A Hand Weaving Chaos (Book 2 of The Fallen Gods Trilogy)

CHAPTER NINETEEN

Cosette began her reign of terror by barking orders at anyone within earshot of her voice. She directed the priestesses with military-like precision and kept the chaos of the courtyard to a minimum.

First, room was made in the stables for the additional horses brought through the portal. Next, any gear and belongings Brexten's people had brought with them were sorted and stored in a corner of the courtyard. A hastily erected awning protected it from the weather. Everyone Cosette could bully—priestess and newcomer alike—was divided into work groups. Those not scurrying about under her watchful eye bolted down a quick meal before getting back to their assigned tasks.

As per Astera's orders, the compound would be emptied of all inhabitants by the end of the day—a fact Cosette informed everyone of soon after their arrival. The compound may serve as a shelter, but only temporarily. It would only last so long as the wards held. If they fell, nothing stood between them and Tamas. And they would fall. Regardless of the strength Jill had given them, all knew Tamas would eventually find a way into the temple.

The High Priestess' private conference room was filled to capacity when Jill and Brexten arrived. Considering how Cosette had wrangled almost every available body into organizing the temple's evacuation, Jill found it ironic so many people had managed to escape her watchful eye. Then again, given who gathered in that small room, maybe it wasn't.

A large solid oak table dominated the room. Beyond that, every bit of space was occupied by either a chair or a person. It made for a claustrophobic atmosphere. Only the fact that a large translucent window took up one wall while the others were a windowless pristine white saved it, creating the illusion of bright, natural lighting.

Together, she and Brexten stood in the door's open archway. His left hand rested in the small of her back, almost brushing the curve of her waist. The gentle pressure held her in place at his side as all gathered looked in their direction. "Wait," the gesture seemed to say, as much as it offered support. "Let them understand what they're seeing. We're together and I want all of them to know it." She looked up and caught Brexten's profile. He offered a fleeting smile, and his grip tightened imperceptibly before loosening again.

Once upon a time, moments like this—standing on display for all the world to stare and judge—had torn Jill's stomach to shreds simply through nerves alone. Now, too much had happened for that old fear to matter. What did he want them to see? The Prince of Dolmar and Arianie's Chosen standing side by side? She would have to ask him later.

Back to the table, Jill caught Aden's eye. She felt a near dizzy relief at seeing him again, knowing he had not been hurt or worse by the aldar teres. He returned her smile with a brief nod. Polite, impersonal, but acknowledging her existence. She frowned. Should she be pleased with that greeting or demand more? Or maybe she should just be glad he still lived.

On Aden's right sat Astera. Behind her stood Cosette, ready to carry out whatever orders the High Priestess might give her. Jill almost laughed aloud at that, surprised Cosette had left the courtyard. She wondered if the workers were slacking now that they didn't have to contend with her dictatorial watch. On Aden's other side sat Becca. Both she and Astera looked tired, but content. Basking in the glow of a spell gone well, Jill guessed. She wondered if either suspected how close Tamas had come to obliterating them and decided it just as well that they never find out.

On Astera's right was Gunnar as Duke of Riven. Geniece was there too as Duchess of Shaar, her face apprehensive as she made pyramids with her fingertips. Count Rubenek sat beside her. Princess Arell's father, Jill noted. Arell, another one of Brexten's many conquests...

No. She couldn't think like that. Things were different now. Instead, she pushed the thought away.

Prince Kelis was also there. His skin had lost its paler, whiter tones just as Linzelle promised. Behind him stood Captain Arrio, waiting as attentively as Cosette did behind Astera. She grinned at Kelis who looked unfazed after yesterday's events. Good. She'd been so worried about that—worried about the emotional state of everyone left behind suffering from Lilane's death. He returned her grin with one of his own. He gestured to her hair, as if to point out its color and remind her of her protests at being labeled a tickle. She shrugged helplessly.