Before I Fall

Chapter Forty-eight

The silence was deafening and the air was thick. One could hear an ant chewing or a termite taking a shit with the stifling tension and the way no one moved or even breathed properly. Mignon looked radiant, even though she was now a shade darker and her hair was fashioned into thin long braids, her cheeks were still plump and her grace was still immaculate compared to everyone else's. Even Kade's. Mignon didn't smile nor did she incline her head in acknowledgment. Instead, she raised her hand to push open the door wider so she could enter Morgan's home in a blood red power suit and red bottom heels. It was the first time Morgan had seen her mother wearing such an attire, which was different from her usual gowns and dresses. She had to admit that it suited Mignon well.

Her mother walked in further to assess her home with that unpleasant look she always had on her face, then turned her sneer to Morgan's guests that were awkwardly standing by watching the scene unfold before their eyes. Morgan looked at Diana to see that her body was tense and her fists glued to her side.

"Having a little soirée are we, Morgan? Making new friends I see?" Mignon began as she eyed Kade warily and he didn't hide his clear distaste for her either. Mignon turned to look at her daughter who had cautiously followed her.

"Mother, wha-what are you doing here?" Morgan finally spoke up to ask her burning question but she hated that her voice cracked. Mignon would suspect something.

"Come, come now Morgan. I have no time for your little games, you called for me and said there is something terribly wrong with Mercer."

What?! Mignon would be the last person she would call, especially when Mercer was missing.

"But I-I never-" Morgan tried to reason.

"Where is Mercer?" Mignon cut her off to ask. The Queen's head was tilted to the left and her eyes were darting to different objects around the house as she focused.

Mignon was listening out for her baby. Damn her super hearing! Shit!

"Morgan, where is Mercer?" Mignon repeated the question in a firm tone and Morgan looked over Mignon's shoulder to the others for help.

Kade took a step forward to rescue Morgan. It was no secret that the Queen hated her own child but only tolerated her because of her blood. The fear that must have been in her eyes probably moved him to protect her. Morgan wanted to breathe a sigh of relief but she made sure not to move an inch. She felt so small, like she was toddler again being beaten for no reason then locked up for days in her bare room. Morgan didn't realize how truly traumatized she was until she was placed in situation like this. She was afraid. How had she been living with this fear all this time?

"Your Majesty, if I may answer-" Kade began but was immediately silenced by Mignon raising a hand to keep him quiet. Kade didn't hide his annoyance and huffed loudly at the Queen.

"Where is my son, Morgan?!" her harsh voice made Morgan jump. Mignon, who hadn't taken her eyes off her daughter, took a menacing step towards her and Morgan took one step back.

"Mother... mom, please listen. Mercer has been abducted and I think-" Morgan rushed to get out but was cut off by a vicious backhand by Mignon.

The slap echoed so loud in the quiet room that tears sprang to Morgan's eyes but she didn't let them fall. No, she deserved it for being so careless with Mercer, she got too wrapped up in training and Roman's bullshit. Morgan straightened her head again to look at her mother.  She would do her best to explain the situation and beg for forgiveness so they could work together on finding Mercer. She could feel the stinging pain at the corner of her lips and the taste of copper on her tongue.

"Mother-" Slap!

Morgan was hit in the face again with an open palm, however,  this time Mignon's manicured nails clawed her face. Morgan winced at the injury but swallowed the pain quickly. Her mother was out for blood and she intended on getting it.