Page 126 of The Seeker
“Even I acknowledge the better way cannot happen without freedom from the Fallen,” Meera said. “There can be no hope of negotiation or change until Bozidar is dead.”
“I suppose I should thank you.” Patiala turned to Rhys. “She’s finally being realistic about our enemies. The day before her mating feast!”
Rhys raised his hands. “I’m only—”
“Don’t blame Rhys for this,” Meera said. “And don’t blame Vasu. We are coming to you because you’re the guardians of this haven and I see an opportunity to rid the world of one of the Fallen. One of the most dangerous. Bozidar has grown quietly in power and now presses into the territory where this haven sits. If we succeed, we could usher in a new golden age, like the one Ata started when she and her mate killed Nalu. But ignoring Bozidar, even for our mating ceremony, accomplishes nothing.”
Patiala stormed out of the cottage and Meera started to follow her, but Maarut put a hand on her arm. “Don’t. Give her some time. Let her think. She’s angry right now.”
Meera looked at her father. “You know we’re right about this.”
“I also need time to think.” Maarut stroked his beard. “If we try this thing, the Tomir would still be useful. You know our reputation for secrecy.”
“How fast could they get here?” Rhys asked.
“Two days,” Maarut said. “A group of the guard are always ready to be summoned.”
“Call them.”
Meera glared at him, but Rhys only shrugged. “Call. It’s never a bad thing to have backup, and I trust your father’s men to be discreet.”
“I’ll call.” Maarut rose and kissed Meera on the cheek. “And I’ll talk to your mother. Just so you know, the welcome feast will still go on tonight and you’ll still be expected to attend. I do not want any mention of this to get to Atawakabiche until your mother decides. She’s the haven guardian. In the end, it’s her call.”
“And I’m the heir,” Meera said quietly. “I’m sorry, Father, but in the end, it’s actually my call.”
“Careful.” He gave her a half smile. “This isn’t Udaipur. The hierarchy here isn’t quite so settled. You push and you might find yourself facing a not-so-minor rebellion.”
The feastthat night began with much ceremony and little conflict. Meera watched, her heart full, as the singers of Havre Hélène joined Patiala to sing a blessing over Meera and Rhys. They sat at low tables under the oak alley where the Tomir banners—written with her father’s spells of protection—fluttered in the breeze coming off the river.
Rhys’s mother rose and gave a formal blessing from the library of Glast, praising their hosts and the legacy of Atawakabiche. Meera hadn’t had much time to spend with her quiet mother-to-be, and she got the feeling that, outside of formal duties, Angharad would be someone she needed to meet in a smaller setting.
“Do you think we’ll have time to visit Glast soon?” Rhys asked quietly during a break in the speeches. “My parents tend to be very stiff at events like this, but I promise they’re not completely without senses of humor.”
“I’ll have to take your word for it. Your father looks like a meter stick has been glued to his back,” Meera said. “I’ve never seen posture so straight.”
“A stick glued to his back… Yes, that’s a much more diplomatic expression than the one I usually use.”
Meera elbowed him in the side.
“Ow. You’re small and mean, future mate.”
“You love it.”
Atawakabiche, the guest of honor, was quiet throughout the evening, though the various members of her retinue talked and socialized with the other singers and scribes of the haven. The Koconah Citlal from the South were decided fans of the spicy North Indian and Creole dishes. The Dene Ghal—a brother and sister from Washington State—were wonderful storytellers.
The wolves and foxes stayed back in the tent.
Meera noticed a large raven sitting on a low branch of the oak tree nearest the river.
Vasu.
It hopped and croaked every now and then. Meera wasn’t the only one who noticed. The woman from the Koconah Citlal leaned over to Ata, who was already watching the bird. They exchanged quiet words before the Koconah Citlal singer wandered over to Meera.
She greeted Meera and Rhys formally before she leaned in close. “I do not mean to alarm you, but do you know an angel watches you?”
“Yes,” Meera said simply. “It’s… complicated.”
“It can enter the haven?”
