Page 86 of The Divide that Binds Us

“Did you get Natasha in the trunk with your powers first as opposed to combat?”

“Y-Yes.”

Oona’s nostrils flare as she takes notes.“Interesting.The code of combat first and powers second seems to be a moot point.I would recommend not further pushing that agenda, Mr.Shackler.”

“Ma’am, with all due respect.Elite has also come into Ultima and petrified a ton of my members,” I counter.

“Yes, yes.Agent Billie Castor was arrested and reprimanded for her actions,” Oona murmurs.“It seems you were satisfied with this outcome as you did not submit a complaint of contempt toward Elite.May I also mention that a member of your team attempted to attack Billie Castor first on Emerald Island?”

So, it’s my fault for being nice then.

Cedric nods.“Clyde Strife.He has been dealt with appropriately for his outburst.”

Queen Oona closes her folder with a heavy, dramatic sigh.

“Commander Rio, Master Cedric.This complaint is very thorough, and I must take everything into consideration.At this time, I don’t think it’s necessary to continue with the complaint, but I am giving Ultima a deficiency for this.”

I slam my fists on the table, shooting up to my feet.

“What?Are you kidding me?”

All seven Guards are aiming their guns and crossbows at me.

“Rio,” Cedric snaps.The grating edge in his voice is back.“Sit.Down.”

“Okay, Queen Oona, how does the deficiency work?Can we appeal it?I-Is it reported to the other monarchs?”I ask.

As soon as I sit down, the Guards slink behind their Queen.Master Cedric hides his face behind his hand, but I’m just lucky he didn’t crush me with his mind when he could have.I drum my fingers on the table—the embarrassment finally settling in.

“You can appeal after one month if you so choose.This is reported to other monarchs as a precaution on how they utilize your services in the future.”

Queen Oona stands up and bows to us.One Guard grabs her folder of documents while two of them lead the way out of the conference room, with the remaining four trailing after her.Once the door closes, I brace myself for the verbal assault from Master Cedric, but nothing comes.Not even physical pain.

He finally looks at me, but his face is expressionless.Every possible crease from an emotion is nonexistent.I can’t tell what he’s thinking and that might be even worse.

“That did not go...how I expected it to,” he whispers.

“S-Sir, I am so sorry for my unprofessionalism.”

“All we can do is move forward.”

My foot anxiously taps the floor while I attempt to control my erratic heart.I’ve gotten this far in my conversation without getting killed, so that counts for something.

“Um, sir?I think Mildred Anguine threatened my mom’s life,” I say.

Cedric jerks his eyebrows in a look of sheer mockery on his stubbled face.He usually rotates between gray, white, and navy suits, so this black suit must be new.

“That’s what you get for entertaining that beastly woman.”

“Her concerns are slightly aligned with my mission against Alice.I know we aren’t being deployed, but what if there are clues as to who is killing the dragons?”Saying Alice’s name gives me chills.Alice Reid.“I was trying to catch two dragons with one net, ya know?”

“No, I don’t.”Cedric shakes his head.“Who even says stupid shit like that?Try again.”

A shaky sigh relieves itself from within.“I was trying to—”

“Start over.”

Defeated, I mumble, “I screwed up.”

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