“I’m not going to get embroiled in mage problems or mage politics.” The irritation in Rage’s voice was thick. “You can make whatever demands you want to the High Mage Council. I told you we’d protect you for a short time, and that’s what we’ll do.”
Crap. This was exactly what Kian had been talking about in the meeting.
Once the female mage left, the five of us sat on the dais to talk, and Honor tucked into my side. I stroked his fur as I listened.
“Where are we at with the mage self-defense training?” Rage asked, turning to Justice.
Justice shook his head. “You’re asking me to accomplish something nearly impossible, taking untrained mages and turning them into warriors within a couple weeks. These people have hadzerotraining, Rage. We can get them to patrol, but when it comes to defending themselves—the lower mages are rubbish at it. Maybe in a few years, they’ll be self-sufficient—”
“We don’t have a few years,” Rage growled, turning to Noble. “What about the selkies? Is King Ozark—”
“He’s sent two dozen warriors to help on the mainland,” Noble said, shaking his head. “If he sends any more, he’ll have rioting with his own people. Not all of the selkies have a forgive and forget mentality.”
“Dammit!” Rage slammed his fist against the throne’s armrest. “What about the falcons and bears? What about the panther king?”
Both Justice and Noble mumbled about lower numbers and limited availability.
Narrowing his eyes, Rage glared at his brothers. “How is it that we still don’t have a read on how many blood mages we’re dealing with?”
Justice shook his head. “So far, the blood mages are picking us off by ones and twos. That makes it difficult to get any idea as to a number, but during my attack…” His eyes darkened. “There were dozens.”
Rage sighed, and Noble cleared his throat.
“The lower mages are arguing that you’re trying to control them when it’s your job to protect them,” Noble added.
‘Since when is it the alpha king’s responsibility to protect the mages?’Honor asked.
“My job? Hah!” Rage barked out, adding his contempt to Honor’s.
I winced. Now would be a good time for me to segue into the contract his uncle signed, but Rage was so fired up I wasn’t sure it was the best time to add more to his plate.
“I am trying to protect them,” Rage growled. “I feel likeallI do is try to please everyone—and these problems aren’t even ours. I’m done. Justice, pull the wolves out of Dark Row.”
I’d been listening silently, trying to find the best time to drop the truth bomb, but at his declaration, I raised my hand. “Uh, Rage? There’s something you should know.”
“Are you raising your hand to be called on?” Noble asked, chuckling. “We’re not in school, Nai.”
Justice paused on his way to the door, grinning.
‘Queen Nai, you may have the floor,’Honor added.
I flipped them the bird.
“Shut up, you guys,” Rage snapped. “What is it, Nai?”
Oh crappers.Here goes nothing.
“Well, I just … I feel like I need to clear something up here. Your uncle had a contract with the High Mage Council. And as I understand it, youdohave an obligation to protect Mageville. You actually get paid really well for it—with the mage wine and direct crown payments from the high mages.”
All three boys and Honor stared at me.
“I’m sorry, come again?” Rage said.
I explained what I’d heard at the High Mage Council meeting, and what my grandfather had said, and then finished with, “I feel like we need to compromise and keep the peace with the high mages for now. You don’t have to like running protection details for the lower mages, but there are thousands of shifters and only a few hundred high mages. They just don’t have the numbers—which is why they pay you to do the work.”
“Is that true?” Rage asked Noble, eyes wide.
Noble pursed his lips. “I … I’ve only just started this job. I haven’t had a chance to look through all of the files. It could be … I don’t know where all the money comes from … but there is a sizeable amount that comes in from HMC every month.”
