Page 80 of Depths of Desire
Sivara smiles ruefully. “Unfortunately, he has been detained, but he wanted me to ensure that you all understand his fierce desire to have this abomination put to rights.”
The red king looks at me and then at Renzo and Luca. “And where is Niccolo?”
“He, too, has been unavoidably detained, but he stands by his marriage and his love for his wife. He believes they were destined to be together by fate. He wishes to remain married to Ms. Benedetti forever, as is his right as her husband.”
“The red king’s expression sours, but before he can speak, the king next to him, wearing a blue robe, says, “I do not like that neither party is here. Do they care so little about this issue that neither one can be bothered to appear? Lady Draethe,” he continues, his voice loud and echoing around the chamber, “Comescu demanded to be heard, claimed it was an emergency, and yet he fails to appear? Does he think our time is any less valuable than his?”
“No, your majesty. He is bereft that he could not be here in person. He asks your forgiveness.”
Damn. She handled that much better than I would’ve. She’s not in the least bit intimidated. My heart sinks. If this goes wrong, I will have to leave here with her. That cannot happen.No matter what, I won’t go with her. I will not be with Malrick even if it means I have to do something crazy.
“Mr. Valdici, what is the reason your brother is unavailable? Does he not love his wife enough to show up?” the blue king thunders.
“My son is currently dealing with a family crisis. His love for his family is the only thing that would keep him away from such an important council meeting,” Nico’s father, Leonardo says as he comes to stand behind me. I had no idea he was here. He gently touches my shoulder by way of greeting, and I want to think it’s to provide me some comfort. But I’m smart enough to know that he did it for the benefit of the other kings. He wants them to see that he supports this marriage.
“Nico will, of course, make up any offense he has caused, Aldryn.” The senior Valdici is clever to use the other king’s first name.
I know he’s doing it to impress upon them that he is one of them. Sivara frowns, and her eyes glitter. She did not like that one bit. She must show deference to the council while Nico’s father is their equal. Score one for our side. I stifle a giggle. I’m losing it. The stress is getting to me. I link my hands together and squeeze my knuckles to help me focus. Laughing would be a major mistake that I cannot afford to make.
“Very well then,” Aldryn says. “Lady Draethe, you may call your first witness.”
At this, Renzo, Luca, and I sit down on another curved bench. Leonardo sits down on the first bench in the gallery behind us. Close enough to intervene if he wants but far enough away to stay out of the fray. I’m never sure about Leonardo. In all the times I’ve met him which isn’t that many, I’ve never really managed to get a read on him which makes me nervous.
She nods. “Thank you. I call Vaelen Morgrave to appear before your majesties.”
I blink then lean toward Luca to whisper, “Who the hell is Vaelen Morgrave?”
“He’s Malrick’s right hand.”
“Why are they calling him?” I ask.
Renzo looks at me with narrowed eyes. “You don’t know him?”
I shake my head as I watch the vampire enter the circle and stand before the council. “I’ve never seen him before. I would remember.” And I would, no question. Morgrave’s hair is a shock of deep red swept back from a pale, angular face. He has a fine dusting of freckles that spans the bridge of his nose and his cheekbones, incongruous and oddly captivating, as though he’s a teenager still. But his eyes are something else. They are the green of pond scum and just as cold.
“Your majesties,” Morgrave says as he gives a slight bow, his voice carrying clearly around the chamber.
“Mr. Morgrave,” Sivara begins, “please state your name and the position you hold within Mr. Comescu’s house.”
Morgrave opens his mouth, but Leonardo cuts him off. “We all know who he is and what he does for Comescu. I see no need to drag this out any longer than necessary. Your time is valuable, as is ours.”
The kings all nod in agreement. “Get to it, Lady Draethe.”
Sivara glares at Leonardo before nodding agreeably. “Very well. Mr. Morgrave, have you ever had the occasion to visit the home of Ms. Benedetti?”
“Yes.”
“When was this?” Sivara asks as if she doesn’t already know the answer.
“Several years ago, and then again quite recently,” Morgrave responds.
“And what was the purpose of your visits?”
Morgrave smiles coldly. “To accompany Malrick to the home of Elio Benedetti, who was an informant for Malrick. We were going to collect information.”
There was a gasp behind me. I turned and glanced over my shoulder. The room was full. I immediately turned back and swayed slightly, bumping Luca’s shoulder. I had no idea there was an audience.
“Steady,” Luca murmurs as he surreptitiously grabs my arm.
