Page 34 of With This Witch
Lachlan steps around the corner, and now that she can get a better look at him, she doesn’t understand how looking so good in a black suit and black shirt isn’t illegal. She wipes her hand across her lips, checking for drool, and thankfully it comes away dry.
“Alright, let’s get this over with,” he says, extending his arm for her to grasp so he can port them to the council chambers. She prepares herself for the pulling sensation by taking a deep breath and closing her eyes, hoping that she won’t get as dizzy as last time.
It doesn’t help at all. It takes a moment for her mind to stop spinning once they arrive in council chambers. Lachlan holds onto her shoulders, and when she opens her eyes, his steely blue eyes stare back into hers. His eyes are soft and caring, and seeing herself reflected back in them is perhaps the best thing she has ever seen.
“Welcome, Councilor and Mrs. Grace-Rose. Thank you for joining us this evening,” Councilor Clellugs says. “Please, if you could have a seat,” they say, motioning to the center of the room where two chairs and a small table have appeared.
“Thank you and good evening, everyone,” Petra responds as they sit. After settling herself, Petra looks up at the council members and finds Gammy’s eyes shining back at her. She knows there is so much love there, but even sitting here now, after having married Lachlan to meet the demand set before her, she questions whether she wants a life like Gammy’s. Petra’s done what she needs to do out of obligation and a sense of family loyalty, but is it worth it?
“We have called you here this evening as we have some concerns about your marriage,” Councilor Clellugs explains. Petra leans forward to begin protesting, but is stopped by the councilor’s hand rising in the air, cutting off her ability to speak. “You will have your moment to address any concerns after. We appreciate that you have been forthright and informed us of your marriage as soon as possible, and we are all in agreement that you have met that condition as set forth by Councilor Grog.” At the mention of his name, Grog’s chest puffs up in pride. Petra fights the urge to roll her eyes and instead shifts her attention back to Clellugs. “However, we do have concerns about your chosen partner.”
Councilor Amare leans forward, laying her hands down on the table in front of her. “It is unheard of to have two council members married to each other. As this is unprecedented and could lead to potential challenges in important votes and rulings within the community, we have decided to put your marriage under review.”
Clellugs puts her hand down, allowing Petra to finally speak. “Honored council members, I can appreciate your concern. However, the stipulation in my agreement was that I needed to marry, to show my commitment to tradition and to the council. I have done so. Who I married was not a concern. Since I have met the requirement, and done so within the allotted time frame, I see no reason for my union with Councilor Grace to be called into question.” She looks to Lachlan as she finishes her speech, and he takes her hand under the table, squeezing it gently. The touch warms her skin, sending sparks up her arm and into her stomach, setting fireflies fluttering inside.
“No need to be so sensitive, Mrs. Grace-Rose,” Councilor Grog chimes in, his voice sliding over her like worms slithering through wet soil.Sensitive?Does no one else hear the condescension? “After being notified of your marriage, the council discussed what this union could mean, and upon identifying some potential dangers to the community, and considering how it will be perceived by our esteemed peoples, it was decided that we need a deeper review to determine if this can continue.”
“And what happens should you, objectively, decide that our marriage is unacceptable?” Petra asks, attempting to keep her tone even. She must have failed, as Lachlan squeezes her hand again, a signal to pull it back.
“We will address that should it come to that. Which I doubt it will,” Gammy firmly responds, the threat evident in her tone.
“Is there anything else we need to be aware of? How long do you anticipate this review to take?” Lachlan asks.
“A few weeks to a month at most. We will reach out to the community and collect feedback, as well as determine potential parameters to keep in place should your union remain,” Councilor Amare replies.
“That is all for tonight. Thank you again for coming in,” Councilor Clellugs states.
“Oh, and before you go, Mrs. Grace-Rose…” Grog slides in as Petra and Lachlan stand.
“Yes, Councilor Grog?” Petra responds, her body tensing as she waits for a final blow.
“Miss Wilks has been doing wonders creating a knowing presence in the council circles through her volunteer work in the community and support with council functions. Being married to a council member is not the only thing that makes a strong Premier Witch candidate. You would do well to show your community that you actually care about them.”
She cares for the children in the community. Petra can’t think of any better way to show she cares than to support the next generation.
She turns and glares at him, willing her magic to strike him where he stands. Only she is ported out of the chambers and back to Lachlan’s home before she has a chance.
Dick weasel!
CHAPTERTWENTY
Lachlan
His phone has been ringing all morning, and every time he sees the name on the screen, he silences it, refusing to deal with whatever is wrong. Is it healthy? Probably not. But he has distanced himself from that world for a reason. The underworld that his father left him is not a pleasant place. His memories of being there are painful and fill him with shame. So he avoids visiting as much as possible, leaving much of the work to Selene and Viktor, two of his father’s former staff.
When Petra enters the kitchen, coming to check if he needs any help, his phone vibrates across the counter again, the face lighting up with Selene’s name. Petra doesn’t know about Selene, or about his past. He reaches for his phone, trying to silence and pocket it before she can see, but he’s not quick enough.
“Who’s Selene?” she asks, handing him his phone just as it stops vibrating.
“No one,” he replies curtly.
She raises an eyebrow at him but doesn’t push it. He feels his chest tighten at the lie, but it’s just not time yet.
When would be a good time to tell yourwifeabout your past, hmm?his demon mocks him. He tightly closes his eyes, fighting the urge to spill everything.
“How has Gladys been doing?” he asks. “She looked a little off the other night.”
Petra takes a deep breath as if she is preparing herself. “She says she’s fine, but I don’t believe her. I noticed it too, but she brushed me off. When I was at her place for more magic and council lessons yesterday, though, I could see she was tired and in pain. I’m worried it’s progressing faster than she originally thought, but she won’t talk to me about it.”
