We walk toward the door and he stops, turning back toward me. "I just want to apologize for the way I acted in the hallway a few days ago. I wasn't feeling like myself and when I got control you were gone."
I am really glad that I'm a quick thinker on my feet, something I learned living with my sisters. I immediately smile, flexing my fingers against his arm. "You're under a lot of stress and we all understand that. We'll just forget it ever happened."
He looks at me with surprise and a slight bit of uncertainty. That's exactly the kind of feeling I want him to have toward me.
With my arm draped over his, we walk up between the aisles and to our normal black throne chairs at the front. During this gathering we will have a concession line, anyone who wishes to introduce themselves to both Kane and I. Sitting in the chair, as different members of the court present, I glance over the crowd. The Nephilim isn't hard to spot even in the overfilled chamber. His eyes are red, and he stands taller than the rest. Our eyes lock for only a second before I look away as if I've never noticed him before. I look back over at Kane and smile at him.
On the outside I am gathered and demure. On the inside, my body is wild with fear and anticipation. This very event could be the defining moment where everything changes. With all the drama that is happening, I almost forgot about the Nephilim altogether. Now I know I made the right decision. There is someone else in that body of Kane's, someone who is pushing Kane to the bottom, and if anyone has a chance of fixing this, it's definitely the Nephilim. Again, I can't believe that the fate of Kane and I rests in the hands of the very creature whose ancestors killed thousands. Whose same kind forced Kane and I to be leached and soul bonded in order to stay alive.
None of that matters now, all that matters is that I get Kane back, and we stop this whole thing before Drogaem's body is brought back to life.
Kane rises, putting his hand down for me. I take it and stand up next to him, moving down the steps to begin the processional. I try to keep my breathing at a steady pace, giving no outward appearance of nervousness. I know that whoever's inside Kane's body cannot track my emotions, and has no idea that the real Kane and I are bonded by souls.
I smile at each and every person that comes along, watching as they nervously talk to Kane, and move forward. When it is the Nephilim's chance, the guard stops him at a distance. Kane looks him up and down before nodding to the guards to let him walk forward.
"What brings you here Nephilim?" Kane asks.
The Nephilim nods, bowing his head to Kane. "I know that you have been through some troubles with Nephilim in recent weeks. I live in the Underworld city and I want you to know that those that are left are on your side. We understand the regulations and rules and we are not here to harm anyone. We are of the Nephilim that follow the laws regardless of how we feel about them. I felt it necessary to come forward because I know many of us are fearful to continue on with our lives in the city. I am hoping that you can accept our plea to continue without fear of retribution from your men."
My eyes shift nervously over toward Kane. He is thinking. I can see his muscles twitching, and I know that the very presence of the Nephilim makes him nervous. At the same time, all eyes are on him. He needs to make a good impression.
Finally, Kane looks the Nephilim in the eyes and nods his head deeply. "I appreciate you coming here. And I accept your plea. As long as you follow all applicable laws, we will not bother you. You are free to live your life as anyone else. Just know that if you break those laws, justice will be swift and you will feel our wrath. We have no place for the death of innocent people in our city."
His statement is almost funny, if it weren't for the fact that he had three mortals tied up in the underground tunnels of the castle, ready to feed their souls to Drogaem's body. Suddenly, something in me tingles, a strike to my gut that turns my attention back to Kane. I watch his face, noticing the strain it is taking for him to keep a straight serious look. I can see what's happening, I can see it before it even begins. As the Nephilim steps forward to shake Kane's hand, a look of amusement washes over his face.
I want to call out to the Nephilim, tell him to stop, tell him not to touch Kane, but that would give me away. Kane puts his hands in the air and snaps his fingers. The guards race forward, slamming into the Nephilim and knocking him to the ground. They stand him up in front of Kane who steps forward and grinning ear to ear. "You didn't actually think I would trust the Nephilim, now did you? Put him in chains and take him to the locked wing of the castle. I will take care of him later."
I swallow hard, trying not to look disappointed, but disappointment is exactly what I'm feeling. I thought for sure it would work, but just as Willem has told me, sometimes I can be naïve. I underestimate Kane, or the imposter of Kane.
