You Are Mine (Mine #1)(86)

When they reach us, Zade says, “Councilman, glad you could make it. I trust the journey was good.”

“Fine ride out in the countryside.” Father eyes Zade's arm around me. “Making the most of your goods I see. Nothing too untoward I hope.”

Zade's arm tightens around me. “Only what you see.” With his free hand, he motions to my sisters.

Mother takes a step closer and gives a small grin. She's pregnant again. Not that she's showing yet, but the darkness and lines under her eyes give it away. Another sister for sure. At least she looks happy.

“Thank you for allowing the services of your daughters,” Zade says. “They've been very helpful.”

“Of course.” Father gives a sneering smile. “We wanted to make sure you had the proper help. I'd hate for your first public event to be disappointing.”

“Little chance of that. They're fine girls.”

“Good enough for a little entertainment planning, anyhow. It's sure to be a night to remember. When I—” he stops, his face growing red. “Cynthia, what are you wearing?”

I scan Cynthia's dress. It's a two piece Katherine designed, one more bold than I've seen. The colors are similar, but different enough that it's easier to tell it's not a simple dress. And those colors. Shades of jade hovering on being too bright. What's she doing wearing it now? Why couldn't I have realized before and saved us from the coming turmoil?

She straightens her back. “A new dress. Do you like it?”

“Is that a two piece?” His voice lowers to a growl. “Are you wearing tarnished clothes?”

Cynthia's lower lip trembles. “I—It...”

Leaving the safety of Zade's arm, I step forward. “It's just a little something I told her to wear for greeting guests before the ball, Father.”

Zade joins me as Father says, “You told your sister to wear tarnished clothes?”

Not today. Not ever, really. Why did she have to be so anxious to show it off? “It's just a trifle, Father.”

His fist flies. Before I realize what's happened, Zade extends his own arm, blocking the punishment. Father waves his hand. If he can't hit me, he'll hex me. I reach in my pocket and take hold of the gun, but I can't shoot him just for hexing me.

Zade steps in front on me with a turquoise spell, effectively shielding me and part of Cynthia. Bethany huddles closer to us. I keep a firm hold of the gun, just in case. I don't know what I'll do with it, but it makes me feel better.

“May I remind you, Councilman, that Serena is no longer yours to punish.”

Though I can't see him, Father's response sends chills through me. “That will soon change.”

Will Father be the one to kill him? Right here? My hand aches from grasping the gun hidden within my pocket.

“You don't have as much power as you think.”

“Perhaps. But I may have more than you think.”

The hall is quiet. I grip the gun tighter. Can I really use it if need be? Against Father?

“I hope you find your rooms adequate.”

“Doubtful.” Father smirks. “Cynthia, gather your things. You'll be staying with your mother.”

Her head lowers and she moves toward the stairs.

Father adds, “Next time I see you Cynthia, it had better be in something suitable for a Councilman's daughter.”

Father mutters after a servant. Mother spares us a glance, her lips pinched together, and follows him. Once they're out of ear shot, I face Zade.

“Why didn't you do something?”

“What can I do? I'm in enough trouble as it is and she belongs to your Father.”

“She shouldn't belong to anyone.” Tears prick my eyes. I let out an angry huff.

Zade watches me, his face drawn.

“Don't worry,” Cynthia says. “It's my own fault. Thank you for trying to help, but I should have known better. I've been here so long, I'd almost forgotten how things are.”

She heads up the stairs. Bethany calls after her, “I'll help.”

“I can help, as well,” I say, climbing the stairs after her.

“Wait, Serena.” Zade pulls me to a stop. “We need to talk.”

I look at Cynthia and Bethany. There's nothing more I can do for her that Bethany can't do better. Maybe Zade has a thought on how to help. Or maybe it's something to do with his death. “If you think we need to. I'll see you two later.”

They nod and hurry up the stairs. I doubt they'll take long packing. If they do, they'll probably send a servant for the rest. You can't keep Father waiting.

The tears burn my eyes until a few trickle out. I brush them away and follow Zade to his study. The closer we get, the more my stomach knots. If any more guests arrive, they'll have to do without a personal welcome. We enter. He shuts the door and casts his spell that prevents eavesdropping.

“Why don't you have a seat? Or stand if you like. Whatever you want.”

He paces over to his desk and shuffles through a few papers. After picking the chair closest to the desk, I perch on it. The maroon one still holds too many bad memories.

He pinches the bridge of his nose. “We've got to do this.”

What can that mean? I grip my hands together.