“Chief Justice, Sarah Madison,” Emma began. “What is the purpose for the Milan Initiative?” Emma read from the paper Allie gave her.
“To strengthen the Senate’s forces, that is all,” Sarah replied.
Emma’s diamond-clear eyes shone bright in the dim light of the evening. “Why have you hunted the Syntrophos to build this army? An army you have created on the Senate’s dime without their knowledge or permission. Why?”
“They are a necessity,” Sarah said, clamping her mouth shut to say no more than necessary. But Emma was much stronger than Sarah.
“For what reason, precisely?”
“We have trained them to infiltrate Soma in the guise of students. Once inside, they are to take over in the Senate’s name.” She clapped her hand over her mouth.
“And do you have Senate approval for such a task force? Chief Justice Charles Madison?” Emma asked.
“No.” He choked on the word.
“Did you ever intend to inform the Senate of this army or of this takeover?” Emma demanded.
“No. We do not need their approval for matters of security.” Charles’s eyes grew wide with fright. He had no means of protecting himself against Emma’s gift.
Cries of indignation arose from the Senate body.
“You routinely disregard the Senate’s permissions for such endeavors,” Emma continued, ignoring the outrage of the court. “Who orchestrated the capture of Alivia, first born of the ancients, Kassandre and Ashar?
“The Coalition,” Charles said. “Everyone knows that; it was two hundred years ago.”
“But it wasn’t the Coalition, was it? Alivia was taken by one, Marcus Servius when she was just four years old and you helped him do it, didn’t you?”
“Yes.” Charles stared down at his hands, unable to resist Emma.
“And the assassination of Chief Justice Kassandre and Ashar? Who is responsible for their deaths?”
“The Coalition,” Sarah forced herself to say.
“They are an easy scapegoat. But let's try that again?” Emma asked. “The truth this time.”
“W-we gave the order,” Sarah said through gritted teeth.
Allie’s rage ignited like hot lava in her blood. She stood beside Emma, silently, her fists clenched at her sides. She’d always been able to control her judgment gift. No one had deserved it since the night she used it against Michael to save Aidan. But Sarah and Charles deserved her wrath, and she thirsted to give it to them. But she couldn’t put her gift on display here. Not if she ever wanted to walk out of this courtroom again.
“Relax, Allie,” Darius whispered beside her, taking her hand in his. “Draw on my strength.”
Livia silently took her other hand, offering her strength as well.
A strange calm suddenly fell over her. Allie could feel the rage rippling under her skin, but it didn’t overwhelm her. She embraced her rage, letting it give her the focus she needed.
“And who do you work for?” Allie asked, her voice laced with acid.
“Answer the heir,” Emma demanded.
“The ancient, Lord Teigan, betrothed to Queen Eiselynn before she ruined the Immortal world forever.” Sarah’s voice rang out like a death knoll. Her own. “He will claim what is his by right!” she screamed. “And we will be by his side when he brings the Immortal world into the light of day once more, banishing the mortals to death by fire as she should have ordered thousands of years ago.” She shot Queen Alísun a hateful glare as she collapsed in her seat.
“We will not have this.” Charles stood. “I demand this entire testimony be stricken from the record.”
“Denied,” Chairman Thomas said.
“And where is this Lord Teigan now?” Emma asked.
Allie turned, looking for the empty seat. He was still there, sitting quietly, completely unnerved by the proceedings. He gave her a smile and a little wave.
“Keep your eyes on him,” Allie whispered to Darius and Livia.
“I do not know,” Sarah said through gritted teeth.
“Rephrase the question,” Emma said. “Where is Marcus Servius? Charles?” She turned to the more susceptible of the two.
“He sits there!” Charles Madison stood and pointed at the man in question. “He is Senator Robert Sinclair.”
Loud murmuring rose to a din as Emma continued, “Senator Robert Sinclair, also known as Marcus Servius, the man who abducted the young Alivia, also known as the ancient, Lord Teigan, correct?”
“That is correct,” Charles said.
Allie’s eyes darted to the vacant chair, but now there were two. He was gone. She searched frantically for him. “Don’t let him leave.” She pointed at the bearded man walking up the stone steps to the exit.
Senators rushed from their seats, blocking her view. Allie charged up the stairs, Livia and Darius behind her, but it was too late. Marcus had slipped away.
“Bailiffs, search the building for him,” Chairwoman Thomas ordered.
Three uniformed men ran from the chamber, issuing orders to the guards outside the room.
“You won’t find him,” Allie said. “He disappears as fast a smoke in the wind. With his common features and extraordinary gift for evasion, he is already gone.
“Madame Under Secretary, please issue a warrant for the arrest of the man known as Senator Robert Sinclair, Marcus Servius, and the ancient Lord Teigan,” Chairman Thomas said. “I put forth a vote to the Senate,” he continued, turning to face the courtroom, “to remove the Chief Justice Sarah Madison and Charles Madison from office and charge them with high crimes of treason against the International Senate they have sworn to serve. What say you?”
Allie breathed a sigh of relief at the unanimous sounds of agreement from the Senate body.
