Page 52 of The Light Falls
That was seriously hot. Mentally fanning myself, I can’t help but clap.
Madoc swivels to face me, and for the first time, I notice a large, puckered wound in the center of his chest. Caved in, it almost looks like someone punched a hole through his ribcage to his heart.
“What happened?” I ask, horrified at the thought.
“This is what enemies do when they catch you but can’t kill you,” he states harshly, returning to the match. The guard on the ground gets up and taps out, another jumps in to take his place.
Stunned, I wait for him to elaborate, but he doesn’t. Not a word. Throwing my hands in the air, I head back to my room.
* * *
In camel-colored pants,black silk blouse, and the dreaded heels, I stride confidently into the council room. Ansel moves to close the doors, but I stop him.
“We have a few new members joining us today. Solandis, will you introduce the three you are sponsoring?”
She stands tall by the door. “Lady Fiora of Summer.”
The smart, petite woman walks in and takes a seat next to a young man whose mouth is open in shock. He whispers furiously to her, but she blissfully ignores him.
“Lady Lain of Night and Lady Isa of the Woods,” Solandis adds, smiling at the two ladies walking into the room. She escorts them to their new seats, then finds her own.
Estrella walks in and announces her three. “Lady Brilla of Spring.”
The statuesque blond walks in and winks at Camon, her brother, whose face turns red with anger. She lifts her chin and sashays to her spot.
Estrella’s voice is full of laughter, but she holds it in. “Lady Talia of Meadows and Lady Marisol of the Sea.” Estrella guides the two ladies to their seats, then sits down beside Solandis.
I wonder if Lady Brilla is aware of what her brother is doing. Catching his eye, I wave a hand. “Lord Camon, the floor is yours.”
“I…” he sputters. “Start roll call.”
The young man sitting next to Lady Fiora jumps up. “Aren’t you going to do something?”
Lord Camon narrows his eyes. “There’s nothing we can do. The seats were open, and the new members were sponsored by senior council members. Let’s get moving.”
Fiora tugs the man down to his seat.
After the proper protocols are followed, the floor opens for updates. Solandis stands. “Once Lord Keir sent me the list of metals and quantities, I met with Fallon. While he no longer serves as the Light Elven Prince, he is heading a new coalition for the Elven population who wish to operate independently from the monarchy. They will supply the gold, silver, and copper to us.”
Keir beams at his fellow colleagues. “We have a new supplier.”
Solandis throws him a dry look. “They can deliver them next week.” She sits down.
Camon pushes to the middle of the floor. “What about the weapons we requested?”
Solandis looks at Keir. “I don’t recall seeing the specs on the list you sent over.”
He sputters. “I’m sure I put them on there.” Pulling out his phone, he scrolls down and holds it up. “If you look, it’s the last item on the list. Weapons.”
“There are no specs. How am I supposed to request something so vague?” she remarks with a look of disdain.
Keir opens his mouth but closes it when Camon makes a gesture. “Get her the specs.” He turns to Solandis. “Solandis, make sure we get the weapons next week. We have a possible situation brewing with the Fire Fae and need to supply our soldiers.”
Solandis raises an eyebrow. “PrincessSolandis. Don’t forget your place, Lord Camon. I don’t answer to you.”
I compress my lips together to stop the smile threatening to break out.
Lord Camon grits his teeth but acknowledges her rebuke. “My apologies, Princess Solandis. Moving along. I propose we send a delegation to Lady Estrella’s land to address the fire drake situation. We need to determine if we’re looking at an uprising or general defiance and resolve it. Who will volunteer to go?”
