Chapter Thirty-Six

Iris:

My parents are finally around, the news went out yesterday, I don’t know why they waited until today before they arrived, but they did and now I am on my way to the principal office to see them, I would have loved to look for Cirdan and go with him, but I did not want to push them more. My father would be so disappointed in me for losing my temper.

He did train me better at self-control, that was one part he excelled in, I was never to let my power out and because of one mean girl, I forgot all the training imbibed in me and attacked.

When I got to the office, the mood was a dark one, both my parents were there not talking to each there, in fact, nobody in the room were talking to each other and they were much.

Cirdan’s parents were also there and some other people whose power rolled off them in waves.

People that seemed more at my parents’ level.

“Father?” I called, clearing my throat the best I could to prevent my voice from being scratchy. I still ended up sounding like I was feeling, tensed and nervous and scared.

“Iris.” He returned, I stood in front of him gazing into his eyes just as he looked at me. “I am sorry father, I just snapped, she was not just making fun of those poor women who died but she was calling me one of them…” I started to explain, feeling my anger at Viana words building up once more until my father let out a rush of air while his look turned colder. Then I realized that this was not my father I was address, I was addressing my king as a princess who disobeyed the rule.

I switched my actions to fit in with the new persona I should be portraying. “I have no defense for my actions Father. I am sorry.”

“You will tend an apology to her parents and then you will give one to your school mates, the ones who watched you lose control and which you scared.” He ordered and I nodded, Trying to keep my jaw clenched enough to not betray me because of the tears I felt gathering.

“It was not her fault you know.” Cirdan said behind, regardless of who was in the room, I could feel his body heat, he was standing so close to me as if he could absolve my punishment for me. I did not even know when he arrived.

“In due time boy, you would receive punishments meant for her.” One of the strangers said.

“My son did nothing wrong.” Tehisa snapped.

“Tehisa please.” King Elros sighed, “This would already be hard enough on them, let’s not make it more difficult.”

“What’s going on?” I asked, looking around and judging from the way Cirdan paled, he seemed to know what was going on too.

“Have a seat, Princess Iris.” One of the strange faces said, his aura felt familiar, like those of the twins. I wanted to ask but I knew my questions would not be wise right now.

“Is everything alright?” I muttered even as Cirdan led me by the hand he was gripping into a new seat.

“I don’t know but know that whatever they want to say, it changes nothing between us?” Cirdan returned, brushing his finger against my hair before he let go of my hand and took a physical step back, he was already trembling.

That was not comforting at all. “Can someone tell me where is going on?” I asked, looking from face to face wondering why my mate was scared. My powers started to rise in protection of my mate, but I caught my mother’s eyes, and she shook her head like she was aware of what I wanted to do. I frowned at her wanting to go against her warning, but something made me obey.

I would not like what would happen.

“Now, I am sitting, what’s going on?” I asked calmer, taking in a deep breath and reassuring myself silently that Cirdan was okay.

“It is fascinating the way they sense each other and wants to bear the blunt of whatever negativity is affecting the other.” One of the newcomers said.

“Fascinating enough for you to change your vote?” my mother asked but he shook his head and seemed to retreat into himself, letting someone else take the lead.

And the man whose aura was like the twins own, spoke up once more. The unofficial leader to the people I didn’t know.

“Do you know who we are Princess Iris?” He asked, his voice gentle like I was a young child whom he was watching over.

“No, I don’t think so.” I shook my head, confused. No introductions have been made and this was growing longer, were they purposely drawing out the berating, I would admit this was making me suffer more but…

“Five strongest race… The shifter king, the Fairy queen, the Dark King, the Light Queen and the Folk king…” My father said, pointing to each member he introduced, including my mother and himself.

“The council of five.” I whispered and he nodded.

“But…” I frowned, were they not the one whom my parents were scared that the news of my mating was going to reach.

“Yes, dear. You are right. We could not protect you and your mate.” My mother sighed.

“But nothing will happen to us right?” I said defensively even as my power started coiling within me again, this time no matter how hard I tried to release it, it refused, tensed for attack against me or Cirdan so it could protect us.

“You and your mate have not completed the mating bond yet right?” The silent woman whom my father pointed out as the Fairy queen asked suddenly, my checks went red while my parents and Cirdan’s growled.

“Intrusion of privacy.” Cirdan parents barked together as if their words were protecting Cirdan.

“She had no right. The shifter king nodded after sparing the fairy queen with a look. “I apologize.”

“What’s going on?” I asked, growing even more tired of this all.

“They are here to separate us Iris, I thought that that pat would be obvious now.” Cirdan frowned, looking down at his laps while I stared at him in shock.

Nobody in the room made a sound as I try to digest the news like they were waiting for my reaction which it wouldn’t be pretty.

I mean this was a lie, it has to be. In faery, everybody knew that mates were valued.

I looked into my father’s eyes and saw the truth in his guilt-ridden eyes.