“Not them. Those you call tarnished. The women are seen as the problem, but I believe the men are rebelling just as much.”
“What are they doing?”
He faces me. “Some have been escaping to Envado and other countries. Enough have left that it's caused a strain on the working force. The council and upper class don't like losing their workers.”
“But there are so many of them. Plus, they're always threatening to make more. And the lower class owes debts that they repay with work. Isn't it enough? Is it really a problem if people want to leave?”
He shrugs. “If it was just that, I don't know, maybe the council would leave them alone. I doubt it, but maybe. What's seen as the real problem is that some of them have started harassing council members and a few powerful warlocks.”
The death threats jump to mind. “Are you in any danger?”
“I'm safe enough.”
It doesn't sound like he really is. The weight of the gun on my leg is comforting, though I'd be able to do little good with it should the need arise. I want him safe. “But what of the problem we had and the others you've mentioned?”
“Not related.”
How can he know? At least this isn't a threat, as well. “And what of the new law? What are they proposing?”
“They are trying to implement more restrictions, and make current laws more severely punished.”
Katherine flashes through my mind. How will this affect her? “What type restrictions?”
“You're very inquisitive today.”
I blush. “Sorry. I didn't mean it.” Except I did, and I want to know. I just don't want to push the one person who's giving me answers too far.
“Don't be sorry, it's a refreshing change.”
He wants me to ask? I lick my lips and say, “Would you tell me more about the restrictions then?”
“Of course.” He clasps his fists together and I lean forward to better catch the details. “All those considered unfit will have their ink spelled to change colors on a monthly basis. They'll have to check in monthly which will include being tracked all the time.”
“How would they be tracked?”
“A certain spell can be used to find those who participate. Mostly, they'll use it to restrict their movements. If a person with their spelled ink goes out of an allowed area, severe pain will befall them. If they don't hurry back, they'll die.
“Die?” My heart is cold.
His nose flares. “In some cases.”
“Will they be speaking of this at the next meeting?”
“They always talk about it.”
This is too much for me to hold still. I stand and cross to a table. Its surface is hard beneath the weight of my hands. They want things worse for Katherine. And what about Katherine's workers? And the other tarnished?
The council wants to make life harder for them. One small step out of line and they could die. Gone forever. Not even something less than a shadow deserves this. And Katherine is worth more than a shadow. She's worth more than any warlock.
Whirling around, I face him. “Will you take me to a meeting with you?”
He jumps to his feet. “You want me to take you to a meeting?”
Though he's a several feet from me, he still towers above me. I cower back. “It was just a thought.”
“Sorry.” He sits back down and rubs the back of his neck. “You want to go to a council meeting?”
“I, um—is there a law against it?” I wish I had access to the laws and not just the Woman's Canon.
For a moment he's quiet. “There's usually only the council and servants, but no. I don't think there's a law against it.”
I step forward. In my mind, I keep the image of Katherine taking one step outside of safety and dying. Nothing that bad will happen to me just from asking. But so much could happen to her. I can be strong enough.
“Maybe you could take me. Make it a show of dominance for the council.”
“No.”
The sharp reply silences me. If I persist, he may break his promise and a fist or hex will fly my way. Except, this is Zade. Not my Father or another warlock. He's only ever encouraged me. I have to believe he's different and if he's not, I want to know it now.
“Why not?”
He looks me straight in the eye. “I don't want you there.”
The reply stings. “Because women are supposed to be silent child bearers.”
His head lowers to his hands. “That's not it. There are things you don't understand.”
“Right.” He still thinks of me as just a woman, even if he doesn't punish me like he should. I'm sick of being just a woman.
He shakes his head before raising it. “Not like that. Just–just let me think about it, all right?”
The answer is so stunning, it takes me a moment to reply. “Yes, of course.” I back away from him. If he wants to think, I'll give him space to do so. “I'll leave you to it.”
Before I can depart, he says, “Don't forget, you're delivering invites with me.”