For Wreck and Remnant by Kate Avery Ellison

Author:Kate Avery Ellison [Ellison, Kate Avery]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Kate Avery Ellison
Published: 2015-01-11T22:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

I SOUGHT OUT my mother in her study and announced my desire to have a gala to celebrate my return while Tallyn sent contact to Annah secretly. My mother watched me shrewdly as I spoke, and my heart beat fast against my ribs. Did she suspect that we had other plans? Sweat broke out across my skin, and I forced myself to stand straight. She didn’t accuse me of anything, but I didn’t relax.

“I am surprised at your change of heart regarding these things,” she said, touching her fingertips together as she spoke. “But I think it could be a sound move, if done correctly. Not garishly, of course, given the tragic circumstances of our people.”

“No,” I agreed. “Everything is... chaotic. We need to be respectful. But even in times of stress and storm, people need to be able to remember who they are, and who we are. Graywaters.”

She smiled. I knew she would like that.

“How soon can we arrange it?” I asked.

She rang for a servant to give him instructions, and I suppressed a sigh of relief.

So far, this plan appeared to be working.

~ ~ ~

The Dron had assembled in one of their rooms, and they were waiting for me when I stole away to speak with them. They’d all bathed and changed into clothing that had no doubt been provided by my mother. Olis stood by the window, gazing at the view, and Nol sat with his elbows braced on his knees, wearing black silks, his eyes burning with bright fire. A shiver slid through me as those eyes connected with mine. Garren launched himself at me, bristling with restless accusations. He still wore his old clothing, I noticed.

“Are we to be prisoners, then? When will we speak with your senate?”

“You need to trust me,” I said. “Listen. My mother cannot be trusted. I have arranged for a meeting to take place between the three of you and a senator, my—” I avoided looking at Nol. “—grandmother.”

How did he feel about my political family connections, now that he knew about them?

“And when is this meeting?” Olis asked. “Time is slipping away fast. Do not trifle with us, Itlantean.”

“You need to stop referring to me as ‘Itlantean’ while you’re here,” I said sharply. “Too easy to slip up. And the meeting will be today. Say nothing until you are alone with her.”

Garren glared at me. “I don’t like this. I don’t trust you.”

I allowed myself a glance at Nol, and the intensity in his gaze sparked something in me.

“I’m a Graywater,” I said firmly. “We can be trusted to do what is in our best interest, and this is in my best interest.”

I didn’t look at Nol again.

~ ~ ~

An hour later, my grandmother Annah arrived, accompanied by an attendant. I received her in a round room with views of the sea through arching, gilded windows. My mother stood beside me.

Annah swept into the room with a confidence that, as always, impressed me. She turned her face toward me, her sightless eyes widening slightly as she raised her brows.

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