The other members of the council exchanged glances, but it was Calder who answered her.
“First, we share our learning with the other houses. Second, we consider how such information could be used defensively, if ever there was cause.”
“Do you mean we track weaknesses in human city infrastructure for potential later exploitation?” Becka asked. Hanna nudged her foot, but Becka needed to understand what was being proposed. Any information gathered with a “defensive” mindset could cross the legal threshold into an act of war.
“Yes, that is what we mean. But we’d only use that knowledge defensively, of course,” Calder replied.
“Of course… But doesn’t that border on the legal edge of sedition against humans?” Becka asked, needing to make sure she understood.
Calder shrugged. “Which is why we do it as a purely defensive gesture.”
“Okay,” Becka replied, and then took a moment to process what she’d heard. Plotting against humans, or raising arms against them, directly violated the treaty. Having lived within the cities for the past several years, Becka didn’t want to think about fighting against her fellow students and library lovers. But she could imagine needing to defend their territory, especially given the attack against House Apple. It never hurt to be prepared. Did it?
“I suppose it never hurts to build one’s defenses,” she replied, knowing full well that wasn’t the case. She’d read the history books. She knew arms races inevitably led to wars. Preparing against looked a lot like preparing for, and then it was just too tempting to have a tool and use it when things got heated.
Anxiety and disappointment clenched her gut. This conversation did not feel like a path forward between the fae and human races. Becka had a lot of work ahead of her.
Lord Cedric openly frowned at her. Becka felt like she’d crossed the line with her question about sedition.
“We must do what we can, where reasonable,” Astrid said.
Becka nodded, stupefied. She sat at this table, sharing in the decisions. She’d only been back three months, but she’d paid attention. Did they think she bought their story of using information only for defense of the house? She wasn’t ready to rock this boat, so she withheld her questions. For now.
Lord Cedric cleared his throat. “Have we heard from House Ash on our engagement proposal for Lady Sigfrid?”
Maura nodded. “Yes, a firm denial. They have eligible males of her age but remain offended we offered our heir to House Hawthorne instead. They suggested we look towards House Oak.”
“I doubt we will see peace between the House of Thorns and the House of Time within our lifetime,” replied Lady Wynne. “But they are correct in that House Oak has some suitable prospects, although not as highly ranked. I can speak with my cousin-in-law who lives there, to see how receptive they might be?”
“They aren’t my favorite at the moment,” Maura replied with a swift glance to Becka. Was she miffed at all of House Oak because of Quinn’s presence? “But reach out to your cousin. And let’s do our best to not ruffle any more feathers along the way?”
“As you say,” replied Lady Wynne, her chin bobbing.
“Becka,” Maura turned to her, “remind me to walk you through the present state of the fae-touched political landscape sometime soon. The last thing we need is an incident because you’re not up to date with current affairs.”
“Sounds scintillating.” Becka figured she might need an entire bottle of hot sauce just to make it through that lecture. But she could take notes. Lots of notes.
“More so than you might imagine,” Maura replied.
The conversation moved on without her, while she was occupied within silent contemplation. She couldn’t blame her house for acting to defend themselves, but did they ever cross the line? Becka was certain humans would consider the act they’d discussed crossing the line.
Humans had eliminated houses for failing to bend the knee to human oversight. In the cities, she’d heard tales firsthand of how the humans had clawed back their lands and bent the fae to their will. If House Rowan wasn’t careful, they’d be sanctioned. But perhaps Becka could think of palatable excuses to use should the humans ask questions.
Becka’s stomach churned and flipped. Life in the city as an ungifted had been so much less complicated.
The council discussed a few more generic matters, such as a seed swap for winter crops with the nearby House Vine. House Vine had varieties of squash that House Rowan’s head gardener had deemed might do well in the local climate. Despite having slept all night, Becka was having a difficult time paying attention to each of the votes. She did her best, but there was a level of fatigue she couldn’t quite shake off.
After about an hour had passed, Maura placed her hands on the table and rose. “That’s enough for today. Until midweek?”
Becka rose with the others, but instead of staying around to chat, she exited the room and came face to face with an expectant Brent.
Chapter 11
“Lady Becka, would now be a good time to review this week’s roster?” Brent asked.
Astrid and Calder had also emerged from the council chambers and stood behind her, listening to the exchange. Calder’s paramour, Alvilda, came sauntering down the hall, her attention trained on him. In turn, he greeted her arrival with a wide smile. Astrid frowned at the two of them and then went the other way.
What’s that about? Does Astrid not like Calder’s choice in girlfriends?
“Brent, this is Hanna Hawthorne. She’s acting as an advisor for me. Hanna, this is Brent Douglas. He’s the lead wolf shifter here.”
“Pleased to meet you.” Hanna gave a quick bow.
“Same,” he replied. “Would you mind giving Becka and me a few moments to speak about her security?”
Hanna frowned. No doubt Maura had instructed her to remain by Becka’s side.
“I’ll find you right after,” Becka said.
“Oh, all right, then,” Hanna said, returning her