“Bailiff, take Sarah and Charles Madison into custody to await their trial,” Chairwoman Thomas said with formality.
“You cannot do this. You don’t have the power to remove the only seated Chief Justice,” Charles snarled.
“That is for the Senate to decide. You have been stripped of your office and will receive a formal trial,” Chairwoman Thomas said as the remaining bailiffs rushed to arrest the Chief Justice, leading them from the room.
Allie stepped forward. She needed to do this next part quickly. “I ask the court to release the Governor Naeemah El Sadawii and Greggory McBrien immediately and dismiss the charges brought against them. They have no ties to the royal family and should not be held accountable today, or any time in the future, for my actions. Please allow them to continue to loyally serve this court as they always have.”
“In light of today’s events, your requests are granted,” Chairman Thomas said.
Aidan didn’t wait for direction. He crossed the room and freed his parents.
We need to get out of here, Allie. I still don’t trust any of them. Aidan escorted Naeemah and Gregg across the chamber to sit with the rest of their family. His face a mask, hiding his true feelings.
Agreed. Get all of our people behind me.
“The court apologizes to you and your family,” Chairman Thomas said. “But it seems we find ourselves leaderless. We cannot adjourn until we have appointed a temporary Chief Justice today. For the first time ever, we have a queen in our midst.” He turned to Alísun. “Will you and the Scholar step in to lead us until arrangements can be made for an election?”
“We will not,” Alísun said. “It is not our decision to make. It has been a very long time since the queens ruled our people. But when a queen names her heir, the heir becomes the highest authority of the Immortal world. This decision falls to Alexis.”
“I am afraid we cannot allow an Unproven child to make such a decision,” the Chairman said.
“You mistakenly discredit youth.” Alísun shook her head sadly. “In my day, we revered it. Respected the voice of our children for they would be the ones leading us when we grew old. Alexis is more than capable of appointing a trusted substitute,” Alísun said. “Her gift will guide
her. She is the highest authority in this room, and the decision should fall to her.”
“We cannot accept your recommendation,” the Chairman said. “The Senate will decide.”
“I will decide.” Allie let her rage fill her, building like a storm inside her. She was in control. No one present deserved her judgment. The mantle of Indriell swirled around her as she stepped forward. “You will do as I say and you will respect my authority.” She paced in front of the Senate, her eyes blazing with fury and the strength of her power. “I do not wish to govern, but I will if you continue to push me.”
Silence echoed in the chamber.
“Chairman Thomas,” Allie approached Edward and his wife. “May I take your hand?”
“Of-of course.” Both the Thomas’s extended their hands to her, wary of Allie’s show of strength.
Allie studied them with her gift, examining their character. At their core, they were good, honest people who had grown discontent with the ways of the current administration. They thirsted for change, but they also thirsted for power, which gave her pause. They also feared her and had a grudging respect for her and her family. They would be a good choice, perhaps the best choice given her limited options. “You will take on the role of temporary Chief Justice.”
“If the court agrees, it would be our honor to serve,” he said with a respectful nod.
Allie turned to the raised dais where the under secretaries sat. Darius, Livia, Aidan, and Naomi followed her. She studied the Madisons’ secretary. A bonded couple that had held some of the highest positions in the Senate before taking their current appointment. They intended to pursue the high seat of office in the next election. But they were loyal to Marcus. She could see it in their greedy black souls. He paid them well for their loyalty. “You are dismissed from your post,” Allie said. “They will stand trial as well.”
Aidan gestured for two of his team to arrest the under secretary.
Allie approached the secretary who served her parents. “How long after they died did you take control of their office?”
“W-what?” The woman stammered, her eyes huge with fright. “We carried on in their stead as is customary given the circumstances.”
“You vote based on what you believe they would have wanted?”
“We do,” the man said, lifting his chin in defiance.
Allie didn’t like them, but she could see how they had done the best they could in a difficult situation. “You will serve as secretary to the temporary Chief Justice. And you will no longer speak for my parents.”
“Who shall take the remaining seats?” Chairwoman Thomas asked.
Allie wanted to appoint Gregg and Naeemah, but she knew they wouldn’t want the position. And she needed them near, needed their guidance.
“The people must choose.” Allie turned to face the Senate. “I ask the court to make arrangements for public elections to be held within the year. The people deserve the right to elect two new Chiefs of Justice who will then appoint a new Chairman of the assembly.”
"That is not enough time," the secretary insisted. "We will need at least a year to plan the election and a year for the candidates to campaign."
"You people drag your feet when you need to take action.” Allie slammed her fist down on the dais railing. “I don't care what you have to do to make it happen. Make the announcements, and give the candidates four months to campaign, and then we will have an election this year. If you fail to take action, then I will return and take action for you.”
“And what do you intend to do as first princess?” Chairman Thomas asked. “What authority are you assuming here?”
