Suh stands without using his cane. “I support Terrance as Senate Leader.”
“Seconded,” Medea adds from her seat.
Terrance puts his hand over his heart. “I humbly accept and cast the vote of the third province for myself as leader.”
The coup happens so quickly that I am still looking between the two factions when it’s over. Paolo and Foreau both open their mouths, but neither speaks. They have been outvoted according to the laws of the conclave and outplayed by the old guard.
As the three senators sign the resolution, both Paolo and Foreau walk out of the throne room in protest.
My stomach twists as dread flows through me. What have I done? By giving up my right to vote, my voice, I gave Terrance the republic.
I exchange quick glances with Julian, but there is nothing either of us can do now. Julian pours molten wax on the paper and presses the seal of Pryor on top.
“May I now bring forward a second vote on the acceptability of Lucius Calais as a temporary replacement for Eyo’s Senate seat?” Terrance says.
“Denied,” Suh says.
“Denied,” Medea adds.
Terrance nods. “The motion is denied on the basis of a three-to-nil vote. Eyo will thus vote to abstain going forward in this conclave, as there is no suitable replacement.”
They vote so quickly, striking as one, that Julian is still lifting the seal from the first vote. He turns, surprise written on his face, but he dutifully picks up the new resolution from Terrance’s Senate page.
I feel like I’m sinking in wet sand as I grip the arms of my chair. I was looking at Suh, but Terrance and Medea flipped their votes in a way that means they never were in favor of Calais. So why did she suggest him? I’ve never felt more in over my head, trying to figure out each senator’s motivations.
That mystery aside, the old guard is now in full control. With a three-two majority, they don’t even need Foreau and Paolo in this room. Their agendas will pass without objection.
Was it enough that I silenced my own voice? Or have I now put myself in even worse danger?
XXXI.
Torren
Julian briefs me on the Senate as I change from my armor to a suit. I have to pause several times to absorb the information.
Terrance has seized full control of the republic. After Paolo and Foreau walked out in protest, the old guard decided dozens of resolutions, including moving half of the republic’s treasury to Terrance’s province.
“On the plus side, the conclave is ahead of schedule,” Julian says.
I draw a breath and adjust the collar of my dress shirt. This is not the time for his humor.
“Where did you put the cook?” Julian whispers.
“Somewhere safe.”
I gesture to the walls around us, but the truth is, I’m not going to disclose to anyone, even Julian, where I put him—it’s too risky. The cook is now my best and only hope for evidence. If he turns on the person who paid him, I can persuade the others to let me investigate. And the person with the most to gain was Terrance.
I slip on my suit jacket, and Julian and I leave the room. He stops and knocks on Kera’s door. I pretend not to look, but I can’t help glancing at the handle.
There is no answer.
He tries the door, and it’s locked.
Julian looks at me, and in his eyes there’s the same dull panic that’s gripping me. She likely just left without an escort, but it’s also possible that someone got to her. Terrance has made no secret of his disdain for Kerasea.
I use my skeleton key and open the door—her room is empty. Was she taken or is she simply at dinner? The tightening in my chest is uncomfortable…and unwelcome.
We quickly descend to the banquet hall, and there she is. I feel my breath return in a whoosh, but surely it’s only relief that she is well, and not because tonight, she’s wearing a backless, wine-red dress. Her long hair is swept up, and her green eyes shine like gems.
