Arthur's Point of View

Pendragon Estate

“Kheri was fine. She mostly spoke with Lucia. The two were rather blunt with one another. Lucia also wasn’t happy about her recommendation of taking your head.”

“At least someone cares.” At her look, I quickly added, “Outside of you three of course.”

Marina smirked at that. “I think a great many people cared. Greigh, Aydalia, Ziah, and Cass all stood up for you when she made the attempt. However, I would suggest you speak with Cass and Alwin. Maybe Lucia.”

One of my brows cocked at that. “Why? Did something happen?”

She crossed her arms. “According to Greigh and Ziah, Cass is in no condition to be running around like she has been. Ayda’s runes are likely the only reason she is up and about. Cass had trouble standing up only a few days ago. Not to mention the confrontation at the top of Helmsforth.”

It was a little sad that she knew more about some of this than I did. “I’ll talk to her. I’ve been needing to anyway. What’s wrong with Alwin? I thought he was getting better.”

“He is. However, I caught him and Lucia having a more…” She paused as she loosely gestured with her wrist. “Intimate moment.” My blank stare made her continue. “Given his condition, he really should be resting.”

“Gross.” Was the first word out of my mouth before I rolled my eyes. “I’ll speak with him and tell him to keep it in his pants for the next few days.”

Marina immediately replied. “I believe Lucia is the one who initiated-“

She started, but I quickly cut her off. “Then I’ll tell Lucia to keep it in her dress! Jesus!”

Marina grimaced. “Perhaps it would be wise to actually sit down with her and have a talk. It would appear you’ve been avoiding her.”

“I’ve been busy.” I shot back.

“True, but it’s not everyday someone finds out they might have a father they’ve longed for. I understand the situation is not ideal. This isn’t fair in many ways. However, it’s the same for her. Imagine what she must be feeling. You had one long talk with her, and have immediately moved on.”

“I thought she needed time.”

“What she needs is her father. Lucia is not like us. She was not created in the same manner. Her mindset is different.” Marina placed her hands on my desk. “After saving her, are you really willing to lose her?”

I stood slowly at her words. “You have my memories. Some of them at the very least. Any of them in there give you a clue as to why I don’t want to-“

My mermaid daughter cut me off. “You’ve already lost one daughter. It was no fault of your own-“

“That was not an invitation to bring up said memories.” Her eyes met mine and they slowly widened. “Be very careful with how you proceed. Just because you have a collection of my memories does not give you the right to talk about them.” Moving around my desk to her side, I stepped beside her and leaned my face in closer to hers. “This was your one and done. Do not bring up my past again, Marina.”

Avoiding my gaze, she turned away and looked at the ground. “Of course. Apologies, Father.”

Marina’s water was disrupted, and she slowly lowered to the floor as she tried her best to stay upright. She clearly realized she overstepped. I didn’t want this to become a regular thing. There was a reason I didn’t talk about this with anyone, including Aydan. Kandma might be the only one who knows and that’s because she literally couldn’t tell anyone else.

A sigh left my lips, as I finally moved away from Marina slightly. “Don’t let it happen again. As for Lucia, I will talk with her. I planned on doing that anyway. Camoa is also on that list.” She shyly looked up at me. “As are you and your brothers.” Slightly more annoyed than I was, I stepped over to the door. “Honestly, I think almost everyone still needs to talk with me.”

Marina’s water magic started again as she moved to follow me. “It will be some time before things return to normal.” She told me far softer than usual.

“I have a feeling this is the new normal. Freya needs to be addressed as well.” I commented as a few children ran through the halls as I watched on emotionlessly. “Am I the only one who thinks it’s fucked up they’re serving me now?” Marina shrugged in response. “Just one more thing.” I muttered. “Any word on Ayda finding anything to help the Succubae?” Another shrug and I rolled my eyes.

“Also, Greigh? You need to ask him about the train.” A groan quickly left my lips at that.