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Breslyn’s eyes were alive with amusement as he watched the Council members’ reactions.
A lovely Fae, not a Royal but gentle of demeanor, cast a thoughtful glance over Z and said softly, “Respectfully, as I know how much you worked and fought with all our warriors against the Dark Ones, I still must tell you that you are not part of this Council and have no business here. However, I will address your statement. We dare, because it is our right. Having said that, I must make a note to my fellow members that I am in agreement with everything you have pointed out and against this meeting, and I find the matter being addressed here today, at best, repulsive and, at worst, very near traitorous. I should like my objection to be noted for the record.”
Breslyn inclined his head. “Thank you, Council Member Ruthla. It has been so recorded.”
Two male Council members stood up at that point and displayed they were in accord with her by ceremoniously clapping their hands and added their own objections as well.
Breslyn studied the remaining four members that Banzar had swayed to his side, as he had needed five members to call a meeting. Breslyn noted to himself that he could see one of these Council members was obviously uncomfortable and ready to cast his vote against Banzar.
Today, he knew the vote would not go against Aaibhe, but matters were now dire. He had not expected Banzar to gain so many to his side so quickly.
Banzar stood up and said grimly, “I would also like it noted for our records that the queen has taken in a Fios child and has been seeing to her training!”
Ruthla’s lovely brow went up as she cast him a withering glance. “It is the right of the Seelie Queen to hold, as our guest, any and all Fios in Tir that she finds and deems necessary to detain here. No rule, ethical or otherwise, has been broken, Banzar. It does not need to go into the record.”
“Indeed, but since when do we train them to use their skills?” Banzar pursued.
“The child is being taught and trained to fight with us against the threat of the Dark Princes.” Z once again took a step forward, her lovely face a mask of fury. “And besides, she is just a kid. You seem to be looking for a fight, mister, and if you want a really good one, I am happy to oblige.”
Danté pulled his impulsive mate back to his side and eyed her, but she shrugged and said on not such a whisper, “He is a jerk.”
Breslyn chuckled but stepped in front of her and said, “Let’s get this over with.” He, Danté, and Ete were Royal members, and though they could only cast one vote each, what they said and did would most definitely sway the others.
“The first thing I request is a secret ballot.” Banzar stood and addressed the seated members, ignoring Breslyn and the other Royals.
“No. You wanted this meeting, so be it,” Breslyn pronounced. “First, for the record, Banzar has called this meeting in order to start a movement to overthrow the queen.” He glared at Banzar, and his lip curled. He spoke to all the members, though he looked only at Banzar. “You cannot wish to overthrow our queen and remain anonymous. That would appear cowardly and, as Ruthla mentioned, on the verge of traitorous. We will have a show of hands. Let us be open about this. What is the nature of your objection to our queen—why have you instituted this
meeting?”
“Our queen cavorts with the Milesian leader and for such traitorous behavior should be deposed,” Banzar said with contempt.
“Where is the crime?” Breslyn said quietly, but a threat seemed to linger in the air and behind his words. No one in the room could doubt that he wanted to step forward and land a blow to Banzar’s face.
“I have it on good authority that she wishes a legal union with Morgan LeBlanc! It was not enough that she condoned the union of Chancemont LeBlanc and Princess Royce—apparently, that was not enough. She wishes to unite our two worlds by taking Morgan LeBlanc as her consort.”
“Again, I ask you, where is the crime?” Breslyn found he could no longer contain himself and took a threatening step towards Banzar.
“It is written that our queen may not take as consort an enemy leader.”
“The Milesians and the Seelie Fae have been at peace since the signing of the Treaty!” Danté said calmly. “Where is your enemy leader? Your point does not apply.”
“We Seelie Fae do not wish such a union with the Milesians whom we have held in contempt for centuries. It is our belief that the queen has lost her sense of direction and should be deposed before she leads us down the wrong path,” Banzar growled, evidently not willing to back down.
Breslyn strode hard and looked Banzar up and down before walking to each seated member and staring at them. “Despicable—all of you who stand with Banzar, who is a Council member by the good graces of our queen! Mark me on this, all of you—when this absurdity is at an end, I shall have your seats. If you stand with Banzar on this today—you will lose, and in the end you will lose everything!”
“There ya go!” Z said with approval. She turned to Danté. “Right—I am a Daoine Royal. I think you should replace one of them with me.”
Danté pinched her cheek. “We have four Royals already as members.” He looked at the opposing members. “Princess Royce is with her Milesian as we speak, working to shut down yet another portal the Dark Ones have attempted to open. However, you may rest assured she has authorized Breslyn to cast her vote.”
“Yes, but I think you should appoint me to the Council,” Z again suggested.
“My love, as it happens we have a rule that allows only four Royals to serve as senior members, and only senior members may vote.” He eyed the assembled Council members and said darkly, “But perhaps it is time to change all the rules?”
Breslyn grinned, but absolutely no warmth was in it, only a threat as he said, “Right you are, my friend. Fact is, I think we need now to know where everyone stands, right now, before we proceed any further.” His sneer returned to Banzar before he added, “Plain speaking so that no one can misinterpret. Who stands with Banzar in this and is looking to depose the queen?” He knew that they could not deny him a show of hands. It was his right as a Royal to request it. He also knew that those willing to plot in secret were seldom willing to do so in the open.
Hands went up to depose the queen, and Breslyn was pleased to see Banzar had already lost one of his followers. That was something, but Bres knew it was just a matter of time. He took a count. “Banzar, Bathwin, Trula,” Breslyn said out loud. “Your votes are recorded in the ledger for all to see.” He eyed the remaining members. “Now, those against?”
Four hands went up, and he counted them out loud: “Ruthla, Alana, Darkam, Tandwith, and thank you, yes, I see you are outraged at these proceedings, Tandwith, and it shall be duly noted.” He turned to Makwith, who had arrived with Banzar but had not yet voted. “And you, Makwith?”
