Antebellum Awakening (The Network Series #2)(55)

The obnoxious headlines never stopped, so I shoved the scroll out of sight. Merrick sent me a message canceling our lesson just as the sun crested the forest, and I was glad. I wouldn’t have been able to focus.

I pulled on a light blue dress and headed out of the turret toward the Royal Hall with my hair in a braid, hoping to catch some gossip on my way to talk to the High Priestess. I didn’t know if she’d hear me, but I had to try. Now that an ominous threat of war hung over the Network, my fear for Papa tripled. Would they try to get rid of him as soon as possible? Could the High Priestess stop them?

The Guardians at the grand stairs cast me a suspicious glance when I walked into the Royal Hall, but they let me pass when they recognized me. Chatham Castle teemed with nervous bodies.

That was too easy, I thought.

“You may not go in!” Donald chirped as I neared the High Priestess’s office. The door closed with a quiet click. “She’s meeting with Council Member Jansson right now. What are you doing here anyway? No one is supposed to be in the Royal Hall.”

“Council Member Jansson, you say?”

“Yes.” Donald’s desk sat outside the office today, practically in front of the double doors. He kept adjusting his legs in little squirms, looking as if he were ready to get comfortable there. I’d have to play this very carefully.

“Oh, that’s all right,” I said in a breathless tone. “I’m just so glad I found you. Fina is having a problem in the kitchen. She’s concerned about . . . er . . . a few letters she’s received since last night.”

“Fina is a capable woman. She’s never needed my help before.”

“The letters are from the local farmers that are distressed about the war. She’s so busy coordinating food for all the unexpected guests that she just can’t deal with it on her own.”

He didn’t even look up.

“She’ll work it out. I’m not to leave.”

I glared at him and bit my bottom lip.

“B-but she sent me for you, specifically,” I said, trying to infuse panic in my voice. “She must respond immediately, or . . . or—”

He looked up, his long face expectant, like a horse waiting for his oats.

“Or what?”

“They won’t send food any longer."

His eyes tapered in a suspicious glare. “They must send food. They are under contract.”

I shrugged. “I agree. But they are refusing. They want to keep the food for their villages and families if there’s going to be a war. Not to mention the water shortage that’s already hitting the fields.” I let out a dramatic sigh. “A food crisis on top of all that’s already happening! What a shame.”

He simmered on it for a second, his face pinching together. I cast a nervous glance at the door. This had to hurry or I’d miss the whole meeting!

“No, they’re bluffing. Fina won’t let them do it.” He waved the matter off. “Now leave me alone. I have work to do.”

“Very well. I’ll go tell Fina you said that it wasn’t important enough to address,” I said in an even tone. “Thank you for your time, Donald.”

He looked up as I started walking away with a mild expression of panic.

“I didn’t say that. Don’t tell Fina I said that!”

“What can I do, Donald? She wanted me to bring you to help her sort the issue out. Clearly, you are too busy.”

He chewed on his bottom lip. “You said she sent for me specifically?” he checked again.

“She said you were the only one maintaining an even head today, and that your decision would be the most trustworthy with the High Priestess tied up.”

The flattery worked. He cleared his throat and straightened the collar of his shirt with his spindly fingers.

“Well, I have been pretty calm, if I do say so myself.”

I nodded in willing agreement. He cast an uneasy look at the door.

“But I can’t leave while the High Priestess meets with Jansson. I’m supposed to keep other witches from disturbing them.”

“I could sit here while you go,” I said, as if the thought had just come to me. “I have a few minutes to spare.”

He studied me in wary indecision before finally giving in.

“Very well. I shall be quick.”

His long body took awhile to unfold and start walking toward the stairs, stretching my patience. I sat down after he vacated the desk and stared innocently at the wall-sized painting across from the office. He cast one look over his shoulder, remained satisfied I hadn’t moved, and disappeared.

The moment his steps faded away I jumped to my feet and ran to the door. If I stood almost pressed against it, I could pick up every word. Just in case, I muttered an incantation under my breath, one that made sounds expand, and kept my eye on the hallway.

“Yes, I’m aware that the Western Network has successfully diverted most of the river. Derek said they were able to save a small amount, but it will only help the northern farmers. I plan to bring the matter before the Council for discussion later tonight.”

Jansson’s even tone followed. “Very well. Two more items of business. I wanted to speak with you personally in regards to the Derek issue before the Council meets on it. I come at no one’s behest but my own.”