Trial By Fire (Going Down in Flames #3)(84)

Bryn’s grandfather smiled at her. She shook her head but smiled back, and then she had a thought. “Could we, and by we, I mean the Sinclairs, fund Garret’s prosthetics project?”

“That is something the Directorate must vote on,” Ferrin said at the same time her grandfather nodded and said, “Yes.”

“You can’t do that,” Ferrin stated in his I-am-the-king voice.

“I believe this is more a case of my granddaughter asking to help a friend rather than an official bequeathal from a Directorate member.” Her grandfather tilted his head toward Bryn.

“Yes. That’s what I meant,” Bryn said, working hard to keep an innocent expression on her face.

Ferrin’s lip curled up in a snarl. “This is an official Directorate meeting. There will be no more personal matters discussed.”

Bryn tried to look contrite but knew she failed miserably. She risked a glance at Jaxon but couldn’t read his non-expression. She was 100 percent sure he’d agree that Garret’s prosthetics plan should be funded, but he wouldn’t speak against his father. What would happen on the day when Jaxon disagreed with his father’s policies enough to speak up?

Dessert was served while the Directorate members questioned the other Greens. It was carrot cake, the same kind of cake Alec had infused with dragon bane to poison Bryn. Had Ferrin done this on purpose? There was not a chance in hell she would eat carrot cake ever again. He had to know that.

Jaxon’s eyebrows came together as he studied the cake. His gaze flicked to his father, who was still questioning someone. Did he suspect his father had done this on purpose?

Bryn leaned over. “Is this supposed to be a snub of some sort?”

Jaxon pushed his cake away. “I doubt my father planned the menu, otherwise I’d say yes.”

Wait a minute. “I’m surprised you’d admit that.”

He smirked. “My father may respect your power and the Sinclairs in general, but he certainly doesn’t like you.”

“The feeling is more than mutual,” Bryn shot back.

“Thank you all for coming on such short notice,” Ferrin announced. “Feel free to finish your dessert, but we have pressing matters to attend to.”

“Back in a minute,” Bryn said to Valmont. She pushed her chair back, intending to speak to her grandfather.

Valmont stood with her. “Like you’re going anywhere without me.”

“It’s across the room,” Bryn said.

He placed his hand on her lower back and whispered, “I don’t trust half the people in this room.”

“On that we are agreed.” She made her way over to her grandfather. “Thank you for agreeing to fund Garret’s project.”

“It’s a worthy cause, and it will help generate some much needed good will. Plus, it annoys Ferrin.” Her grandfather chuckled.

“Mr. Sinclair,” Garret joined the conversation. “I echo Bryn’s sentiments. Thank you for funding my project. There was another idea I hoped to discuss with you before you left.”

Her grandfather checked his watch. “I must leave in ten minutes.”

“This won’t take long,” Garret said. “Today, Jaxon and Bryn helped diffuse a situation which could have gotten out of hand. Having an open line with the Directorate would help ease student concerns. Would it be possible to appoint them as a sort of Student Directorate Council?”

“On that, we would have to vote,” her grandfather said, “but I approve of the idea. We’re headed back to vote on a few more items this evening. Before we adjourn, I’ll open a discussion on this topic.”

“Thank you, sir.” Garret left them.

“Before I forget,” her grandfather pulled a jeweler’s box from his coat pocket, “here’s the bracelet you wanted. It is irreplaceable, so be sure to read the instructions on how to care for it.”

It must be her elemental sword bracelet. “Thank you.” She felt a warm connection toward her grandfather. Something she had never expected to happen. Maybe it was because he’d stepped in and helped her friend, or maybe she was finally beginning to understand him. “I don’t suppose hugging you would be appropriate?”

He paused like he was considering her request. “No.” He placed his hand on her shoulder and squeezed. “But I am touched you would ask.” He nodded at Valmont and left the room.

“I’m starting to like him,” Valmont said.

“Me, too.”

On the walk back across campus, Bryn noticed the Valentine’s Day decorations had been added to the lampposts.

Valmont sighed. “One crisis averted. Next adventure, the dreaded Valentine’s Day dance.”

“According to Ivy, it will be fun.” Bryn snorted to show what she thought of the situation.

“There is one problem we didn’t consider,” Valmont said. “I don’t have a tuxedo.”

“Oh,” Bryn schooled her features to maintain an innocent expression, “I’m sure Jaxon has one you could borrow.”

“That is so not funny.” Valmont reached over and tugged on her hair.

She laughed. “No one said a tux was mandatory.”

“Please, I already stand out like a Fruit Loop in a bowl of Cheerios. I’ll call my father and have him pick something out for me. The shop should be able to deliver a package to the guards at the gate. We can pick it up after they determine it’s not a bomb.”