Page 182 of A Fate of Blood and Magic
“Of those three hundred and sixty-two, one hundred and eight were children and two hundred fifty-four were adults—both fae and humans,” he continued. “Many of these prisoners snuck into Niev with the help of guard and messenger, Pietro of house Kontos, who also abducted and attacked King Elias and Queen Theodora of house Thierry. Since their abduction, Queen Theodora herself killed the traitor, but not before Commander George and Councilman Brenton extracted the names of other traitors as well as vital information that allowed Warrior Hayden and a group of warriors that he led to find four hundred and eleven weapons made of iron. Before we proceed, you’ll also note, Donnie and I invited a minor to join our council.”
Javier straightened, tipping his chin slightly higher.
“You’d be a fool to underestimate him because of his age,” Alastor continued. “His wisdom doesn’t come from age but from life experience. It is because of him that I’ve reconsidered my initial thoughts on the prisoners. I urge each of you to listen when he speaks.”
When the room grew silent, I leaned my elbows onto my lap and said, “Who would like to begin?”
“Why don’t you begin, King Elias?” Evander said.
“Our role is simply to listen,” I said. “If the council or our head advisers cannot reach an agreement, that is when we step in, but if you want my thoughts, I’ll be honest and say I don’t know.” I sighed. “I led the raid at the first compound. I went in with the intent to kill every person in a human military uniform. I felt it was my right as the soon-to-be king of Niev to avenge my people. I am still unsure how many nyxx died that night due to my arrogance. I’ve been too much of a coward to ask, but I know every single one that came with us died because of my orders. Although we killed every soldier there, I earned us even more enemies from the soldiers at the other compounds. Those enemies snuck in through the tear and hid among the humans living in our cities and Respandora. Those enemies tried to abduct Queen Theodora while I was readying our warriors for an attack on the second compound. Those enemies struck our military school and the castle. Would things have ended differently if I’d shown the humans our might without the force of killing them? I don’t know. But Donnie warned me I was making enemies. I’ve replayed those words every day since. And it was Javier who asked if we’re busy killing people we hate, or are we fighting for those we love? We’re living in a different time. My soul-bound mate is half mage. The babes she carries will be fae, human, and mage. We were taught mages were the greatestevil our realm had ever known, when the truth is that the evil ones were those who wore a crown.”
Beside me, Teddy drew in an alarmed breath, and I felt the tension that rose with my words.
“Treasonous words”—I laughed—“from a son who still loves and mourns the very people he called evil. Look around this room. For the first time in our history, our council is made up of various species. Not everyone here lives in our kingdom, but one of my hopes with this council is to build unity among all our people so that whoever wants to live in Niev may do so without fear. When Respandora is restored, my desire is that those who want to live there may also do so. The same goes for the human realm. The actions I have already taken against the humans I’ve killed have landed us here. I believe the decision we make regarding the prisoners will either band us together or further the divide.”
I leaned back against my chair, wrapping my arm over Teddy’s shoulders while I placed my other hand on her stomach. Amused, I shook my head when Brenton gave me a thumbs-up. Teddy pushed his hand down, and although she said it low, I heard her when she told him to behave.
I dug my hand in her hair and wound my fingers through the strands while each council member spoke. While the views and opinions varied, Donnie and Alastor were skilled in keeping everyone in order.
I watched with admiration when Javier spoke. His eyes were steady as he met each person’s attention, including mine and Teddy’s. His voice never quavered. His limbs never shook. He seemed sure of himself in a way I hadn’t witnessed before.
When Teddy squeezed my hand, I looked at her to find that same admiration and marvel on her face.
Although Brenton joked about only agreeing to join thecouncil for the food he was promised, he spoke from his heart with empathy. It was harder to listen to Etienne’s accounts of what he’d suffered in the compound and all he’d lost after the second explosion at the castle.
“I understand we’re living in different times,” Etienne said. “I respect the changes King Elias has brought forth, but I also believe some things should remain the same. Enslaving, torturing, and murdering hundreds should still be punishable by death.”
Each word he spoke came out slow, some slurred. His posture stiffened with each struggled word, but no one rushed him. It was his time to speak, and everyone granted him that same opportunity with patience and compassion.
“We don’t know that the prisoners we’re holding had anything to do with the treatment of the fae who were abducted and tortured at the compounds,” Cierra said.
“No,” he growled. “The ones you knew were in fact responsible for our torture and deaths were allowed to surrender and ask for mercy. Now, we’re to allow them open access to Niev? How are any of us safe?”
“We wouldn’t allow anyone through the tear who hasn’t been thoroughly vetted,” Evander explained. “We are slowly allowing humans we’ve interviewed to live in similar regions that were originally put in place by Commander Hudson, but those humans still won’t have access to the tear until we’re certain they don’t mean anyone any harm. It could take years before we allow them access to the tear. We’ve removed every weapon from their possession, regardless of the material it was made from, and have set certain laws in place they must follow. If they do not wish to abide by these laws, then they stay within the compound walls.”
Brenton sniffed, then sniffed again in Etienne’s direction,concern crossing his face as he gripped his shoulder. “Another one is coming. We need to lay you down quickly.”
Not knowing what was happening, I was surprised Etienne accepted Brenton’s help and rose to follow him. Before they left, Etienne stared back at each of us and let out a low snarl.
“My vote is to kill them all,” Etienne said, one side of his body slumping while Brenton tried to steady him. “Including the leaders at the compound. You’re fooling yourself into believing you can control them.”
“Thank you,” Donnie told him. “We appreciate your input.”
When Etienne growled, Brenton patted his chest. Teddy stood and went to Etienne’s other side. Etienne let her slip her hand through his arm while he leaned heavily onto Brenton. I stood to take Teddy’s place, but she shook her head.
With a heavy sigh, I sat back down, tracking Teddy as they slowly made their way to the other side of the tavern. While I hadn’t sensed Leah before, I heard her when she started to speak to Etienne.
“If you need to go with Teddy, you may do so,” Evander said. “We’ll wait until you both return.”
“Have you met my mate?” I asked in a teasing tone I didn’t feel.
Although I knew she didn’t want me to, I worried about her and our babes. I worried this meeting and now helping Etienne would put strain on her that she didn’t need.
Evander nodded in understanding. “I too like my balls exactly where they are.”
Cierra laughed. “As if Adira has permitted you to keep your pair.”
Evander pointed at his sister but looked at Donnie. “I’ve warned you about Demon, but you don’t listen.”
