Page 109 of Journey to the Elderoak
“Casimir and Jareth got into a brawl and destroyed half a forest,” said Raine casually waving his hand.
“Who’s Jareth? And are you talking about Orion, the King of Caelestia?” she asked, trying to remember all the names she had studied.
Casimir remained quiet, still looking at Thorne.
“Well, if you won’t tell her, Cas. I will,” said Raine.
He didn’t respond.
“Tell me what?” said Ava.
Everyone was quiet.
“Tell. Me. What?” she asked again and pulled on Casimir’s arm.
He looked at her. “Orion is my father. Jareth is the heir to the throne, and my half-brother.”
She froze, letting go of his arm. “Your father isKingOrion?”
“I told you my father was from the astral kingdom.”
“But you didn’t say he was the king!”
“You didn’t ask.”
She threw her hands in the air. “Oh great. I was supposed to say ‘hey, he’s not the king, is he?’ That’s insane. Why did you lie to me?”
Raine whispered to Quinn, “Mom and dad are fighting again.”
“Oh, shut up,” Ava and Casimir said in unison.
“I didn’t lie. I just…didn’t tell you.”
“And that’s called lying by omission,” said Raine.
Quinn snorted.
“Why not?” she asked Casimir. “Why didn’t you tell me?”
“Well, like you…there are things I’m not ready to talk about,princess.”
“Oh, we’re back to that now? Keeping secrets,prince?” Ava shook her head as she processed the news. She knew she shouldn’t be angry with him, but she couldn’t help it. Another secret. And this was a big one.
“Ava,” Thorne began.
But she ignored him as Casimir leaned in. “Don’t call me that.”
“But you are one. A prince. I can’t believe it,” she said as she looked away from him and sat back in her chair, crossing her arms.
He turned away as well and sat still, drumming his fingers on the table.
“Well, that went well,” said Quinn.
Silence descended on the room.
After a moment, Jorrar looked at Ava. “While technically Casimir is a prince, he is not heir to the throne, nor does he want it.”
“And I take it he and Jareth don’t get along,” she said.
