by Jones, AE
Olivia nodded at him before putting her arm around Julia’s shoulders. “McHenry’s right. You can’t blame yourself.”
“I’m not so sure his father doesn’t blame me. If Thomas hadn’t married me, he would still be alive.”
He wasn’t going to let her continue to beat herself up. Time to change the subject. “I take it the vamps won’t be attendin’.”
Julia nodded. “Too complicated. With the restriction of not being out in sunlight, the trial would have been at night, and the leaders didn’t want to stay here overnight. For their own safety, they will be traveling home each night.”
Before he could respond, he saw a woman crossing the field, and his stomach twisted. He already knew without asking who she was.
“That’s Belinda, the faerie queen,” Julia said.
“You’ve met her?” McHenry clenched his fists.
“Years ago. Thomas and I were at one of his father’s receptions, and she was there.”
“What did you think of her?”
Julia turned to him. “She ignored me for most of the evening, until Thomas forced the issue. I personally would have been happy never meeting her.”
Maeve scrunched up her nose. “She’s rude, if you ask me.”
Before he could ask for more information, a large demon swaggered onto the field.
“Oh brother,” Olivia muttered. “Ego, much?”
“I don’t know who that is,” Julia said.
McHenry did. “That’s Cambridge.”
Maeve gasped. “The one who took over the same day the demon king ran off?”
“The one and only.” He had met the demon once, years ago, when Cambridge came to the Burrow. He understood why Selina was leery of him.
“Where is Selina?” Maeve asked, as if reading his mind.
“I told Andrew to keep her away from this circus for now. She’s havin’ a hard enough time as it is.”
Maeve bumped her shoulder against him. “I told everyone you’re a teddy bear.”
McHenry shook his head. He was not a teddy bear. He was a cranky bastard. When had he lost control with these females? It had started when Julia came to the Burrow and told him off. Since then, every one of these females had befriended him.
At first he’d wanted no part of them or their mates. Now he counted them as friends. Something he never thought he would have, let alone so many of them.
“Seems like a conflict of interest to me to have Cambridge participate in the proceedings,” Julia said.
Olivia looked down at the paper she had in front of her and then gave Alex a thumbs-up across the field. “I think that’s all our players. Alex gave me a list of the leaders who would be coming so I could keep track of everyone.”
“What about the magistrates for the trial?” McHenry asked.
Julia answered in her no-nonsense lawyer’s voice. “Normally there are three magistrates who oversee things. But since this is a special case, ballots will be drawn by the leaders, and the three winners will oversee the actual hearing. The other leaders will provide counsel if needed.”
“Who will be prosecution and defense?” Olivia asked.
“The demon king will be allowed to choose his own defense counsel,” Julia said.
That made sense, maybe, but what did McHenry know about supernatural law?
“And Godfrey will be prosecuting.”
McHenry had heard of Jonathan Godfrey, the wolf who was a district attorney in human court and also served on the Tribunal. He’d helped prosecute the supernatural supremacists last year.
“I’m surprised you didn’t volunteer, Julia.”
“Not sure some of the leaders would want a human involved in the trial.”
“Then they’re idiots.”
Maeve giggled next to him. “I like you so much, McHenry.”
“Don’t be sayin’ that too loud, now. I don’t want Tim tryin’ to turn me into a toad.”
Maeve’s giggle morphed into a full laugh. “I’ll protect you.”
Damned if he didn’t believe it. From what he had heard, Maeve’s witch powers had blossomed into something formidable.
After a few minutes, Alex and Lorinda directed the leaders to a long, tall table and they gathered on either side of it.
Darcinda walked into the clearing with a tall male who was carrying a briefcase.
“That’s Godfrey,” Julia said.
Attorney Godfrey introduced himself before setting his briefcase on the end of the table and opening it, pulling out a red felt bag and a wooden box that he handed to Darcinda.
Opening the box, she held up three red chits in one hand and a handful of white chits in the other. She set them on the table.
A murmuring from the leaders had McHenry turning. Tension twisted up his spine as a small group headed toward the table, the twins flanking the shackled king, followed by Charlie and Devin.
Godfrey spoke. “So begins the Tribunal of the Demon King. Standing before you are the leaders of the supernatural nations. Three will be chosen as magistrates for your proceedings.” Godfrey turned to the leaders. “Who will step forward as a possible magistrate?”
All the leaders raised their hands, including Cambridge. Was that even allowed? Before McHenry could ask Julia, she muttered something about being ridiculous before she strode over to the leaders.
“She can’t help herself, can she?” McHenry said to no one in particular.
“The interim demon king can’t serve as a magistrate on this trial,” Julia said without making any formal introductions.
“Who are you?” The bastard scowled at her like he couldn’t believe she had dared to say anything about him. McHenry would pummel his arse if he kept that up.
But from the look on Jack’s face, he was going to take care of him first.
Julia scowled right back at him. “I’m Attorney Julia Cole.”
McHenry didn’t miss the shock on the elf king’s face when Julia said her name. Did he not know she had kept Thomas’s last name instead of taking Jack’s when they married?
