Page 50 of A Fate so Cruel

“Explains how their numbers grew so fast,” the male beside Selina commented.

She nodded. “And they’re recruiting more. We’ve found evidence of slanderous propaganda in the underbellies of all our major cities. Nàdair included.”

A male at the back of the room hissed through his teeth. “The summer solstice is in six weeks. You said this will be a long mission.”

“I’m hoping to use the festivities as a distraction and a reason for our travel. We’ll be better able to slip in and out without attracting too much attention.”

The solstice. It was normally a time for celebration, but after what had happened to Rion’s father, the citizens also mourned the loss of their High Lord. The Fairy Folk were always quick to comfort those who were upset with their songs and dances. He was no exception.

Rion usually visited their father’s grave with Saoirse the week before to pay their respects. But from the sound of it, his sister would be alone this year. The thought didn’t sit well. His heart ached at the thought of her sitting before that cold stone without anyone to comfort her. He was the only one who knew the truth.

He clenched his fists. A mission was a mission. He couldn’t decline it over sentimentality. Saoirse could certainly pull rank for him to stay, but he wouldn’t ask that of her either. Not when she and Alec already fought over him endlessly. He’d make it up to her when he returned.

“Before we proceed,” Selina continued, “I need to ask each of you a very serious question.” They stood straighter. “You will not be jailed or tried for treason for your answer, but I need to know if anyone harbors ill feelings toward their High Lord.” Everyone stared at her unblinking. “We can use your feelings to speak plainly to the masses in hopes of drawing someone out from their inner circle.” She scanned their faces until her gaze stopped on Rion. “What about you? Do you despise your brother enough that you’d kill him?”

Every pair of eyes studied him now and Rion met their intensity with his own. Despise. That was a strong word. Did he despise his older brother? They’d never been close, especially after what’d happened to their father, but did he hate Alec enough to want to kill him? “No.” The word fell easily from his lips. He didn’t even need to factor Saoirse into the equation.

More than one pair of eyes widened at the truth in his voice.

If they’d asked him whether he fought for his brother’s sake, he would have also said no. He fought for his sister, his home, his mother, and the innocents that couldn’t defend themselves.

Selina shrugged as if she’d expected the answer. “It was a far-fetched plan anyway.” Rion arched a brow, wondering what sort of plan she’d concocted in that manipulative head of hers.

“Remember: Intel first. I’ll disclose further information once we reach our first check point.” Selina looked toward the sisters. “Even with your caution and expertise, I won’t divulge everything here.” The sisters nodded in unison and withoutcomplaint. “Let’s pray we’re able to complete the mission swiftly and return home victorious.”

“Forgive the forwardness,” a female, short of stature, said from Selina’s other side. Her hair was cropped into a bob that reached to her chin. “But this sounds just like missions we’ve handled before. So why is he here?” She jerked her chin toward Rion.

“Fear,” Selina said simply. “We’ll be making the leaders’ executions quite public. It will let the world know that The Demon will punish anyone who tries to rise up against the High Lord.”

Understanding swept through him. “And simultaneously tells the world that Alec didn’t make a mistake in keeping me around.”

Selina didn’t back down. “Precisely. It’s no secret that many have had reservations about his decision.”

The male beside her crossed his arms. “And we’re just supposed to pretend he’s actually loyal?”

Selina loosed a long sigh and lowered her voice. “I’m only going to say this once.” Every eye in the room zeroed in on her and the promised threat in her tone. “I personally requestedRion,” she emphasized his name, “for this mission. Ifanyof you puts a single boot out of line, then you’re done. Not just with this mission, but every assignment from here on out.”

No one spoke. “This is too important. If we fail, we could be facing a civil war that will last generations.”

“You’d choose him over us?”

“I’d chose my country over you.” Something like pain flashed across the male’s face. “You’d be removed for failing to follow a direct order. We are strong because we trust one another when it matters.”

The male glared at Rion. “If you expect me to trust him—”

“Enough,” Selina barked again. “If you can’t work with him, then save yourself the shame of returning home with your tail between your legs and opt out now.”

The male stared at Rion for another long moment, then turned back to Selina. She lifted her brows, clearly waiting for an answer. He swallowed hard, then lowered his head in shame.

“That’s what I thought. Now, if no one else has any objections, you’re all dismissed. Gather whatever provisions you need, but pack light. You already received instructions for when we’re to set out.”

No one moved for a long moment, their gazes drifting from her to Rion and back. The sister with the braids in her hair stepped first, followed closely by her siblings. Two males stationed near the back wall exited next, then the rest followed suit.

Rion remained, along with the male at Selina’s side. Selina was studying the map and the points she’d marked across it. “You’re dismissed,” she repeated without looking up. The male looked her over, glared at Rion, then pulled a long knife from his belt. Selina smiled slightly when he placed it on the table before leaving.

Rion didn’t care that a few lingered outside. “So I’m here to instill fear?”

Selina folded the map. “I didn’t think that would be a problem for you. Neither did Alec.”

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