In my Castle

From a distance, as she approaches the castle at Qunquier Lake, Elena can already see Perse surrounded by several guards, caught in a heated argument with the Protectors. Perse seems calm despite the situation, yet irritated, constantly glancing around. To not keep him waiting, she makes her entrance.

She revs the motorcycle engine and comes to a screeching halt about 10 meters away from him. She pulls off her helmet, staring directly at him to make sure he sees exactly how upset she is. He notices her and traces a faint smile.

She strides determinedly toward the conflict; the guards and Protectors are caught between amazement and fear, while only Perse’s smile deepens.

Elena speaks loudly and firmly in Latin, loud enough to be heard by everyone there, but understood only by Perse.

"This is my new Castle. Why are you resisting leaving it?"

Her words are sharp, but beneath the anger, you can feel actual worry. She stops very close to him, face to face, not even half a meter from his eyes. Perse smiles and responds simply.

"I wanted to see you," he says in the sweetest tongue, leaving even Elena a little surprised. Then she remembers who she is talking to.

"Now you do."

He nods in understanding, taking another step forward and closing the small gap between them even more. He speaks in a loud voice, still in Latin, for the benefit of those around them.

"We need to talk."

Elena doesn't let herself be intimidated and doesn't break eye contact.

"Where? In my castle?" She raises an eyebrow and continues. "Because that is my inheritance now, that Castle you stay in with your alcohol and sluts."

Perse looks up and laughs ironically. "Funny, coming from you," he says, looking directly at her. "How is he feeling after last night?"

"Don't."

An arrogant smile plays on his lips. Elena glares at him intensely. She switches to the language of the Underground.

"If you wanted to talk, you would have stayed on our couch."

This is the first thing she says that breaks Perse’s arrogant facade, bringing a flicker of tenderness to his eyes.

"Come in."

He turns to lead her inside but is surprised when he sees she hasn't moved. He laughs ironically, looking at the ground.

"They ordered you not to enter."

Elena turns bright red as she realizes he guessed correctly.

"You are betraying your Empress."

Perse starts to laugh. The girl grows even angrier. Finally, the boy stops and looks at her with amusement.

"I do nothing against Mom," he says, emphasizing the last word. "Yet, if she feels like it, she is more than invited to come."

"You are betraying me."

Again, Perse is stunned, stripped of his arrogance. He speaks in his most serious tone.

"Never."

He looks directly at her, not letting her say another word.

"Who put such things in your mind?"

Elena’s face turns even redder. She looks at the curious faces surrounding them.

"Surrender. End this. Come willingly," she says in a firm voice, like an order. Then, in a whisper: "Please."

Perse looks at her sadly. He glances around and realizes what a ridiculous situation they’ve put her in. He sees curious, even amused faces around them. He closes his eyes, thinks for a moment, then looks directly into her eyes, knowing what he has to do.

"Why?" Then, he flashes an amused smile again. "Elena, don't act like I am in actual danger." His guards chuckle around him, and he winces. "Call Mom to come; it's her job, not yours."

"You will walk over me?"

She looks at him furiously.

He closes his eyes again to concentrate, keeping his face as arrogant as possible. He opens them and looks directly into hers. Perse quickly signals with his eyes toward her weapon. Only then does she catch on. He speaks rapidly so she doesn't have time to give herself away.

"And if I do?" He takes another step until they are almost nose to nose.

With a flick of her wrist, Elena pulls her weapon from her belt and extends it to its full size. Everyone, even Perse, even the guards, takes a terrified step back.

Perse pretends to be shocked.

"You wouldn't..."

"Surrender," the girl says, her gaze full of threats.

"I surrender," he says, bowing before her.

Elena puts the weapon away. Perse checks to see if he got the desired reaction. Seeing that he did, he continues in a very polite tone.

"I still invite you in for a glass of your favorite drink," he says with a wink, and she smiles. "And then you stay in, and I get out. Good?" he asks, offering his hand.

"I accept." She takes his hand and lets herself be led inside.

Meanwhile, the rest go about their business, ready to tell everyone they know exactly what they just witnessed.