Page 38 of The Heir
Freya pinched me under the table, but I wouldn’t let Victor downplay our role in the matter.
“It’s generous of you to send your biggestgeniusto help us out.”
Victor’s mocking tone made my blood boil. The last time we were here, Freya and I had negotiated our friend Banni’s freedom. The deal had been that Aubri and Freya would use their influence with Councilman Jonah, who was married to Aubri’s sister Mila. Victor wanted Jonah to approve sharing of the medical technology that the Motlanders had access to. And he wanted the biggest genius in the Motherlands, Shelly Summers, to work with him on his project. In the deal we made with him for Banni’s freedom, Freya agreed to do her best to persuade Shelly, who was a good friend of our family.
With Jonah and Shelly being Motlanders it would be easy for outsiders to overlook the massive role Freya had played, and I wasn’t okay with that. Victor and the other French fuckers were lucky that my sister had agreed to help them. The least they could do was show their appreciation.
“We might have to reconsider that promise as you don’t seem to appreciate our generosity,” I said.
Celeste was quick to try and calm the waters. “We would love your help, Freya. Truly. It would be an honor to have your input, even if you’re not medically trained like most of us.”
From Freya’s stiff smile, I could tell she was uncomfortable with everyone looking at her.
“Does that mean you have to stay here in France when the rest of us leave on Sunday?” Holly asked. She was the Motlander I suspected had a romantic interest in my sister.
Freya braided her fingers and pressed her thumbs together. “I still need to finalize the details.”
“You should stay,” Victor said and looked straight at her. “I told you so already.”
Frowning I turned to Freya and muttered. “What is he talking about? You’re coming back with us, right?”
My sister was about to answer when Victor meddled in our affairs. “Why? It’s a long journey and it makes no sense for Freya to go back for a few days anyway when she could settle in next and get a head start.”
“Freya isn’t staying here without a protector!”
There was a moment of silence as the other delegations exchanged glances, no doubt disagreeing with my decision.
“Then I’ll be her protector,” Simon suggested in his French accent.
That comment made Indiana, Mason, and me snort.
Indiana looked enormous as he sat squeezed in between Freya and Lachlan. Trying to stretch his feet under the table, Indiana explained to the other delegations. “Marco will be Freya’s protector. He’s married to Shelly Summers and is one of us. Khan already approved it.”
“I’m sure Freya could stay a few days with me until Marco arrives. Or are you afraid I might violate your sister?” Celeste teased.
“I’m perfectly capable of making my own decisions,” Freya said. “Thank you, Celeste, I would like to accept your offer.
“About time,” Holly breathed from the other end of the table.
I felt cornered. If I left Freya unprotected my father would have a heart attack, but at the same time I understood her need for independence. “Fine, but as soon as Shelly and Marco arrive, you’ll move in with them,” I ordered my sister.
The atmosphere turned awkward when she hissed back, “Don’t treat me like I’m a child.”
After another forty minutes, the meeting ended when Victor as the leader of the French delegation stood up to speak. “Let me wrap up our first day of meetings by reminding everyone that tonight we have a special treat for you. Put on your sexy clothes and meet us in front of the Blue Tower tonight at ten o’clock. We’re going to a popular night club calledLâcher, which translated means let loose. This is your chance to experience the famous French flirting culture. The place will be packed with people eager to dance with you and as a gesture to you all, we invited some foreigners to join us there tonight. You’ll meet Explorers from the Northlands and English teachers from the Motherlands. And, of course, a lot of French people to show you a good time.”
My glance instantly fell on Linea, who was smiling and soaking it all up with enthusiasm.
Around us people were chatting and getting out of their chairs.
“Fuck me,” Mason muttered next to me. “Keeping horny Explorers and French men away from our women will be as impossible as milking a goldfish. You know that, right?”
“It’s not impossible. We’ll just tell the men to fuck off.”
Freya, who sat next to me, leaned closer. “Remember what Linea and I told you in the drone. We’re grown women and unless we ask for your protection or advice don’t bother giving it to us.”
“But what about…” Mason began.
Freya rose from her seat and gave us both a sharp glance. “Let me tell you this as nicely as I can. Tonight, I’ll dance with whomever I want to. You two and Indiana will back the fuck off.”
