Page 22 of Addicted in Blood
“The decision at that time gave the cadre temporary leadership until Devon Trelane’s capture and pending sanction of the House.”
Lorenzo leaned forward as if ready to interrupt.Isabella glared at him, and he settled back, his brows furrowed, and his lips thinned in growing anger.
“In our haste to review our Father’s succession plans, we overlooked the inherent succession laws.”
Lorenzo leaned forward again, as did several other members.Isabella’s brow lifted.Apparently, the Council hadn’t given the succession laws any consideration, or perhaps they simply weren’t given all the facts.
“According to those laws,” she continued, “should anything happen to a House leader, whether by death, killed by an enemy outside of war, or convicted of a crime, then the heir of the leader,” she paused for a brief instant, “or if one isn’t available, an heir of the House is next in line.”
The Council began to stir with mumbles and side conversations.Lorenzo stood and appeared ready to jump over the table.She sensed the cadre taking a step closer.
Isabella slammed the clock to a stop.“Council members will remember this is the petitioner’s time.”She turned her gaze to Simone.“Please explain.”She didn’t restart the clock.
“There’s nothing to explain.”Lorenzo couldn’t seem to restrain himself.“Everyone knows Lyra Trelane has been catatonic and locked in an asylum for decades.”
Simone shook her head.“According to the succession law as I understand it, the mental stability of the heir is not a factor to becoming a House leader as long as they have a strong cadre.”She turned her gaze to Lorenzo.“And I can assure you, the House Trelane has a stellar cadre.”
Isabella broke in before Lorenzo had the opportunity.“I think we can all agree the cadre of the House Trelane is more than sound to guide a successor.”She glanced around the table at the other Council members, who all nodded in agreement.
Lorenzo, after clenching his jaw several times, had no choice but to agree or provide evidence to the contrary.He nodded with a quick jerk of his head, then he smiled.“There’s the matter of the Council seat.For that, mental stability is required.Is House Trelane abdicating their seat on the Council?”
“No.”Simone’s tone left no doubt that she was prepared for this.
Isabella gave Lorenzo a warning glare, but he’d already slouched in his seat, apparently satisfied the matter was now up for discussion.
“It’s imperative that a seat is filled with someone of sound mind.”Council member Bertrand scratched his head.He was one of the younger members and had been an ally to House Trelane.“This heir would have to undergo testing to be approved to fill the Council seat.”
Testing.Simone let the word roll around as she considered the Lyra she’d met this afternoon.So different from the person she’d known to this point.Not that she’d known Lyra well, but she’d always made time for the girl when at Oasis.The option wasn’t without merit, and she was grateful Bertrand had mentioned it.She gave a slight nod in his direction.
“The House Trelane requests the members put the question of the Council seat in abeyance until the final judgment in the case of Devon Trelane.”
The mumbling of the Council members began again, but this time Isabella let them murmur while she studied Simone.She knew there was a game afoot, and instead of admonishment in that steely gaze, there was respect.It gave Simone the jolt she required to remain stoic.
When the members quieted on their own, Isabella steepled her fingers, tapping them ever so lightly on her chin.
“Madame Chairperson.”Lorenzo’s hands raised in supplication.“We’re losing sight of the original issue, of why we’re even having this discussion.Their leader is mad on Magic Poppy, and it’s quite possible the entire House is responsible for the drug being back in circulation.”
Lucas took a step, but he froze at Simone’s glare and dropped fangs.
“Those are serious charges.Do you have evidence to present?”Isabella’s irritation was clear.
“Not at this time.”Lorenzo bowed his head.
“This isn’t the first time you’ve brought an accusation to this Council without provocation.The Council doesn’t care about your personal feud with the House Trelane.You know quite well that spreading rumors could bring charges against you, and you’ve just given their House two dozen witnesses that can be used as evidence.”
Lorenzo clenched his jaw but said nothing.
“Perhaps we should table the entire matter of House leader until after the resolution of Devon Trelane’s case.”Council member Jacova relaxed in his chair as if he was lord of the chamber, ignoring Simone.There was no love lost between him and Devon.He and Lorenzo were thick as thieves.
“Before the Council rules, may I present a witness?”Simone held her breath.This was the moment it all came down to.
“We’ve already spent too much time on this.”Lorenzo’s murmur rolled across the chamber, but most of the Council appeared curious, including Isabella.
“You can assure this witness is material to your request?”Isabella appeared more than hopeful.It was almost as if the woman knew who waited in the hall.
“Most assuredly,” she responded.
“Please proceed.”
