Page 87 of A Simple Truth

“Good morning, Finnleah.” The General’s upbeat voice rang in my ears, making me cringe at his loudness. I didn’t bother opening my eyes to see the Ten quickly scatter away from the table, ditching me alone with him.

Great…

“Why do you insist on being so loud today, out of all days, General?” I seethed, attempting to soothe my throbbing headache.

“Rough night?” he inquired, raising his brow in amusement at my misery.

I opened my eyes and glared at his full-of-satisfaction smirk.

“I’ve had rougher.” I gave him a snarky reply, well aware of what he was insinuating. But my eyes filled with anxious concern as his broad figure stood fully dressed in armor.

“Is that so?” He gave me a smug look.

“Out with it. Say what you want to say, General. I’m sure I’ll never stop hearing about it, so you better get it out of your system now,” I bitterly spat out, as a sour taste filled my mouth.

“Well, actually, I’ve come to say goodbye.” His smirk faltered at the words, and my eyes widened.

I was prepared to hear many things, but not that.

“Goodbye?” I asked, raising my head as my heart dropped.

“Yes, I have to depart on Destroyer business for a little while, but I couldn’t leave without seeing you first.” He let out a long breath. “Believe me, I tried,” he defeatedly confessed, moving his eyes away from me. My brows furrowed even deeper, as the flood of mixed emotions drowned me.

“General…I...” I started.

No, be an adult about this, Finnleah.I closed my eyes for a second as I corrected myself. “Gideon…” I swallowed hard. “Whatever my actions were last night, however questionable and foolish they were, it doesn’t change my earlier stance on us.”

He let out a light scoff mixed with a tense half-smile, returning his eyes back to mine, letting me see the depth of their darkness as he stared, unfaltering, profoundly into my soul.

“But it does change mine.” With that, the General marched away, leaving me speechless.

53

GIDEON

“Hello, Gideon.” Andrias’s annoying voice sounded behind me as I walked through the poorly lit halls of the East Hold castle.

“Andrias,” I acknowledged, not bothering to look back at him as I continued to march, the metal of my boots on the stone floors echoing throughout. Andrias, also dressed in armor, quickly caught up with me.

“What a surprise to see you here,” Andrias started, his irritating voice laced with bitterness. I stopped, turning toward him without hiding even an ounce of my annoyance.

“If you are surprised to see me here, Andrias, after what has occurred, then it’s no wonder you couldn’t recognize your Second working with the Rebels.”

“He was not working with the Rebels. He was framed,” Andrias snarled, his aged face turning blood red.

“Was he now?” I let out a smug smile. “Pathetic, Andrias. You should be ashamed of yourself. Because either your Second was a Rebel sympathizer with his loyalties far from you, and you were clueless about it, or you are insinuating that Hosam is lying. Neither is a good look for you, which is why I amhere. Always having to clean up your messes,” I snarled at him, looking down at his fury-riddled face. But Andrias didn’t back down his stare.

“I will know the truth of it one way or the other, and I will know who did this to him,” he replied. “After my investigation is complete, I will—”

“Actually…” I passed him a sealed letter from Hosam. “This is for you.”

Andrias ripped the envelope out of my hands, devouring its contents a minute later. I stood there, waiting, my eyes scanning the horribly decorated walls of the fortress.

Gods, could he not read faster? I rapidly ran out of patience as I said, “Per Hosam’s order, I’m taking over this entire investigation. I am to do a full inspection of your unit. Meanwhile, you are to report to me.”

“No. He can’t do that.” Andrias glared, appalled, complete wrath taking over his face.

“He is the ruling general, Andrias; he can, and he just did. I would appreciate your full cooperation.” I let little fires flicker in my eyes. “Though, I don’t need it.”

---