Kings Rising (1)

Long Jie was twelve years old when he had to visit his unfeeling grandfather at his fortress-looking house.

"Why did I have to come here?" Long Jie asked his aunt fretfully. "He calls my father weak, and my mother a gold digger."

"Where did you hear that?" replied Xue Teegan.

Long Jie frowned. "I overheard them talking about him. He's evil; mother said so."

Xue Teegan sighed. "Well, it was your mother that instructed me to take you. Besides, as much as I, too, find your grandfather to be repulsive, foul-mouthed, indecent—"

"You're not helping," Long Jie interrupted.

"The point is, you haven't seen him in three summers, Jie. You will one day be head of the Long family, and it's your responsibility to meet with him, learn a few things if you can. But, if he steps out of line, you must tell me right away. He acted terribly towards your mother and father."