Disillusioned (The Birthright Series Book 3) by Bridget E. Baker

Author:Bridget E. Baker [Baker, Bridget E.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Purple Puppy Publishing
Published: 2019-12-11T06:00:00+00:00

16

My guards follow a few paces behind Judica like I prefer, but her guards are noticeably absent.

“Uh, where are your guards?” I ask.

“I told them they were dismissed before I came to propose this,” she says. “I didn’t figure you’d want them following us around if you agreed.”

No guards at all? Once we tell the Council and I ditch them, I’ll be free? I clomp down the hallway a little lighter, a little freer, and that’s when I realize that I walk differently in Judica’s boots. More confidently, and somehow, bolder. I feel different in her clothing. Less nervous and more sure of myself.

“Easy tiger,” she hisses.

“What?”

“You’re practically strutting.”

“Newsflash,” I hiss back. “You strut.”

Judica’s mouth drops open. “Take that back.”

“Yes, Your Majesty,” I say. “Whatever you say, Your High and Noble, Esteemed, Most Excellent Majesty.”

“Oh shut up,” she mutters.

We walk back into the Council room. I’m a little annoyed that none of them have left. Were they talking about what to do while I was gone? I channel my irritation into what I think is a Judica-esque scowl.

“I’m glad you’re here because that makes this easier,” Judica says. “But I can’t say I’m pleased you’ve been hanging around in here, presumably discussing the merits of a decision that isn’t within your purview to make.” She cocks her hip and glares each member down.

Easy there, Judica, or they’ll figure us out in the first two minutes.

“But since you’re here, I may as well let you know my decision.” She sticks her lips out in a weird little pout.

I do not pout.

“I hear your objections for what I believe they are,” she says, “and I appreciate your concern for my safety. I’ve decided to send Judica in my place, but she can’t make any decisions on her own.”

Before anyone can move from grumbles to complaining, Judica continues. “No, I’m sending two other delegates who will each hold equal weight in accepting or countering any proposals. And of course, no final decisions will be reached without my approval.” She glares at me.

Oh good grief.

“Also, instead of meeting them at their home base,” she says, “we’ll be relocating somewhere else. Neutral ground. I’m thinking somewhere in Hong Kong.”

“Who are you sending?” Balthasar asks.

“Yes, who are the two delegates who will accompany Judica?” Alora asks.

“Edam,” she says pointedly, “and because of the location, Noah. He will be an asset in more ways than one.”

Noah’s mouth drops open. The rest of the Council explodes in an avalanche of objections.

“A human?” Balthasar and Inara ask at the same time.

“He’s not safe outside of this compound,” Alora says. “He’s barely safe inside of this compound.”

“Is that wise?” Marselle says.

“Your Chief Security Officer should remain present in Ni’ihau,” Maxmillian says.

“Outlandish at best,” Franco says.

“Enough,” I shout, barely recalling that I’m not me. “None of you have the authority to argue about this. She’s not going herself, which is what you were all freaking out about, so deal with her terms.”

Lark gulps and stares at the floor. Hey, maybe people are buying this after all.

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