Rhian

Looking back, there was no other way that could have gone, except if someone else had done it.

Ultimately, we brought Councilwoman Faust back to the salon at The Studio, and though Adeline was a bit of a rightful mess, she'd been living with years of similar and worse abuse, and her mother was a threat to us all. It'd be complicated for the lass, but we'd all be there for her.

'Course, healing and whatnot would have to wait.

After updating Faust on the situation in Leberecht, she'd asked to speak with me and Adeline alone, but I insisted Strauss stay. And before getting started, I remember the Councilwoman pulling Adeline into a quick but meaningful hug, and I know it was meaningful seeing as I'd never seen Councilwoman Faust hug anyone afore.

And then, it happened:

"There's no easy way to say what I'm about to say," she said.

So far, she'd been ignoring the fact Strauss and I were holding hands.

That was nice of her. I braced myself for the news.

"All right, well, whatever it is, it's been a week."

"Councilwoman Kelly is dead."

Strauss squeezed my hand and held it tight.

"Actually dead?" I asked, squeezing back.

"In her sleep," Faust continued. "A medical mystery, it would seem."

I swallowed a lump in my throat and focused on a nearby light source for a minute. Believe me, I'd have my reaction. It just wasn't then. "So, you're saying she was murdered."

"I have a feeling it was Oranen, or one of Oranen's pets."

"Do you think Councilwoman Oranen suspects something?" Strauss asked.

"It's difficult to say. Oranen and Kelly had a tumultuous history above and beyond. But now here we have a decision to make."

"What decision?" I asked.

"I'm not certain if you were aware, but Councilwoman Kelly could not have children, and she was the last of her maternal line. In cases such as these, the Councilwoman chooses their successor, a kept secret until their death. If I'd have known, I'd have warned you, but Rhian Sinclair, she has chosen you."

"Uh—no, obviously."

"Is it so obvious?" Councilwoman Faust asked. "With Councilwoman Blanchett no longer with us—"

The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

Adeline sniffled and Strauss gave her back a little rub.

"—we have among us two successors. Suddenly, our alliance on the Assembly grows from three to four, and we work together from the inside."

"I can't speak for Adeline, but I'm not exposing myself to the Six."

"With any luck, you'll never have to face them until it's time."

"Lady, I'm carrying a thrice-blessed baby or what have you."

"All the more reason they won't hurt you."

"Pardon?" Strauss asked.

"I've heard the stories, of course, of what you all think happens to mixed-blood Partisans—shipped to the northern wastes to die, dunked in lava, and so on and so forth. No, the mixed-blood children are raised by the Six. Thrice-blessed? They'll want you to deliver a healthy child."

"Why?" Andrei asked.

"Power consumption."

Adeline was still quiet, splitting her attention between us with her puffy eyes and leaky nose.

"You might've chosen a less creepy way of saying that if you're trying to persuade me."

"But wait, then how am I here?" Strauss asked.

"Because I asked them to let me look after you."

"You simply asked them?"

"Essentially. Forgive me, but I'll need to report back to Palisade as soon as possible with regards to Adelaide's accident, and you three have a decision to make."

Somewhere in The First One, you might remember my saying I liked Councilwoman Kelly's office, but I sure as shit didn't want it. I meant it when I thought it, and I still meant it.

But if we could get in there, at least for a little while…

Nah.

Maybe.

A terrible idea, but…

Was it?

I looked to Adeline, and then I looked to Strauss.

It's not like we'd be trapped. We'd be goddess-be-damned Councilwomen. We could order ourselves an embark and leave whenever we liked.

Adeline looked to Strauss, and then she looked to me.

Aye, we three had a decision to make.

Place your bets.

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