Page 94 of A Touch of Stars and Stones
Getting a grasp on this part of my ability will certainly be a gift for any role in The Chamber if that’s what Aslendrix has in store for me now.
We continue, snaking through the people to make our way to The Tower, and I hope to Aslendrix he’s in his office. Calix is still silent next to me, and I wonder if he’s starting to workout what’s happening with Ever. He might play the joker and give the impression that he’s happy to go along with the crowd or take the lead from someone else, but I know that’s not him underneath. He’s smarter than anyone gives him credit for.
“Last chance. You know what he’s like.” I offer him the out as we round the final bend before the entrance to The Tower.
“I’m good.”
I don’t stop as I head for the stairs, navigating up the familiar halls and corridors to his office and passing the landing that leads down to Calix and Crimson’s apartments.
The guards outside Father’s office edge to attention as I come into view. They’re new—like at the apartments when I visited Mother.
“I’m here to see my father,” I state flatly, hiding the rage inside.
“You aren’t on the list of expected visitors,” one of the officers states.
“Too bad.” I turn my head to Calix, never breaking a stride, and all he does is grin at me, relishing the challenge of two trained soldiers against him.
They look at us, then at each other, and there’s a moment of communication between them, and they seem to back down. Seems like they don’t actually want to take on the head of the Warrior Order’s son.
“Sorry, Cal,” I console.
“No biggie.”
The soldiers step aside, and I throw the door open and barge in. Calix comes to a stop next to me, and the officers also slide into the room.
My father’s sharp gaze cuts to me from where he’s lording over a stack of papers on his desk, an edge of chaos decorating the wooden structure.
“Aten. What are you doing here?” He addresses me but stares down the two Warriors.
“We apologise, Ciro,” the talkative one of the two says.
“Out. And Calix, while always a pleasure to visit, I believe what my son has to say might be best kept between us.” His brows rise as he does from his seat.
“Cal can stay.”
“Interesting.” He tucks his hands behind his back. “You pointed out that I was in no position to give you orders last time you were here. Well, Calix is certainly under my command, so my order to leave stands. I suggest he obeys.”
Shit.
To his credit, Calix only fidgets on the spot, his body rigid and tense, and I can tell he’s struggling with the conflict.
“It’s fine, Cal. Wait outside. I’ll fill you in when we’re done.” I don’t take my eyes off my father. And he doesn’t look away, either.
Not even the sound of the door closing breaks our staring match.
“Fine. I’ll ask. What exactly are you here for?”
“Ever. Why did you think she’s a danger?” I shove my hands into the pockets of my training top, a casual move.
“Really? I thought you’d have been able to work that one out for yourself, especially given how the last few days have played out.”
He’s been keeping tabs on training! Through Rowan, no doubt and no surprise. “You were concerned before she even started training with us, and I want to know why. I want to know why you hid what she is from us.”
“We did no such thing.” He bristles, angling away from me, and I know I’ve got him. For everything my father is, he isn’t a liar. Bend it, manipulate it, and hide it, but not outright lies to your face.
“You knew. The first time you met her. When she attacked you. I was there, remember. Although you were too busy ignoring me at the time.” My hands ball in my pockets at the memory. These last few months have been a testament to how quickly you can change from viewing someone as one thing to having it shift and twist until it’s unrecognisable.
“Enough with your tantrums. If this is still your disappointment talking because of your Transference?—”
