Page 86 of With This Witch
“Yeah, no kidding. I knew he was dirty but didn’t think he was dumb enough to threaten the other council members. If they see him brought to a vote, it could easily go our way.”
“That would certainly make things easier. Any idea who they may choose to replace him as the troll rep?” Petra asks.
“There’s no clear bloodline successor, but I’ve heard some rumblings about a few candidates. Why? Worried they’ll be just as bad?”
“A little,” she confesses, pulling a book from the shelf and reading the synopsis on the back. “It’s more than I’m not sure how we can guarantee that any new rep won’t turn out like Grog, filled with hate and making it his new life mission to cause harm.”
Moving over and wrapping his arms around her from behind, he rests his head on her shoulder. “We can’t be sure,” he says gently, “but we may be able to put protections in place, spells, to prevent him from causing damage.”
“You mean like bind him? Can trolls be bound?”
“I have no idea, but maybe your grimoire can tell you something about it.”
“Hmm. I’ll have a look. Just in case.”
CHAPTERFORTY-THREE
Petra
“Remember, no matter what they say in there, I love you and I’m very glad to be married to you,” Lachlan says, brushing her cheek with his thumb.
“I love you too, snickerdoodle.”
He smiles and rolls his eyes at her ridiculous nickname. “I will also snuff them all out if I need to.” A low growl rumbles under her hand resting on his chest.
“Let’s try to avoid that part if we can,” she says. While Gammy has been gone for a little while now, entering these chambers and knowing she isn’t there causes a wave of grief to wash over Petra, heaviness settling on her shoulders. She knew she would have big shoes to fill when she took over for Gammy, but on days like today, she still feels the need to call for Gammy like a sick child calls for their mommy.
The doors to the council chambers open, beckoning them in. She pushes thoughts of Gammy aside, hoping that what she is about to do will make her proud. So with a final look, Petra and Lachlan nod at each other, clasp hands, and walk in united as a family.
“Welcome, Mr. and Mrs. Grace-Rose,” Councilor Clellugs greets them. “Please, have a seat,” they say, pointing to the table and chairs to their left. Petra and Lachlan take a seat, their faces devoid of emotion. Petra spares a glance at Grog, who sits in his elevated seat, looking down at them smugly.
“Thank you for coming in today and for your patience as we worked through this community forum,” Councilor Clellugs says.
The acknowledgement is kind and appreciated, Petra glances at Grog, who rolls his eyes. Refusing to let him get to her, she smiles and thanks the councilor.
“Are you ready to proceed?” they ask.
Lachlan squeezes her hand reassuringly. “Yes,” they answer in unison.
Councilor Clellugs begins reading points from what Petra assumes is a summary of their final report. “As you know, we have interviewed many people you know, including your family members, close friends, and yourselves. We have also interviewed other community members who knew you separately and together from establishments you frequent or your workplaces. Through all this, we have developed a picture of you both, individually and as a couple. We have come to find that this relationship may be new, but many interviewees reported knowing you two were bound to get together. A years-long friendship existed, but it always had an underlying attraction. Close friends, family, and community members reported you were drawn to each other early on and would spend time together regularly.”
Petra and Lachlan glance at each other, and he runs his thumb along hers, silently sayingI’m yours.
The councilor continues, “Mrs. Grace-Rose, you admitted in your interview that the marriage to Mr. Grace-Rose was initially for convenience, and we appreciate your honesty. You also shared that while it started that way, your real feelings soon emerged, and your love for him helped you see not only the man in front of you but also your self-worth.”
Petra sucks in a breath, knowing a decision is about to be awarded. Fearing this will have all been for naught, she looks away from the council bench, down at her hand clasped with Lachlan’s.
“After much deliberation and admittedly great tension between council members, we have come to a decision.”
Lachlan squeezes her hand three times.I. Love. You.
“We, the supernatural council, vote, in a 3-2 decision, in favor of your marriage fulfilling the conditions of your challenge, and Petra Grace-Rose, you shall officially be granted a seat on the council as the witch representative. You will occupy the seat left empty by the passing of Gladys Rose and will be granted the title of Premier Witch, gaining the power and responsibility allotted as such.”
Petra weeps, happy tears for the second time since Gammy’s passing. Lachlan grabs her face, kissing her excitedly. “You are the next Premier Witch,” he says against her mouth.
The celebration is short-lived, however, as it is harshly interrupted by a collection of supernatural beings deposited into the center of the council room. Dazed and disoriented, the newly introduced group bounce off each other, trying to find a way out, but they are held in place by a cage charm.
Without thinking, Petra tosses a shield around her and Lachlan. She knows this was orchestrated by them, but the timing from Selene could have been worked out a little better.
