Chapter Twenty-Two
The Assembly’s roundtable had more seats set around it, room for everyone to join. It was a bit uncomfortable, all of us squished up against each other.
“Thank you for joining us. We’ll keep this brief.” Cala turned to Indigo. “Princess, you’ve made several excellent arguments for your case for our support in overthrowing your father, the king. Unfortunately, the Assembly hasn’t been able to come to a unanimous decision.”
Damn. Frustration with the dragons curled my hands into fists. They were being fools. The things Indigo had offered would being progress to their country and bring kindreds together. The future of all our countries could change in a great way.
Instead, just like Bastian, they were kept prisoner by their pasts, refusing to take a step forward into the future Indigo dared to imagine and fight for.
Indigo hid any disappointment she might have been feeling and gave a regal nod. “I understand. It would mean a lot of changes for your country.”
Cala continued. “We have decided, with your permission and approval, to have you bring your requests to the entire dragon community tomorrow night. We’ll have a party and you can give a speech explaining why you’re here. At the end of it, we’ll have a vote and we will go with whatever the majority decides.”
A thread of hope wound through Indigo’s voice. “Thank you.”
“Don’t thank me. We are doing what is best for our country and our people and in something this large, our people should have a voice.”
“I understand. I’m still grateful for the chance.”
“You’re welcome.” Cala turned to me. “Rhapsody, we were hoping you would perform for the party. You could be the opening act for your Princess.”
I swallowed my frustration and faked a pleasant tone. “Of course. I’d be honored.” I sorted through the songs in my head, wanting the perfect one to introduce Indigo. One with the perfect tone to put everyone in the right mood for her speech. If the Assembly was determined to be foolish, perhaps the rest of their people could be convinced to make the right choice.
The beginnings of a song denouncing the dragons flirted at the edges of my mind. I finally had something to sing about.
Maybe writing a new one was the best plan. I looked over at Bastian. “Can I borrow your instruments again?”
He blinked and then nodded. “Yes. I’ll have them brought to your rooms.”
“Thank you.” I ripped my attention away from him, determined to stick by my decision to give him space.
“We’ll be inviting those from other cities and villages as well. Take the rest of the day and tomorrow to rest and plan. The rest of us will be busy making preparations,” Cala said.
“Can we assist in any way? Indigo and Rhapsody will need the most preparation, but the rest of us would be happy to lend a hand,” Saber says.
“That would be lovely. I’m sure Bastian can find something for you to do.”
It seemed my kindreds weren’t the only meddlesome people plotting against Bastian and I.