Chapter 138 Ultimatum
Alessia's POV
Enya says nothing for some minutes .Leaning back on her throne she studies Luca probably taken aback by his guts .But then again what did she expect ? He is Sicilian and we take care of our own.
Always
Finally her attention returns to me , the entire hall seems to be holding its breath waiting for her response .Even the servants seem to be frozen in place acting as if they are not listening.
My pulse speeds up as I watch her closely
this is going to be interesting.
“Are you telling me you all do not trust my council members? She asks Luca calmly
Luca faces her not batting an eye brow “Your council members have to earn our trust Enya”
I swallow a laugh as a low murmur of conversation erupts on the table
Melissa adjust her seat while Orzo shifts uncomfortably not able to make direct contact
I fix my gaze on him
He more than anyone else knows they haven't earned our trust
Not after the stunt he pulled a few days ago during my magic lesson
Surprise test my sicilian ass.
Enya reaches for her teacup and takes a small sip before placing it back on the table
“I don't know why you keep making reference to that ,Frederic has been disciplined”
I bite my cheek until I taste blood to stop a retort from springing forth from my mouth.
How was he disciplined
You that called it a harmless trick ?
You sit there on your seat snd lie to our faces and expect us to trust you ?
Are you okay?
A leader that can’t correct her members is that one a leader? What a pity
“That is not what worries us at the moment Angelica cuts in gently “We want Alessia to be comfortable during the lessons, so she can excel”
She has already been deceived by him once Angelica continues “Intentionally changing his features and making advances”
Whats to stop him from trying again I think to myself
Frederic will not stop until perhaps I have left the coven!
Alex clears his throat slightly “Enya stop downplaying what he did .” Enya stiffens as if she is crossed by Alex's tone of voice but he does not stop there .“What he did is considered a magical crime.He used my face to trick her!”
“And you think if you are there he won’t try it again?” She asks
This coven is a joke , If you had truly disciplined him will we even be having this conversation?
“I believe so yes” Luca answers gently
I sit back in my chair
“I don't mind learning from him”I say before the issue turns into a drawn out political debate “I am not saying I wont let him teach me” I have to eR humble pie because the idiot is just too damn good at Glamour .
I know I sound calm buy my stomach is doing cartwheels
I really can’t stand him
He makes my skin crawl
sanctimonious fool with his whiny voice
“But I would appreciate if I am not alone with him.” And you I add silently
There I said my mind , it doesn't mean I am weak or scared of him .He just doesn't respect boundaries
Enya lets out a deep breath as if ahe is beginning to realize this is one argument she can not win “As you wish princess.”
Her words make my chest feel lighter
“Since you will have company you can have the lesson in the western chambers” she continues “and they may all attend”
I watch Indie and Melissa exchange disapproving looks but I ignore them.
“If they distract you in any way” Enya warns her eyes locked on me “They will be escorted out.”
That sounds fair
But it wont happen
I nod my head in agreement “ I understand.”
She leans back “besides you should not confuse their supervision as protection Alessia.”
I turn to her stiffening, shock making a gasp escape my mouth unfiltered.
One day I just might slap Enya she is so damn infuriating!
“If Frederic tries to use glamour on you again ,you may still not be able to detect it.”
I am aware of that silly
And so are my friends
It is disturbing thats why they want to be there
“You have to learn to be able to detect it” she continues “Even if its wearing the face of your loved ones”
I gulp hard
She is right once again
Dammit
“I will learn” Enya
She looks at me for a few minutes then nods her head. “Your lesson begins in one hour”
I exhale slowly as the tension that had been rising starts to dissolve and conversations slowly pick up around us once more.
But I am not hungry anymore
Glamour lesson with Frederic and learning how to detect Glamour.
Alex squeezes my hand beneath the table
“You don't have to get it at one lesson” he murmurs quietly
“I do” Alex I whisper back
Because One-I don’t think I will be able to stand having a follow up lesson with Frederic and two - time is running out and If I still cannot see through glamour…
Then my chances of making it through the magical war that is coming are slim.
Luca leans on his elbows on the table “We her true friends” he pauses enough for that to sink in “Insist on being there”
Angelica nods eagerly “For the entire magic lesson.”
I give them both smiles of gratitude .For the first time since we entered La Casa I don't feel like a specimen to be examined, tested and tricked .I feel protected
Enya reaches for her mug signaling the end of the conversation . “I have heard you all ,finish up your food” she says calmly “You must have enough strength and a calm mind.”
A calm mind like its something to procure
Saying nothing I pick up my fork to finish my food . Across the table Indie is watching me carefully .I don't give a rats ass though.
let them watch
And wonder
If they think Frederic can get another chance to bloody fool me again in front of my friends…Then they are all about to discover that I do not allow myself to get burned twice…
And this time ? Not only me but my friends will be watching him too..