Finally, he slaps Zade on the shoulder. “Won't happen again.”
The pain is already receding from where he hit me, but the damage has been done. Chancellor Ryan strides out of the room. The remaining council members begin to chatter again, though quieter than before and with gazes drifting to Zade. After a moment, Zade slams himself back into the chair without looking at me. I never should have asked to come.
The rest of the members don't linger. As the last one, save for us and Councilman Daniel, stands to go, he smirks at Annabelle and me. “Maybe it's a good idea to have the wenches around. Both are properly subdued.”
Of course we are, who wouldn't be? Someone was killed, the tarnished are going to lose what little freedom they have, and my owner's life is under more threats. He may think it was a good idea for us to come when really, I made another mistake.
Zade doesn't look up from his papers, but Councilman Daniel grins. “We'll see you at the next meeting.”
Once he leaves, my muscles loosen. The servants clear the remnants of the meal.
“You can put the jugs down, wenches,” Councilman Daniel says.
I place the jug on the table and rub my hands and arms. My body aches, especially my legs, back, and arms. My feet are sore. Everything hurts. It's been a while since I've had to stand like that. It's a fitting punishment for asking to come, but not harsh enough for endangering Zade even more.
Zade breaks the silence, his voice sounds surprisingly normal. “Good showing, Daniel. The food is excellent.”
“Glad you enjoyed it. I've something else you might like. A new hunting rifle.”
“Great. Perhaps your wife could keep mine company while I take a gander.”
Councilman Daniel snaps his fingers. “Annabelle, take her and keep out of sight.”
I open my mouth to say something, but she squeezes my arm and shakes her head. Together, we scurry from the room. “What power the Council has. I knew they were impressive, but that was unlike anything I've imagined.”
The table laden with a dead woman followed by an overabundance of food flashes in my mind. “It certainly was.”
“I'd best be on good behavior,” Annabelle says. “Can you imagine if he makes me go to another one? I don't think I'd manage it without fainting.” She steers me down a hall. “Let's stop at the water closet before strolling through the gardens. I'll have one of the servants bring us a bite to eat.
My stomach roils at the thought of food. “I'm not sure I could eat anything.”
“It's been a long day, we'll at least try.”
How can I even try when a helpless girl was murdered in front of me?
***
Once we're settled on a bench in the garden, Annabelle collapses against me. I lean into her and we support each other.
“That was a horribly long time,” she says. “I thought I'd drop the jug. Guess I know why cook is frantic when it's our turn to host the meeting. Hope someone comes with food soon. I'm famished. Are you truly not hungry?”
“Not at all.”
“Why not? It's been a full day.”
I close my eyes. Even if it weren't for the Chancellor's threat, there's the sacrifice. Should I tell her about it? The dead woman on the same table as the food? A woman who will never get a chance at anything. It seemed normal for a council meeting. If it happens every time, how many more have been killed? How many more will be killed? The forgotten shadows are dying without anyone to care.
When I open my eyes, Annabelle's face is filled with concern. How much does she know?
I ask, “Has Councilman Daniel told you about the meetings before?”
“No, nothing. I only know he hates them, but goes so he can try to do good. When Jonathan told me I was wanted, I couldn't believe it. What were you doing there?”
“Same thing as you.” But I shouldn't have pulled any of us into this situation. “You seemed concerned about what we said earlier, why?”
“You're good at avoiding my questions.” She sighs. “Daniel always warned me that meetings are spelled. He said I should never go around them and if I had to, be careful of what I said. This place is protected, we can speak freely. You can tell me what's bothering you.”
That makes sense with having to avoiding meetings at Father's or Zade's. I drag my weary body up and move to touch the drying leaves of a bush. “Something happened before you came. Something that I think was normal to everyone else, but...”
“What is it? You can tell me.”
I take a deep breath. “They sacrificed a woman.”
A bird chirps in the distance, it's happy sound no comfort.
“But we don't have an altar. There's never been any signs of one. I've never seen a body. Are you sure?”