Kiss of the Betrayer (A Bringer and the Bane Novel) (23 page)

Probably so, but Jade imagined not by Lord Bagita. The hair on the back of her neck bristled. She didn’t like this man. His arrogance and oily speech fueled her distrust.

“You’ll be looking for a new Council member, then?” Luc asked.

“Yes, yes.” Fromme’s head bobbled up and down, his chins flattening against his chest with each nod. “There are several fabulous candidates. Any of which would make a fine member.”

“Excellent.” A brilliant smile spread across Luc’s mouth. “Add me to the list.”

Fromme’s confident expression tightened. “Really, I hadn’t pegged you as the political type.”

Not missing a beat, Jacob chimed in. “Oh yes, he’s been talking about it for years. Said it was time for him to take his rightful place among his peers.”

Jacob slapped Luc on the back. Since she and Luc were planning a mission that could possibly end in their deaths, she presumed he was simply calling Fromme’s bluff.

“And you, Lord Blackwell?” Bagita’s eyes narrowed, the forced smile spreading no further than his mouth. “Do you plan on running as well?”

Jade glanced at Rhys. His expression was unreadable and his voice flat. “I don’t play well with others.”

“Luc will definitely have our support, but we have more important matters to deal with, Lord Bagita,” Ravyn said. “Matters that take us outside Illuma Grand.”

“Still on about the Bane, are you?” He shook his head. “Well, best of luck with that.”

The man’s haughtiness prodded Jade like an angry bee. “Ignoring the Bane won’t make them go away.”

For the first time Bagita turned his attention on her. “I know everybody else, but you I’ve not met before.”

“Fromme,” Jacob cut in. “This is Jade Kendal.”

Large, bushy brows drew together and he pursed his plump lips. “Kendal? Why does that name sound familiar?”

A note of pride and a thread of menace laced Luc’s answer. “She is Bowen Kendal’s daughter.”

Fromme’s face went slack, his mouth opened and closed once. “But I thought his family was killed.”

Jade held her arms out to the side. “Obviously not.”

“Her mother lives as well,” Luc added. “Incidentally, she’s on her way to Faela as we speak.”

“Alive, why that’s imp…incredible.” His face transformed into a mask of unconvincing excitement. “Is it possible that your father lived as well?”

There was nothing hopeful in his question. “Unfortunately, no,” Jade said.

“And there was an older sister.” He turned his gaze to Luc. “You were courting her, were you not?”

“Gone as well,” Jade cut in, not liking the way the man took every opportunity to throw a verbal barb.

Luc glanced at her, giving her a wink. The simple action reinforced the fact that these were her friends and he’d do anything to protect them—especially from somebody like Lord Bagita.

“Jade?” a woman said behind her.

She turned to see her old friend, Beatrice, standing behind her. A tentative smile played on her mouth and her hands were clasped at her chest, as if she were afraid Jade wouldn’t recognize her. Even though Beatrice had transformed from a tomboy into a beauty, her freckled nose and coppery locks gave her away. Her tan skin glowed with health and her huge brown eyes sparkled like a cup of weak tea.

“Beatrice.” Jade smiled and opened her arms and hugged her. “I’m so happy to see you.”

She hugged Jade back. “I wasn’t sure it was you, but when you waved, I knew.” She released her and slid a hand along Jade’s braid. “Besides, who else has hair like this?”

“Beatrice.” Fromme’s voice broke into their reunion. “I’m glad you’re here.”

She let go of Jade’s hair and folded her hands in front of her. “Yes, my lord.”

“Fetch his lordships’ and the ladies’ refreshments. We’ll be at the Superiors’ table in the Great Hall. Deliver them there.”

“Yes, my lord.” Her gaze cut to Jade. “Perhaps we can catch up later.”

“I’d like that very much.”

With a quick curtsy to the group, she turned and wove her way through the crowd.

“Come.” Fromme held his arm out, presumably in the direction of the hall. “There’s someone I’d like to introduce you to.”

Instead of waiting for their consent, he pivoted and bullied his way through the crowd. Luc moved up behind Jade and placed his hand on her waist. At first she thought he was being forward, but once amid the jostling mass, his hand steadied and guided her.

The air thickened, becoming warmer the deeper into the crush they progressed. The din of the crowd rumbled in her ears, making it impossible to hear anything distinctly. A thousand different odors clogged her nostrils, none of them good. She coughed and covered her nose with her sleeve. Too short to see over most of the heads, Jade gave up trying to get a glimpse of where they were going and let the flow take her.

