“We chose to keep our own safe instead of fighting for those who needed us most. And for that I can confidently speak for every Loxlian when I say, we’re sorry. Truly, sorry.”
It’s quick, but I don’t miss Sera’s lip trembling before she covers it with her water glass. Tallulah is in the chair to my right, her fingers find mine and Ifinallyexhale.
“My brother is the rightful heir to Valebridge.”
Lady Mordona bumps me as she passes by. She retakes her seat next to Lady Oletta.
“It has been proven by this verified decree of birth as well as from the Fates.”
“A bold claim,” Oletta says. “The Fates have not been seen in Teravie since King Bastian and Queen Soleil called upon them hundreds of years ago.”
“Yes.” I drop Tallulah’s hand to cross my arms. “That is exactly my point, Lady Oletta. The Fates have somehow driven my brother and Elora together. He has seen it multiple times in visions and through the nymph Grawgeth.” The women stiffen but Thaddeus shoots me a quick grin. “Five years ago Roman made a choice to banish our magick. Harvest it from us as if it were free to take. And when did the blight start, Lady Mordona?”
She purses her lips and looks to her lap.
“Lady Oletta? Surely you have seen affects from the constant storms in the ocean considering your Guild resides nearest the coast. Have you not noticed?”
She chews her bottom lip but slowly, she nods.
“And you think there is no correlation? That when the Enchantresses have been mistreated, Mother Gaia has mistreated us in turn?”
“We hear you, Samaria,” Lady Mordona says, a sharp tone lacing her voice. “So, what are you suggesting? The four of us alone cannot coronate Sorin, we need the backing of the council.”
“So, then I will get it,” I snap. Lady Mordona laughs but I cut her short. “And you will help me.” Her eyebrows raise but I don’t give her a chance to speak. “I am tired of sitting by and watching. I am tired of hiding. Tired of running.” I turn from the Guild members and address the room of people before me who have fallen eerily quiet. “I am tired of those who live in Valebridge telling me what I can and cannot do. Where I can and cannot live. What rations I can and cannot have.”
A few voices chime in.
“Here, here,” one says.
“About time someone says it,” whispers another.
I turn back to the head of the table, the fear and uncertainty that nearly crippled me earlier has washed away and underneath it all, a new voice flows from my lips.
One of confidence and courage. Of anger and spite. Vengeful and compassionate all in one.
“I will not wait for you to decide the fate of our country.”
The ladies share a glance, their lips pressed tightly together.
“Aye.” Jarek stands, taking my hand. “Neither will I. I’m with you, Samaria Trednik.”
“Me too.” I scan the room to find the voice. Thomas sits perched on a small chair in the back of the room. His golden skin and auburn hair, easy to identify. “I’m with you.”
My heart swells and I clench onto Jarek’s hand.
“We’re with you, Sam,” Tallulah says.
Evren nods, his green eyes holding a hint of mischief. “We’re with you, Sam,” he says.
Tears sting in my eyes and I don’t bother holding them back as I watch each person save for Lady Oletta and Lady Mordona rise from their chairs.
The same three words echoed over and over again.
“We’re with you.”
“We’re with you.”
“We’re with you.”
