Several shouts of agreement and thunderous foot-stomping came from around the room, and Scarlett’s eyes widened. The war hawks in the Goldenrod Party wouldlovethis excuse to drop bombs on Soleil’s old enemy. Even if they had killed her dad, he wouldn’t want this. Would Elestine be able to stop them from motioning to declare war?
“I’m suggesting a delay of no more than a day,” protested Elestine.
As she spoke, a young staff member burst through the doors and approached her. She stepped down from the podium, and he spoke to her in a low voice. When he’d finished, he left as quickly as he’d come.
Elestine faced the peers looking confident. “We’ve had a message from Soleil’s ambassador in Sigur Viður. They’re denying any involvement in Lord Jules Heroux’s death and are offering to cooperate with an investigation. We must delay action until we’ve seenevidence,” said Elestine emphatically.
The room was a flurry of foot-stomping, clapping, and grumbles.
“Delay for evidence!” shouted Scarlett as she shot to her feet. Seconds later, many of her peers joined her, wisps of gold smoke above the heads of all those nearest to her.
Elestine shot her a grateful look from the podium. “All those in favor of tabling this discussion until after we see what the bureauhas?”
“Aye,” bellowed Scarlett. Enough of the opposition agreed with the Ceruleans—they had a majority.
Thank the Goddess.
She returned to her seat, hoping the meeting would contain no more crises.
“Well done, Scarlett. Your presence here meant everything today,”said Nori.
Scarlett let out a sigh of relief as she realized her soul light was right. Jules Heroux’s daughter had been here to say no to a hasty revenge war. She was overcome with a wave of gratitude that she hadn’t waited another day to return.
From her place at the podium, Elestine asked the budget committee to proceed with the originally scheduled overview. Scarlett stared at the back of Moira’s head wishing she could see the disappointment on her face. Her heart raced through the first fifteen minutes of the dull fiscal discussion as she struggled to relax after the barely avoided vote for a war. She couldn’t wait to tell Brayden everything and get his thoughts.
Unsurprisingly, the budget meeting ran over. Afterward, Scarlett followed the herd of her colleagues to the peers’ dining room. She sat in an empty seat next to Otis, who gave her a tired but kind smile and congratulated her on a well-made speech, but she smiled blankly, barely hearing him, as she spied Alastair and Elestine in conversation across the room. Elestine had intercepted him on the way to get his lunch and was now pointing vehemently toward the door. He walked off looking unhappy.
Minutes later, Elestine sat next to Scarlett, a cup of coffee in her hand. “I told Alastair he wasn’t eating until he’d arranged a time for the bureau to give testimony. I wish those bastards at the bureau hadn’t blown their load so quickly—they could have given us more than a couple of hours’ notice. They’re clearlykissing Moira’s arse.”
“Too right,” said Otis. “Scarlett, how are you doing? You know, you can take the day if you need to. Everyone would understand.”
Scarlett stared down at her lunch, her hunger gone. “This is too important for me to miss. I meant what I said to all the peers—why would Sigur Viður act against us when they’ve been escalating their presence on Evory’s northern border? Are they trying to start a war with two fronts? I don’t think their leaders are stupid.”
Otis let out a throaty grumble of agreement. “That’s right, Scarlett. Not rational, is it? What you said about the timing of the news, only a month before elections? We were supposed to have the border legislation in hand by now, and instead, there’ll be mounting public pressure to send troops to Sigur Viður. It’s an absolute disaster.”
Half of the two hundred seats in Parliament, including Otis’s, faced an election in a month. Losing their majority would mean handing over power to the Goldenrods—likely Moira Ashworth. It was enough to make Scarlett want to scream.
Elestine looked at her. “Several Goldenrods who supported your father’s border legislation have withdrawn since his death. I hope you can bridge the gap. They might be more sympathetic to you. Perhaps we wait until this situation with Sigur Viður is resolved, but once it is, would you be interested in helping with that?”
“Of course. That’s exactly what I’m here to do. Tell me more about who withdrew support,” said Scarlett.
Elestine went on to break down the conversations she’d had with the four lords and the lady who’d stalled the vote. When she’d finished, Scarlett considered for a moment.
“When the time is right, we should start with Lady La Rue. I’ve met her several times, and we got on.”
Elestine brightened. “Excellent. Glad to hear you have a good history with her.”
“Are you free to come to my office? We could go over talking points so I’m prepared when the time comes. Fingers crossed the Sigur Viður situation resolves quickly.” Scarlett pushed her chair back, ready to get right to it.
Otis turned to her. “You’re such a natural at this, Scarlett. It’s like your father is here with us.”
Scarlett’s face softened as she looked at him. “Thank you. That means more to me than words can say.”
He grinned. “You’re welcome. Oh, and before you go, in four days, there’s a charity night at the National Theater to support disabled veterans. I’m on the planning committee, and we still have tickets for sale, if you’d be interested?”
“I’d love to attend,” said Scarlett. She’d always think of Brayden when she thought of the army. Of course she’d support the vets. Brayden would be up for attending with her. “Put me down for a box, and I’d also be happy to make a donation.”
“Thank you, my dear.” The skin around Otis’s eyes crinkled, and his expression was warm as he rested his hand on hers.
