another example of my weakness when it came to Percy. Simply knowing that my little pet considered the blood witch a friend made me almost care for the feelings of a servant.
“How long will it take to find her?” I asked General Creel as I stood to walk with him to the communications hub, where we would wait and monitor the mission's progress.
“Entering Vouna will take approximately three hours and twelve minutes. Percy is still on the move and her location may change considerably in that time. Ana will track as they travel, and Markus will update us on how he wishes to continue then.”
“There will be no returning empty-handed. I trust that Markus is aware of the severity of the punishment, should he fail this mission.” I wouldn’t be able to survive another day and night without her. Markus was an excellent Captain, from good stock, a pureblood of mixed lineage, born for the role with an immaculate success rate. If I was not so wrought with anxiety, perhaps this knowledge would have been comforting; yet, all I felt was anger and anguish.
“My Royal Highness!” I turned as Lord Halkias walked speedily towards me.
“Lord Halkias,” I greeted him
“Selene, please come with me. There is a matter that must be discussed in private,” he told me urgently.
“I’m currently preoccupied, Lord Halkias,” I told him. I didn’t know what he thought was so urgent, but Percy’s rescue was my only concern.
“I am afraid that this cannot wait. The King requests your audience,” he told me.
I stopped walking to gauge Lord Halkias; he was out of breath, and his eyes widened slightly as if trying to communicate something silently with me.
“Don’t fret, Selene. I’ve got this covered. We’ll locate Percy and bring her home,” General Creel told me.
I nodded reluctantly and followed Lord Halkias to the council room.
Upon entering, I was greeted with the sight of my father and none other than Arvid Halvorsen. I hissed loudly in his direction.
“What is this?” I demanded.
“Have a seat, daughter,” Father commanded.
The presence of a Halvorsen made my skin itch with the urge to fight. Arvid turned his smile, all too similar to Oskar’s, on me.
“I am busy, Father; can we make this quick?” Lord Halkias took a seat at the table beside me.
“Arvid arrived early this afternoon as part of a diplomatic party to negotiate the release of Lord Oskar Halvorsen,” he said in the way of answer.
“And where is the rest of the diplomatic party?” I questioned.
“Ah, they are being preoccupied by Lady Sana, receiving a long report of Lord Halvorsen’s health,” Lord Halkias answered.
“I volunteered to be part of the negotiations to reassure my aunt and uncle that everything was being done to ensure the return of my cousin,” Arvid said. “Though that wasn’t my true desire. I am here to negotiate another matter.”
“What matter?” I questioned.
“It would be better, for all involved, if my cousin did not return to House Halvorsen. Do with him what you will. I do not care.”
“Why?” I asked.