After what seemed like an eternity, people’s attire transformed from threadbare to sumptuous and the smell of unwashed bodies lessened. She lowered her arm and was struck with the savory tang of roasted meat. Two more arches passed overhead and with each one the crowd thinned.

They entered the Great Hall and Jade’s breath caught in her throat. Her eyes followed the soaring dome-shaped ceiling upward to an expansive mural of the sky. Planets and celestial bodies she couldn’t name stretched overhead, giving her the feeling of being outside. Never had she seen anything so spectacular.

Though hundreds of people milled about the hall, it was obvious that only the richest, highest ranking, and the most elite were allowed near the Superiors.

Lord Bagita led them through the center of the room to a long table stretching across the length of the hall. Men and women cloaked in black robes hovered around the dozen or so people dressed in white. They approached a white-clad figure. From her size, Jade deduced it was probably a woman.

“Ascendant Meran?” Fromme stopped behind her.

The woman turned and Jade was immediately struck by the color of her pale blue eyes, which was all that could be seen beneath the white layers of the veil covering her face.

“Lord Bagita?” The woman’s voice was soft and surprisingly low for her size.

“There are some people I’d like you to meet, Ascendant.” He stepped to the side, giving Jade a clearer view of the woman. “You’ve met Jacob Le Daun, I believe.”

Jacob tipped his head in greeting. “Lovely to see you again.”

“You as well, Lord Le Daun.” Her gaze traveled over the group and stopped on Luc. “And this must be your son. The resemblance is quite remarkable.”

“Luc, my lady, and yes, he is all mine.”

The veil over the Ascendant’s mouth shifted and lines around her eyes crinkled into what Jade assumed was a smile. She looked no older than twenty, but Jade knew that most Ascendants were in their thirties or older. The Ascendant position within the Order of the Saints was given only to those Sisters who possessed the gift of prophecy. Jade had to wonder how powerful Ascendant Meran’s gift was to have garnered such a high position at such a young age.

“One of our less frequent visitors,” Fromme said, drawing the attention back to himself. “Rhys Blackwell, and his companion, Lady Ravyn Mayfield.”

“I’ve heard a lot about you, Lord Blackwell.” The Ascendant’s words held a hint of amusement.

Rhys cleared his throat. “All good, I hope, my lady.”

“But of course.” Her pale blue gaze leveled on Ravyn. She took a step forward and reached for Ravyn’s hand. Gasps and whispers rippled around the hall. “Lady Ravyn, I had hoped to meet you.”

Jade watched the unprecedented exchange. It was death to touch an Ascendant. To have one initiate the contact had never been heard of, as far as she knew. Ravyn stiffened at first touch, obviously aware of the law and just as surprised. All traces of humor had vanished from Rhys’s expression and now he wore his unreadable mask. Luc slid Jade a glance, silently warning her to be ready if somebody tried to enforce the law.

“There are so many questions I wish to ask you about your life in the abbey and how you came to be with this wonderful group.”

“I would like that very much, Ascendant.” Ravyn gave her a genuine smile and the tension within the group seemed to melt. “I’m at your call.”

The Sister released her grip and slid her hands into the voluminous sleeves of her gown. “Would you and Lord Blackwell join me for a private dinner before the festivities begin?”

“But my lady, dinner is being served in the south dining room within the hour.” Fromme held his hands out as if her plans were set in stone and gave her a pleading smile. “You are to be honored during the feast.”

“You can honor me afterward, Fromme. I rarely get the opportunity for girl talk and I won’t miss the chance.” Her tone brooked no argument.

“Of course, Ascendant.” He executed a half bow, which bordered on groveling.

“We would be honored,” Ravyn said.

By the look on her friend’s face, Jade knew that Ravyn enjoyed putting Lord Bagita in his place. She had shared with Jade on the ride to Illuma Grand that there was no love lost between her and Bagita ever since the Council had interrogated her. That had been the day she’d erupted in flames and she and Rhys had nearly ended their relationship. There were many bad memories, and most revolved around Fromme’s condescension and unwillingness to believe in their cause—that the Bane were on the rise. Jade understood Ravyn’s dislike.

“Excellent. Shall we say eight o’clock?” said the Ascendant.

“We will be there, my lady.” Ravyn gave her a brilliant smile.

