Wicked Burn (Realm Enforcers #3)(21)

Peter leaned forward. “Pursuant to Coven law, a trial date is set for Monday.”

“Five days from now?” Nick shook his head. “That’s ridiculous. Five days isn’t enough time to go through and counter this stack of nonsense.” He pointed to the files. “This is a death penalty case.”

Simone jabbed him in the ribs and winced as her elbow ached. “It’s our way.” She cleared her throat. “I accept the trial date and enter a plea of not guilty for the record.”

“Plea so entered,” Peter said.

The prosecutor stood straighter. “Through Councilwoman Brightston’s tenure on the Coven Nine, she has pursued progress and her own personal vision in a way that has undermined other council members and the organization as a whole. We don’t have evidence yet, but we are investigating her in this area, as well.”

Ballocks. Simone remained stoic. Sure, she’d gone for right over tradition more than once. Had she broken a law or two? Maybe. Okay. Definitely.

“Very well,” Peter said with a short nod.

Yeah, they’d butted heads more than once. Simone lifted her chin. “I look forward to answering those charges. In the meantime, members of the Guard kidnapped a human female and a bear shifter when they took me in. The shifter, Bear, and the human, Tori Monzelle, need to be released and returned to Seattle,” she said.

The prosecutor placed both hands on his table and leaned forward. “Both the bear shifter and the human female attacked our soldiers. They must stand in judgment.”

Simone fought to keep her fire at bay. “The bear shifter was protecting his territory from attack, and the human female was protecting a friend. Bear is the leader of all bear shifters, and if you try him, the entire shifter community will declare war on the Coven Nine. I believe we’re under enough attack already right now?”

Nessa leaned and whispered something to Peter, who then nodded. “Good point. The record reflects that the shifter didn’t actually attack anybody before the guards shot him. He is so released,” Peter said.

Simone nodded. “Good. The human is a friend of mine, and she saw me unconscious and being taken. She acted accordingly. In addition, she has no idea the immortal world even exists or that she attacked a witch soldier. Finally, her sister is mated to Kellach Dunne, one of the Enforcers. If you harm her, you’ll have to deal with Kell and probably his brothers. Also something we can’t afford right now.”

“Is that a threat?” Sal asked, his booming voice filling the chambers.

“No. It’s a fact,” Simone said simply.

Brenna tapped the files in front of her. “The human and the shifter aren’t part of Simone’s case, and thus, the entire Council would need to be consulted before bringing them to trial. You’ve already taken care of Bear. Now, dismiss any charges against the human, and we can get on to Simone’s case.”

Peter didn’t look to either side this time. “Did the human female see any evidence of immortal species?”

“No,” Simone said.

Peter nodded. “The charges against the human female are dismissed, and she is released. Simone? You’re responsible for getting Bear and the female out of Dublin within the night. You, however, are ordered to remain in Ireland until after your trial.”

“The prosecution requests a planekite bracelet,” the prosecutor said.

“No!” Moira burst out. “We’re in a battle against that deadly mineral right now, and putting it on one of our own is ridiculous.”

Peter’s eyes glowed somber and regretful in the chamber. “The effect of the bracelet is very mild and only inhibits power. It won’t harm the accused.”

“Bullshit.” Brenna pressed both hands on her hips.

Simone jumped and turned in surprise to view her cousin. All three sitting council members gaped.

An angry red flushed up Brenna’s pale skin. “I’ve worn a planekite collar, as you know. There’s nothing harmless about it.”

Simone reached out and rubbed Brenna’s arm. Years ago, the younger witch had been kidnapped and poisoned with planekite. She’d nearly died before mating a vampire to negate the effects. Good thing she’d fallen in love with the wild Kayrs brother. “Bren? It’s okay. I can handle it.” Her voice cracked at the end.

Peter began to answer, but Nessa leaned forward. “Simone? Do you give your word you’ll stay in Ireland without a bracelet?”

“I do.” Simone eyed the brunette. “Although I could leave town even wearing the bracelet, as a matter of fact.”

“True, but having your powers reduced would make you vulnerable,” Peter countered.

Nessa sat back. “I’m against the bracelet. Even though Simone is accused of a terrible crime, right now she’s innocent in our eyes and deserves the respect of her Council position. A bracelet is an insult. A dangerous one.”

Peter glanced at Sal, who just shrugged.

“Fair enough. No bracelet. See you in trial.” Peter banged the gavel one final time. He stood and followed Nessa and Sal through the opening in the wall. It snicked shut.

The prosecutor nodded at Simone. “Good luck.” He pivoted and soon disappeared through the side doorway.

“I’ve never liked him,” Moira said, shoving curls out of her eyes.