“You knew Rayetayah was Raza's son?” I lifted a brow.
“You didn't?” Catan lifted one back at me and I chuckled.
“Yes, he's here for Rayetayah,” I sighed and then asked suddenly, “Do you think you can rule on the charges against the raven mockers, now that the evidence has been presented to you?”
“Normally, I would call a council meeting for this and we would have to consult with the Human Council since I believe the crime was set before them first,” Catan shrugged. “But any fool can see that the attacks were not instigated by the mockers.”
I tried not to give Teagan a smug look but it was difficult. Even without my look though, he ended up grimacing. If Catan ruled on an issue that the Human Council believed was their jurisdiction, while a councilman sat by and said nothing, that councilman might get into serious trouble.
“I agree, Councilman Catan,” Raza called to the crystal. “Could you please deliver a verdict in light of these circumstances?”
“Now, hold on,” Teagan growled. “This is a matter for the Human Council to rule on and they've already made it clear that they won't offer a ruling until all the information is presented to them.”
“Who's speaking now, Princess?” Catan asked.
“That's Councilman Teagan, Head of the Tulsa House,” I introduced him.
“Councilman Teagan, that's a ridiculous statement,” Catan said stiffly. “I'm sure you're aware that on matters of this magnitude, both Councils must be consulted but the Council of the defendant's race is always given final say. This is a courtesy that has been given since the truce was first signed and one which I intend to avail myself of right now. Goddess knows that you humans have done so often enough.” Catan's voice went deep as he delivered the verdict, “The raven mockers are hereby found innocent of all charges and shall be allowed to return to their homes and their lives, be they in Fairy or within the Human Realm.”
“Thank you, Councilman!” Rayetayah whooped and then hugged his father.
“Go,” Raza nodded to Raye. “I know you want to bring them home.”
“He'll need the plane,” I interjected. “We'll call ahead and have my father's jet prepared for him.”
“Thank you, Princess,” Raye came over to me and kissed my hand. “Thank you for looking after us.”
“Thank you for helping us uncover the truth,” I smiled gently. “Now go get your family. I'll scry for my father after I speak with Councilman Catan, and let King Keir know to send them to meet you at the rath.”
“Then you'd better send him with our plane, instead of your father's, Ambassador,” Teagan offered graciously. “Remember how many there were.”
“Oh, right,” I gave Teagan a grateful smile. “Thank you, Councilman Teagan, that's very kind of you.”
“I agree with the verdict,” Teagan shrugged. “I just didn't want to be the one who disobeyed the Human High Council. Now I can blame Councilman Catan for citing truce law.”
“If I could, I'd like to speak to Councilman Teagan?” Catan asked.
“Yes, of course,” I gave Teagan the ball with aOh damn, I think he heard thatlook on my face.“I'll just see Raye out as you speak,” I got up and gestured to Raye. “Do you want a ride to the airport or would you rather fly?”
“I'll fly, thank you,” Raye followed me out of the room, his father close behind us.
When we got to the front door, Raza hugged his son and wished him a safe journey.
“I've missed you,” Raye said to his father. “Perhaps you'll return to the Human Realm more often now?”
“Or perhaps you'll come home to the realm of your birth more often,” Raza countered with a grin.
“I'll make the effort if you will,” Raye smiled back and then turned to me. “May I hug you, Princess Seren?”
“Absolutely,” I held my arms out to him and Raye enveloped me.
“My father can seem cruel but when he loves, it's fiercely and forever,” Raye whispered into my ear. “A love like that is worth a little cruelty, don't you think?”
“It depends on who is being cruel to whom,” I said as I pulled away. “Goodbye, Rayetayah. May Danu fly beside you.”
“Goodbye, Princess Seren,” Raye stepped out onto the porch, unfolded his wings, and leaped into the sky.
“I would never be cruel to you,” Raza said casually as he walked by me on his way back to the library. “Unless you asked me to.”
