Free Breaker (Ondine Quartet Book 4) by Emma Raveling Page B

sharp stab of magic near my ribs.  
    I decide who is worthy of being my chosen Redavi.
    “But you cannot touch our laws. You may participate in discussions, and contribute your opinions just the same as any member on this Council. But you do not have the right to change or dictate Haverleau’s law. They remain outside the scope of your power.”
    Her magic tightened, squeezing my insides like a vise.
    But this time, I was ready.
    Empath reared up, snapping around me like an armor, just like it did with the Shadow. With a decisive thrust, I drove her magic out and slammed a wall down between us.  
    A pale hand touched the tank wall as if surprised, almost hurt.
    If she wanted to, Jourdain could crush those walls and fry my insides with her magic.
    But she didn’t because she knew this was a battle she couldn’t win. Catrin Bessette was my replacement and even her immortal magic couldn’t dispute that.
    Satisfied, I turned back to the Council. “Another matter still needs to be addressed. Not everyone is here.”
    “The Council table is now filled,” Patrice said stiffly.
    “Yes, but not everyone is here,” I repeated.
    Tristan stood and made a small, almost imperceptible motion to the wall of Royal Gardinels gathered near the Summoning Pool.
    As one, they parted.
    Holden stood in front, his arms crossed, a deep scowl carved into his thin face, and defiance rolling off the tense lines of his body.  
    Behind him, Will, Grady, and Tara faced the chamber, their bodies coiled as if bracing for a fight.
    Whereas Catrin’s entrance had inspired stunned awe, this produced shocked distaste.
    “What is the meaning of this?” Marquisa Blanchard stood and gestured wildly. “Who are these people? Why are they on the Chamber floor?”
    Nix auras were only visible to selkies. Everyone else simply saw a group of ragtag teenagers.
    Tristan trusted his men, but it was a dangerous play.  
    Tension seeped into my body. My gaze darted across the chamber. Besides the Royal Gardinels on the floor, there were other selkies scattered throughout the upper tiers.  
    All kept their expressions blank, a testament to their superb training and absolute allegiance.
    I waited until the initial furor died. Marquisa Blanchard reluctantly sat, her pale face a mask of displeasure.
    “As Governor, I represent all elementals, not just the ones Redavi deem appropriate.” My voice cleaved through the air. “They are here, as all of you are, to bear witnesses to my confirmation. These nixes are my guests.”
    The Chamber exploded.
    Council members leaped out of their seats as if their lives had been threatened. The audience roared and chevaliers quickly moved through the crowd, breaking up overheated discussions before they could escalate.
    Julian rubbed his brow. Catrin leaned back, her expression bemused.  
    The Rossays alternated between threatening to resign and calling for an independent investigation into my traitorous activities. Patrice explained to anyone who would listen why all of this was ultimately Rhian’s fault. The Rosamunds counted off how many laws I’d broken. And for some reason, the Blanchards kept demanding the presence of an attorney.
    Jourdain’s magic skittered against my skin. Empath swatted it like a pesky mosquito and it retreated.
    I waited. The din continued.  
    Damn it. I’d have to do something or we’d be here all day.
    But it wasn’t me or my words that cut through the noise of outrage.  
    It wasn’t strength shown through physique or volume or brute power.
    “ Kahliev .”
    Tristan’s quiet voice, low and lyrical, reverberated like the faint rumble of the sea.
    The Council stopped screaming.
    He stood in front of the nixes and faced the chamber.  
    The other Royal Gardinels on the floor joined him, surrounding the nixes on all sides in protective formation.  
    As one, they called out, “ Kahliev .”
    The first tier silenced.
    “ Kahliev .” A voice from the second tier.
    “ Kahliev .” From