Page 88 of The Outcast
I dipped my head to her before hurrying to Banni’s side. Knowing that he would have to leave soon and that I might not see him again made me reach out for him with a gigantic knot in my chest. Banni opened his arms to me and it was the most wonderful feeling to slide down onto his lap and place my face against the crook of his neck. After keeping our attraction a secret, this public display of our affection felt like a milestone.
Aubri smiled at us. I half expected her to make some protective threat to Banni, warning him not to hurt me, but she looked genuinely happy for us and didn’t say a thing.
“How about Thor and I go and talk to our father? Maybe he has an answer for us. I would like to write Victor and tell him that we want a meeting with Moreau,” Freya said.
Thor scooted out from the booth in the cozy nook where we were sitting. “I’m coming.”
When the two of them left the room, Belle excused herself saying that Violetta needed a nap. Mason was quick to follow his wife out and that left Banni and me with Aubri.
Her fingertips drummed on the table with impatience. “I wish we could be flies on the wall in Khan’s office. I want to know what he has to say.”
“Me too,” I declared.
Banni cleared his throat. “We could always listen by the window in the garden.”
“That won’t work unless his window is open and they’re shouting. And it’s risky,” Aubri said. “I once got caught by a guard. It’s better to listen from the hallway, but you have to be sneaky about it. If things get explosive in Khan’s office, there’s a big risk that someone will storm out and see you. Trust me, I’ve made the mistake of staying too long a few times.”
After a long moment of exchanging glances, the three of us got up at the same time. Walking out of the library we went past the great entrance, passing the guards, and then down the hallway where Khan’s office was located.
We didn’t have to go close since the shouting from the room traveled.
“I don’t want to hear that you have it under control. If you return here without everyone in the group, you need not come home at all.”
“But Dad, it wasn’t my fault that Aubri volunteered, and besides, it turned out well in the end.”
“Ha! Moreau mocked me and Magni. He’s damn lucky we didn’t drop a massive bomb on his ass. If you want to go and negotiate with the clown again then be my guest, but I’m not giving him more than we already agreed upon. We’re helping the French clean their lands and in return we want them to let Banni stay here indefinitely. End of discussion.”
“We’ll do our best to make them understand.” Freya sounded calmer than Thor and Khan.
“Good luck, but Freya, I’m warning you. No more mind games. I don’t know what possessed you to gamble with your future like you did last time. You are under no circumstances offering yourself in exchange for Banni, is that understood?” Khan rumbled.
“Yes, I understand.”
“And if your brother can’t control the situation you’ll step in and smooth things out just like your mother always does. If they can’t let one of their people go in return for us giving them more than sixty Explorers, then you tell Moreau to go fuck himself.”
“Why don’t you believe I can do it?” Thor asked in a pained tone. “You always rely on Freya the most.”
“Because she’s strategy-minded like me. You don’t think as fast or far as her, that’s why.”
“Then maybe you should make her your heir instead of me.”
“Don’t be ridiculous. You’re my son. Now go prove that you can accomplish something without fucking it up.”
Banni and I were holding hands and I felt him squeeze my fingers. Looking into his eyes, I read the empathy on his face. He didn’t like the way Khan spoke to Thor.
“Let’s move,” Aubri whispered and led us back to the library in haste. After a few minutes of waiting, Thor and Freya returned.
“We have a go from Khan,” Freya said.
Thor didn’t say anything, but his face was flushed red from the screaming match he’d just been in with his father. I didn’t blame him for feeling humiliated and angry from Khan’s harsh words.
“When are we going then?” Banni asked.
Freya stayed by the door. “Now that Thor’s party is canceled, we could leave tonight if you can get Indiana to go with short notice.”
With a determined nod, Aubri walked to the exit. “I’m on it. Give me an hour and we’ll be ready.”
“Good, then I’ll write to Victor to inform him that we’re coming,” Freya said and looked to Thor. “Would you tell the staff to fill up the drone with snacks and drinks?”
