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“Bring him power?” I ask.
The Eminent narrows his eyes, tilting his chin down so I only see the black pupils staring down at me. “I make him feel more powerful,” I admit, not willing to give anything more away. “I slipped away from him, and he doesn’t like that.”
He turns his back to me. “He sounds like a fool.”
“Isn’t this order based on faith?” I say too loudly. I’m almost shouting, but he stops and turns back around.
The speaker steps forward, tapping on his tablet and shaking his head.
“Dean Riggs is a lieutenant, my Eminency,” he says. “She’s lying.”
“Dean Riggs killed Captain Matthews and took over the Thalassa. His faith led him to commandeer that vessel and everything inside, including what he’s… created there.”
The Eminent’s face brightens, and the side of his lips curve up in a smile.
“And what did he create?” he asks, curiosity spinning in his tone.
“He’s growing drugs to, um, help the passengers. Things like morphine.” I pause and meet his gaze, noticing the awareness that comes when he understands my point.
“Everyone that isn’t a believer, that doesn’t have faith in him, is at the bottom of the ocean. The Thalassa dropped off the grid almost a year ago.” I jut my chin toward the speaker. “Check it yourself. He’s the king of that vessel.” I draw out the word king, making sure it chimes in the Eminent’s ears. He straightens with the words, his long robes sliding behind him as he takes a step toward me.
“How interesting,” the Eminent says, tapping his jaw. The speaker moves his finger over his screen, sucking in his cheeks when he nods confirmation at the Eminent.
“They’re fully stocked with other supplies,” I continue. “He’ll trade. If you contact him, it would be beneficial to your people.”
“And to your little nest,” he sneers.
“Just me,” I hiss. “He only wants me. He should only know… about me.”
I’m showing my hand, but I have to try. If faced with Sam, Dean will take every opportunity to kill him on the spot. The alternative is we all die today, so my options are limited.
The Eminent paces the room, digesting the information. Alexander averts his eyes, and the group watching doesn’t make a sound. My head buzzes from the blood rushing in my ears, and when I think I should plead my case more, maybe get on my knees and beg, he raises his hands toward the audience.
“This rodent has given me lots to consider for the good of our people.”
“Should I begin the vote?” The speaker asks.
“No,” the Eminent barks. “I will pray on this in my sacred chambers.”
They nod in reply, and I exhale, knowing I’ve bought myself a few days.
The Eminent flicks his hand at the speaker. “Now, to the next order of business.”
Fuck, there’s more.
The speaker rushes to the door and ushers someone over.
Theodore, the man that came down the steps with Alexander and me, stumbles into the room. I’m the only one that startles at his appearance, and he stands next to Alexander with a scowl on his face pointed at me.
“Theodore,” the Eminent’s words are low and menacing. Theodore pales with his closeness. “Why did you bring this woman into our protected community?”
“I didn’t,” he argues. “Alexander tricked me. He did this. He betrayed you.”
“Then why not report it?”
Theodore’s chest heaves, and he shakes his head, weighing his options. I gather he doesn’t have many by the callous look of the Eminent and the nervous sweat that mists both Alexander and Theodore’s temples. “I didn’t want a punishment for something that wasn’t my fault. This was Alexander’s decision and his responsibility.”
“Come here,” the Eminent waves a hand. “Both of you.”
