Chapter 52 #2
“She planned to send Neverra back, with or without me there. She is more than just the mindless monster the council would make her,” Logan said.
My brow rose at his vociferous defense of her.
“And I am happy you and Nev are home, Brother. I am, but does her potential for good outweigh the bad? Are we just forgetting about all the destruction she has wrought after one random act of kindness?”
The room went quiet. Even the birds outside ceased their chatter. I folded my hands in front of me and leaned forward.
“Do you have a problem with how I am handling her?”
Vincent’s throat bobbed, his calm demeanor melting away. “The problem is that you wish to give her leniency when she should be locked downstairs with Camilla. She—”
“I am well aware of what she has done, but I did not ask for your counsel on the matter. Nor are you one to judge what I can and cannot do. What exactly happened under your temporary rule?”
Vincent’s face flushed, and he opened his mouth to respond but stopped, thinking better of whatever he’d been about to say.
“Exactly. I am more than aware of your disdain for her.”
“Disdain?” He barked a small laugh, glancing at the room. “Am I the only one who isn’t under her spell? She practically gutted Cameron and tore through Onuna. I mean, seriously, the list goes on.”
“The circumstances are different. We are not dealing with a creature intent on mere bloodlust and destruction—”
“Seriously?” He cut me off, seemingly unaware he’d done so. “Is it really so good that you are willing to risk everything for her? To make excuse after excuse. Unir would never—”
I was on my feet the second my father’s name left his lips. Sparks of energy danced across my skin, my tattoos flaring to life as the room vibrated. Weariness had left my temper more than frayed, and the last few weeks had only made it worse.
“Out.”
It was the only thing I could say that wouldn’t ruin the centuries of friendship between us.
Vincent spun on his heel, yanked the council doors open, and stormed away without so much as a second glance back.
“All of you. You are dismissed until the council reconvenes.”
Cameron and Xavier shared a glance and practically ran out of the room. Imogen rose and murmured something about talking to Vincent before hurrying after him. Neverra and Logan rose slowly.
Logan met my gaze. “Vincent is only afraid. That’s why he lashes out.”
“I am aware.”
“Nismera did a number on him. We all know it, and he sees the ghost of Nismera in Dianna. It’s just fear. There is love for you behind his defiance,” Logan said.
I lowered my head, pressing my fists against the table in front of me. “I just wish to be alone. Please.”
He said nothing more, and they left, the large doors closing behind them. I sank back into my seat, my hand brushing over my face. The silence, for once, calmed my nerves.
“She called for you,” I said, staring straight ahead.
Roccurem solidified, his shadows writhing around him.
“I heard,” he said, clasping his hands behind his back.
My jaw tightened at how casual he sounded as if it were his right. She cursed me and called out for him. It was beyond idiotic to feel so much jealousy, yet my gut twisted with it.
“Calm your nerves, Your Majesty. There is no need for you to be envious. She calls to me for answers she is too afraid to receive from you.”
I tapped my fist against the table, a million and one thoughts running through my head.
“A part of me wants to forbid you from answering her call, but if she has questions and wishes not to speak to me, I want her to have the support she needs. I would never want her alone. Kaden kept her from friends and family for centuries. I would not do the same. If she reaches out, you may answer, but not before.”
Roccurem’s shadows swelled, the swirling mass of energy and nebulae dancing around his feet. “The mortals speak of stages of grief. Anger.”
Images of Onuna on fire flashed through my head.
“Denial, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. I am afraid Dianna has only experienced two at the moment. You must be prepared for what’s coming.
Her emotions will return. They may flow like the tide, some rushing forward quicker than others, some remaining dormant for a while or forever, but feelings will emerge regardless.
You are the only one able to reach her now. ”
I scoffed and rubbed my brow. Defeated would be the correct word for how I felt.
“I fear the only emotions she feels in my presence are hate and anger.”
“All that power, yet you still do not see.”
“Regardless of how she feels now, I will not abandon her, no matter how much she loathes me,” I said, my expression grim.
“Loathe would not be the terminology I would use to describe her feelings for you, Your Majesty.”
I scoffed. “You have not seen her with me then. She cannot stand the sight of me.”
“Not for the reasons you assume.”
“It’s never been like this before. With anyone.
Why does she make me feel this way? I want to kill you.
I want to hurt those who speak ill of her.
This is not me. I am not that person. Yet your relationship, as platonic as it is, feels like a threat.
I couldn’t even stand the thought of Camilla near her because she once cared for her.
I almost killed her on Onuna. Do you know what that feels like?
To know that I want to reduce anyone that threatens her to mere atoms. Some benevolent ruler I am. Maybe I am just what the stories say.”
“I told you love has power, but I never said it was good.” I glanced at him. He didn’t move even as his form began to fade. “A warning, god king. Be careful with your displays of affection for her. The council will see it as a threat.”
“A threat?”
“They do not see her as you always have, but then, few do. She invokes fear in most. It will be a problem, I am afraid.”
“They won’t touch her. No one will.” It was a vow, and I meant every word.
“It is not her I fear for, Your Majesty,” he said and faded from the room, leaving me in quiet contemplation once more.