Chapter 23 WICK VS ALFIERO (2)
GALLAHAN'S POV
My stomach dropped, and air left both of my lungs in one swift go. It seemed as if the world shifted beneath my feet, and it left me sinking back in my chair, gaze glued on the stack of papers that Zuleika had magically conjured earlier.
The memory of the talk Willa and I had come to the surface, and I could vividly recall how both were on the same page about being unable to leave our own people and the opposing causes we were fighting for.
So why would she willingly leave? Why would she turn her back on something she believed putting her life on the line for? What would make her change her mind, when even I, her fated mate, couldn’t do so?
I didn’t have the strength nor the wit to make any response that was equally cheeky and rude after Alfiero’s announcement. But somehow, I was able to manage to spit out a pathetic reply, saying, “I see.”
The only consolation I had in that moment was how I was able to say those two words in an impassive tone, and how my expression stayed cool and detached, not betraying how I was mentally drowning in a whirlpool of messy thoughts.
“Well,” Maliya chimed in, sounding too chirpy against the tight and heavy tension in the air. “Now that the misunderstanding has been cleared up, shall we begin the negotiation?”
Zuleika quickly jumped at the opportunity to steer the boat, which I had rocked so hard, back in the right direction. “Right. Please, take a seat everyone.”
She then turned to Bartie and said, “Bartie, would you be so kind as to fetch us some tea and some light pastries to pair with?”
“Of course, Miss Zuleika.”
The munchkin quickly made his exit to do as he was instructed, while our fucking guests moved to take their seats on the table.
Maliya settled back on her seat, while Zuleika cast a quick magic spell to make more copies of the deal document for the benefit of Alfiero and his retinue.
“Now,” Zuleika intoned. “To ensure that this talk between the two camps remains civil, cordial, forthright, and veracious, I shall ask each and every one to take a magically binding oath, and-”
A snide snort interrupted Zuleika’s genteel spiel, and the culprit had the audacity to glare at her.
I could barely recall the plain man’s name and his role in this whole affair. But from his princely regalia, which was a little too ostentatious to the point of being pretentious, he must be the prince of Agvanda, attending as the representative of humankind.
I would’ve expected a bit more refined taste from a royalty of the biggest, most influential, and richest human kingdom, but I suppose that was asking for too much from them.
I stared hard at the man and could barely believe where he was getting his audacity as he said, “A magically binding oath? Are we just going to take your word that it really is for the civility of this entire proceeding? How can we be sure that it is not a deceitful attempt to put our camp at a disadvantage here?”
“The same way I took the esteemed Headmaster’s words when he claimed that your camp is not deceiving us,” I answered in a tone that brook no argument. “I have trusted that your camp had indeed complied with my demands faithfully and truthfully just from his words alone. Is it too hard to extend the same trust to me and my people?”
The asshole grew red in the face as he threw a ‘glare’ at me. While it was a valiant attempt, it didn’t really have the desired effect. A kitten’s serious stare would’ve been a hundred times more menacing than the pathetic look he gave me.
“Enough of that, Prince Bubba,” Alfiero chided mildly.
Maliya coughed in an attempt to hide the choked-out laughter that burst out of her.
I couldn’t really fault her for her reaction, because even I had a hard time keeping my composure. I had to clench my hands so tightly that my nails dug into the skin of my palms in order not to snort and grin at the odd and baby-like name. Zuleika, too, was pointedly staring at the table as she tamped down a smile.
“It’s Prince Bubbalivier,” Prince Bubba corrected with a face that had taken a deeper and darker shade of red, making me briefly think that he might combust.
“I apologize. Your name is a little mouthful,” Alfiero replied, but he didn’t look apologetic at all. “That aside, I believe there is nothing wrong in giving a certain degree of trust to Mr. Wick and his comrades, especially if they had done the same to us.”
Prince Bubba opened his mouth to protest, but Alfiero was not yet done speaking.
“But that might be a difficult feat for some, considering the reputation Mr. Wick possesses. So if taking a magically binding oath will be too much for you, Prince Bubba, you are free to leave this parley and leave the matter to us entirely. In fact…” Alfiero paused as he regarded his company for a moment, letting his shrewd eyes scan each one of them. “If none of you own a working mind and unwavering nerves of steel, then you may leave me to handle this on my own.”
His monologue left his entourage shifting uncomfortably on their seats, but none dared to rise and make their grand exit.
“Great,” Alfiero said in satisfaction. “Miss Banfey, I’m sorry for the rude interruption.”
Alfiero’s entire display nearly made a soft chuckle escape out of me as it made me realize one thing. Willa got her no-nonsense attitude from him.
“Thank you for reigning in Prince Bubba, Headmaster. It would do well for you and your company that you toe carefully from now on. My company and I can only tolerate this much disrespect.” My gaze darted to Prince Bubba and added, “I hope that is crystal clear, Prince Bubba.”
Once the last bit of my remark went out, my lips tugged upward in a smirk, and I could almost swear that there was a hint of amusement in Alfiero’s wizened eyes. It left me thinking that if this negotiation would go well and would mark the end of the war, then perhaps winning over my fated mate would be an easy feat.
Or was I being too naively hopeful?