Page 41 of Prisoner of Darkness and Dreams
“Yesterday, you said we’d continue our discussions,” I remind him, but then also lift my voice so the others can hear. “Shall we resume our meeting now? We can send for the others too, and Corrin should join us.”
“Morgana,” Harman says loudly, clearly frustrated. He glances at Corrin and lowers his voice. “He hasn’t proven we can trust him. We can’t just invite him into the Hand’s inner fold.”
Corrin quirks an eyebrow. “I’m offended, Sandale,” he says lightly. “After all that talk of wanting me to join your cause too.”
“That’s not the point, Wadestaff, and you know it,” Leon growls. “You wouldn’t have survived a week in Hallowbane if you just trusted any fool who strolled into your businesses and asked to be shown around.”
I blink at Leon, surprised at hearing him side with my brother.
“True,” Corrin says, pulling his coat back on. “I suppose I’m just wondering whether you all consider Her Highness your queen or not. And if she is, doesn’tsheget to decide who sits in onhermeetings?”
Alastor steps up, pushing past the rebels.
“Excuse me, but is everyone forgetting I can settle this in about two minutes?”
“Thank you, Alastor,” I say with gratitude.
“Mr. Wadestaff,” Alastor addresses Corrin, his words fizzing with sensic magic. “Do you intend to keep everything you hear in this meeting a secret, unless Her Highness Morgana Angevire tells you otherwise?”
“I do,” Corrin says.
“Do you intend to act as her ally, to the best of your ability, and uphold your deal with her?”
“Within reason,” Corrin says.
Leon makes a noise of annoyance, but I raise an eyebrow at him. Honestly, what did he expect?
“He’s a businessman, Leon. He has no loyalty to me, and why should he? He’s agreed to ally with us because he sees the benefit to it—no more, no less. This is the best we’re going to get,” I remind him.
Alastor’s magic is still buzzing in the air, and he slides a look toward Harman, a wicked grin appearing on his face.
“And what do you really think of Harman Sandale?”
“Alastor—” Harman protests, but Corrin’s already speaking.
“I think he’s a pompous, self-righteous ass who by rights should never have a restful night again as long as he keeps putting his cause before others’ wellbeing. But you don’t need to use magic to get me to tell you that,” Corrin says, crossing his arms. The magic is clearly working on him, buthe’s too strong-minded to be dazed or bewildered by it. This is a man who is not easily rattled.
Some of the rebels make noises of protest, but Harman doesn’t look too offended, especially when Alastor laughs. I see amusement quirk at the corners of my brother’s mouth then.
“Plus, he’s the queen’s brother,” Corrin adds. “I’m prepared to play nice with him.”
Alastor nods, satisfied, and his magic fades. He looks around at us, putting his hands on his hips.
“Alright, well, let’s not stand around out here discussing secret meetings for longer than we have to. It’s going to attract attention, even in Tread.”
Harman sighs. “Alright, Mr. Wadestaff. Welcome to the Hand of Ralus.”
“A very temporarymembership,” Corrin clarifies.
Harman rolls his eyes. “We can only hope.”
When we’re all gathered inside the cave, I look around at my allies. Mal’s news about my magic has shaken me, but we don’t have time to worry about that when we need to focus on pushing ahead. We’re a strong group: Leon and his soldiers, Harman and the rebels, and Corrin Wadestaff, feared crime lord of Hallowbane with about every underground connection we could dream of.
Even Lafia and Tira are big assets. Lafia is smart as a whip and knows a lot about the Temple, and I saw how Tira handled herself in Qimorna. She’s a fierce fighter now.
I smile at her, proud at her progress. I’m relieved when she gives me a weak smile back. The news about Kit was a blow, but I’m glad to see her spirit is still there.
Corrin’s security insisted on standing behind him, making him look more in charge than he has a right to once we’re all sitting down. He lightly brushes invisible dust from the table in front of him.
