But there are needs, and the humans possess what we can no longer live without if we want to remain ourselves. We cannot take it by force. Their weapons are primitive but dangerous, and it is far more likely they would wipe themselves and us out and consider it a worthy sacrifice in the name of freedom.
So, we have resorted to deception.
“You conspired with an Outerlanding to bring your human into this world, did you not?”
I tilt my chin down in a nod. I refuse to say I did this when I did not. I didn’t call for Everest, but he was able to enter my mind and do so anyway.
“Rathyn,” Eissa says, soft but his tone a warning.
I take a breath and meet each one of their gazes. I cannot let Cielo take the blame for what Everest did. “The human acted of his own accord, believing I was in danger. As you know, they can be headstrong and difficult to tame. As per the contract I have signed with him, he was given knowledge of our world with the agreement that it would not be shared with other humans. He did not break that agreement. Instead, he manipulated Cielo of the Outerlands into letting him through the portal.”
“Are you saying your human should stand in judgment with you?” Prince Jyrion says with a small smirk. “I can attest to the human’s defiance. He met my gaze and spoke freely.”
“In this, I take responsibility,” I tell them. “I did not do my duty to properly educate and train my human. But there was no malice or ill will. I will bear whatever punishment you see fit.”
“I know a very fitting punishment,” Prince Jyrion says, and then his lips curl up. “Iwill buy his contract.”
Rage floods through me with a ferocity I cannot explain. My vision feels hazy and red, but before I can speak another word, Eissa holds up a hand.
“That is not how things are done.” He gives me a flat look. “It seems your human was acting out of loyalty to your contract, and that is not meant to be punished. The crime, it seems, is a lack of training. That of which I believe you are guilty. Any opposed?”
Prince Jyrion, as I expect, lifts his hand. His brother, the warlord, and Eissa do not join him.
My breath leaves me for a moment. Iamguilty, but not for such an egregious crime as conspiracy. And Everest is not being blamed.
Eissa resumes his seat. “Rathyn of the Dark Vale, you are found guilty of faulty training of your human by the majority of the tribunal. Your sentence will be as follows.” He pauses for a long beat. “Your human must be brought under strict control. Failure to do so will mean failure in your duty. That will result in losing your command, your property, and your title.”
Prince Jyrion smirks. “You will return to show us exactly how…obedient your human is.”
I stare at them, something odd pulsing through me.
Anger. Rage. Offense.
It was the same feeling I saw on Everest’s face when I called him a tool, and now I understand why he was so furious with me, why he could not stand the sight of me.
He is so much more than an obedient pet, and I cannot ask him to live that way.
Eissa meets my stare, and he adds, “Are you willing to prove your companion’s worth?” There’s something in his tone. I can’t tell what he’s trying to say to me.
Jyrion continues to smile at me as though he knows my struggle, but I don’t give him any acknowledgement.
“If I decide to dissolve the contract?”
Eissa nods. “That is acceptable as well. We cannot risk a man of your status allowing your human to breach this world again.”
Zynth rings the bell beside him, and it rattles my teeth.
“You have one day to make your choice. We await your answer.”
Before I can reach the portal, I am drawn into a room by a familiar hand. Eissa’s eyes are wide.
“You do know the risk if you choose to keep him, Rathyn. Do you not?”
He is the cautionary tale, so I nod.
“The pain of losing what you have is greater than never having it at all, but if you let him go, at least you will know he is safe.”
Bowing my head, I take a breath. I do not want to ask Everest to prostrate himself before me and the tribunal. I do not wish him to pay deference to the princes. I do not wish his beautiful mouth to ever be silenced.
