A Power of Old(21)

“Out there,” Corrine replied, pointing to the raging sea that could be seen from the windows.

Aisha’s face scrunched in a grimace on taking in the view, before she straightened and announced, “Well, what are we waiting for? Let’s go!”





Ruby





We approached a stone pavilion surrounded by forests on either side. The pavilion itself was crumbling and rotten—it had probably once been beautiful, but that had been a long time ago. Sentries milled about, all in their black cloaks and muttering and whispering among themselves. I squared my shoulders, wanting to face them with confidence.

The ride back to Hellswan with Jenus had been harrowing. Once we’d reached the gates, guards had come and removed him from our sight, probably to get him cleaned up before being presented to the rest of the royalty and the ministers. We’d had time to have baths, but before long we were back in the cold, hurtling through the air on vultures as I clung on to Ash’s waist for dear life.

I wondered if Jenus had arrived yet, and I quickly scanned the crowd to see if I could locate him, but at this distance it was difficult to distinguish one sentry from the other.

Tejus and Ash led the way, with Hazel and I following behind. I hadn’t really had a chance to talk to Ash, but I knew from the way he was marching ahead with Tejus, his back straight and his legs stiff, that he was probably on edge.

“Are you okay?” I asked Hazel quietly, before we reached the pavilion. She had been quiet on the ride back to the castle once she’d finished syphoning off Jenus, and then ridden on a vulture by herself, with Tejus controlling the bird with his mind.

“I’m okay… just trying not to be hungry,” she murmured. “At least there are plenty of ministers here I don’t like…”

I laughed out loud, and Tejus spun around.

“They’re not going to like you being here”—he glared at us both—“so try to conduct yourselves in an orderly manner.”

When he turned back around, Hazel rolled her eyes. It felt like we were naughty schoolchildren or something, being told off by our teacher.

“Don’t mind him,” Hazel whispered. “I think he’s taking this worse than I am…”

I eyed her speculatively. “You do seem to be managing okay…are you sure you’re not in denial or something?”

“I’m just trying not to think about it too much.”

Right.

I didn’t have the heart to tell her that was the very definition of denial. But before I could say another word, we’d reached the pavilion. Three ministers—seriously old ministers—were walking toward us, scowling.

“Explain this, Tejus!” one of them barked. “Humans!”

“Technically one human and a sentry,” Tejus corrected him.

“What?”

“Nothing,” he replied. “Minister, this trial is a kingship trial; the old rules should still apply. Kingship trials have always allowed spectators.”

“I’m well aware of the rules, Tejus! But this is preposterous. We do not allow humans at the Pavilion. This place is sacred.”

I took another look at the place.

Really?

“I really didn’t think it would be a problem,” Tejus continued smoothly. “Ash brought along his chosen human, as he was permitted to do so in the kingship trials. Why would this be any different?”

The old minister glared at him, and then his eyes roved over to Hazel.

“And her? Is she for Jenus?”

In a split second, Tejus was face to face with the minister, his jaw clenched tightly.

“No,” he bit out.

The minister stumbled back, and quickly righted himself.

“Very well. I’m sure there will be others willing to assist your brother.” He cleared his throat, trying to regain his composure. Tejus relaxed slightly, stepping back.

“What is going on?” a familiar voice trilled from the crowd of ministers, and I saw the distinct royal-blue robes of Queen Trina. My entire body flushed with rage, and it took all my effort to stay standing and not run over to her and try to gouge out her eyes.

The minister looked at Tejus and then back at Queen Trina.

“The matter is settled,” the minister mumbled. “Ash will have a human to syphon off, but only if Jenus is provided the same privilege.”

Queen Trina smiled her sickly smile, directed at Tejus. Before she opened her mouth, I knew what she was going to do.

“Well, of course,” she simpered, “I am a great supporter of those from royal bloodlines—I’d be happy to allow Jenus the privilege of syphoning off me.”

You’ve changed your tune.

It wasn’t long ago that Queen Trina had been a huge supporter of Ash, and firmly against Tejus. Clearly her plans, or more likely her plot, had changed.