Page 18 of The Pacifist
The cold air made clouds of moisture accompany our words. “I’ll talk to my parents about it.”
“No, Mila. You don’t need to ask for permission. You’re an adult and it’s time you understand that the one in charge has always been you!”
I nodded. “You’re right.”
“Just tell them that you’re going to the Motherlands with me for a week.”
“A week?”
“Yes. Anything less is too short.”
“But don’t you have to work?”
“Council meetings are held virtually. As long as I have a connection, I can work from anywhere.”
“I see.”
“So?” His tone vibrated with excitement. “Will you come with me?”
I wanted to say yes but a myriad of thoughts kept bringing up my father, the tournament, my dogs, and other reasons why I shouldn’t.
“Mila, please.”
The more I looked into Jonah’s beautiful amber-colored eyes, the less I felt the cold around us. His genuine interest and desire to spend time with me warmed me from within and a tingling sensation spread in my stomach.
“Come with me, Miss Sunshine. It’ll be fun, I promise.”
Unable to break eye contact or refuse Jonah when he always made me feel appreciated and special, I whispered my answer: “Okay. I’ll go with you!”
CHAPTER4
Poking a Bear
Jonah
Magni’s room was dimly lit when I entered. “Are you awake? Laura told me that I could say goodbye to you before I leave.”
“I’m awake.” With a low buzzing sound, the drapes moved and let in more daylight. Magni sat in his bed with books, plates, and entertainment equipment spread around him.
“Mila and I will be leaving in half an hour.”
“She told me.”
“You don’t sound upset about her going.”
Magni studied me when I sat down on the chair next to his bed. “With Khan’s new quest for democracy we can’t know what’s going to happen next. Some wannabe dictator might see his chance to overrule Khan. When Mila told me that she is going with you, Laura and I had already decided that we’re sending the children to the Motherlands for a while. Athena and Finn have agreed to let the little ones stay with them until things are calmer here.”
I blinked my eyes. “Are you expecting an attack?”
Magni’s tone was dry. “I’m always expecting an attack. That’s my fucking job.”
Tilting my head, I pushed him a little. “Then shouldn’t you get out of bed and prepare to take these attackers on?”
If Magni’s look could have killed me, I’d be dead in my seat. “In case you haven’t noticed – I’m a fucking cripple.”
I shrugged. “You don’t need arms and legs to be a great leader."
Magni narrowed his eyes. "People have said a lot of so-called motivational shit to me since the accident, but that has to be the stupidest thing of them all."
