Scarlett’s shoulders kept tensing up, and she had to force herself to relax. “We need this to be a success, and she has special abilities.”
“Special abilities?” Elestine’s eyes flashed with interest.
“That’s right,” said Cass. “I’m from Zahara, and I have magic that prevents detection.”
Scarlett felt confident in their odds of success as she thought of the darkness Cass wielded. “If Cass is leading them, they’re much less likely to be caught.”
“Understood,” said Elestine. “We need to head to the meeting, but let’s regroup later and firm up the plan for the evening. I’m still concerned about your safety tonight, but we can worry about that later.”
Scarlett spent the bulk of her morning reviewing the incident at the National Theater. She was called to the podium multiple times, first to tell the chamber what happened, and then again, after an initial debate, to take questions from her peers.
“It was a matter of life and death,” Scarlett said, trying not to let her annoyance shine through at being asked—for the second time—to go through the exact sequence of events. “My husband used his abilities to save us. To saveme. Given my father’s recent death—”
“Your father’s killers are free due to this chamber’s refusal to pursue justice in the north,” bellowed Lady Ashworth from her seat. “It’s hardly an excuse for illegal, violent behavior in Soleil. Three Soleil citizens are in intensive care due to Brayden Maddox’s actions, and—”
Scarlett gripped the sides of the podium in front of her so hard her hands hurt, but her voice was clear and level. “Yes, they’re in intensive care because theyattackedus. We know from the report in theTimesthis morning that those men work as mercenaries for hire. I don’t understand why you’re victim-blaming instead of questioning who hired them.”
“Because it seems I care more about avenging your father’s death than you do, Lady Heroux,” spat Lady Ashworth.
Scarlett’s eyebrows shot up. Moira’s venom was getting overt enough that it reminded her of their encounter at her father’s funeral.
“Out of order,” bellowed Lord Buckland. He was officially Scarlett’s favorite Goldenrod ever since he’d tried to help at the theater, and he’d been reinforcing her opinion all through the questioning. It bolstered Scarlett that not all of Moira’s party were behind her.
“That’squiteout of order,” agreed Elestine as she stood fromher seat. “If the discussion is back to Lord Heroux and Sigur Viður, we’re clearly done discussing the National Theater. I motion to disband the discussion.”
“I’m not finished.” Moira’s loud voice echoed across the chamber.
“I second the motion,” said Lord Garfield. “Thank you, Lady Heroux, for your multiple rounds of testimony.”
“All those in favor of disbanding?” Scarlett called to the chamber.
The “ayes” were clearly in the majority.
“We are adjourned,” said Scarlett.
As she made for the exit, Elestine and Lord Bombardier filed out next to her.
“Well done,” said Lord Bombardier with a wink.
“Thanks.” Scarlett smiled weakly as a wave of exhaustion came over her. They weren’t out of the woods yet, but she’d managed to keep Moira from turning sentiment against Brayden. For now that would have to be enough.
Back in her office, Scarlett was at her desk trying to force down a cucumber sandwich she’d grabbed from the dining hall when a knock sounded at her door.
“Come in,” she called.
Elestine entered and closed the door behind her before approaching Scarlett and Cass. “I’m here to firm up the timeline for tonight. Cass, are you all set?”
“I am, but we should discuss where Scarlett and Beni will be while I’m working. I don’t like the idea of leaving them home alone with nothing but a security system to look after them.” Cass had already warned Scarlett that Tyler was no good in a fight and that she wasn’t comfortable leaving Scarlett alone with him during the break-in.
“What about this,” said Elestine. “Scarlett, you and Beni could come to my home for the evening. We have in-home security, gates, and surveillance. Anyone coming after you wouldn’t think to look there.”
Cass’s gaze met Scarlett’s, and her expression said,Don’t fucking do that.
Agreed, thought Scarlett. Then something occurred to her. There was nothing stopping her from going along to the headquarters. Instead of twiddling her thumbs at some second location, she could be there, with Cass. Maybe she’d even be useful. If there was even a chance she could help bring down Moira and Laylani and free Brayden, there was no question she’d take the risk.
Scarlett looked at Cass. “I’m coming with you tonight.”
“What?” gasped Elestine. “That’s too great of a risk, Scarlett.”
