The Heirs

Chapter 5- Darkness in the Stars

though my soul may set in darkness,
it will rise in perfect light;
I have loved the stars too truly
to be fearful of the night.

-

"Someone really needs to tell Lord Peridan to not come to meetings anymore." Selene whispered into Jem's ear as the council took their seats. "The man needs to rest-"

"He does rest-"

"In peace."

"Bite your tongue." Jem whispered back furiously. "He's not that old!"

"He's sixty!"'

"Uncle Peter would've ruled till he was a hundred, and you know it."

"Uncle Peter was a battle-worn warrior, Lord Peridan was one of Papa's advisors- there's a difference-" She clicked her tongue as she glanced over at the old Lord, "oh, look at him, Lady Vanai has to help him into his chair- hm, that gown is fetching... perhaps she could help me into bed later..."
Although she did not particularly bother about what lay between the legs of whom she bedded, most of her daliances were with men- but some women were just so excruciatingly stunning, she wondered how in the world she could like men at all.

He groaned, and almost dropped his head into his hands, "Must you plan your conquests in front of me?"

"You want me to do it in front of the whole council? Oh, is that why you called the meeting?"

"Oh, shut up, Sel." Jem grumbled, before clearing his throat, seeing that everyone had been seated. "Afternoon, council. I trust the day finds you well-"

Immediately, a positive cacophony of babbles began, with everyone apparently not in the least bit well, so thus not being amused by his well-wishes.
Jem raised his eyes to the ceiling, wishing either that it would fall down on him or that he could melt into the carpet. Shame there weren't any weapons lining the walls- he'd have put them to good use.
Selene would've, too.
But her use would've been directed towards others, while he would've used them on himself.
"Silence, please." He said calmly, injecting a bit of his power into the words. Slowly, the council fell silent, but the faces which greeted him were still hostile. "Now, one by one- Lady Vanai." She'd been shouting quite loudly. "I saw that you, er, had something to say? Is it regarding the village fire?"

"Yes." She spoke tersely, her jaw set. "The villagers and the wood-folk believe it was set by magic."

Selene spoke up, "I doubt that, my Lady- no one practices magic in the towns and villages. You're aware that there are hardly any magic-users anywhere." There were some who practiced tricks, or who studied spells, but none who actually used magic, not like witches and warlocks. "And even if there were, they would need a permit."

"That's what I'm telling you. People are practicing magic, and it has turned destructive. The dryads would've stopped an ordinary wildfire from spreading into the village." Her voice went quiet, and almost trembled. "Fifteen people died, including four children, one a baby."

Selene sucked in a breath, for once speechless. She hadn't heard this part of the news, and judging by Jem's expression, he hadn't either.

"Why was I not informed?" He demanded, looking at each of them, who all looked unsurprised. They had known. They had known, and they hadn't told him that his people had died.