‘He was found desecrating the body,’ Vittoria states. ‘Drenched in his victim’s blood. If you had seen it, Rose, then you’d never trust him again.’
‘He was trying to save him,’ Rose says through gritted teeth.
‘Christopher was immersed in water when he died. It was instrumental as a cause of his death. Matt is water Kin.’
‘And? So are a lot of Kinfolk.’
By this time, I’ve reached our alcove. I put my arm around Rose’s shoulder and kiss the side of her head, realising I’ve not shown any affection towards my sister since the night Matt died. The knowledge adds to my burgeoning sense of regret.
‘We will deal with this,’ I tell her quietly. ‘But not yet. After this, you should go to St Marnox and talk to Matt.’
‘Why, Cillian? I could have been going there all this time. Seen him. Not… not lived my life the way I did, mourning him every single day, thinking that I could never have… never have the life I wanted. You kept me from him.’
‘He asked me to, Rosebud. He wanted you to live your life fully, not spend it visiting him like a prisoner.’
‘But—’
‘Rosebud…’
‘This is all very touching, Cillian, but can we please get on with the case in hand,’ MacGowan says. ‘Vittoria?’
‘In the light of these revelations, it should be clear that there is significant doubt about Cillian Hunter remaining as the Huntsman.’
‘For trying to save the life of an innocent?’ Rose scoffs but even as she speaks, the humming in the chamber gets louder. Rose and I both look around our alcove, which has started to glow.
‘Is the Court… is this it coming back to life?’ Rose whispers.
‘I don’t know.’
The other Kin are whispering amongst themselves. Vittoria, who had looked unsure for a split second, squares her shoulders and resumes her speech.
‘This may well be a sign.’ Vittoria gestures around her. The lights in each alcove are just a little bit brighter, the atmosphere a little more positive. ‘Could this be The Unseelie Court itself, affirming what we are saying? That Niamh Whyte was guilty of killing Kin and should have been punished accordingly? In sparing her life, allowing her to reach sanctuary, Cillian Hunter has proven himself unworthy of his position and should be removed.’
The lights flicker, going out briefly before starting to build in intensity once more. There’s more muttering, and it’s hard to tell whether the others are in agreement with Vittoria or will back me. Again, Rose stops me when I try to speak and looks up at the source of light in our alcove. ‘No, wait. The Court. She’s misinterpreting. And it will put her right itself, that will be far more effective.’
‘You’re not rushing to defend yourself, Cillian?’ Vittoria asks. ‘No attempt to deny your deception or justify your actions. Even if they’re moot now.’ Her smile is wicked, but I ignore her goading.
‘I didn’t want to be rude and interrupt. After all, you appear to know a lot more about me and the decisions I’ve made as Huntsman perhaps even than I do.’
My statement is met with a low murmur of laughter from around the chamber.
The hum stops abruptly. There’s silence for a long moment, then Carruth laughs loudly.
‘Do you want to continue with this nonsense, Vittoria, or simply present your evidence from Sussurri?’
‘Fine.’ She’s furious. I can see it in the set of her shoulders. For the next ten minutes, she projects footage into the centre of the Court. The Court’s magic ensures that we can all watch it easily, always at the right angle for our position around the chamber. Rose sits stoically, watching herself dancing and flirting with the men. I notice Carruth glancing over more than once, and several of the younger men– although many of them I’m sure already know my sister intimately. She’s allowed to make whatever choices she wishes about the men she spends time with, but guilt gnaws at me. If I had told her about Matt, things might be very different. But I’m so fucking proud of her for sitting through it, not reacting to any of the whispers I try not to hear. None of the men whispering behave any differently themselves.
Security footage shows Sean heading down a corridor, followed by Niamh a few minutes later, but only Niamh returns. The dancefloor footage also shows that no one else touched the drinks after Niamh bought them.
‘There doesn’t seem to be much doubt about her guilt,’ MacGowan says, but I know him. He’s wanting this to be over so that he can get back to propping up one of his failing bars. ‘But if she’s already at St Marnox, surely there is nothing else to be done? The Court has seen fit to grant her sanctuary.’
Vittoria is watching me, waiting to see how I react.
‘Have you nothing to add, Huntsman? No further information about the human? Something that may make the Court reconsider your suitability for the position?’
I shrug. ‘You can try and force me out, Vittoria. But I will never go willingly. For any reason. Including my choice of bride.’
The hum must have been gradually building again, unnoticed, but now it suddenly screeches as if there’s interference. Everyone in the chamber winces at the discordant sound.
