Chapter 16 #2
Justice was a dude, so I wasn’t interested in boning him. My attraction to Charity was soaked in loathing. I would enjoy hate-fucking her but wouldn’t want her around long enough for her to speak.
Queen Ashley and Invia sat together as a couple, as did Purity and Solara.
I stood against the wall for security. Godfried glared at me when he entered, but he held his tongue.
Lord and Lady Darlif, meanwhile, acknowledged my presence with a brief nod but were preoccupied with the night ahead.
The guests seemed to have prepared themselves for the potential of my uncomfortable presence, and it showed.
Judging by the shifting glances at Sarah, the abyssal serpent wrapped around Solara’s shoulder, they weren’t ready to have a demonic familiar join for dinner and never dreamed they would have to prepare for such a thing. Sarah enjoyed the attention.
Royal servants filled drinks for guests as they claimed their seats, and soon, Queen Ashley stood to address the full table.
“Welcome, friends and family,” she said with a smile and a glass of champagne in her hand.
“I know we’ve all met and spoken with one another under different circumstances in the past, but I’m excited to have a night where we speak as a family.
The chef has prepared a multi-course meal for us tonight, so all we have to do is enjoy the company while plates of food appear. ”
“We are grateful for your generosity, your Highness,” Godfried offered, ever the dutiful suck-up.
Ashley waved the words away. “Queen Invia and I would prefer we not worry about titles. We can be casual here.”
Invia’s father flinched at the reference to Invia having the title of queen but didn’t say anything.
Her mother, meanwhile, said, “It’s good to see you again, Invia. I don’t think we’ve gotten a chance to see each other since your lovely wedding.”
“I’m happy to see you too, Mother,” Invia replied. “Work for the kingdom has been demanding, as I’m sure you can imagine.”
Ashley added, “I rely on your daughter a great deal. She’s been a phenomenal partner.”
“That’s lovely to hear, your High-I mean, that’s lovely to hear, dear,” Invia’s mother replied. “So much has changed and so quickly.”
“Which changes are you thinking of?” Invia asked.
“The construct army is the most visible, I’d say.
” She glanced toward the door where two silk soldiers with massive metal breasts stood guard.
“Trade seems to have strengthened. And there’s this news that an entirely new sister kingdom will be opening soon.
That one is exciting, but I’m afraid it's hard to grasp.”
Lady Darlif was being surprisingly complimentary and had clearly been paying attention.
Invia smiled proudly. “Sanctuary South is beautiful, Mother. If you and Father would like to relocate there, I’d be happy to help with that.”
Invia’s father coughed.
“You talk like the construction is done,” Esita observed.
Invia nodded. “It is. We’ve begun to help merchants and other permanent residents move in early already.”
“Is it true that the city is built in the wastelands of the south?” Esita asked. “That sounds so fantastical.”
Ashley sipped her champagne. “The sight is stunning to behold. Inside the barrier, it’s a permanent spring afternoon, yet snow is always falling all around the city.
We’re very excited about the traffic this alliance will bring to our Capital, and it’s already improved our standing in international matters. ”
“What matters, specifically?” Lord Darlif inquired.
“Every nation in the world has sent envoys to confirm that we were happy with our various treaties and trade agreements. Nobody wants to be cut off from Sanctuary South, and the silk soldiers guarding our borders have motivated leaders to be certain that there is no tension between our nations.”
“Why are we discussing the Fiend of Flowst and his city like he isn’t standing right there?” Charity asked. “What sort of king moonlights as a bodyguard for another monarch? If we’re going to do this dinner, we should at least be honest with each other.”
Justice put a calming hand on his sister’s wrist, but she swatted it away.
Looking at me, Charity added, “How stupid do you think we are?”
Very.
Purity spoke before I could. “Nothing about the last six months has been conventional. I do not speak for anyone but myself, but I will say that we’ve been able to achieve what we have because we weren’t dogmatic about traditions and protocol.”
“It’s so cute how he pulls the string, and the words come out of your mouth.”
“Charity!” Justice hissed.
“Claiming to be the Goddess is blasphemy,” Charity responded, searching the faces around the table for support. “Am I the only one who is willing to acknowledge the facts, or will you all play dumb for the rest of your lives?”
“What facts, sister?” Purity asked.
“The Church has never been weaker than it is now. You manipulate and exploit innocent people for your own gain but dress it up as faith and prayer. You call yourself Penny instead of being proud of the name Mom and Dad gave you, and you stood in front of the city and claimed the Goddess entered your body to help you free the Princess. We all know that’s nothing but lies. ”
Solara was about to speak but closed her lips when she saw the seriousness in Purity’s eyes. My archpriestess didn’t need anyone to stick up for her. She could do that just fine on her own.
“Crime, homelessness, and hunger are down and still dropping,” Purity declared. “More people in the kingdom have access to education than ever before, and as far as I’ve heard, the kingdom’s economy has never been more prosperous.”
Ashley nodded to confirm that was true.
Purity continued. “We have had to root out the corruption in the Church for those things to come to pass. Would you rather the Church be strong, or would you rather all those people live happier lives?”
Godfried clicked his tongue. “That’s a false equivalency. The Church has very clearly been a source for good.”
“Were you friends with the late Father Finlee?” Purity asked her dad.
“Of course. He was a pillar of the community.”