Chapter 54: Chapter. 54

Luther’s behavior continued to baffle me.

What was he trying to say?

I turned his words in my mind, over and over again, to no avail. My head was spinning with questions as I made my way to Gaia’s for dinner, still a bit foggy from the scalding water of the baths. We had agreed to keep each other company, as Gallen was consulting with the Dryns all night.

I thumbed the rough piece of scroll in my pocket.

And what am I supposed to make of this?

Gaia’s tent smelled of spices and fruits. I found her lulling Sorka to sleep, a relaxed smile on her face.

“Has the tea helped?” I inquired.

“Very much so,” Gaia answered. “Have a cup. You must be on edge.”

I did as ordered, as indeed, the baths had done little to soothe my nerves.

I waited until the end of our dinner to show her the scroll. We both deserved to enjoy an uneventful night.

“I’ve done a bit of digging,” I started.

Gaia frowned. “I don’t know that I’ve ever liked hearing that from you”

I held both hands in protest. “I’m not going to let the threats escalate!”

“You’re right, you’re right,” Gaia conceded. “Is it naive to say that I wish we could all get along?”

I chuckled. “It certainly is hopeful. Here,” I handed her the piece of parchment. “I found this lying outside a strange tent on the outskirts of town. It was guarded by an armed demon.”

Gaia read, her expression somber. “Have you ever heard of the secret societies of Voke?”

I shook my head.

“Every few decades, during times of political unrest, demons from various tribes band together around the same cause. While usually our loyalty lies in our tribe, when opinions diverge too drastically, some of us gather around political ideas.”

“Is that all they do? Discuss ideas?” I asked.

“Sadly no. Secret societies can have ramifications all across Voke. They tend to be designed to weaken the king, so their members can impose a new ruler.”

“Like a coup? That’s no good,” I mused.

“Not at all,” Gaia answered, gravely. “Especially if they have guards...”

By the time I left her home late in the night, the world seemed to be crumbling around us, and neither of us felt we had the shoulders to face all the issues arising at once. Before we parted, Gaia advised that I stay alert. She intended to lead her own investigation with some of her friends, to figure out what the blue tent was.

***

It took all my will to drag myself out of bed the next morning even after Duna abruptly opened the shades to let the morning sunlight filter in. I had a hunch that she was still upset at me for making her lie to Luther.

“The meeting isn’t for another hour!” I protested.

“I won’t let you go looking like that,” she scolded me.

Duna was a slim woman, around my age, but she wasn’t to be trifled with.

By the time I sat amongst the Dryns, my mouth was dry from anxiety, but at least my hair was clean, and my clothes the appropriate black and gold of the Eponna tribe. Luther had also dressed for the occasion, in a green tunic that made his purple eyes more vibrant today than ever.

“Thank you for taking the time to examine this matter closely,” he addressed his council. “We are ready to hear your decision.”

I held my breath, as Luther listed the first choice, trying me in Voke. No one raised their hands. I wasn’t very surprised. That was the least likely option to succeed.

“Everyone in favor of Tatiana turning herself in,” Luther carried-on.

All hands stayed down again. I wanted to argue, to tell them that they were wrong, but it didn’t matter. Their vote was final, my voice had no weight in this matter.

“Everyone in favor of a war, raise your hand.”

Peran, our Dryn of Education, an old, lofty demon and a close friend of Enid, raised his hand, along with Caden, our Dryn of Culture. They had never directly confronted me, but I made a note of their opinions. Gaia had asked me to keep my eyes open, for demons who could be supportive of an uprising.

That’s two votes out of five, I thought. That means the majority voted for…

“Finally,” Luther continued, emotionless, “everyone in favor of Tatiana marrying a prominent demon at court, declare yourselves.”

Cleta and Gallen’s hands shot up in the air, as expected. But someone didn’t vote, we were missing a count.

“We would like to add something,” Cleta spoke up.

Luther nodded.

“All Dryns also unanimously voted for the demon Tatiana should marry, in the eventuality that this vote were to pass.”

I glanced at Luther to try to decipher his expression. Until Cleta’s words sank.

They did what?! Picked me a husband?

“Oh?” Luther asked calmly. I couldn’t tell what he felt.

“Yes,” Cleta continued. “We decided that it should be you, Luther.”

“What?” I stared at Cleta in shock. “Why?”

“It’s obvious,” Cleta smirked. “Thornland would never dare ask that Voke’s queen be returned to them.”

“Of course,” Peran interjected, “if Tatiana marries Luther, she would only be queen for the sake of this situation. She will stay out of all political matters, with the exception of her current role as Advisor.”

“Of course,” Gallen reassured Peran. “And we will be the sole bearers of the secret. All of us, in this room.”

Peran and Caden nodded in approval.

I couldn’t breathe. I glanced at Luther. His eyes betrayed a hint of annoyance.

“We are missing one vote,” he looked at Colm. “You have never raised your hand, Dryn of Coin.”

Colm stood. “Indeed. I deal with numbers, and am not a master strategist,” he explained. “I don’t think it is up to me to decide the fate of our country.”

Colm was giving out his vote to Luther, who had to break the tie. It was a smart move for someone like him, so loyal to Luther. His humility was admirable, but now Luther had to pick between war and marrying me.

“Very well,” Luther answered. “That is your right.”

We all hung from Luther’s lips, awaiting his decision. He looked distant, deep in thought, for what felt like an eternity. Time slowed, and I forced myself to push away all expectations. But I knew, in the back of my mind, that Luther couldn’t choose war. Or was it hope that he would choose to marry me?

“I vote in favor of the war,” Luther finally stated. “We’ll meet again tomorrow to discuss our next steps.”

And just like that, he strode out of the room, without so much as another look at me.

I wanted to disappear.