Trouble in Tithio

by ascendanceseriesveteran

Tracking down the Prozarian Army was hard enough, now Jaron is faced with a far more distressing dilemma. Having stopped in Tithio, Imogen's hometown, Jaron witnessed the reunion of mother and daughter, while adopting the identity of Sage again. He didn't expect Imogen to also reconnect with a man-boy set on winning her heart. Imogen is still angry at Jaron. Will Phillip succeed?

"So, King Jaron," I cocked a brow.

Better that I understand Philip sooner rather than later. Then, expose his ill-intentioned ruse before he gets his grubby hands on my relationship and woos Imogen completely. I was vaguely aware of her disapproving frown as I held my unwavering stare into his eyes.

To his credit, no matter how menacing I attempted to appear, he rose to my challenge with the type of smug smile that made me want to reach across the table and squeeze the air out of him. "What about the King?"

"What do you think of him?" If I could manipulate him into singing my praises, then perhaps Imogen would remember which of the two of us was really the finer option.

"Bit young in my opinion." He smirked at her, trying to win her approval, and I clenched my fist beneath the table. He'd have to try harder than that. But then, Imogen dissolved into giggles, slapping his arm lightly.

I glanced at Tobias who sat, equally perplexed, widening his eyes with a tilt of his head, signalling to me to keep trying. I was grateful that he was here, at least someone was on my side today.

"Well, aren't we the same age as him?"

Philip tore his gaze from Imogen, licking his lips. "Sorry?"

If that childhood priest who constantly reminded me to curb my temper saw me just now, he would have prayed to the saints. For I considered burying his interloper alive. I replied through gritted teeth and a tight smile, "I said. Aren't we the same age as the King?"

"Yes, but in my experience, those spoiled early on act like snobby children even at our age."

"Children don't win wars or liberate whole countries." I snarled.

He stood with little more than a dismissive shrug, "Frankly, if I were King, I believe I'd do a better job than him. And, a word of advice."

As if I needed his counsel.

"Don't aspire to something you'll never attain," he glanced at Imogen long enough for me to recognise the true meaning of his words. That conceited halfwit. Philip offered his hand to her which she took with a smile.

After they left, I turned to a stunned Tobias and muttered, "Kill me."

He nodded.