I slept for an hour longer before my father summoned me by sending one of my older brothers, Tyrian.
"You know I'm here," he stated, appearing inside my doorway after converting himself into water vapor and reconstructing.
I sat up, groaning. Two hours of sleep is enough to last me another week, but I had been enjoying a good dream—I wouldn't have minded a little more.
"I understand," I replied as I got up. He led the way, making sure I really went where I was supposed to. Once I was alone with our father, he left.
"I just received a report about you," King Striton said, tone sharp. "Apparently, you made Celestial Count Stavus's daughter cry... and she attempted to kill herself."
"That's not true. I don't have mind control powers. I didn't make anyone do anything," I countered. My father sighed, so I elaborated. "She's an adult. She made her own decisions."
"You need to work on that personality of yours," he remarked.
"I disagree. I am perfect."
This time, he actually chuckled. "Weren't you dating that girl for weeks?"
I stayed quiet. It wasn't worth clarifying that she'd just been following me around for months—persistently—even after seeing me with other women.
"You need discipline... so I'm sending you to The South Reformatory School."
"What?! Why should I have to—"
"You're childish!" he snapped, cutting me off. "You've been an adult for almost a decade, yet you haven't changed since you were a week old. You lack empathy. You're cruel, sadistic. I heard what you did to that Brigim boy who challenged you last week—that was brutal. If I let you rule as you are now, the citizens will revolt. They'll kill you."
I scoffed. "I'd like to see them try."
He sighed again. "I know how strong you are... and how stubborn. You'll go to this school, and if a hundred years pass and you're still not ready to take the throne... I'll make you a Guardian on Earth. For another hundred years."
"A Guardian?! Me?! I shouldn't have to take such a lowly position. I shouldn't have to mingle with humans," I argued.
"If you can't reform, you will be a Guardian Infaniyan. And you will not be allowed back unless I die—or you become worthy of the crown."
I don't know what he expects. If he just told me how to act, I could fake it. If my affairs are an issue, I could be more discreet. Why can't he just be straightforward with me?! I need better guidelines if I'm going to be the person he wants me to be.
Present Day - Akina's POV
I was still chewing my morning bagel when I walked out the door and saw Nacina waiting for me. Oddly, Serco was there too.
"Good morning."
My heart began beating double-time. I pinched my cheek to make sure I was awake... it hurt.
"Hi…" I replied faintly. "I was expecting to see you today, but not so early." He laughed, then stepped toward me and brushed the crumbs from the corner of my mouth with his thumb.
"You are... a sloppy eater, Akina."
Why does hearing him say that make my heart flutter??
"All right, time to go to school," Nacina said irritably, clapping her hands. She's usually peppy at this time of day... maybe she's annoyed by the flirting. I should be more considerate.
"Yeah, we should get going," I agreed. Serco took my hand and looked away shyly—it was so out of character... and kind of cute.
The walk to school was quiet for the first five minutes, until Serco broke the silence.
"What did you eat today, Akina?" he asked, looking at me fondly.
Why am I getting nervous over such a simple question?
I glanced at Nacina, but she was distracted with her phone. I don't think she'll be bothered if we talk.
"I ate a Cinnamon buttered bagel... have you eaten yet?"
He smiled. "No, but... there's something I see that I want to eat. She's here with me right now."
What does he mean by that—and why does it sound so suggestive!?
"If you're suggesting cannibalism, I will not go down without a fight."
He chuckled. "Ah, please do. I enjoy a challenge."
For some reason, that made me blush.
"Of course, it's just a joke... I enjoy having you in my life too much to literally devour you. But..." He paused, tapping his chin thoughtfully. "Which is first—your birthday or your graduation?"
That's so random.
"My birthday," I answered.
"Okay…"
...Isn't he going to tell me why he asked??
"I ate cereal," Nacina suddenly cut in.
"The kind that pretends to be good for you?" Serco asked.
"No. The kind that doesn't hide behind lies, is openly unhealthy, and loaded with sugar!"
They both laughed. I just stood there, wondering what my birthday and graduation had to do with cannibalism.
Nacina changed the subject by telling me a legend—something about a woman who drowned her own children out of jealousy over her husband's affection. I had no idea why she chose such a dark story, but Serco seemed to like it. Well, not that he enjoyed it, but he got passionately upset about the characters in it... which, in my opinion, meant it was probably a good story.
Nacina waved goodbye once we reached school.
As soon as we were alone, Serco kissed me and said,
"My three oldest brothers hate me. Mostly because they're jackasses who deserve to die... but I've also never tried to make them like me."
I touched his cheek.
"If they hate you, that's their choice. You don't have to change to earn their favor."
He laughed. "I agree... but I say this because... I don't want you to trust them, just because they're my family. Even the most manipulative, narcissistic human in the world wouldn't think to do the things they're capable of."
That made me worry.
"I hope Nacina's okay… she's been getting along with your oldest brother lately. Oh yeah, how old is Tiren, anyway?" I asked.
Serco frowned and leaned close to whisper in my ear.
"He is 1,425."
I jolted. "Over a millennium?!"
He shushed me and laughed.
"He's definitely too old for Nacina, then," I muttered.
That stopped his amusement. His expression turned unreadable.
"I see... I'll see you after your classes end."
He turned and walked away quickly.
He's usually so reluctant to leave… Did I offend him?
I trudged off to class, but I couldn't stop thinking that I might've upset Serco. It's really eating me up inside. He did say he'd see me after school, though... so I'll apologize in person soon.