“Well, Attorney Cole, someone needs to represent the demon nation in this Tribunal,” Cambridge said.
“Since you are the interim demon king who has taken over the role before the current king has been declared guilty, there is a conflict of interest. If you participate, a mistrial could be called. You can’t objectively rule on this.”
“You need to stay out of this, human.”
The elf king stepped between them. “She’s right, Cambridge. You can’t rule in this case.”
Darcinda picked up the white chits. “Before we choose the ballots, is there anyone here who feels they must recuse themselves?” She stared pointedly at Cambridge until he crossed his arms and backed up.
Darcinda set one of the chits aside. She placed the three red chits in the bag, followed by the remaining white ones, and shook the bag for several seconds.
Before Darcinda held out the bag, she announced, “The bag has been bespelled to stop anyone from tampering with the results.”
The gargoyle leader pulled the first chit from the bag, followed by the pack leader, two nymph leaders, the elf king, the coven trio, and finally the faerie queen.
They nodded to each other before opening their hands. Sullivan had a red chit and held it up for everyone to see. The elf king held up his red chit. And the faerie queen held up her red chit, a slight smile on her face.
Why did that smile make McHenry’s stomach twist? He wasn’t the one on trial here. But it didn’t matter who was on trial, faeries could not be trusted. He would do well to remember that. Especially as he looked over to the side where Darcinda stood. She was a temptation.
Godfrey made a note in a leather book. “Magistrates are noted. I will be serving as the prosecution. King, you have the right to select your own defense counsel.”
Roderick nodded. “I will defend myself.”
Several gasps followed his proclamation.
Julia shook her head. “That’s
not a good idea. You really need someone else to defend you.”
“Who invited you to this Tribunal?” the gargoyle leader growled.
“No one, but he needs to know his rights.”
McHenry smiled at her spunk. She didn’t back down from anyone.
“Are you going to defend yourself?” Godfrey asked, his pen poised over the leather-bound book.
Roderick blew out his breath. “I agree it would not be wise to defend myself. I therefore request that Attorney Cole defend me.”
More gasps.
“Me? You don’t know me. Don’t you have someone in your council who you would want to defend you?” Julia asked.
“The same council that voted in my replacement before my trial took place?” Roderick smiled. “I think I will be better off with you. From what I can see, you actually care about justice being served. Isn’t that what we all want?”
What the hells was Roderick up to? Although having Julia fight for him was the right decision, McHenry couldn’t decide what to make of any of this.
“Julia? Do you agree?” Godfrey asked.
She looked at Jack for a moment, as if talking telepathically to him. Maybe she was. If McHenry wasn’t mistaken, he had heard that Jack and Julia were now linked as mates. Then she glanced over at McHenry.
Was she wanting his approval? Damnation.
He nodded slightly, and she turned back to the group.
“Yes, I agree. But I will need time with my client to prepare.”
“Of course,” Godfrey agreed. “Today is simply for the preliminaries of establishing the court proceedings. Tomorrow the trial will officially begin.”
The king rattled the cuffs on his arms and stared at McHenry full on.
A heavy weight settled in McHenry’s gut. He wasn’t sure what secrets the Tribunal would uncover, but in the long run it wouldn’t be good for him or the demon king.
The longer he stood watching Roderick and the rest of the leaders listening while Godfrey explained what would happen, the more detached he felt. Like he’d left his body and was watching himself watch the field.
He felt a jab in his ribs and he looked down to find Maeve staring back at him.
“You okay, big guy? They finished up and you’re still standing there in a daze.”
He blinked and looked around. The team was walking back to the workshop to lock up Roderick, and the rest of the leaders were talking while Alex and Lorinda had food and drinks set out on a side table. Were they going to have a flippin’ happy hour now? Hells.
“I’m fine.” Liar.
He glanced away from Maeve’s disbelieving gaze to see Olivia’s eyes tighten on him as if she could read him. He didn’t need a counseling session right now.
“I’m goin’ to head back to the house. Before someone tries to serve me an appetizer.”
Maeve smiled at him. “It is silly. Although I’m a sucker for those bacon-wrapped water chestnuts. I’m going to sneak a few and go find Tim.”
He nodded before turning away. He didn’t get too far when a voice called out to him. Julia jogged up and started walking with him.
“I’m sorry.”
“There’s nothing to be sorry for, Julia.”
“If I had just kept my mouth shut—”
“You wouldn’t be the honest person I know you to be.”
“Yeah, and look where it got me.”
McHenry stopped and turned to her. “Everyone deserves a fair trial.”
“You’re a good male, McHenry. I knew that when I first met you.”
“I seem to remember you told me off the first time you met me.”
Julia smiled. “I did. But you grew on me after that.” Her smile slipped. “I’m going to apologize again.”
“For what?”
“For more than likely calling you to the witness stand during the trial. I won’t be talking to you outside the Tribunal for the next few days, either.”
“I understand.”
She nodded. “I’m going to go see my client now. We’ve got a lot to discuss.”
