Chương 45: Chapter Forty Two: Every Step Of The Way

Niathe began with.

"I am her mother and the sovereign of the forest." No one cares. Meng Jialin shrugged and conceded on the spot.

"That is true. However, you still have pressing business in the Palace…Perhaps someone else should accompany her in your stead?" She refuted instantly.

"Nonsense. It can wait." Erichean didn't speak but he had not let me go since he saw me. So I could guess his stance on the matter. Frankly, I would prefer it if he and Harley were to take me to this…witch's house. At the same time, someone else rushed past Kissae and knelt before Niathe. A missive who was allowed to bear a weapon within the house. With a voice meant to convey reverence and urgency, he delivers a message from grandmother herself.

"The Queen has made the request that you return as soon as possible… to handle the Prince's sensitive matters." The Prince? My mysterious uncle that I've never met. I stop chewing so I can keep observing their interactions. Why does he have antlers? What is he? His coffee-brown hair and dark tan eyes stay focused on the ground no matter what. But the red clothes and that sword… He's part of the Crimson Army. His sword is so ornately decorated I worry for his safety. He's carrying a house on his hip with no problem.

Doesn't he worry he might get robbed? I would rob– Not the point. What's wrong with this uncle of mine? Has he finally left his shell? Taken up cricket? Niathe struggles between the two. Her older brother and her child. Her eyes dart to mine and I see the choice within them. Tch. Fine. Whatever. I give her an out.

"I want Eric to take me." She starts to apologize and I don't let her.

"It's fine. I didn't think you would go anyway." Hurt flashes in her eyes and I ignore it. This is the first time I've seen her in over a month and the last time we met… I was basically her stress ball. She just squished me until she felt better about something. Rather than my parent... She's more like a flighty boss. So fine. That's how I'll treat her. I never expected anything different anyway. I turn into Erichean's chest and he plays with my hair lazily.

Shielded from everyone else I can't see whatever dilemma she goes over in her head or anyone else's reaction. But I can feel it. The indecision between obligation and... me. It makes me want to hurl. The chair Eric and I are sitting on starts to lift off the ground and he grounds us using his feet.

"Deep breaths. In and out." He rubs his soothing circles into my back again and I focus on that. In and out. The author's tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. Niathe acquiesced to going back to the Palace wearily.

"Tell Her Majesty I will be there within the hour." She scoffs and adds curtly.

"This better be worth my time." Then she storms out of the room on a rampage taking Helen, her secret guard, and her entourage with her. I peek out to look and the only ones left in the room besides me now are Meng Jialin, Erichean, and Kissae. Quite the line-up. Kissae looks awkward and I get it. Me too. Meng Jialin looks after my mother and only snaps out of it when Erichean clears his throat. She looks up, collects herself, and turns to us. All the light in her eyes had faded considerably.

She looked me over like she was seeing someone else through me and I looked back somewhat confused. Who are you looking at? She sighed once more and raised a hand to her head to smooth out her eyebrows. She started with something I absolutely didn't want to talk about.

"Do you know…you're so much like her at times. The both of them really. It's such a miracle and a damn shame." I rear back like I've been slapped and automatically retort.

"No, I'm not." She looks at me again with bemusement and walks closer to us. I shift in my seat and try to change the subject.

"So where is this good witch?" She raises an eyebrow and answers my question.

"Your mother's fief. The Sunless Forest."

"Huh? Where is that?" She chuckles.

"West of the Palace and a few hours journey by carriage. We should set out immediately."

"Well, how long are we going to be there?"

"However long it takes for you to gain a mastery over this." The dots connect and I jump up. What?! That's insane.

"What if I take years?" She smiles and confirms my worst fears.

"Then we shall stay with you every step of the way." That's nuts. You're all crazy and so is this world.

"What about classes?"

"Cancelled." Her tone leaves no room for discussion in it. This is the equivalent of sending me to a mandatory boarding school for witches and taking my phone. It's insane. I would love to skip out on Zealot Anne's lessons but Mediak's are just starting and I was looking forward to those. What are they going to do when they find out this is just a system skill? Penguin cuts in. [They won't because you will never tell them. I think this goes without saying. My existence is confidential. They do not have clearance and you are forbidden from telling them about me. This is non-negotiable.] I squeal in frustration and the crystal bowl holding the grapes explodes. I hate you, you stupid flightless bird! [Eat it.] What? [You heard me. {I'm going to turn you into penguin tenders and dip you in homemade ketchup!" What's a penguin?"" " I make a face and stare down at his chest instead of looking at his face or answering his questions. He's got quite a few scars for someone his age. Long and with different stages of healing. Some of them are old. Too old. Older than me or the triplets. Even though I'm not quite sure how old they are. Age is tricky here. Fae stay perpetually young forever and age slowly due to the blessings from our gods. Which is why my speedy progress towards my childhood milestones seems to both amaze and worry those who take care of me. Nanny frets whenever I grow even the hairbreadth of an inch. She's even resorted to pressing down on my neck sometimes to slow the process of bone growth. Even long life species have their worries. It's like they're all afraid to die. But not me. I'm perfectly fine with living a normal human lifespan. The thought of actually living forever like the Queen or anyone else is what scares me awake the nights I'm allowed to sleep on my own without being annoyed. The only solace in it is that I won't be alone right? Everyone's going to suffer with me until I've got a good grasp of the temperamental invisible snakes." What about food?" Eric abruptly halts his strobing circles on my back and I hear it before he says it." Heh. Well, I think you should stock up on whatever needs stocking up." I go white as a sheet and spring up." Kissae!" She mirrors my dire expression and picks up her feet." On it." The kitchen. My snacks. My secret stash. I'm guessing I can't bring a personal chef with me. A sudden sense of a doom crashed down on me. I will never take the system for granted again. It only cost one system point at the time. Penguin chooses that moment to chime in. [You still have— Save it. I'm not going to you for advice any time soon.