Page 119 of Shadow Queen
Norah pushed down the sickness in her throat as she turned and made her way toward the judisaept. Soren followed behind her. She almost told him to return to his chamber, but if she was completely honest with herself, she needed someone with her who was on her side. Despite what Soren said and did, and despite his threats, he was on her side. And if his position were recognized properly, he should be part of the council, as Alexander was. Of course, the council themselves wouldn’t agree. Well, she told herself, if there was to be a battle over her decisions, might as well make it a war.
“What is he doing here?” Edward called as she entered, without so much as a greeting.
As expected.“He’s attending our state,” she replied. “Good morning, Councilman Edward,” she added as she took her seat at the head of the table.
All eyes were on Soren.
“He cannot be here,” Alastair argued.
Norah looked at James to find his gaze upon her, dark and disappointed. But he said nothing.
“Where’s the lord justice?” Catherine asked.
“On his way, I’m sure,” Norah answered.
“This is a private meeting,” Henricus voiced, “not one that should be privy to our enemies. He must go.”
“He won’t,” she snapped. “He’ll attend what’s appropriate for his station. He’s lord commander of my army in Kharav, and he commands the forces in Bahoul.”
There was an audible gasp from the council and her grandmother.
“You’ve given Bahoul to the Shadowmen?” Edward asked, astonished.
“I’ve given my husband what is rightfully his,” she cut back. “It will continue to be a base for soldiers of both Kharav and Mercia.”
“The army won’t have this,” Edward said angrily. “They’ll rebel.”
Norah looked at him with a cool calm. “I’ve found the army will support that which their leaders support, and rebel when inspired to do so. Are you saying you’d inspire them to rebel, Councilman?”
Soren stepped closer to the table, and Norah realized he still carried his battle-axe.
“Of course not,” Edward stammered.
For once, she appreciated the commander’s intimidation. “We agree, then,” she said. “On the next topic—”
Alexander thundered into the room, making them all rise. All except Norah.
“So, we’re taking hostages and slaughtering children now?” he started angrily. Just then, he caught sight of Soren. “This is your doing,” he seethed.
“What are you talking about?” Catherine asked, alarmed.
“Word through the docks.” Alexander glared at Soren. “Apparently, the Destroyer seeks to solve our pirate problem by taking their children and threatening to kill them.”
The council gasped again in horror. Norah had a feeling she’d be hearing them gasp a lot.
“Take your brutality back to the Shadowlands,” Alexander snarled at Soren. “No one asked you—”
“I asked him,” Norah said.
All eyes shifted to her. Alexander paused, and the color drained from his face. “You asked him? You would kill these children?”
“It won’t come to that,” she said. She wouldn’t let it.
“And what if it does?” James asked. “Is this what we’ve become?”
Norah stood. “We lost twenty-eight soldiers on theCeleste, eleven on theAnne, and sixteen on theMary. I’ll not lose another man.”
“But you can stand to lose your soul,” Alexander cut back.
