Blood Double (God Wars #1)(45)
"There's a bathroom right through there, and a change of clothes. We didn't get too friendly," Trace drawled. I recognized that drawl. It wasn't from anywhere in either Alliance.
*
"But how did she know Iversti? How did he manage to carve her up like this?" Lendill held up a photograph and squinted at it. "This is Iversti's work, no doubt about that. Please let me question her in a few days."
"I think we're pushing things as it is, since Kiarra, Adam and Merrill are gone," Trace mumbled. He'd been terrified of the markings on Kalia's torso when Franklin and Shane healed her bruises and fractures. There was no mistaking the marks—sun wheels—the symbol of the old Solar Red religion. Only one criminal carved sun wheels into his victim's skin, however. Iversti Foculis, who'd disappeared from the Reth and Campiaan Alliance's grid barely six turns before.
"If she can lead us to Foculis—either Iversti or Rezil, that may get us closer to Hordace Cayetes," Lendill dropped the photograph on his desk. Hordace Cayetes had graced the top of both Alliance's most wanted lists for many years. He was as insubstantial as smoke, however, and nobody seemed able to track him for long.
"Look, I'll only need a little time with her," Lendill wheedled.
"I'm not sure that's a good idea." Trace shook his head.
"You think she's been involved with criminals, don't you." Lendill lifted an eyebrow at Trace. "If I show this to Norian, you know what he'll do."
"That's why I brought it to you. If she's involved in criminal activity, I doubt it was voluntary."
"Easy enough to determine." Lendill formed a ball of light in his palm distractedly. "Besides, if she can give us anything on Cayetes," Lendill shrugged. "Face it; Iversti never let any of his victims live. Not after he carved them up like that. It makes me wonder why this one's still around."
Chapter 10
Breanne's Journal
"The disposition of prisoners will be dealt with this morning," Gavin announced after striding purposely into the Queen's bedroom. "This afternoon, you will assist Teeg."
I stared at Gavin. Would I ever see an emotion cross his face that wasn't anger? Not likely. Not if it were aimed in my direction, anyway. Two weeks had passed since I'd sent my message to Kooper, and no answer nor any arrests had been made. Either he'd ignored the message or he hadn't received it for some reason. Refusing to read my sire and squaring my shoulders, I lifted Queen Lissa's coronet onto my head and adjusted it before following Gavin to the Council Chamber.
*
The first three prisoners were accused of petty crimes—theft, mostly. They were given sentences of prison time and in all cases, restitution and service would follow. Then the next trial was announced.
I had no idea that Skel Hawer had been brought to the dungeons of Le-Ath Veronis to face trial. Too many other things had taken up my time and nobody, especially Gavin, had thought to inform me of the fact. I'd deliberately refused to read him for the most part after learning how to block the visions, so this had come as a surprise.
Regardless, Skel Hawer was brought inside the Council Chamber, shackled, dressed in prison yellow and wearing an angry scowl. One of the Queen's Larentii mates—Reemagar—appeared in a corner of the chamber, but I discovered quickly that he was concealing his presence from most of those present. I and perhaps a handful of others could see him—most notably Drake and Drew, who stood near the chamber doors, a barely noticeable frown tugging at their mouths.
"Bring in the victim," Gavin announced. My head jerked in his direction so fast my vision blurred. You will sit quietly and not interfere, his voice snapped in my head. You will abstain when the vote is taken, he added.
I understood the Larentii's presence swiftly; Drake and Drew opened the wide, chamber doors and an exact copy of me, as I should appear, walked inside, escorted by a palace guard. Yes, I recognized him as one of the vampire guards who'd stood by while Skel Hawer beat me. Neither he nor the other guard had interfered or come to my defense. In my opinion, they were almost as guilty as Hawer.
My copy sat wordlessly on a designated chair. I could tell it was a three-dimensional image cast by Reemagar—only a Larentii might create such an image and add scent to it, in order to fool a multitude of vampires. I wanted to shake my head at the complexity of it, but that was unbecoming of the Queen. I pulled my gaze away, desiring more than anything to punch Skel Hawer, Gavin Montegue and anyone else involved right in the face.
"That is a female vampire. Why were we not informed?" A vampire stood and growled from the midst of Council members.
"She is recovering and has been sequestered," Gavin growled right back. Was he going to own up to my turning? That question was answered almost immediately.
"This is Heinrich's turn, and you know how reclusive he is. He refused to be here today, even to offer support for his child." Rigo spoke for the first time. Well, Rigo was lying. I could also tell from a quick read that he found it distasteful.
"I shall certainly place my bid for this one," the huffy vampire sat down again. Blinking at him in astonishment, images raged unbidden through my mind. Any female vampire not claimed by her turning sire was open to be courted by any available vampire. Her sire and the Council were allowed to pick and choose appropriate suitors, although she wouldn't be forced into a relationship she didn't ultimately want. I wanted to gag.