Chapter 19 : Pit Fights

Poppy’s POV

“Father?” I greeted as I stepped into the royal suite in the area. Percy and my guard detail were loosely following me, maintaining a distance so I didn’t feel too crowded. The pit fights were beginning and my father was sitting on a throne-like pedestal adorned with cushions and fine linens.

While I had become good acquaintances with the arena owner, my father rarely spent his time at the fights. Always too much to do. So when the fighters had his presence, and the crowd knew he was there, the common people were all very excited.

Honored to have his presence.

“My poppy flower!” he said with a pleasant smile, turning his head to gesture to the seat next to him.

I fought the urge to narrow my eyes. When he used my childhood nickname, I knew he was trying to get something out of me. My guess…it had something to do with the Autumn Ball and my betrothed.