ENDLESS

S7 Chapter 5

AUGUST

''You're.. leaving me in charge. Huh.'' Jia trails off in contained shock, staring at her husband suspiciously.

This certainly isn't the news she expected when Lewis called her into his office. He's leaving her as the de facto ruler while he goes down to Shadow Creek. She doesn't want to leave the girls with him, but this is too good of an opportunity to pass up.

Over the years, Lewis has grown more and more secretive, and even despite her role as one of his advisors, he tends to keep information to himself and make decisions on his own. His court was there for him to delegate tasks to, for their expertise and to keep the King in check, but bit by bit, he has been giving less responsibilities. 

She didn't know how he was still getting things done because one person cannot handle all the responsibilities a court can. If he could, it wouldn't exist.

''Is it that surprising? You're my wife. I trust that you will handle things here in my name.'' The Ice King replied calmly in the face of her disbelief.

''Considering that you haven't been entrusting me with much lately....'' Jia crossed her arms over her chest. ''.. my skepticism is earned.''

''Then take this opportunity to show me that I can trust you.''

That's all I've ever done, she thinks. You just simply stopped believing in me for whatever reason.

She bit her tongue and said diplomatically, ''I understand. I won't let you down. But promise me that the girls will also be in good hands.''

''Of course. Their attendants are coming with.'' Lewis replies dismissively.

Jia narrowed her eyes. ''I meant in regard to you, Lewis. You ought to spend more time with them.''

He waved his hand as if it was of no consequence. ''There will be plenty of quality time once everything is taken care of.''

In other words, he's going to worry about them when it's convenient and leave the caretaking to others. Gods, she didn't want to leave her daughters with him.

What does it say about her if she's still willing to leave them for the chance at investigating?

But Shadow Creek will become home eventually. She knows that Lewis won't relinquish control to the Dark Mages entirely; since it will be a mixed Kingdom, both Darkness and Ice will need equal power. And what better candidate for an heir or representative than one of his daughters?

She doesn't know who Lewis will choose yet since they're so young, but it only makes sense he'd split the girls. One in Shadow Creek, and one here.

Besides, it is a good opportunity for the girls attending school there. New experiences like that will help develop necessary social skills, and they have to learn to be adaptable.

Am I just trying to free myself of my guilt? Jia thinks, her emotions pouring through the rationale. I'm sorry, my babies. It's for the greater good.

If Lewis won't pay attention to the girls, at least the servants will. They will be in good hands.

''Good,'' Jia breathed. ''Have you told them the news?