“Proper attirefor meeting with the council,” he said.
Proper attirefor making me wet.
“Now,thatone you wanted me to hear,” Phin growled, pulling me close for one last kissbefore we exited the car and made our way to the hall’s entrance. “Are youready?”
“Ready to standin front of twelve complete strangers, some of which have the power to bend therules of physics, and have them search me for tics and check my teeth for signsof good breeding?” I sassed. “Not on your life.”
Phin laughed.“It won’t be like that. Trust me.”
“Will yourfather be here?”
He shook hishead. “The king sits as head of the Royal Council, which governs the needs ofthe Cauld Ane people. Kaspar sits at the head of the Kalt Einn council, buttoday, you will be going before the Council of the Oracles. They overseematters of magic, prophecies, and upholding the ancient ways. Haddi used tohead the council, but that honor now falls on Arric Gunnach.”
I squeezed hishand. “And the council will be able to tell me more about my abilities?”
“That’s whywe’re here. Well, that and the fact that as soon as Fiona informed Haddi aboutyour ability to teleport he called an emergency meeting and demanded ourpresence.”
I clasped myhands together, fluttered my eyelashes, and let out a squeal. “Every littlegirl dreams of the day she’ll be summoned to appear before a mystical tribunalof oracles. I just can’t believe that day has finally come for me.”
“You may notbelieve it, but it’s quite an honor to have an audience with the council,” hesaid with a firm yet sweet tone.
“I’m sorry.” Ilet out a deep sigh. “I promise I’ll show respect. I’m just nervous I’ll do orsay something stupid, like I did just now.”
“What you saidwasn’t stupid, and neither are you. I’m telling you there’s nothing to beafraid of in there,” Phin said, pointing to the gigantic wooden doors of thehall. They looked like something straight out of Dr. Frankenstein’s castle anddid little to calm my nerves.
“Then why do Ifeel like I’m about to take a test I didn’t study for?” I asked.
“I have a hardtime believing that’s ever happened to you.”
“Okay, okay, ithasn’t,” I conceded. “I always studied, but that’s not the point.”
“Then what’sbothering you, sweet love?”
“I’m afraid thatwhen the Council looks at me, all they’ll see is the daughter of Gavin Trask.”I bit my lip. “Spawn of the enemy.”
Phin took myhands in his, quietly speaking the ancient words over me, as if speaking aprayer. “Enn eru fljót efasemdar í huga þínum. Slökktu óttalogana sem brennaí hjarta þínu. Vertu rólegur. Vertu sannur. Vertu samstíga örlögunum.” (Stillthe rivers of doubt raging inside your mind. Extinguish the flames of fearwhich burn within your heart. Be calm. Be truthful. Be at one with the Fates).
I took a deepbreath before letting go of Phin’s hands, now calmed by his words. “Okay, I’mready.”
Phineas smiledat me, pushing open the large wooden doors, and leading me into the hall.
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
Lennox
“GOODEVENING, MEMBERS of the council,” Phin said, in the most dignified tone I’dheard him use thus far, and the council rose to their feet.
“Good evening YourRoyal Highness. Thank you for obliging our request to come before the Council,”the large, bearded man who I assumed was Arric said.
Inside, the hallwas mostly empty except for a large semi-circular table, where the twelvemembers of the Council of the Oracles were already seated. Next to the tablewas a rectangular platform on which sat two empty chairs facing the council.
Phineas smiledwide, wrapping an arm around my waist, distracting me from my perusal of thecrowd. “Good evening, members of the Council. May I present my mate, her royalHighness, Princess Lennox of the Clan Gunnach.”
No sooner hadPhin spoken the words than I burst out laughing. Mortified, I covered my mouthwith both hands, but I couldn’t stop. For some reason, hearing my name andtitle announced was the funniest thing I’d ever heard. In fact, until that verymoment, it hadn’t even dawned on me that I was even royalty, let alone anactual princess. Only moments ago, I was making fun of ‘little girl dreams’ andhere I was, living in one. It was absurd. My life was officially completely andutterly bonkers.
“Is somethingfunny, Your Highness?” Arric asked.
I glanced up atmy mate and grimaced.Phin, help me stop laughing. Now. Help me now.
