Page 73 of The Outcast
“No, you don’t. I’m sensing doubt in you. Do you even want to be the next ruler?”
Thor pulled his hands back before she could finish the question.
“It’s fine. You don’t need to answer questions like that. Linea, we did say no personal secrets,” Athena reminded her daughter.
“I’m sorry.”
Thor got up from the floor and brushed dog hairs off his hands. “I’d better get going. I have a meeting with my dad and uncle in a few minutes. I’ll see you later.”
As Thor left the room, Athena turned to me. “How about Linea and I do a healing session on you right now? I don’t recommend doing more than two a day, but if we start now, we can do another tonight and again tomorrow morning before Finn and I go back. Linea works wonders on her own, but it’s extra powerful when she and I work together.”
“I would love that.”
Banni supported me when I got up from the couch. “Are you okay?” he whispered with concern.
I held on to his arms for balance and smiled up at him. “I will be.”
OceanofPDF.com
CHAPTER 26
Thor’s Fight
Banni
Sparrow was being given healing from Athena and Linea upstairs and Finn had gone to find Laura. Having nothing else to do, I headed toward the park outside the mansion, which was one of my favorite places in the Northlands.
I hadn’t walked far when I heard faint yelling that made me stop. Craning my neck, I listened to the angry, deep male voices and recognized one of them as Thor’s.
He and I had taken a liking to each other from the moment we met and if he was in trouble, I would help him.
Turning on my heel, I headed toward the sound of the argument and soon found myself close to Khan’s office, where a window was open enough that their loud voices carried outside.
“I didn’t raise my son to be this fucking selfish.”
“You’re callingmeselfish? What about you? I’m sick and tired of you trying to mold me into the image of what you think I need to be. I’m not you and I’m not your father.”
“I never fucking said you were. My father was a monster who wanted me to be ruthless. You have no idea how good you have it, boy.”
“I’m not a boy!”
“Argh, you’re nothing but a prideful and entitled youngster who wants privileges without the responsibilities, but that’s not how this fucking works.”
“I’ll do things my way. You’re stuck in traditions and how things used to be. This isn’t the bloody olden days anymore. We’re not at war with anyone and angry Nmen aren’t surrounding the mansion with pitchforks to get us out.”
Captivated by the heated argument, I crouched against the wall holding my breath. No one in France had parents, but if this was what it was like, then I would consider myself fortunate.
The sound of a fist slamming down on a table made me blink my eyes.
“Just because we are at peace now doesn’t mean it will stay that way. For more than thirty years as a ruler, I’ve kept this country safe and prosperous. I couldn’t have done that if I wasn’t adaptable. Nothing is like it was when I first took over.Nothing!Back then we fought like dogs for the few women available. Now you marry for love. I’m not even asking you to risk your life in a bridal tournament. I’m just asking you to find yourself a wife and carry on the family name. How is that a sacrifice? Don’t you want a family?”
“Does it even matter what I want?” Thor’s voice rumbled deep with frustration. “All I ever hear are orders from you to do your bidding. What to study, what to think, when to marry. I’ll bet you even chose a bride for me.”
After a moment of silence, Khan answered, “There’s a list that…”
“I knew it. You made a fucking list of potential brides.”
“Consider it research. Who you choose is up to you, but anyone on that list will be suitable.”
