Thinking of Hanna, Becka cringed inwardly. The brief meeting with the council hadn’t afforded any opportunities to know what Maura’s plans were with House Hawthorne. Surely, now that Becka was on her feet again, Maura would set up a meeting?
Astrid waved her off. “If an injury happens, we will forego the fee; that’s standard practice amongst fae contracts. If it would make you feel more comfortable, we can initially seek clients whose need is extreme. They will be more open to the potential risks.”
“I’d like that. Also, I don’t know what else Maura has planned, but can we offer to pay a percentage of my fees to House Hawthorne as recompense for Hanna’s injury? It seems only fair, considering Hanna’s ability to work is hampered.”
Astrid frowned. “I agree, perhaps the promise of ongoing monetary compensation will soften their ire.”
“As you say,” Becka replied.
Astrid turned and went back into the council room, while Becka headed down the hall. It wasn’t long before she came face to face with an expectant Quinn and Brent. Luce and Saige had been waiting near the top of the main staircase for her return, and a pair of fae guards trailed behind her.
Thankfully, this part of the house was quiet now. Bright sun filtered in through the windows, which ran the full height of the house across from the grand staircase. Perhaps everyone was off eating lunch or picnicking out in the gorgeous weather. She gestured to Quinn and Brent, and they moved closer.
Quinn’s expression was once again stormy. “Did they shoot us down?” he asked in low tones, hands on his hips.
She shook her head. “You can move forward, but I recommend you do it quickly. In case they change their minds.”
The men shared a palpable look of relief.
Quinn smiled at her, and it warmed her heart, despite her exhaustion.
“I didn’t expect Maura to relent,” Brent replied. “But I’m thankful. With Quinn’s enforcers, we can make quick work of finding the poisoner.”
“Agreed,” Quinn replied, pulling out his phone. “I’ll send for them immediately.” He tapped a couple times and then slid it back into his jacket.
Did he have a message prepped to send, just in case the council relented?
“I am ready for that midday nap,” Becka said, hearing the hoarse rasping of her voice.
Quinn offered his arm, and she grabbed it and leaned on him as they walked back towards her quarters.
They made it to her room almost without incident. When they turned the corner into the hall leading to her quarters, she knew a nap was not in her immediate future by the fiery look in Alain Hawthorne’s eyes.
Chapter 22
A pair of House Hawthorne guards flanked Alain Hawthorne and his cousin Hanna, who she recognized at once by the crimson elemental flame insignia on their uniforms. All their postures were ramrod straight. Alain’s chin practically sliced through the air as he turned to Hanna and shared a momentary glance.
Alain, as an honored guest in their home, was allowed two of his guards to accompany him as a nod to his status. This was the first time she’d seen the guards with him outside of his quarters on the far wing of the manor. Although they wore no weapons, she didn’t doubt their ability to defend their lord without them. Becka had witnessed fire elementalists duel, and the results from even friendly altercations could lead to injuries with long healing times. Sometimes even scars. She didn’t want to think about how bad the damage could be from a direct assault. Their powers were all the weapons they needed.
House Rowan guards stood between Becka and the Hawthornes. Becka came to a halt and released Quinn’s arm, standing fully on her own two feet. Brent, Saige, and Luce stood behind them, their lithe forms tensed as if awaiting an imminent attack. Lorelai sported an expectant look of sheer pleasure.
To say the mood in the hall was tense would have been an understatement. This felt more like a parley with an enemy.
A fleeting thought crossed her mind: this confrontation style was not in alignment with her poisoner.
Also, Maura had directed her to wait before speaking with House Hawthorne, as her mother wanted to manage the talks. Becka swallowed hard, realizing Maura had missed her opportunity to control the narrative. What hope did she have to implore for peace against their steely gazes?
Alain stepped forward, meeting Becka midway between the two groups. They stood for a moment staring each other down. She didn’t understand what he was doing, but the formality inherent in his actions gave her pause.
Becka spoke first, hoping to deescalate the situation. “Duchess Maura informed me we’d be meeting soon. Would you like to walk with me to the council chambers to discuss reparations?”
“The opportunity for civil discussion passed when you stripped my cousin of her powers.” He reached down and pulled a scroll from his waistband, held it between his fingers for a deliberate moment, and then held it out to her. Not as an offering, but as almost as if he were striking a blow.
Becka had a moment of hesitation, looking from his eyes to the scroll, and then back to the cutting glare within his eyes. She held his gaze as she reached out and received the scroll into her gloved hands. She took it delicately, as if it might explode in her fingers if she mishandled it.
Alain grasped one hand in another, his chin cutting toward Hanna, who came to stand beside him.
“Becka of House Rowan, our engagement is broken. This document comes from Duke Eldinrod; I will deliver another one to Duchess Maura at the council chambers next, but I wanted to ensure you received the message first, and from me directly.”
Becka’s heart leapt! She’d hoped for an out to this arrangement, and the moment had finally come. But it was only due to the harm she’d dealt Hanna, who stood, arms crossed, glaring at Becka.
“I thought the engagement was a binding agreement
