cascade | kotlc

22. Decoding the Key

--- June POV ---

Skill training ended. Only Linh, Tam, Sophie, Magnate Leto, and -- surprisingly -- Jensi had managed to legitimately destroy their splotchers. Of course, both Biana and she had managed to pop their splotchers too, but judging from the Coaches' looks, they didn't look very fooled.

Maruca had asked to see Wylie. It didn't end very well, but it did give her a new view of Stina, at least.

Fitz was just getting ready to head home when she heard another knock on the front door -- it must've been the third time today. She found Oralie standing on the porch, dressed in full regal garb.

She blinked, not exactly sure why a Councillor was showing up to her door. Her mind cycled through possibilities, from Stina revealing Wylie's attack to something related to Keefe-

"It's nice to see you too," Oralie said, smiling.

June slapped herself, flushing furiously as she dipped a curtsy. "Sorry. I just didn't know why you came for a house visit."

"It's a strange circumstance," Oralie agreed as she entered the house. "But it's about your sister. We've got a meeting with Gethen set up."

-

"You got us a meeting?" Sophie asked, for what had to be the fifth time. June's ears were dying, hearing Sophie's six-year-old self sounding like she just got a puppy for Christmas.

Oralie smiled as she smoothed her ringlets. "Yes. I've been given clearance to escort you and Mr. Forkle into the Lumenaria dungeons next week. I'm still waiting to find out the exact day, but it'll most likely be Friday. We'll only have fifteen minutes with Gethen, so you'll need to plan your time accordingly."

"Wait, wait, hold on," June said, holding up her hands. "Just Sophie and Mr. Forkle. For only fifteen minutes."

"Yes, unfortunately. That is all I have the power to grant, I'm afraid. Rest assured knowing I would bring you, and your boyfriend, along if I could. The Council, however, insisted on as little material as possible."

"It's literally going to take longer to get in and out of Lumenaria than the time they have to actually talk with Gethen," June clarified. "And that's all the Council is allowing us."

"Unfortunately."

"Okay," she said, breathing deeply as she leaned against the couch. "I don't see any way this could go wrong."

Oralie smiled again. "Also. Sophie's presence has been requested at the upcoming Peace Summit."

June felt her jaw fall open. Grady, Edaline, Sophie, and Fitz did the same, and she was pretty sure every goblin in the room sucked in a sharp breath.

"I know, I was just as surprised as all of you," Oralie told them. "But Sophie's unique role in many of our world's most recent challenges has aroused a certain curiosity about her among the other leaders."

June coughed. "I'm pretty sure I've actually done more than she did, if we're talking about interspecial incidents. Does flooding Ravagog not count for anything?"

"That's actually why King Dimitar didn't want you to be there. Your sister will be provided with an abundance of security," Oralie promised. "And, because of her age, she'll be escorted by a parent or guardian."

"And you chose Mr. Forkle over us?" Grady asked.

"And her sister's not allowed to come?" June asked, outraged.

"No, Mr. Forkle has been invited to represent the Black Swan. The order has made a name for itself in recent months, and the world leaders have requested to hear its thoughts on the negotiations as well. Miss Foster's guardian will be Miss Ruewen, if she's willing."