“You don't have as much power as you think.”
“Perhaps. But I may have more than you think.”
The hall is quiet. I grip the gun tighter. Can I really use it if need be? Against Father?
“I hope you find your rooms adequate.”
“Doubtful.” Father smirks. “Cynthia, gather your things. You'll be staying with your mother.”
Her head lowers and she moves toward the stairs.
Father adds, “Next time I see you Cynthia, it had better be in something suitable for a Councilman's daughter.”
Father mutters after a servant. Mother spares us a glance, her lips pinched together, and follows him. Once they're out of ear shot, I face Zade.
“Why didn't you do something?”
“What can I do? I'm in enough trouble as it is and she belongs to your Father.”
“She shouldn't belong to anyone.” Tears prick my eyes. I let out an angry huff.
Zade watches me, his face drawn.
“Don't worry,” Cynthia says. “It's my own fault. Thank you for trying to help, but I should have known better. I've been here so long, I'd almost forgotten how things are.”
She heads up the stairs. Bethany calls after her, “I'll help.”
“I can help, as well,” I say, climbing the stairs after her.
“Wait, Serena.” Zade pulls me to a stop. “We need to talk.”
I look at Cynthia and Bethany. There's nothing more I can do for her that Bethany can't do better. Maybe Zade has a thought on how to help. Or maybe it's something to do with his death. “If you think we need to. I'll see you two later.”
They nod and hurry up the stairs. I doubt they'll take long packing. If they do, they'll probably send a servant for the rest. You can't keep Father waiting.
The tears burn my eyes until a few trickle out. I brush them away and follow Zade to his study. The closer we get, the more my stomach knots. If any more guests arrive, they'll have to do without a personal welcome. We enter. He shuts the door and casts his spell that prevents eavesdropping.
“Why don't you have a seat? Or stand if you like. Whatever you want.”
He paces over to his desk and shuffles through a few papers. After picking the chair closest to the desk, I perch on it. The maroon one still holds too many bad memories.
He pinches the bridge of his nose. “We've got to do this.”
What can that mean? I grip my hands together.
Grabbing a nearby chair, he hauls it next to me and sits down. He clasps my hands in both of his. My breathing quickens. As much as I like the contact, it's unusual. What's this about?
“Serena. I think I've found a way for you to not be owned by your Father again.”
A puff of air escapes me. I don't want to think on his death. I lean back in the chair, our fingers trailing away from each other. “What do you mean?”
“Just what I said.”
“You're giving me to someone else?”
“No.” His face grows stern. “Never.”
He's tarnishing me. I'm surprised he hasn't done so before now. But if it's my choice, what do I want? If his plan doesn't work, I want to be with him as long as I can, to the end. If my becoming tarnished works, I'll be like Katherine. Her life is hard and she has things easy for a tarnished. But if it will save his life, it would be worth it. And better than being back with Father.
“You can think on it. It's your choice. Stay with me or not,” he says. “If possible, I would like your answer before the ball.”
I nod. “I'll think on it.” My voice feels tiny. “If this is what was going to happen, why did you accept me in the first place? Why not leave me with Father?”
“I wasn't going to accept you. It goes against what I wanted.”
His mention of being previously engaged comes to me. That was what he wanted. It must be what he still wants. To spare his life for an Envadi girl, perfect for him. Is his previous choice still waiting back at home or will he have to find a new one?
“When I saw how your Father was treating you...” Several moments pass before he can unclench his jaw to speak. “Still, I didn't want to force you into being stuck with me. I only brought the lawman to help me keep the Chancellor title and everything that came with it. Except for you. But I'd talked to others before I came to the meeting to try and decide how to handle it.”
“Wait, why did you want the title? And what other people did you talk to about it?” Most warlocks would want it just for the power and money, but Zade's different. Why haven't I thought of it before? His work on the council, the way he keeps secrets, things he's said. Oh. He's— “You're an Envadi spy.”
The muscles in his face tighten, but he says nothing.
“It's true, isn't it? I can see it in your face.”
“You can't tell anyone.”
“Who would I tell?” Though I can't be the only one that knows. Others must have guessed.
“Your sisters. Katherine.”