Fantasy of Fire (The Tainted Accords #3)(76)
“Ice still believes there are a number of caches stored in the Fifth Sector. Not to mention those coming out of the Fourth in the next six months,” Merc says. It’s a valid point. No one can live in the Fourth, but that doesn’t mean Blaine has never utilized the space there. Even on Osolis we would store valuable goods in large Kaur cases, so the fire couldn’t damage them; trees and archives.
“Any further reports of rebellion?” Jovan asks. He flicks through various documents in front of him, looking every bit the part of king.
“Several small groups. All have been dealt with,” Ashawn speaks. “Malir estimates another few weeks until peace is restored. The men in the dungeons have talked. Rhone’s been very efficient there. Every day we get more names and locations.”
“Excellent,” praises Jovan, smiling at his brother. He stands to address the rest of us. “I would like to propose additions to the council,” he says next. “As you will see, Gerden opted to step down from his seat, leaving two open positions,” he says. “One of the places, I give to Prince Ashawn. He is my successor and needs to familiarize himself with our processes should anything happen to me.” My stomach drops at his words.
The advisors voice their agreement, though clearly waiting for the next person to be named. Ashawn was an obvious choice. Roman would be a good pick for the second position. I wonder who Jovan has in mind.
“The second person I would like to propose is Shard, whom you met several days ago,” he says.
“The son of the whorehound?” a voice says incredulously. I’m almost as shocked, though for other reasons. Shard? Outer Rings Shard?
“Yes.” Jovan speaks firmly and they quiet immediately. “Frost highly commends him, but that aside, you saw how he held himself here three days ago. I’ve watched him closely from the Dome until now. He is a rarity. And in Frost’s words, he has an ability to remove himself from a situation and analyze it without emotion. I believe he will be invaluable for these reasons, but also for the link he presents to the Outer Rings,” he says in a calm voice. “The more ties we have to this part of Glacium, the less likely we are to have a repeat of the last fifteen years. The people will have a voice.”
I bounce a little in my chair, I'm so happy. The other men in the room exchange glances, but no one can fault Jovan’s logic. They’ll question Shard's origins, sure. And he’ll have to earn their respect, just like everyone else here. A grin beams across my face at his words. Shard was made for the council—it’s perfect!
“What about Frost? You seem to respect her advice,” Jak asks. Excited murmuring takes hold of the room.
“A woman on the council?” Jovan asks. I narrow my eyes. His tone’s not offensive; it’s more curious, if anything.
“Well, Frost’s not just any woman, is she?” Yate says. “It seems like she’s always helping anyway. The people love her. I admit, her attitude needs an adjustment.” I hear Jovan cough from across the room and I grin. “But I’m sure she’d come into line,” Yate finishes.
Ashawn begins to choke. Jovan stands up and begins circling around the ring.
“Sorry, Tatuma,” Yate remarks. “I didn’t mean to imply anything. You can certainly hold your own.”
I’m assuring Yate I’m not offended, but half of me is distracted by Jovan, who has moved to stand directly behind me.
“What are you doing?” I mutter over my shoulder.
He leans forward and places his hands on my shoulders. “Do you trust me?”
“Why?” I ask in an uncertain voice. The room has fallen silent and I know we’ve become the center of attention.
“Do you?” he asks.
I don’t even pause to think. “Of course.”
Jovan clears his throat and the room grows quieter still. I fidget underneath his hot hands, realizing he’s asked me that question because he’s about to do something I’ll object to.
He squeezes me gently. “I think it’s time for you all to know the truth. Perhaps then you’ll understand how the Tatuma came to learn what she shared with you three days ago.”
What! My mouth dries. I frantically try to recall who is in the room. Unfortunately, I know the answer: every single advisor. Surely he can’t mean to...
“This knowledge is held by only a few. I trust you to keep what you’re about to see the solemnest of secrets. More than that, I ask you keep an open mind when you are shown the truth. I’m asking for your support, as your king, but also as your friend,” he says. “This woman has saved Glacium. She has saved us all. We owe her a great debt. Bruma don’t forget their debts.”
“Jovan!” I whisper. “What are you—?” I hear the clanging of Ashawn’s armor as he moves to stand next to his brother. My heart is beating so loudly the sound fills my ears, making all other noise blend in an unrecognizable hum. I stare up at him, turned in my seat. With the gentlest movement imaginable, he tilts my chin until I’m facing the advisors once again, who wait in silence. His fingertips brush my cheeks as he draws the material upward. The advisors begin to talk now they know what their king intends to do. The talking swells as they murmur excitedly and stand to get a closer look. Even Roscoe pushes forward to see, usual manners forgotten.
How many times have they wondered what’s under the Tatuma’s veil? How many times have they wanted to lift it themselves?