Zade sends the latest guests off with a servant. The way he acts, it's impossible to tell he knows death is coming. My heart aches watching him. I want to do something more, but there's nothing I can do.
The front door opens yet again. The Grand Chancellor and his son are followed by two women, both with heavy face paint.
The footman announces them. “The Grand Chancellor with his wife and his son Nathaniel with his fiancee.”
The Grand Chancellor sweeps to a stop. “Thank you for the invitation. I'm sure it will prove an interesting occasion.”
The fiancee watches the interaction, cowering away from them. The wife grabs her arm and yanks her forward. The Grand Chancellor scowls and zaps a fuchsia spell at the girl. She bites her lips, but doesn't call out. I want to kick all but the fiancee out of the house. The way she's being treated makes me want to protect her. Of course that won't happen.
“We do hope you'll be pleased with everything we have planned.”
“We shall see,” the Grand Chancellor says.
Zade motions to the next servant. “We have a set of rooms for you on the bottom floor. I hope you'll find them to your liking.”
The Grand Chancellor raises his brows, but doesn't say a word as the servant leads them away. Once they are out of sight, it feels as if I can breathe again. My tension eases until Cynthia and Bethany join us.
“I thought we wouldn't be seeing you girls until it was time to dress.” Mostly, I want them away from the danger as much as possible.
“I saw Father and the carriage arrive,” Cynthia says. “We were hoping we could join you in greeting them.”
“Certainly,” Zade says.
Cynthia eagerly stands to the side. More sedately, Bethany also joins.
“Are you well?” I ask her.
“Fine. I'm anxious to see mother and hear how the little ones are doing.”
But not Father. How will it be back under his ownership? I suppose I won't stay long. He's sure to have someone like Thomas already waiting for me. I suppress a shiver and focus on Bethany. “You can stay by me. I'm sure mother will be happy to see you.”
She nods, but doesn't say anything. The door opens and the footman says, “Presenting Councilman Stephen.”
Zade puts his arm around me. The warmth of him envelops me. I'm grateful he's not as angry with me as he was yesterday, though perhaps he should be. Still, I take what comfort I can. I lean closer as Father enters, mother close behind.
When they reach us, Zade says, “Councilman, glad you could make it. I trust the journey was good.”
“Fine ride out in the countryside.” Father eyes Zade's arm around me. “Making the most of your goods I see. Nothing too untoward I hope.”
Zade's arm tightens around me. “Only what you see.” With his free hand, he motions to my sisters.
Mother takes a step closer and gives a small grin. She's pregnant again. Not that she's showing yet, but the darkness and lines under her eyes give it away. Another sister for sure. At least she looks happy.
“Thank you for allowing the services of your daughters,” Zade says. “They've been very helpful.”
“Of course.” Father gives a sneering smile. “We wanted to make sure you had the proper help. I'd hate for your first public event to be disappointing.”
“Little chance of that. They're fine girls.”
“Good enough for a little entertainment planning, anyhow. It's sure to be a night to remember. When I—” he stops, his face growing red. “Cynthia, what are you wearing?”
I scan Cynthia's dress. It's a two piece Katherine designed, one more bold than I've seen. The colors are similar, but different enough that it's easier to tell it's not a simple dress. And those colors. Shades of jade hovering on being too bright. What's she doing wearing it now? Why couldn't I have realized before and saved us from the coming turmoil?
She straightens her back. “A new dress. Do you like it?”
“Is that a two piece?” His voice lowers to a growl. “Are you wearing tarnished clothes?”
Cynthia's lower lip trembles. “I—It...”
Leaving the safety of Zade's arm, I step forward. “It's just a little something I told her to wear for greeting guests before the ball, Father.”
Zade joins me as Father says, “You told your sister to wear tarnished clothes?”
Not today. Not ever, really. Why did she have to be so anxious to show it off? “It's just a trifle, Father.”
His fist flies. Before I realize what's happened, Zade extends his own arm, blocking the punishment. Father waves his hand. If he can't hit me, he'll hex me. I reach in my pocket and take hold of the gun, but I can't shoot him just for hexing me.
Zade steps in front on me with a turquoise spell, effectively shielding me and part of Cynthia. Bethany huddles closer to us. I keep a firm hold of the gun, just in case. I don't know what I'll do with it, but it makes me feel better.
“May I remind you, Councilman, that Serena is no longer yours to punish.”
Though I can't see him, Father's response sends chills through me. “That will soon change.”
Will Father be the one to kill him? Right here? My hand aches from grasping the gun hidden within my pocket.