That’s a surprise, I was sure she’d vote for herself.Auwei was a little aghast.
When we asked, she said she didn’t want to be queen. She’s a powerful woman, but she likes her position.
True.
The murmuring died down, and Skyfire continued, “Silvermane may be one of the younger leaders, and of a newer House, but—” She drove her finger up into the air to emphasize her coming point. “In the short time that Pegasus House has existed, Lady Silvermane has made it a powerful and indomitable force in Elista. If nothing else, this proves her worthiness to rule. I believe she will be a fair and equitable queen and a handsome bride for King Alvere.”
I looked at Lord Horn. He wasn’t happy. I didn’t blame him. I was in his same position, lover to someone who might potentially soon marry another.
Interesting.Auwei said drawing the word out.
What? I asked.
I… don’t know yet. And I don’t want to say anything until I’m more certain.
Fine, be all mysterious and stubborn like that.
Fine… I will.
“That is all I have to say,” Skyfire said, bowing to the assembly with a flourish. She then returned to her chair. Spirits, she was always in control and so dynamic in everything she did. I couldn’t help but admire her. I was ready to vote for Silvermane, even if that meant handing Alvere over to the woman. Though, we’d see if I’d even have a vote at all in any of this.
Fang rose.
I didn’t know much of the man, but everything I’d heard was that he had some odd affectations and was generally a man of few words.
“Fang votes to remove House Spider. Fang votes for Merlin.” He sat again.
“I’m curious Fangy,” Skyfire said, out of turn, but not caring at all. “Do you have any evidence against House Spider?”
Fang looked to Retriever who stepped forward. She looked at me directly. “We have it on good authority that Legs kidnapped and killed the queen. Do you deny this?” she asked me directly.
“For the charge of kidnapping, I do not deny it,” I said, loud and proud. I’d done it and I’d face any consequences for it. “For the charge of killing the queen, yes, I deny it.” I said no more. That was as it should be. If asked, I could go on, but otherwise I should keep any out-of-turn speaking to a minimum.
A murmur rose in the hall and quickly died down as Retriever held up her hand. “And do you deny killing Lady Claw of House Panther, or that members of your house killed Jaguar, Tiger, Lynx, and Lion of House Panther? Do you deny working with the Vauphani against us in the war?”
That was a bit harder to answer. I tried not to smile, thinking about my revenge upon Lady Claw. In truth, that hadn’t brought me the satisfaction I’d hoped.
Oddly, before I could answer, it was Skyfire who came to my rescue, sort of. “That was war, Puppy.” Retriever glared at Skyfire, clearly not liking that nickname. “And yes, Legs may have been on the other side, but who’s to say she wasn’t trying to make peace? Things get confusing in war.”
“Members of House Panther saw Legs kill Lady Claw at night, during a sneak attack!” Retriever was growing angrier.
“After we attacked the Vauphani at night, in a sneak attack, isn’t that right?” Skyfire asked easily.
Several people gasped and low murmurs filled the hall. That was clearly not common knowledge.
“It was, yes,” Retriever said sourly.
“Then, like I said. War is war. The girl has admitted to kidnapping the queen, and that’s going to have consequences. but we can’t know for certain how the queen died or by whose hand, unless, anyone has a way to be certain?” Skyfire looked around. It was a testament to her guile that she didn’t look in Ursa’s direction at all.
“If I may!” Ursa spoke up stepping forward. “I have a spirit-gift which allows me to know a person’s mind, I can sense truth. Shall I use it?”
As far as I knew, no one other than Silvermane and Skyfire, knew Ursa and I had been working together. The murmurs around the hall died down as Retriever smiled. “Yes, that would be wonderful, thank you Lady Ursa.” She motioned to me.
Ursa crossed the floor to stand before me. She addressed me harshly, directly.
“Lady Legs, did you or did you not kidnap the queen?”
“I did.”
