It's short. I know. Just shut up and read.
In Between Our Lies
28. Charmspeak
She was supposed to be the mediator, the unprejudiced one who showed both sides reason. But with her powerful gift of charmspeak – a curse that stole choices – her approval and affection was something everyone craved. It was like a drug – harmful, but you needed more, and that hunger was never satisfied. Piper was so nice, after all, that it was too hard for anyone to not like her, really. But they would always trip over themselves for her praise, her wise words of affection. Of love. "The Greeks are very kind – taking in all their brethren, or trying if there is no hope – as you should be, Romans." Or "Jason – Roman son of Jupiter – was as much a hero as Perseus – son of the Greek Poseidon – though Jason was trained to be more precise, more accurate. The Romans trained him well, and a fearless leader he became." And she was such a beauty now – a goddess in her plainness, her natural radiance – who could not help but want her praise? Even the gods themselves fell at their feet in her mercy.
She was the kind, stern mother, full of patience and guidance, and wisdom. She was no Rachel – no Annabeth, either – but Piper knew which plan was best. Or, at least, she tried. The truth lay deep down, hidden deep within her soul – Piper was as much a slave to her charmspeak as anyone else. Piper couldn't tell when she was lying, and when she wasn't – and she was the one telling the lies!
Piper wasn't really sure what she wanted: to be the mediator – which would have been the good thing – or to be normal, as normal as a halfblood could be. The latter option would have been selfish – she was needed, wasn't she? Option One was a good a choice as any, but with different consequences – others would be a slave to her seemingly good gift. So, what was it she wanted?
To be normal? Or to be controlling, demanding, evil? Which was belter, which was the right choice? Maybe there wasn't one. Maybe she wanted that.
Okay, maybe I wasn't entirely clear about the contest with prefixes and sufixes. I underlined the sufixes and prefixes, now you have to tell me which ones they are. "Hemi" is one, just to give you an example. Okay? Get it know? PM me if you just seriously are confused.
Did I tell you guys on Wednesday - the 27th - I finished The Lost Hero! In one day? At 12:30 at night? And I got it at - what? 1:00 in the afternoon? - yeah!
