“He’s checking Rasslor’s memory for what was said.”
“Isn’t that subjective? Doesn’t everyone remember everything slightly differently?”
Or I thought that’s how memories worked.
“He’ll be able to discern the difference.”
There was a growl of frustration from my father as his eyes snapped open once again. He must have found what he’d been looking for.
“You dare to accuse me of treason?” he said. His hands shook as though he couldn’t control himself. His eyes narrowed like a beast hunting prey that happened to be particularly slippery. “When I loved a woman before I was married, and had no idea she’d walked away with my heir? When you are ready to overthrow me so that you can replace me? Treason!”
My father whipped his hand around and hit Rasslor in the chest.
&n
bsp; Rasslor disappeared, and I gaped at the place he’d once been.
I blinked, almost as though I needed to be sure he was really gone and that this wasn’t some kind of trick.
“Where did you send him?” I asked.
I bloody hoped he’d sent him somewhere, and not killed him. I was pretty sure even the High Warlock wasn’t above the laws when it came to murdering someone, especially when he was clearly angry and giving into his rage rather than defending himself from a viable threat.
“To the dungeons to await his trial,” Matlock said, before turning back to his Council. His flock. His people. “Now, for the rest of you.” His eyes lingered on each one, his mouth twisting into a smirk, though there was no humor in his eyes that matched it. “I think it’s time we sorted this out, don’t you?”
Most of them squirmed, including step-mommy dearest, and hope rose in my breast. My father was back.
Chapter 4.
THERE WAS A TITTER among the Council members, then a brave voice called out.
“How do we know that Ava was conceived before your wedding to Charity?” It was one of the Witches in the back row.
I wanted to roll my eyes. What sort of question was that? That could easily be proven. Quite frankly, it was a waste of my time.
My father turned to me. Even he seemed annoyed.
“Ava, when is your birthday?” he asked drolly.
I reeled off the date and Matlock turned back to the Council.
“I’m sure you can all deduct nine months from that date, but from what I’ve gathered, Ava was conceived almost two months before my marriage,” he stated.
The witch at the back snorted. “How do we know that is true?” she asked, hands on hips as she stood up to face us.
“Ava, would you undergo a truth test to be sure of that date?” Matlock asked, though he kept his eyes focused on the witch, as though he wanted to prove his point to her.
I laughed aloud.
“Of course,” I said as though it was obvious. “It’s true.”
Then it occurred to me that I could sort this all out. Right now.
“What if I could prove that the only person who committed any sort of... crime, was my mother?” I said. I ignored the questioning gaze my father sent my way, only focused on the people in front of me. “And even then, it wasn’t on purpose?”
“What do you mean?” Matlock asked.
I turned and addressed the Council. “I know a lot of you want someone to pin all the blame on, but when it comes down to it, there is no-one to blame, and I’m not going anywhere,” I told them. I had no idea where this confidence was coming from, but I didn’t want it to go away any time soon. “But if you want proof, then I have it.”