Ronan’s POV
I had somehow slipped to the ground and fallen asleep again.
I stared at the mess I had made earlier for a while before releasing a deep sigh and getting up to clean it.
Afterwards, I went into my bathroom to take my bath. My eyes landed on the mirror and I cringed at my reflection.
After remembering what had happened, I wasn’t sure if I wanted my sister back home. What if she came back and the rage I had felt then returned, would I make good my threat?
I showered, got dressed and headed to Malia’s room. I needed to talk to someone. A friend.
I got to the front of her room and knocked a few times. When I received no response, I let myself in and nearly burst out laughing.
Malia and Penelope were still fast asleep but it was their awkward position that cracked me up.
I cleared my throat loudly, yet none of them stirred.
My gaze fell on a large bowl that contained remnants of wild rice and beans and I wondered in amusement if the bowl had been full.
I took a spoon and hit it against the bowl several times.
“Go away,” Penelope said groggily.
I hit the spoon harder against the bowl and Malia sat up swearing an oath and rubbing her eyes.
“Ladies do not swear,” I scolded and she turned to face me with a scowl on her pretty face.
Penelope immediately sat bolt upright when she heard my voice.
She attempted to roll out of bed but the covers were twisted around her legs and she ended up falling to the ground.
I couldn’t help it. I burst out laughing.
Her face coloured in embarrassment as she tried to untangle the covers.
“Do you need help?”I asked and she shook her head.
After about three minutes, she succeeded and rose to her feet.
She bowed and grabbed the dishes before bolting out of the room.
“Did you have to laugh?” Malia asked.
“Admit it. It was funny,” I replied.
She rolled her mouth and was about to say something when her eyes widened slightly.
“Ronan, are you okay?” She asked in concern.
I gave her a puzzled look. “Does it look like there’s something wrong with me?” I asked.
“Don’t give me that, Ronan. Start spilling,” she ordered.
I took a deep breath and walked over to sit beside her on the bed.
“All these while, I thought my father and Ryder were the ones who hated my sister. I thought my brother didn’t bother to bring her back after my father died because of his hatred for her.”
“I just remembered that I threatened to kill her if she stayed in the palace.”
Malia’s eyes widened in surprise.
“Yes. It’s a memory I somehow managed to repress. It wasn’t until I had that talk with Ryder that I started remembering.”
“I’m the reason why Ryder hasn’t brought her back. He’s definitely scared of what I’m going to do to her if that happens. I’ll admit that I’m scared too.”
“She’s not even my father’s daughter. My mom told us that on her deathbed. I guess that added to my father’s rage,” I finished and exhaled sharply.
“Oh Ronan,” Malia said and threw her arms around me. “I’m so sorry.”
I wrapped my arms around her and took the comfort that she offered.
She released me after a while and asked if I had had something to eat.
“I have no appetite,” I replied.
“Nonsense. Let’s get you something to eat even if it’s very little.”
She proceeded to ring the kitchen and after a few minutes, a servant appeared with two steaming mugs of mocha and some french toast.
The smell wafted into my nostrils and my stomach promptly growled.
Traitor.
I saw Malia’s mouth quirk a little in amusement but she didn’t comment.
“Do you want me to feed you?” She asked.
I gave her a look. “I’m not crippled. I’m just sad,” I answered.
She smiled and took a bite of her toast.
I pretended to be reluctant about shoving my food into my mouth for a moment.
Malia raised an eyebrow and I shrugged before taking a huge bite out of my toast.
We ate in silence for a while.
“Can I go out to train today? I don’t think I want to spend my day indoors,” she said.
I nodded. “Of course. We miss you on the field already.”
She snorted. “I doubt that.”
“Our Gamma would be surprised to see how skilled you are,” I said.
Her face fell for a moment.
“Is something wrong?” I asked.
“Nothing. It’s just that I don’t like being around him. He’s so scary,” she answered.
I chuckled and she frowned. “I didn’t mean to be funny.”
“If it makes you feel any better, he is terrified of his wife,” I said.
“He doesn’t look like he’s terrified of anything or anyone,” she replied.
“Trust me, he is. I would be terrified if I got on Margaret’s wrong side too,” I stated.
“I see. I’d love to meet her. Penelope says she adores her.”
“You might run into her one of these days,” I said.
We finished our meal and she ordered me to wait while she freshened up.
I took that time to think and I figured out that I was guilty about how I had treated the baby. I wanted her back and I sure as hell was going to try to make it up to her. It’s what my mother would have wanted.
Thank the Moon Goddess, Malia didn’t spend ages getting ready this time and we were soon out of the palace and walking towards the training field.
Lucien made a face when he spotted Malia beside me.
“Is she here to watch?” He asked me.
“No, actually I’m here to train,” Malia answered.
He gave her a glance and smirked.
“It’s true. She’s been training with us for some time now and I must say that she’s really good,” I said.
He arched an brow. “I see.”
Scott approached us at that moment and he grinned at Malia. “I haven’t seen you here for a couple of days. I missed you.”
“Indeed,” she replied, grinning back at him.
“I don’t see Derek. Where’s he?”