Somebody called the Ascendant’s name and Jade could have sworn the woman gave a tiny eye roll.

“If you’ll excuse me.” She curtsied and pivoted to gracefully drift across the room in a cloud of white robes.

“I like her,” Rhys said. “Not at all like the other Superiors I’ve met in the past.”

Bagita harrumphed. “If you’ll excuse me, I have other guests to attend to.” With a flip of his robe, he spun and stormed out of the hall.

“Don’t think that went quite as he had planned,” Luc said.

“I’m not sure what he’d planned,” Jacob agreed. “But if you can capture the Ascendant’s ear, you may have yourself a powerful ally.”

“I can’t believe she touched you.” Jade reached and covered Ravyn’s hand, wondering if it now felt different. It didn’t. She pulled back. “And you’re still alive.”

“My first impulse was to yank my hand away, but insulting an Ascendant would have been just as bad.” Ravyn glanced around them and then leaned in. “That whole exchange was very odd, don’t you think?”

“Odd,” Jade agreed. “But maybe something is finally going in our favor.”

“Perhaps we’ll find answers during dinner.” Jacob pointed to a table filled with food. “Until then, let’s enjoy ourselves and socialize.”

C
HAPTER
S
EVENTEEN

“Jade?”

She turned to see Beatrice weighed down with a huge silver tray containing goblets of wine. “Bless the Sainted Ones, let me help you.”

Jade picked up the two nearest goblets and handed them to Jacob and Rhys, continuing to pass them around until everybody had a drink. Beatrice set the tray on the Superior’s table and rejoined the group.

“Sorry it took me so long.” Red tinged her cheeks. “I waited until Lord Bagita was gone. Otherwise, he would have found another task for me and we’d never get the chance to chat.”

“Smart girl,” Jacob laughed. “Well, I will leave you to it. Lots of elbows to rub.”

“I will find you later, Father,” Luc said to his departing back. Jacob waved a hand in the air to signal he’d heard. “Rhys and I have a few things to take care of.”

“Fine, go,” Ravyn said. “I’m sure we can keep ourselves occupied without you.”

Rhys leaned in and kissed her on the cheek. “Stay out of trouble.”

Jade gave a snort, but quickly covered it when Ravyn pinned her with a stare.

Where the men were going or what they had planned, Jade didn’t know, but most certainly it was to ferret out any information about the missing Bringers and Lord Bagita’s pact with the Order of the Saints. Suddenly she was grateful for their simple task of exploring the Council chamber.

She turned. “Ravyn, this is my friend, Beatrice.”

The two women exchanged greetings. It felt strange to make introductions in such a civilized manner. It was almost as if she were a real lady.

“It’s so good to see you,” Jade said. “How is your mother?”

Beatrice’s smile slipped. “She died two years ago.”

“Oh, no.” Jade reached out and touched Beatrice’s arm. She knew a lot about the loss of a parent, the void it had created inside her, and all the years wasted trying to fill it. “I’m so sorry.”

“Thank you.” Her friend gave a little shake of her head and sniffed. “I’m getting along. Everybody here has been very kind and supportive. I’ve built my own life now.” She paused, her eyes quickly roaming the people standing near. “But there is something I’d like to speak to you about.” Her gaze cut to Ravyn and settled back on Jade. “Both of you.”

“Of course.” Their childhood connection pushed Jade to answer without considering what Beatrice might want to talk to them about, already deciding that if it was within her power to help, she would. Though they hadn’t seen each other for more than a decade, it seemed like only yesterday. “Is there some place private we can talk?”

Beatrice smirked. “Probably not, especially with the Order here, but perhaps I could give you a tour of some of the less crowded areas of Illuma Grand.”

“That would be wonderful.” Ravyn folded her hands in front of her and donned an innocent smile. “I’ve wanted to show Jade the amazing doors on the Council chamber.”

“Right,” Jade lied. “I hear they’re amazing.”

They both stared pointedly at Beatrice. The corner of her mouth quirked as if resisting the urge to smile. “Well then, follow me.”

Beatrice worked her way through the crowd smiling and introducing them to various people whose names Jade was certain she’d never remember. One thing could be said for their hostess, she was a consummate actress. In a slightly louder than normal voice, Beatrice described the massive paintings depicting grand celebrations inside the Great Hall. She regaled them with forgettable details about the people for whom the statues were carved, all the while leading them toward the staircase that spiraled to the lower levels.