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“I’ll call Emrys in the morning,” she says when I finally finish.
I blink at her. “That’s it?”
I shake my head, glancing toward my dad for back-up. He’s not listening, instead, running one finger over the spine of a leather-bound book on his desk. I roll my eyes. “Nothing. It’s only that Councilman Lawrence seemed mad…he made some comment about how he’s on his way out?”
My mom crosses the room, standing behind my father. She taps him on the shoulder to make him pay attention. I frown at them, alarmed by their visual show of unity.
“Actually, Juliette,” Mom says. “That’s an excellent segue into what we wanted to discuss.”
I furrow my brow. “What is? Councilman Lawrence?”
Her expression is odd, like she’s trying to look sad, but wants to smile. It comes out as more of a leer. “Emrys has decided to retire. I know council members don’t typically retire, but in light of the backlash the community thought it was best.”
“Oh,” I relax slightly. “So, are you the new head of the council?”
Maybe that’s what this is. Maybe we have to move or something, or there’s going to be a party…or, I don’t know. The head of the council is an extremely prestigious position, like a combination of president, high priest, and supreme court justice. Not only do they govern the United States witchcraft community, as Stratford acts as the capital city for the magical community, but they oversee the other council positions, and advise human politicians, celebrities, and CEOs on the whims of our gods.
My mother smiles, flashing all her teeth. “Not yet, but hopefully soon. We’d like it if you could help. Did you happen to spend any time with Harrison tonight?”
I stiffen. “A bit?”
My stomach sinks as I glance between my parents. Why do I feel like I’m falling off the edge of a cliff? Like I’m teetering, about to spin out of control, and the two people in the world who should want to throw me a lifeline are instead about to push me over the edge.
My father clears his throat, the sound echoing in the otherwise quiet room. “Your mother has been thinking, Juliette, and so have I and we’ve come to a decision. We think it would be best if you married Harrison Dane.”
“Right,” I say, even as my heart pounds against my chest. “I know. We had this conversation eight years ago.”
My parents exchange a look, and my mother smiles in a way that doesn’t quite reach her eyes. “Yes, but we mean immediately.”
I can hardly believe my ears and stand rooted to where I am, mouth agape. “But I haven’t graduated. I’m not pledged yet.”
“You’re twenty-one,” my father says. “It’s possible to pledge now.”
“But what about school?”
My mother places her hands on my shoulders and gives them a gentle squeeze as she speaks in a calm voice “It’s not just about us wanting your happiness Juliette, though we do want that too.” She looks pointedly at my father before continuing “Our family needs this alliance; your relationship with Harrison could bring great stability for both of our families.”
Relationship.As if I even know him. My breath comes too fast. I feel like I’m in a dream, or maybe even a nightmare. I notice they ignore the question about school, and suddenly the only thing I care about is checking if I’m even registered for next semester.
“Can I go? I’m tired.”
My father’s brow furrows in concern. He at least seems to care, if only slightly, that I don’t seem excited. “Alright. We can talk about all this tomorrow.”
“The gala is tomorrow,” my mother reminds both of us, “We should announce it then.”
I feel like I’m going to be sick. “I’m, uh, going to tell Cat.”
“Wonderful,” my mother says, as warmly as she’s capable of. “Oh, and Juliette?
I stop in the doorway, nearly shaking. “Yes?”
“Do you happen to know where your birth certificate is? I went to find it in my office and it wasn’t in my cabinet. Didn’t you need it for some kind of school paperwork awhile back?”
I stiffen. “Yes, I have it. Why?”
“The seer needs your exact time of birth and for the life of me I can’t remember. Would you drop it on the desk in my downstairs office when you get a chance?” She blows a kiss. “Love you.”
I find myself nodding, even as bees buzz in my head and my fingers grow cold with anxiety.
