Fantasy of Fire (The Tainted Accords #3)(24)

Someone weighs down the bench beside me. “I must talk with the Tatuma,” a low voice says. Fiona dips into an immediate curtsey, leaving immediately.

“That was rude.” I stab my pear with a knife.

The king ignores my comment. “I want you to join my council.”

I choke on a piece of the fruit. “What on Solis for? Your advisors will …”

His eyes glint with mischief. “Hate it? I don’t care. You have the best ties to the Ire, and the most recent information. You also possess fighting skill. You’ll be a valuable asset,” he finishes.

I swallow my pear and lick my fingers. An asset, huh? “I’ll get back to you on that,” I say.

His silence is gratifying.

“Joining my advisory is an honor, Olina,” he states. His voice hasn’t changed, but I know he’s angry. I grin and pat his hand.

“Keep your fur on. I was joking. You Bruma have no sense of humor,” I say with a sigh.

“That’s the first and last time I’ll ever hear a Solati say that,” he says dryly. I chuckle and then remember a question I had from last night.

“Why is Blaine on your council?” I ask. Jovan picks up a slice of my pear and eats it.

He makes a questioning sound in the back of his throat. “He was one of my father’s most trusted advisors, after Rhone and Drummond. He was an advisor before I exiled him, too.”

“It doesn’t worry you … that you exiled him and he’s regained his position so easily?” I ask. Jovan’s posture tightens.

“My father trusted him implicitly. There’s no reason to suspect otherwise,” he says.

My instincts won’t allow me to be so trusting. “I don’t know if I’d be so forgiving,” I say quietly.

“Lucky you’re not king, then.” He stands. “Meeting room after you finish.”

I sit, simmering for a time at Jovan’s dismissal. There must be more to Blaine’s return than Jovan’s letting on.There’s no way he could just forgive everything Blaine had done on Osolis so easily. Was there? A familiar laugh sounds from across the room. The noise tugs a reluctant smile from me. I get up from the now-empty table and cross the room to my brother. He’s laughing with Ashawn. Not something I thought I’d ever see.

I shake off disappointment at Jovan’s cold treatment. This is what I’d asked for; a distance appropriate for our station. I wasn’t going to ask him to change that, so I wouldn’t voice my complaints. This is what I wanted.

“Brother,” I say in greeting.

“Tatuma. I was just on my way to see you.” He bows and then hugs me. I blink at his affection. To say Olandon was shocked when he found out about my blue eyes was an understatement. And then everything moved so quickly after Jimmy warned us of the army’s approach that there wasn’t enough time to talk at length. Olandon seemed to take the news well at the time, but I hadn’t been entirely sure about what reception I’d get from him.

“You look well,” I say as I hold my brother at arm’s length. It’s harder than it used to be. He’s grown much since our time on Osolis together. I’m relieved to see he’s gained more weight still from his near-lethal crossing of the Oscala. Goosebumps rise on my arms as I feel the fear of almost losing him anew.

“I am well,” he says with a smile. He means it.

“Someone’s been looking after him,” Ashawn calls out. A table of women next to us burst into giggles. I watch with interest as my brother shifts on his feet.

“Indeed,” I say. I’m unsure what to make of that comment.

Olandon folds his hands behind his back. “Sister, I must talk with you.”

I groan at the timing. This is what I’ve been waiting for—Olandon’s report. He has news on mother, my people, and on her plans, I know it. He’d only given me the bare minimum so far, gravely ill from his Oscala crossing. I grimace. If I skip it, I wouldn’t put it past Jovan to carry me in there over his shoulder. I’d rather retain my dignity. “Of course, Landon. I’m impatient to hear of it,” I admit. “But King Jovan wishes me to sit in on the council session.”

He bows. “I will find you after.” Something has changed in him since my time spent destroying the pathway.

“You are more relaxed,” I venture.

He nods, reflecting. “I am. I’ve found Ashawn to be interesting enough. I decided I should make the best of this hovel while I’m here. It will make the time until we’re home pass all the more quickly.” I hum in the back of my throat, displeased with his words. Sadly, this is progress.

“The king has asked me to join his advisory,” I confide. Olandon’s expression doesn’t change, but he leans in to me.

“That can be no bad thing. You will be able to see the inner workings of their councils. It might prove useful.” He speaks quietly, for only me to hear.

I frown at his words as I leave for the meeting room. Olandon has many great qualities. But he is Solati through and through, and perhaps a bit too much under my mother’s thumb, though he’d always resisted her command when it came to me.

The council room is still filling up when I arrive. The old advisors take their seats around the stone circle. It was where the king first interrogated me, and now I was on his council. I stand awkwardly to one side of the circle table, unsure of where to sit. Mother only let me attend a few of her sessions with the Satums, always trying to keep me in ignorance of her rulings. Apart from my thorough knowledge of our histories and my experience in the spotlight, I really know nothing of leading my people. This will be a good opportunity to learn.