“And second?”
“A pardon for Jade.”
That gets a reaction. Gideon straightens, and Eliza’s calm shatters entirely. Even Aubery’s mask slips, her crimson lips curling into a faint scowl.
“Jade?” Aubery asks, her voice laced with disbelief. “The part fey who very nearly opened a portal, and who killed Baltazar?”
“The same,” I say, keeping my tone firm. “He was being influenced by the fey. He wants no part of them returning. His loyalties are to his human side and to this world.”
“And,” I add with a confidence I am not quite feeling. “The incubus, Gray, is close to perfecting amulets that will prevent the fey from talking to any of their descendents. I know the Council has been keen on that development.”
“Even if that’s true, and the amulets will work,” Gideon interjects, his voice a low growl, “Jade is a loose cannon. Why stick your neck out for him?”
“Because he’s the best friend of one of the few people I trust,” I reply. “And if Pink says Jade is innocent, then he is.”
The room falls silent, tension coiling in the air like a snake ready to strike.
My voice breaks the silence. “Pardoning Jade, is a goodwill gesture. A token of trust. It will enable me to know I am safe to divulge all that I know.”
I stop and tap on my head. “There is far more in here than I have written in this.” I shake the folder in my hand for emphasis.
Aubery exchanges a glance with her fellow masters, a silent conversation passing between them. Finally, she turns back to me.
“Your Grace, you’re asking for a great deal. A pardon for a known criminal, and resources to track your brother, all on the basis of your word.”
“Not just my word,” I say, leaning forward. “The evidence in this folder and the knowledge in my mind. Consider this. If my mother succeeds, the fey won’t discriminate. Vampires, shifters, humans, we’ll all suffer the consequences. Stopping all Revivalist factions benefits everyone.”
Aubery’s gaze pierces into mine, and for a moment, I think she’s about to reject me outright. But then she nods, a slow and deliberate motion.
“We’ll consider your request,” she says.
It’s not a promise, but it’s not a refusal either. I imagine they need to run such an important decision by the Grandmaster. I’m pretty sure I won’t be kept waiting for long.
I carefully return the folder to my satchel, then I stand, smoothing down my jacket. “Thank you for your time.”
As I leave the chamber, I can feel their eyes on my back. The Council’s help is far from guaranteed, but I’ve planted the seed. Now, all I can do is wait and hope it grows.
Chapter twenty-nine
Pink
Idon’t know why I keep looking at the clock on the car radio. It’s not going to make the time go any faster. And I don’t even know how long Monty is likely to be. How long do meetings with the Council take? I have no idea. Most people try very hard not to have to have any dealings with the Council at all. So, I’m not sure if anyone knows.
I stare up at the nondescript glass skyscraper as if it has any answers. But it doesn’t tell me a thing. It looks identical to the dozens of other tall office buildings in this area. It’s all very discreet.
I know the Council’s true headquarters is a huge underground castle somewhere. All granite and medieval grandeur. I guess the Council only uses it for very special occasions.
Hopefully, Monty isn’t about to be arrested and dragged off there to never be seen again. Charged with the crime of being a Revivalist.
I squirm in my seat and chew on my bottom lip. Surely it is going to be fine? The Council are going to want the informationMonty can offer them? They are going to understand he can’t help what family he was born into and that he never wanted any part of it?
Suddenly, the revolving doors at the entrance spin, and Monty strides out. Heading straight for me. Relief surges through me. He is free at least. No dank dungeon for him.
I can’t read his expression or his body language. He just looks like an incredibly handsome, smartly dressed man hurrying to get out of the gloom and the cold.
He opens the driver side door and slides into the seat. He pulls his satchel off, pats it as if checking for something, and then twists to place it almost reverently on the backseat.
“I think it went well,” he says. “I think they are going to bite.”
