He squinted, reaching over and cupping her jaw. “Being able to summon a claw is one thing, Cal, in times like this where it’s just you and me and you’re calm. But... I’m sorry, but you still need help. You still can’t handle it by yourself.”
She leaned into his touch for a moment before shaking her head and pulling away. "How am I supposed to refute that when I'm not given any chances."
“Do you want that?” he asked incredulously. “To be thrown into battle like that? That’s not you. That’s not my Cal.”
"I don't want to be thrown into battle," she replied sharply. "I just don't want to be belittled by you."
"You're always treating me like a weak and defenseless. I don't need a knight in shining armor, Puck. I can take care of myself. I know how to use my Magyck."
He looked a little hurt, folding his arms. “I’ve been your knight,” he replied sharply. “Now some traitor comes along and you don’t need me anymore. Well, fine,” he said, backing away. “Fine. I won’t be on your side, then.”
She looked stricken, following him and trying to touch his arm. "No, Puck, that's not it. I'm still your friend. We're still friends."
He pulled his arm back and she would be able to catch his expression. Hurt and sadness and anger and... heartbreak. “Leave me alone,” he snapped harshly. “Just... go be with your faerie and leave me alone.”
The Queen was in the War Room, leaning over the table. She glanced up when Calliope arrived, straightening up. “Ah. Hello, Calliope.”
She seemed uncertain, but sighed, clasping her hands. “This isn’t going to be a pleasant conversation. I’ve been speaking to Puck...”
She crossed her arms immediately. "Before we get into any details, I am going to point out right now that he may be very biased against me. We had a big argument."