“I have no desire to participate in the Senate unless I have to. Don’t make me have to.” Allie glared at the silent senators. “Take your positions seriously or I will clean house. Otherwise, I will remain in my position as the leader of Soma, free of government interference.” Allie stepped up to the podium, turning to address the assembly. “I ask that every member of this Senate, from the high-ranking officials seated here today right down to the lieutenant governors who police the cities, to set their slaves free. Any person who has been purchased from Soma will be freed one way or another. I will be following up, and if I find you have not complied with this simple request, I will remove the slave from your home and you will be charged with crimes of human trafficking.” Allie stared at the Senators seated before her. “I will not tolerate corruption.”
“While you and the royal family have the full support of the Senate as well as our respect,” the Chairman said, “we simply must determine the legal extent of your authority in the modern world.” He took a step toward her. “We would like nothing more than to foster a positive relationship with the royals, but the parameters of your authority and ours must be clear in the eyes of the law.”
“That matter has already been decided,” Alísun said. “My heir has stepped forward and everyone in this chamber has already accepted her authority, whether you realize it or not. The matter is closed.”
“It is not closed,” Chairwoman Thomas said. “While we believe the heir deserves a voice in this chamber, the weight of that voice must be discussed at length.”
“The royal family will decide the extent of my authority,” Allie announced. “No one else has that right. The queen has never abdicated. Her sovereignty remains just as it was when she was named queen thousands of years ago. You are here today in your positions of power because she allowed it. And we are here, displaying the mantle of our authority because you have allowed yourselves to become corrupt in your thirst for more power.”
“Perhaps you are right,” the Chairman said. “But I am confident we will reach an agreement both parties can be happy with.” He stepped down from the dais. “We invite you to stay here in the city. We can reconvene later this week to make the necessary decisions. You and your family are more than welcome to stay in the hotel suites here for our distinguished guests.”
That’s our cue to leave, Lex. Aidan stepped between Allie and the Chairman as his soldiers fell into a V formation around Allie and her family.
“That won’t be necessary,” Allie said, backing away from the Chairman. “We will be leaving now.”
“I’m afraid we cannot allow you to leave until these matters have been decided.” The Chairman raised his hand, causing all the doors to the chamber to slam shut, their locks clicking into place.
Time to go. Aidan and his soldiers started backing up. “Samantha. Bennett.” Aidan nodded for two of his team to break formation.
The two raced to the top of the chamber. Raising their hands together, Samantha and Bennett demolished the locked door. Splinters and debris rained down where the door once stood.
“Stop them,” Chairman Thomas called.
Senators rose from their seats to intercept, but they were too slow to react.
“Now.” Naomi nodded at pair of female Syntrophos.
The two grasped hands and an icy blue mist formed a wall around Allie and her people, closing them off from the Senate’s reach.
“Quinn, Darius,” Aidan said. “A little help?”
Quinn and Sasha joined hands, cloaking everyone under the veil of mist with Quinn’s invisibility, and Darius threw up his soundproofing barrier, so they could no longer be heard or seen.
“All right, everyone, we’re walking out of here now,” Aidan said. “Go, quickly.”
The Senate erupted in chaos when Allie and all of the Syntrophos disappeared.
“Seal the building,” the Chairman cried. “Do not let them leave. Especially the Syntrophos. They cannot be trusted.”
How are we getting out of here if the building is on lockdown? Allie asked.
Same way we’re walking through this doorway. Aidan ushered her through the crumbling debris of the chamber doors and into the lobby. Darius and Livia closed in tightly behind her.
Is everyone with us? Allie asked, frantically looking over her shoulder.
My team will get us all out o
f here.
Samantha and Bennett charged across the lobby, using their gift to demolish the glass facade of the building at street level.
Shards of glass no bigger than grains of sand exploded out of the building, causing the guards to panic, desperately searching for a threat they couldn’t see or hear. Mortal men and women on the sidewalks screamed at the explosion, cowering behind cars, searching for a source of the violence.
Allie and Aidan shot from the building with their hands clasped.
“Where will we go?” Allie asked, searching up and down the street for a way out.
“This way.” Aidan turned, dragging her to the cars waiting along the curb.
“You planned this?” Allie asked.
“I had a feeling we’d end up on the same page at some point.” Aidan skidded to a stop beside a white delivery van.
Allie had wondered why only five of the Syntrophos pairs were present in the courtroom when Naomi had said there were eight. The other three were waiting to drive them out of here.
“Get in,” Aidan shoved Darius and Livia into the back of the van. Alísun and Alex were right behind them.
Allie tugged Aidan’s hand as she stepped into the van, but he pulled her back.
“You were amazing.” With one arm around her waist and his other hand splayed across her back, Aidan kissed her. And then he shoved her into the back of the van and slammed the door in her face.
Chapter Thirty-Three
Allie sat at the base of the old laurel tree along the cliff side near Naeemah's house. Her arms resting on her knees, she let it all go. The tension of the last weeks and the stress of what still lay ahead of her.
After escaping the Senate, Aidan and his team had escorted them to the airport, where he left. Again. Allie never got a chance to really speak with him. After he’d shoved her into the van, he’d shut his mind off to hers. Again. That was two weeks ago.
It hurt to think about that one frantic kiss, but that was all she could focus on. It was like a knife in the gut every time she thought about it.
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