“Ican’tlook at you,” Charlie spat. “I’ve been blind for twenty years.”
Cameron reeled back, and Emperor Cassiel’s eyes widened. I was confused for a moment, before I remembered that Charlie hadn’t gone blind until after they’d taken him away from his parents. They’d had no idea. I glanced at Eddie, wondering why he hadn’t spoken up.
“I didn’t tell them,” Eddie confessed. “I didn’t want to betray Charlie in any way by revealing information he might not be ready to say.”
“I didn’t know,” Cameron said thickly. “You hide it so well.”
Charlie scoffed. “Yeah, well. Another trick I learned on the streets. You can’t let people know you’re vulnerable, or they’ll take advantage.”
“I understand,” Cameron said, though it didn’t sound like he did. “What… what happened?”
“I don’t know,” Charlie replied sullenly. “It was shortly after they threw me in foster care. I woke up on Christmas morning and couldn’t see anymore. I don’t remember it.”
Cameron had been rendered speechless, thank the ancestors. Every word out of his mouth just made everything worse, and no matter his reasons, I couldn’t forgive him. He’d abandoned Charlie. In my opinion, that made him my worst enemy.
Emperor Cassiel bobbed his head. “I see. But this changes nothing. You still have an obligation, Charlie.”
“An obligation to what?” Charlie said snidely. Eddie bounced anxiously, like he was ready for a fight to go down.
“Elves are immortal, as in we don’t age, but we can still be killed,” Emperor Cassiel said. “One day, the time of my reign will come to an end, and your father will ascend to the throne, making you the Crown Prince. Due to his Hawkei blood, your father won’t live forever. When he dies, it isyouwho will take the throne, and rule Forevermore, until your heir rises after you.”
The blood drained from Charlie’s face. He appeared stunned. His hands started to shake. I feared he was on the brink of another meltdown.
Kallie spoke up for the first time. “That seems like a long time to rule,” she said. “Malovia isn’t run like that.”
“The Elven monarchy doesn’t work the same way the fae monarchy does. Instead of replacing a king every twenty years, an Emperor stays on the throne until he dies. In many years past, Elven emperors and empresses would rule for centuries before passing the crown on to their child, usually after dying in battle, or on missions,” Emperor Cassiel explained.
“Missions?” Marcus questioned.
“As I’m sure you’re all aware, the Elven Union was the biggest crime family in the supernatural world,” Emperor Cassiel explained. “Our wealth, our gold buildings, the gems you see, all of it was amassed through heists and robberies throughout the centuries. It was dangerous work. Many emperors and empresses were killed during the heist of a famous painting, or the theft of a collection of jewels. It is the way many of our rulers perish.”
“So you’re basically a glorified mob boss?” Marcus asked cluelessly.
Emperor Cassiel frowned, and ancestors, I wanted to hit Marcus. Kallie did it for me— she slapped his shoulder, and Marcus balked, as if he realized his mistake.
Shit, this was theemperorhere. You didn’t come in and insult him in his own palace.
Marcus stared at the floor, and Emperor Cassiel gave a gruff noise. “Be that as it may, we Elves have not had the opportunity to go on missions again since the genocide. We have more than enough here in Forevermore after our previous heists, but remaining concealed is currently more important.”
“I’m studying criminal justice. I want to be a supernatural bounty hunter, not a prince for a group of thugs I don’t even know,” Charlie seethed.
“If you wish, you may pursue any passions you have,afteryou’ve fulfilled your prophecy,” Emperor Cassiel said. “But before that happens, you will lead us to the Blessed Haven, as was promised.”
“Like hell! I have my own dreams I want to follow!” Charlie shouted.
“I know this is all a great shock to you, but you have a responsibility to deliver us to the afterlife,” Cameron said. “The Elven people have been expecting you for a long time, and that takes precedence over anything personal.”
Charlie’s jaw tightened. “I don’t have to hear this. Eddie, get me the hell away from him.”
“Right away, sir. I’ll escort you to your private quarters. They’ve already been prepared.” Eddie took Charlie’s arm and led him away. Oberi trotted after them.
I was torn between following Charlie and giving him space. I didn’t know what to do. Cameron went to go after them, but I put a hand on his chest and shoved him back.
“If you don’t want a fireball to the face, you’d better stay away from Charlie,” I warned. I ignited a blue fireball in my hand, and prepared to launch it at Cameron.
A female Elf stepped forward. She had to be Cameron’s personal Emperor’s Guard, but I didn’t give a damn. I’d fry her, too.
“There’s no need for violence here,” Emperor Cassiel said calmly. “We’ll give Charlie some time to process the situation. In the meantime, I think it’s best if we show you to your rooms.”
