Ranger X hesitated, then glanced at Silas, who gave him the subtlest shake of his head. No point in keeping secrets from me.
“There’s been a council formed,” Ranger X said. “To be clear, the Rangers had nothing to do with it. We strongly oppose it.”
“Fenlon’s in charge,” Silas added, the disdain clear in his voice. “If that tells you anything.”
“What sort of council?” I asked. “I assume it’s about me?”
Ranger X frowned. “A council meant to determine if it’s a good idea to put you in power as our queen.”
“Ah.” I tried to swallow the sting. I already knew there were people who didn’t like me being here in the first place, let alone being full-blooded Fae. Or a queen. But I buried those feelings and met Ranger X’s gaze. “It’s okay. It’s natural for people to question a change of this magnitude. If I don’t deserve to be queen, I shouldn’t be queen. The last thing I want is to take a position that isn’t meant for me.”
Ranger X looked visibly relieved by my response—like he’d been bracing for anger and got grace instead.
“The only problem,” Silas growled, “is that Fen’s filled the council with people who echo his views. It’s not a true democracy. It’s him and a bunch of people he’s paid off.”
“We don’t have to sit back and wait, though,” Ranger X said. “The first meeting is this afternoon, and it’s policy on The Isle that any new council formation meetings are open to everyone. We’ll all go to show our support of you.”
“That’s very kind of you,” I said. “But I don’t expect you to go to battle for me, even in a town council. I can handle people like Fenlon. I’ll hold court hours like he asked.”
“You don’t need to do that now,” Silas said. “You need rest and training first.”
“I don’t think it’s a bad idea for her to schedule them,” Ranger X argued. “It’d show the islanders she’s trying to hear their concerns.”
“Fine,” Silas said. “Tomorrow morning before your training, but there will be guards there. Myself included.”
“What about the lycanthrope?” I asked. “You guys haven’t mentioned what happened last night. If there was one strange beast to get through the wards, isn’t it possible there could be more?”
“It’s possible,” Ranger X said. “And once you’ve got a better understanding of your powers, me and some of my fellow Rangers will sit down with you to discuss the creation of additional wards.”
“But you can’t do that until I’ve had training,” I said. “I understand.”
“For now,” Ranger X said, “have something to eat and then head into the village for the council meeting. We won’t let Fen get away with this stupid plan.”
I nodded and followed Ranger X’s advice. But my stomach was in such knots, I could barely choke down half of an almond croissant with my cappuccino. By the time Silas stood and announced it was time to head into town, I was just grateful to have some place to channel my nerves.
Together, we went back into town along Main Street where we’d been last night for the Wish Festival. We met in one of the buildings near the south end, in the back of a café that held a private room. Fenlon was already there when we arrived, along with six other men I didn’t recognize.
Judging by the way Silas scanned the room—his expression the same kind he might use while looking at a foul piece of garbage—I figured these men were not his friends. As soon as we entered, Fen’s neck snapped up to study us with true surprise.
“What’s this?” Fen asked Silas, even as more folks flowed in behind us: Ranger X, Lily, Irina with a baby carrier strapped to her chest. A few additional Rangers I didn’t recognize. There were more I didn’t know, but when they greeted Silas and Ranger X, I knew they were here for me. A burst of warmth flooded in my chest at the very notion.
“The rules of ancient island law state that when a new council is formed, it’s fair play for anyone to become involved.” Silas tossed an old book on the table. A puff of dust rose from it. “Read the rules yourself.”
Fenlon looked down his nose at it and gave a subtle shake of his head. “Very well,” he said, then frowned at the gathering crowd. “Is this everyone?”
“For now.” Silas pulled out a chair with a resounding screech across the floor as he sat down.
The door had nearly closed when Poppy scurried in and sat at the end of the table. She was followed a second later by Chuck the gnome, who climbed up a step stool to reach his chair and stood on his own two feet so he could see over the table.
“Willthisbe everyone?” Fenlon asked again in an even unhappier drawl. “Or shall I make room for the rest of the islanders?”
“Let’s get this meeting started,” Silas said. “I don’t have all day.”
“Very well. The purpose of this council is for us—the islanders—to have a say during this transition of power,” Fenlon began. “The old wards have fallen, and judging by the lycanthrope attack last night, we are in need of new protection. And, apparently, a new ruler.”
“Say what you’re really thinking,” Silas said. “The point of this council is for you to try and take power away from Alessia.”
“Obviously, many of us have concerns about whether she’s the right person for the job,” Fen said. “So yes, part of the reason this council is being formed is to determine whether Alessia is fit to rule us as a queen.”
