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“It is not a coup,” Elaria countered. “It’s a consolidation of power.”
“I’m surprised Aryel Drakharrow doesn’t have something to say about this,” I pointed out. “She’s the new leader of House Drakhar-row after all and thus one of the regents of Sangratha.”
The four regents were meant to share power equally. Of course, Viktor had never liked to share. I was actually surprised he hadn’t come up with the high regent thing first. Aryel stood there, looking awkward and, to be honest, totally incompetent.
Elaria smiled calmly. “Aryel Drakharrow knows that my stepping up as High Regent is the only thing which will save Sangratha from civil war. Viktor Drakharrow was High Regent in all but name. At least I am being transparent about my new position.”
Around me chatter broke out.
Elaria raised her voice a little. “Make no mistake. We stand on the precipice of incredible turmoil. Considering that Viktor Drak-harrow’s dragon was responsible for the devastation of Veilmar, every remaining member of his house should feel fortunate they are not standing here in chains.”
I didn’t dare glance over my shoulder to look at Theo. Beside me, Visha had gone still.
“Cooperation is in everyone’s best interests,” Elaria continued. “House Drakharrow will retain its holdings and titles—for now—under the oversight of Houses Avari and Mortis. A mutually beneficial arrangement.”
Aryel was still keeping her mouth shut.
“Which brings us to House Orphos.”
I glanced back at Lysander. His expression was bland and polite. Kage stood at his side. The Avari’s eyes were fixed on his grandmother, cool and unblinking.
If Elaria noticed her grandson staring her down, she didn’t remark on it. Instead, she went on. “House Orphos has involved itself in matters bordering on treason.”
“House Orphos works for the good of all Sangratha,” Lysander said evenly, “as my house always has. What you call treason I call trying to bring down Viktor Drakharrow’s reign of terror and his oppressive oversight of Bloodwing Academy.”
“House Orphos has always been naïvely idealistic,” Elaria snapped. “Don’t you already have your own little school in the Sable Isles? Why bother with this one?” She sniffed. “Honestly, Lysander, at this point, I’m surprised you’re willing to identify as a highblood at all.”
“I suppose I don’t connect highblood existence with cruelty by default as you do, Elaria,” Lysander replied. “While you are correct that Orphos does own the Somnaria Institute, we also supply Blood-wing with a large percentage of its funding. I’m surprised you haven’t called me here to thank House Orphos for our generosity in propping up the academy financially.”
They stared at one another. “I admit I am tempted to have you placed in chains this instant,” Elaria said at last. “As far as I’m concerned you’re not fit to be the leader of any house. In such a time of chaos, House Orphos’s funds may be easily confiscated for the greater good.”
The air suddenly felt charged. Kage moved to stand in front of Lysander. “Anyone who tries to put Lysander Orphos in chains will have to get through me first.” His words carried over to the high-blood crowd, and I saw them whispering. For a second, I wondered if Kage was going to let his wolf loose right there and then—on so-called holy ground, right in front of the temple.
Elaria must have been wondering the same thing. She pursed her lips together. “There’s no need for theatrics. I seek to avoid violence, Grandson.”
“If you really want to avoid civil war as you claim, Grandmother, then I suggest you don’t provoke one on the temple steps,” Kage shot back.
The silence stretched. Finally, Elaria filled it. “Bloodwing has always been a training ground for the best of Sangratha, not a sanctuary for the weak. In recent days it has drifted from its true purpose.” Her eyes cut to mine. “Effective immediately, Bloodwing will return to its original goal. There will be no further displays of rebellious autonomy.” Her eyes moved to Rodriguez. “Gabriel Rodriguez, you are hereby removed as headmaster.” Her lips curled. “Furthermore, your services of instruction are no longer required at the school.” Her words rang out like a sentence of exile.
“You have no right,” I said hotly, stepping forward.
“Medra Pendragon, what are you even doing here?” Elaria demanded, looking down her nose at me with distaste. “You have no dragon.”
It was on the tip of my tongue to say Actually, Elaria, he’s just inside the temple. But I kept my mouth shut.
She smiled, mistaking my hesitation for defeat. “That’s right. You are a dragonless rider. You are a House Drakharrow pet. I suppose you may continue to attend Bloodwing if the Drakharrows wish you to do so, though I see no real point.”
And to think I’d believed Kage’s grandmother had potential as an ally.
“There are still some refugees at Bloodwing. Where exactly do you propose they go?” Rodriguez asked, his voice mild. I supposed he wasn’t exactly surprised by all of this, considering the amount of mail Elaria had been sending.
She smiled thinly. “They will be relocated.”
“Relocated where?” I demanded.
“To labor districts. To serve within the great houses. To wherever they may be most useful.”
“Useful to highbloods,” I spat. We’d see to the refugees ourselves before this could happen. I knew Rodriguez must already have a plan in the works. “Who exactly will be stepping up if you’re throwing Rodriguez out?”