She walked away, and he sucked in a deep breath. He made it to the courtyard before someone else called his name. Another deep breath and then he turned to Attorney Godfrey.
“McHenry. It’s nice to finally meet you. Sorry it has to be under these circumstances.”
They exchanged a quick handshake.
“I’ve heard good things about you from the team and Julia.”
He smiled slightly, and McHenry could see his wolf just below the surface. “Julia and I are often pitted against each other in the courtroom. She’s a fierce opponent and an excellent lawyer.”
“She’s said the same about you.”
“I’m going to need some time with you to discuss the attack. You’ve probably already figured out that I’ll be calling you to the witness stand.”
“I figured as much.”
“Do you have some time now? With the Tribunal starting tomorrow, I really need to prepare.”
“Of course.” McHenry swallowed.
Godfrey stared at him for a moment before patting him on the back. “Excellent. No need to be nervous. You’re just going to answer questions and tell the truth when you get up on the witness stand.”
McHenry nodded. Tell the truth. The one thing he couldn’t afford to do.
I’m so much more than the magic I wield.
Chapter 17
Darcinda had never been so happy to escape the crowd, the queen, and…McHenry. Even if it was only for a short while. As soon as Godfrey finished explaining to everyone how the Tribunal would work, she was able to back away from the paranormal leaders and make a run for it.
After all, she was at this Tribunal under somewhat false pretenses—to be the healer in case something went wrong.
But how could she do that when she didn’t have her healing powers anymore? Even something as simple as bespelling the bag of white and red chits had fallen to Maeve. The young wolf-witch certainly was coming into her own with respect to her powers.
Darcinda had left McHenry’s and the forest for a night alone. She’d hoped to calm down, but being back in her small cottage didn’t alleviate her nerves, especially since both Godfrey and Julia told her they might be calling her as a witness during the trial.
The last thing she wanted to do was testify, especially if they questioned her about what happened when the demon king appeared and tried to take Selina with him.
She would be under oath on that witness stand. If she was asked what happened, she didn’t know how she could avoid telling them he had cast a spell on her and she lost her powers.
She circled her kitchen table, making a beeline for her refrigerator and the leftover Mexican food from last night. As she heated it, she thought about what to wear tomorrow. Belinda had given her the stink eye when she saw her today, which Darcinda took as a good sign.
Maybe it was her outfit, or her black hair with red and purple highlights. That had been Maeve’s idea when Darcinda couldn’t make up her mind at the drugstore last night. Who knew there were so many hair dyes to choose from? But she was happy with her new look.
She’d never been one to go along with what was expected of her. She discovered firsthand that expectations could be harsh in the faerie world. Which was why she struck out on her own after her mother died, even though she was still quite young. But her calling was already solidified in her own heart and mind. The Fates made her a healer.
Although the irony was not lost on her that she hadn’t been able to heal her own mother.
She sat at her table, set the nerves aside, and started eating, mostly because she needed some nourishment before settling in bed.
The actual Tribunal began tomorrow, and it promised to be another long day. And, as much as she was not looking forward to it, she couldn’t begin to imagine what McHenry was feeling. He would surely be called as a witness by Godfrey and then cross-examined by Julia.
And wasn’t that a messed-up situation? Julia
defending the demon king. In the past, Darcinda would have agreed that he deserved a fair trial, but when she thought back on the damage inflicted to McHenry, she didn’t feel as magnanimous anymore.
She forced down the rest of her meal before cleaning the dishes. Her phone rang as she made her way to her bedroom. She groaned when she saw the name.
“Hello, Belinda.”
“I’m surprised you answered your phone, Darcinda.”
She really didn’t want to play games, but apparently the faerie queen had other things in mind. “Why’s that?”
“You left so quickly today that I thought you might be avoiding me.”
Avoiding the whole situation, but she wasn’t going to say that. “I was tired and wanted to get home. Tomorrow will be another long day.”
“Yes, it will. The last thing we need to be doing is cleaning up the demons’ petty squabbles.”
Petty squabbles? Darcinda didn’t respond. It wasn’t like Belinda wanted to hear her opinion. In fact, she wasn’t quite sure why exactly the faerie queen had called.
“I saw both attorneys speak to you as you were leaving.”
“Yes.”
Belinda huffed. “What did they want?”
“To tell me I might be called as a witness.”
“As I suspected.”
“Is there anything else I can do for you?” Darcinda asked.
“I think you should be a little more forthcoming with what you know about Roderick.”
Enough . “Actually, as magistrate for this Tribunal, I don’t think you should be talking to me about this right now. We wouldn’t want to be accused of impropriety, would we? Then we would have to do this all over again, and it would take you away from your important duties.”
Darcinda tried to keep the snark out of her voice.
“You have always been disrespectful, Darcinda.”
Apparently she’d failed.
“It’s a good thing your mother isn’t alive to see how you turned out.”
The phone went dead.
Darcinda dropped the phone on the bed before collapsing on it herself.
Belinda wielded words like a finely honed blade. And she just drew blood.