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But first, we’ll have to survive these accusations.
Rosemarie steps forward, sweetly gesturing for Hudyakis to lower his bladed wings and allow her to pass. She stands there with her spine straight and her head held high, courage written all over her beautiful face even as her chin quivers and her hands tremble.
“May I be heard, esteemed elders.” She phrases her plea as a question, but her tone screams command.
“Recognizing the twins’ candidate,” the oldest of our late father’s colleagues says. I keep my eyes on Rosemarie and off my father’s form on the Bridge where he chose eternal stone sleep over his sons.
She dips her head, a regal queen in that single graceful move. “There was no deal. I willingly volunteered to come with the twins.” I wouldn’t notice the shake in her voice if I hadn’t memorized her every word in the months since she woke us. “I choose to be a candidate, and if the Bridge should allow, I would be honored to be your queen and serve as long as the goddess and your wisdom will let me.”
Holy shit. I couldn’t have scripted a better petition if I’d had weeks to think on it.
She couldn’t have considered the danger to herself if anyone discovers what she knows of Theodopolis agreeing to allow us to take her. Or worse, she knew full well how risky the half-truth might be, and this is an act of pure selflessness. An act worthy of a true queen of legends.
The crowd goes silent, many bowing their heads and lowering their wings in respect. Even Cutter’s crew have shut their ill-mannered mouths. I wait, not sheathing my claws or letting the tension leave my body. Not until she’s safe. With a quick look, I know Jace remains ready for any fight to come.
The elders whisper among themselves, their weather-worn heads bowed. The oldest announces, “We have considered the accusations made against the twins regarding a possible demon’s bargain. However, given the admission of the candidate herself, as witnessed by the great Hudyakis who would not stand idly by for false testimony, we conclude the matter. The formal presentation is adjourned. May the Diviners ready their candidates for the trials which shall take place two moonrises hence.”
Rosemarie joins the other candidates in descending the stage, Hudyakis on her shoulder—again in his owl form. Wilborne’s candidate whispers something to her before the woman is herded away by her crotchety, holier-than-thou Diviner himself. Cutter collects his bitchy candidate and leaves, her silver gown dragging behind her through the dust. Mildrake comes last, prodding his candidate toward his tower. The woman resists, curling her lip and saying something before yanking her arm away from his grip and walking ahead of him. I would intervene, but it’s forbidden. Besides, the sooner trials are done, the sooner she’ll be free of him.
Jace wraps his wing around Rosemarie. “You all right?”
She strokes a hand down his chest.
I want the same comfort and reassurance that she’s okay. “Rosemarie, I?—”
“No,” she says. “Not here.” With Hudyakis flying upside down beside her, she walks toward our tower, ribbons of rainbow trailing in her wake.
My twin shoots me a look and follows her, leaving me to go last. Which I deserve.
I expect to find Rosemarie in one of our bedrooms or, hell, maybe locked away in the room that used to belong to Dyphena. But no, she sits in the great hall like a queen about to hold court. Hudyakis perches on one side of the chair’s tall back.
Jace steps to put distance between us. So much for supporting his twin. It’s a dick move, one I completely understand.
Rosemarie stares at me. “What did you promise Theodopolis?”
I scramble to think of a way out of this. “I didn’t?—”
“Don’t lie,” she snaps.
“Seriously?” Jace asks me at the same time. Shaking his head, he moves to her side, bows, and kisses her hand. “Thanks for saving our asses,” he tells her.
“What are mates for?” she whispers, her gaze going warm when she glances his way. She doesn’t spare me the same sweetness.
He rounds the back of her chair and stands across from Hudyakis.
When I think it can’t get worse, it does. Her eyes shine with unshed tears. Shit, I could handle her anger a million times easier than her crying.
“What did you promise the demon?” she asks again. “You obviously bargained with him for me. So what was your agreement?”
I stall. Maybe I can?—
“You fucked up, bro,” Jace says. “They would’ve killed us if Rosemarie hadn’t saved our asses.”
Hudyakis chirps as if he’s in agreement.
“I know.” I ball my fists. “But she wouldn’t have come to this realm if I hadn’t taken a chance.”
“I’m right here,” Rosemarie says. “Don’t talk over me. Just answer the question. I deserve to know.” The shake in her voice unravels me.
