Page 79 of The Warrior
I raised an eyebrow. “Don’t worry, I’ll set up a meeting with him and get him one on one.”
“Maybe you could make it look like an accident.” Mr. Zobel looked out the window with a thoughtful expression. “A fight between brothers gone wrong. We could make sure the news spread it as a tragedy and not a coup.” He looked back at me. “Yes, that’s a good plan, and once you’re in power, you’ll run the country with an iron fist just like your father did.”
“Before I do anything, I think it’s only fair that the card players who want me in power should express their loyalty to me.”
He patted my shoulder. “Consider it done, my son.”
My body felt light and I smiled a little. This morning I had felt lost and sad. Now Mr. Zobel had shown me that there was a need for me after all. I had a purpose again.
CHAPTER 21
At the Core
Laura
Athena was surprised when I showed up at her house.
“Laura, what a lovely surprise.” She smiled and came to take my hands. “If you’re looking for Finn, he’s not here. He’s picking Tristan up.”
“That’s okay, I came to see you.” I looked up at her peculiar house. “Why does your house have wings?”
She smiled and looked up too. “It’s called a Dutch mill. All priestesses live in one.”
“Why?”
“It’s a long story. Basically, it represents energy and since all humans are connected by energy, the mill is a sign of unity.”
I frowned. “I thought your house had been destroyed; that’s what Magni said.”
“The roof collapsed, but thanks to good neighbors it was repaired two days before we arrived back here.”
“Wow, you must really mean a lot to your neighbors.”
“I would like to think so.” Athena waved for me to enter her house. “My house is small and nothing like what you’re used to at the Gray Mansion, but it’s cozy and I like it here.” None of the five chairs around her dining table matched. Her couch looked worn and old, and the artwork on the wall could’ve been made by children. Athena slipped out of her shoes and curled up on the couch with a throw-over blanket. “It’s cold today.”
“At least it’s not raining anymore,” I said and took a seat on the other end of the couch.
“Here you go.” She lifted the soft blanket. “It’s big enough to cover both of us.”
I had only met Athena once and spoken to her by wristband, and yet sitting on her couch with our feet touching under the blanket didn’t feel awkward.
“Are you happy to be back in the Motherlands?” I asked.
“I am. Finn and I spent all day yesterday cleaning. Luckily the water damage wasn’t too bad. My friend Jameson, who lives about ten minutes from here, made sure to cover up the hole in the roof a few days after the earthquake. I helped him and his family in the past, and he said it was his way of returning the favor. Jameson’s also the one who helped fix the roof before we returned.”
“Sounds like you have good friends.”
“I do. It’s something to be grateful for.” She patted the couch. “My old sofa didn’t survive, but I found this one in a donation center. It’s comfortable, don’t you think?”
“Yes, it’s very soft.”
Athena looked at the open kitchen and back to me. “Oh my, forgive me for being a bad hostess. I should offer you some tea or food.” She sighed. “It’s just that I’ve been on my feet all morning, and my leg is still giving me grief from the injury. Do you mind if I rest for ten minutes before I make you something?”
“Oh no, you don’t have to worry about it. I didn’t come to drink tea, I came to talk to you.”
“I’m honored. Is it about Magni?”
“Yes.”
