The Lotus Effect (Rise Of The Ardent) Read Online Free

spread and latch on quickly.
    Remembering my manners, though which seemed to scream against my every instinct, I nodded for him to sit.
    “May I also introduce my son, Scottie Briggins,” he announced with a flourish, placing his plump hand upon the shoulder of a young man, drawing him to his side.
    Scottie was big of build and blond, much unlike his father with his starkly contrasting mutton chops against his pink skin and plumping figure. Scottie’s face was clean-shaven and his rosy flushed cheeks instilled a babyish look about him. Though, when I looked closer I noticed they didn’t quite share the same eyes either. Scottie’s were hard, yes, but not exactly barren like his father’s.
    I smiled and nodded. “Do please be seated,” I said, indicating chairs to both of them.
    Looking past the two Briggins as they sat, I spotted my mother and father chatting amongst the Council member’s table. Both had aged well I realized just then. My father stern, all hard angles. And my mother . . . well my mother looked like she always did: firm, cold eyes. Powerful.
    Large purple and black centerpieces loomed over the dignitaries making them look like mere shades in the otherwise lit room. I wasn’t allowed to sit with them. Not yet at least. Not until I accepted my title. My mother caught me staring and instead of smiling, she arched her eyebrow, assessing me slowly. I looked away, returning my attention to both Briggins before me.
    I hate when she does that .
    Scottie was already speaking to his father. I was only partially listening, discreetly scanning the room and noticing Cousin Annette heading my way. Her pink frilly dress formed around her in bunches, and to my luck, her progress was halted by another girl from Sector 8 who blocked her path in greeting.
      I turned to Scottie. His jaw was tense as he nodded to his father. “Yes, they’ve been . . . dealt with. There won’t be any more problems.” His face lifted when his father clapped his meaty hand to the side of his cheek in approval.
    I shouldn’t ask. It was rude of me—but I was curious. “Problems from whom?”
    Both Briggins turned to look at me. Scottie held suspicion in his eyes, while Mr. Briggins smiled and chuckled deep from within his belly. “It concerns you not, little one,” he said in a tone that lost its endearment, leaning back in his chair. With a second look he decided to indulge me. “My son, with permission, did away with a few petty thieves—who, I must say, have been quite the blight upon 7 for the past few months.”
    “What did they steal?” I inquired further, not caring as much about my manners after being called ‘little one’. I was practically just as tall as he.
    “Does it matter?” Scottie replied evenly. “They were stealing food if it makes you feel better.”
    I frowned, shocked. “Why were they stealing food?” I asked without thought, but then felt daft.
    They stole food because they were hungry.
    “They stole food because they’re thieves,” Scottie replied.
    I narrowed my eyes and swallowed thickly, but was startled when I felt a hand fall lightly upon my shoulder.
    “May I join you? Dear cousin of mine.”
    I breathed out in a rush and forced a smile, ignoring the slight condescending tone of her request. “Of course, Annette. Please, join me.”
    She sat at my side, her poufy skirt barely fitting beneath the table. After Mr. Briggins had nodded his farewell and rejoined the delegates of the Council member’s table, the same elderly custodian who greeted me earlier announced that the evening meal was to soon commence.                
    Roasted duck, scalloped potatoes, and greens were served shortly after everyone had found their seats. Presumably the Warehouse, the overseers of Prosper’s food allowance, worked months in preparation for tonight; months, I have no doubt, of neglecting the needs of the rest of the city.
    Mr. Briggins certainly just confirmed so.
    All hope of an