When they reached Lilly’s door, Gerick didn’t hesitate to knock. A moment later, the warlock queen answered. “My queen,” Gerick said as he bowed his head. “Could you please get in touch with Perizada?”
Lilly pushed the door open further. “Please, come in.”
Gerick and Myanin walked in, hand-in-hand. He felt her step closer to him and loved that she was seeking strength from him. He would give her whatever she needed, offer her any shielding she needed. It was his honor to do so.
“No need.” Lilly motioned to the high fae in question, who was currently lounging on the couch like a lazy cat. “She’s here … all … the … time.” Gerick didn’t miss the glare Lilly shot at the high fae. If Peri noticed, she said nothing. Knowing even the small amount he did about Perizada, Gerick suspected she didn’t care a bit.
She stood from the couch and walked over to stand in front of Myanin. “I take it you’re ready to face your elders?”
“I am,” Myanin answered. There was no emotion in her voice, and she’d wiped the tears from her face. Her countenance was blank, showing nothing of what she was thinking or feeling, though Gerick could feel the tension in the grip she had on his hand. Gerick gave it a gentle squeeze, reminding her he was there, and he wasn’t going anywhere.
“And I assume you’re not leaving her side?” Peri asked him.
“I am not.”
“You two are a couple of chatterboxes. I’m going to need you both to get yourselves under control,” Peri said dryly.
Gerick’s lips twitched as he held back a smile. Peri’s sense of humor was one of the many things he liked about her. Though others might have thought it annoying, the general found it refreshing. Many supernaturals her age had grown bored with their existence. They no longer saw the beauty, humor, or awe in life. Peri seemed to see all of those things in most situations and never held back her opinion.
“I’ll be right back. Try not to kill anyone between now and then,” she said, giving Myanin a smirk.
Myanin didn’t flinch. “It will be difficult, but I’ll do my best.”
Peri chuckled. “I really hope they don’t kill you. I think I’m going to like you. You’re growing on me, like mold on stale bread.”
“Is that a reference to your age?” Lilly asked.
“That or a reference to our djinn’s appeal,” Peri said just before she flashed.
Lilly glanced at Myanin. “Don’t take anything she says personally. Even though she probably does mean it, Perizada likes to get a reaction out of people. It’s how she gets her kicks because she’s as old as petrified wood.”
Myanin shrugged. “It takes a lot to offend me.”
“That’s good.” Lilly nodded. “You should have no problem fitting in with this group.”
A few minutes later, Peri reappeared. “They’re ready. And because I’m tired and not in the mood for drama, I’ll warn you Thadrick and his witch are present.”
Myanin nodded. “I expected them to be.”
Peri looked at Gerick. “Can you keep your possessive self under control while facing the man she was so in love with? So in love, in fact, that she was willing to kill one of her own people because she couldn’t have him?”
“Peri,” Lilly snapped.
“What?” Peri asked, sounding completely confused. “It’s a valid question. Mated males of any race are stupid, plain and simple.”
“I will be fine,” Gerick said. And he would be. Gerick would not let jealousy get in the way of what he and Myanin were just beginning. It was not worth it. There were more important things to worry about, like what the djinn elder’s judgment would be.
Peri held out her arms and to his surprise, and obviously Myanin’s, based on her wide eyes, Lilly placed a hand on the high fae as well. They flashed and appeared in a grand hall. Twenty feet in front of them sat four djinn, with a fifth seat remaining empty. Standing to the far right was a tall male and a much smaller female.
The four djinn stood as one. Myanin immediately dropped to one knee and bowed her head. Gerick did not release her hand, nor did he bow. He met the eyes of each one as he waited to see what they would do. His other hand was ready to grab his sword if need be.
“Myanin,” said one of the djinn, a woman standing in front of the first chair, “stand.”
She did as she was told but kept her face toward the floor. Gerick could feel her body shaking. He wanted to wrap his arms around her and offer her comfort, but now wasn’t the time. Now, he simply could stand beside her and reassure her through his presence that he would not leave her side. Nothing could take him from her.
“You have betrayed your people in more ways than one. You have murdered one of your own. And you fled and joined with our enemy. What do you have to say for yourself?” the woman asked.
“There is no excuse I can give that will be sufficient for what I have done,” Myanin answered. “All I can say is that I am sorry. I regret deeply every choice I have made that brought me to this point. I cannot change what has happened, though I would give anything to do so.” After several seconds of silence, she looked up and turned her head to look at the tall male and the smaller female. “I am so very sorry for the pain I caused you, Jezebel. I wronged you greatly. And Thadrick, nothing could atone for how I disrespected you, as my friend and mentor.” She turned back to the ones Gerick presumed must be the elders and looked at each one of them. “I am here to face the punishment you decide is suitable for my crimes.”
Before
