Page 77 of The Princess's Pet

“How long until my pet recovers?” I questioned and ran my thumb along her delicate jaw.

“She may not,” Piper answered simply. I turned to her, her words ripping a hole in my chest. “If she were not of Flores blood, I would say that her chances were entirely nil. Being that she is of Flores blood perhaps she may recover, perhaps not. It has been two days and she has not succumbed.”

“How will we know if she is recovering?” I asked carefully, controlling my voice to keep the true extent of my concern concealed.

“If she regains consciousness in the next couple of days,” Piper replied.

“What happened to her hands?” I questioned. They were wrapped and I could smell the dried blood beneath the bandage.

“Poseidon’s Wrath burns on contact. It’s one of the reasons why the weed so rarely kills. One touch is enough to discourage most from interfering with it. Percy’s prolonged contact resulted in severe burns. The damage should not be permanent and willheal if her body can eliminate the toxins of Poseidon’s Wrath first,” Piper explained further.

Despite the audience of Syngeneia witches I leaned over my pet and pressed my lips to hers. “You must recover Percy,” I told her as I pressed my head to hers. The coolness of her skin was jarring but her scent was calming.

“I will return to check on my pet. Do all that you can to save her.” I stood to address Piper. “Anything necessary in her recovery is permissible. If the law stands in your way, I will remove it,” I told her.

“We are doing all that can be done, my Royal Highness. The rest is up to Percy,” she replied.

“If my pet survives you will be rewarded, simply ask for what you want.” I would give this witch and her kin whatever she requested if they could bring Percy back to me.

“Friendship requires no reward. I am here on behalf of my niece’s request and my niece is here on behalf of friendship shared with a fellow witch,” Piper answered diplomatically.

“Very well.” I nodded. Witches and their friendships were not to be questioned. They grew bonds with each other that made them dangerous foes, especially if those bonds crossed bloodlines. It was not surprising that my pet, so kind and caring would form such a friendship within a short while. All that was necessary to fall for Percy was simply to experience her company.

With one last look at my fragile pet, I left her room and returned with Amelia to the castle.

I would find Vasilios and kill him.

I was certain he was behind my mother’s death, my father’s illness, and my attempted assassination. It was his actions that led to Percy currently lying, cold, unconscious, and close to death.

He would pay in blood.

“Selene, what are you planning?” Amelia asked me when it became apparent I was heading to the throne room.

“To kill Vasilios,” I answered.

“Selene, think about this carefully. We need evidence. You need to recover,” Amelia pleaded.

“I don’t need evidence to challenge him for the crown as is my right as heir,” I replied.

“You’re recovering from Hades’ Delight! You’re the only pureblood vampire to ever survive such an attack and within only a couple of hours of being on your feet, you decide to challenge for the crown. Have you lost your thinking?!” Amelia sounded frantic.

“I am fine,” I told her. While I could feel that I was weaker, my anger would not allow me to leave Vasilios alive, sitting on the Borealis throne.

We reached the throne room. The guards were confused and apprehensive when we approached with the night guards of Obscurum.

“Give me your sword,” I commanded one of the guards on the doors. He hesitated. “Now!” I demanded and he released his sword and handed it to me. “Open the doors,” I continued and he complied.

The doors opened to reveal the throne room, the long tables were empty apart from the king's table before the throne. The council was gathered with Vasilios at the centre.

“What is the meaning of this? Why do you march in here with Obscurum guard at your back?” Vasilios shrieked looking at me with wide startled eyes.

“What’s the matter Uncle, you look like you’ve seen a ghost?” I asked as I walked steadily closer.

“What are you talking about?” he hissed standing from his seat, the crown upon his head tilted and blue Royal Borealis robe billowed.

“You tried to kill me like you did my mother. You had my bloodbag supply contaminated with Hades’ Delight. But it is not so easy to kill a true Borealis,” I told him as I reached the king's table.

“That was Amelia’s servant! How can you accuse me of such treachery, of murdering my sister, of attempting to take your life?” he hissed indignantly but I heard the tremble in his voice, the way his heart spiked in panic.

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