“So, when do we leave?” I asked before someone could acknowledge the awkwardness.
“As soon as possible,” Lorcan said through the speaker.
“Immediately,” Raza added.
“I'm ready whenever all of you are,” Elder Wasutke nodded.
“I think we need a little time to freshen up; change our clothes, take a shower, get some food, stuff like that.” I held up my sandwich, which I had yet to be able to take a bite of. “And then we can head to the airport.”
“Fine,” Raza sighed.
“Perfectly understandable,” Lorcan added.
Elder Wasutke just glared at me.
The high council members and witch elders called the meeting to a close and I stood up, intending on getting out while I had the chance. I took my sandwich with me.
“Uh, Princess Seren?” Councilman Murdock stopped me.
“Yes?” I gave him a weary and wary look.
“I have some rooms available for your use but not enough for everyone,” Murdock looked concerned.
“Oh,” I said in relief. “Don't worry, we'll work it out. Some of us will eat while others wash up and change.”
“Great,” Murdock nodded. “I'll go have the chefs prepare something and lay out a buffet in the dining room.”
“Thank you, Sir,” I smiled. “I'm sorry to have descended upon you like this but you're handling it admirably.”
“No problem,” Murdock smiled back. “And one more thing, Ambassador.”
“Yes?”
“Your father's in Ireland.”
Chapter Forty-Eight
“I beg your pardon?” I asked Murdock as I followed him out of the meeting room and into the hallway, where a long line was forming in front of the elevator.
“Why don't we speak in here?” Murdock led us into his office. I say us because Tiernan followed me. Murdock shut the door and turned to face us. “Extinguisher Ewan Sloane has been sent to Ireland to witness the signing of the truce.”
“Who sent him?” I asked, a little surprised that I wasn't happy with the news.
I'd been trying to get my human father to forgive the fact that I wasn't his biological offspring ever since the news about my fey heritage had first come out. Ewan had remained steadfast in his decision to boot me from his life, even going as far as to say that I wasn't his daughter. I knew better; I would always be his daughter. He had raised me and he was my father. But our last meeting had been traumatic for both of us and I found that I wasn't ready for a repeat quite yet.
“The High Council asked for his presence,” Murdock sighed. “I had nothing to do with it. And there's more; his mother went with him.”
“Grandma is there?” I felt my eyes go wide. “Wonderful, both of my grandmothers under the same roof. One is psychotic and the other is indifferent. I don't know which is worse.” Then I frowned, shared a look with Tiernan, and together we said; “Psychotic.”
“Your family sounds lovely,” Murdock grimaced.
“Ihavetold you about my Uncle Uisdean, right?” I shot back.
“You have my deepest sympathies,” Murdock gave my shoulder a pat. “Now why don't you go upstairs while I phone the kitchens. There will at least be coffee to be had immediately.”
“Thanks but I have my sandwich,” I lifted the plate, getting a good look at the sandwich for the first time.
“What kind of sandwich is that?” Murdock asked as he peered at the strange colors oozing out from between the bread.
