My Champion(32)

"Awkward," Meryn piped up, looking thoroughly entertained.

Declan gave a harsh laugh. "Why not now? I think everyone here has heard enough already. Why not hear the rest?"

"If that is what you would like." Rex set his wine glass down. "Mother had another child for you."

Declan tensed beside her. "What?" he demanded.

Rex looked at his younger brother. "You were older of course, an adult, but the way you were raised, Mother was always regretful of it. Father and I spent a lot of time away from home, and Mother was always busy with societal demands. She wanted you to know how a family should be. So she begged Father for another child. When Ari was born, she knew she had done the right thing. Father returned home, and I took a position in Éire Danu to be closer to you and our new little brother so that I could take care of you both. You were finally able to experience what I had growing up with Mother and Father before he became an Elder. After Ari, we celebrated Winter Solstices and birthdays. For the first time in centuries, we sat down at the dinner table and listened to one another. It wasn't until Ari was older that I realized you were the only one who never had that growing up. I'm sorry I failed you, little brother. I'm sorry Father and I were too busy to give you the home you deserved."

Declan slumped back in his chair, and Kari reached for his hand. "For me?" he asked.

Rex nodded. "For you," he confirmed. "We are a political family, and yes, we have our fingers in many pies, but it has never been about keeping up appearances. Politics is what Father is good at it and what he raised me to be good at it. You learned watching us, and Ari is learning watching Father now. I said that you would be a good advisor not because of your blood, but because of how you were raised. What you gleaned from us growing up cannot be taught. Declan, you have the most important thing required to be a successful leader, and it isn't the Lionhart name."

"What then?" Declan asked.

"You have the people's trust." Rex sighed. "They respect me, and that's good; I am an Elder here, but they trust you. They care for you. That is why I get frustrated that you are being underutilized. You could do so much more for them in an advisory role instead of just being a grunt."

Aiden and Adriel cleared their throats at the same time. Rex nodded his head in their direction without looking their way. "My apologies," he said in an obligatory fashion before continuing. "Declan, do you do anything during the day that challenges you?" he asked. "Patrolling here can't be that stimulating. You may have these people fooled, Declan Lionhart, but don't ever forget that I am your older brother. I watched your mind take shape, and I know exactly how smart you are. Why you felt it necessary to become a warrior I'll never know. When did it become shameful to help your people as an Elder?" He raised an eyebrow at Declan.

Her mate shrugged. "When did it become permissible for the Council to live outside of the pillar city they served?" Declan challenged in return.

Rex winced. "That wasn't entirely my decision. The fae elder brought the idea forward. He could live here if he were on his own, but he has a mate and children. At the time, their firstborn needed the sun, and we did not want to separate the family. Magnus obviously could stay here as a vampire and their prince, so yes, we set up the council estate. It has helped the city in ways the city's founders would never imagine. We have access to the human city for commerce and supplies, but we can be here in a matter of moments through the portal."

"But it does set you up away from them," Bethy interjected. "The people feel like you don't care."

Magnus rubbed his jaw. "I understand why the fae and even the witches like to be above ground, and I agree that having a council estate is probably a good idea. There have been many times when having the council separate from the city has played in our favor." He paused a moment. "What if we created something like the Royal Gardens in the council quarters here on Level One. We could install crystals in the ceiling to mimic the daytime sun and the nighttime stars. We do not have the fresh air you would get being topside, but they could get some sunshine."

Rex blinked. "You would be willing to do that?"

"Of course. I am willing to do anything that would help create a united front for the people to see. I would have done so ages ago, had it come up."

"But it did," Rex said, looking confused. "I wrote up the proposal myself suggesting something similar and left it with your office."

Magnus turned in Kari's direction. "Cheryl strikes again?" he asked, his voice tight.