Free Cruel Love by Kate Brian

Darcy?”
    Ariana’s heart was in her throat. Palmer looked betrayed. Christian was really going to nominate someone else? Now? What was he trying to do, give her a coronary? “I nominate Brother Lear,” Christian said.
    “No.” Conrad’s voice filled the room so utterly, Ariana flinched. “I’m sorry, Brother Darcy, but trust me, I’m not the best person for the job right now.” He shifted, pulling his legs up story style under his robe and casting a sidelong glance at Palmer.
    Ariana’s pulse grew shallow and quick. What did that look mean? Was he not running in order to throw his support behind Palmer? Or did he think that Palmer should withdraw his nomination as well, since they were both in mourning? Ariana swallowed hard, hoping it was the latter.
    Please, please, please let Conrad be on my side , she thought suddenly. With Conrad on my side, I really have a chance.
    “All right then,” April said. “For those of you who are new to this, we have open voting in Stone and Grave. ere are no secrets among the brotherhood. I will call each of your names and you will answer with the name of the person for whom you wish to vote.”
    Ariana gripped the sides of her robe with both hands. Open voting? So she’d know who voted for her and who didn’t. She’d be able to keep track. Suddenly her pulse throbbed so loudly she could hardly hear herself think. What was she supposed to say at her turn? Should she vote for herself, or do the mature, valiant thing and vote for Palmer?
    She stared at her former love from across the circle. His jaw was set in a babyish pout, his fists stuffed under his arms. She remembered the way he’d attacked her in the hospital, in front of everyone, and then again in the common room. She suddenly felt so disgusted that she wasn’t certain she’d be able to utter his name if she tried. ere was a good possibility she’d gag on it first.
    “We start with the newest members so that they can’t be influenced by the votes of their elders,” April continued, looking at Jasper. “So let’s begin. Brother Amory Blaine?”
    Jasper cleared his throat. “Sister Portia.”
    Palmer stared flaming daggers across the circle at Jasper. Ariana was certain he had been counting on the male vote the same way she was counting on the female vote. “Brother Oliver Twist?”
    Adam averted his eyes from Palmer’s, looking at the stone floor. He picked at a fraying thread on the hem of his robe. “Sister Portia.”
    Palmer’s angry exhalation was audible throughout the room. Ariana’s heart soared. Even though Adam had seconded her nomination, she hadn’t been certain that she’d win his vote. He and Palmer went way back, and Palmer was part of the reason Adam, a scholarship student, had bothered applying to Atherton-Pryce at all. Still, Ariana should have known Adam would vote his conscience. He’d always been a brave and honorable guy.
    April made a note in her book, and Ariana started to feel like she already had this thing won. Two guys had voted for her. If all the girls stayed on her side and she got one more guy, that was all she’d need.
    Landon was next. Seated next to Ariana, he suddenly became unnaturally still. “Brother Pip?” April said.
    “Brother Starbuck,” he said clearly.
    It was all Ariana could do to keep from glaring at him. She’d known she’d never win his vote, but for some reason, hearing it out loud felt like a betrayal. “Sister Portia?” April said.
    Ariana held her breath. She knew that voting for Palmer would be the honorable thing to do, especially with everyone listening, but this election might come down to one vote. She had no interest in losing this battle for herself.
    “Sister Portia,” she said, her voice firm.
    Luckily, no one flinched. April moved on to Tahira, who voted for Ariana, then continued around the circle with the more seasoned members. As Maria had predicted, every single girl voted for Ariana. She kept a running tally on her