Chapter 28 #2
“Marry me in the spring, love. Everything will be blooming then. The gardens will be lovely. Or we could get married in the vineyard at home. Whatever you want.”
I risk a glance at his face. He’s smiling softly, his eyes crinkling at the corners, and it’s the most adorable thing I’ve ever seen. “I would like that. Yes. Spring is perfect.” He runs his hands along my arms, his excitement growing. “Panah City would be nice. My father would like that.”
“If that’s what you want, then we’ll be married here, in spring.” I kiss him softly. “Whatever you want, I want to give that to you.“ And I truly mean it.
“That is easy. To be with you. Forever. I do not know what your plan is after Keller is gone, but I would like to help you accomplish it. I want to support you however I can.”
I caress his cheek. “You are a treasure. Fate smiled on me the day we met.”
Nico tucks me against his side, softly stroking my arm with his fingertips. “Do you have any plans? For after?”
I ready myself for the worst but still hope that what I say next won’t ruin everything.
“I want to remake The Brotherhood. Rebuild it, but with changes. I can’t tear it down and walk away.
To dismantle everything would leave a hole in the political structure of Amagi and make us vulnerable to any nascent dictators.
We don’t need to dangle that temptation in front of them. Do you agree?”
Nico considers the situation for a moment, and I appreciate that he doesn’t reject my idea outright. Eventually, he nods and kisses my temple. “I do agree. And leaving a guild-full of assassins without direction would lead to more trouble. So, what changes would you make?”
My answer is swift and vehement. “No more acquiring children. No more children in the ranks at all.” My voice is tight and my body is tense.
“The training is harsh. And there’s no escape.
Where would they go? To live on the streets and be scooped up again?
To orphanages filled with children who are so foreign in their sweetness that the Shade can’t adjust? ”
After taking a deep breath and exhaling, I continue a bit more calmly.
“That path isn’t necessary. You’re a prime example of what can be accomplished with adults who have a natural talent and a desire to learn.
So we take recruits who want to be there, perhaps as young adults, and we train them hard, every day.
It would be more like an elite group of Protectors, rather than a clandestine organization working for the highest bidder, existing outside the government. ”
I glance at Nico, carefully watching his expression.
“I would also change the rules regarding relationships. Everyone should be free to find love if they are lucky enough. If we alter the guidelines, add something detailing what the Shabah would or wouldn’t do in cases of threatened or kidnapped family members, we could get around the issue altogether. ”
Nico wraps his arms around me, as if trying to protect me, which is ridiculous. I don’t need protection. “Those are big changes, Bello. Are you so sure the Brotherhood will allow you to live, let alone take over and change so much of what they know?”
There’s worry in his voice, and it’s not unfounded.
Although I do want change, I can’t give them room to question me on this.
At least at first. When an organization is used to taking orders without question, giving the rank and file the free reign to question the changes is dangerous.
I’ll have to walk a fine line, but it’s possible.
“Yes. Once they learn that I’m the one who has assassinated multiple high-ranking members of the Guild—people who came through the ranks as I did—it will earn me respect and prestige within the organization.
Anyone who would stand against me will be eliminated, excluding Lorenzo.
But he won’t have any supporters within the Guild and will be much less of a threat.
I’ll elevate House Durov and appoint Elanil as my second in command. I’ll be Grand Master, of course.”
Nico grins. “Not The Revenant?”
I shake my head. “That’s a bit dramatic, even for me.”
“So, will you keep the two parts of the Guild separate?”
That’s been something I’ve gone back and forth on. “Yes, at first. But eventually, the Shabah should come out into the open and merge with the Protectors. I have ideas.” I push up onto my elbows. “Will you help me? Take control of our business ventures? Help me train the new recruits?”
The surprise on Nico’s face turns to happiness. “Yes. I would love to. We will do this together.” He pulls me into a soft kiss, the smile still on his lips. “You know, that means we should consider a permanent move to Panah City. We could live here with my father. Visit Oht for holidays.”
I laugh. “Or we could get our own home here. But first things first. We need to eliminate Keller and implement the reorganization.” I kiss him again, glad I told him my ideas and happy to have his blessing.
“Then we can make our plans.” I crawl on top of him and straddle his waist, wiggling my hips.
“Right now, though, I’d like to hear you gasp a few more times. ”