Free Sovereign by Celia Aaron Page B

ear, “It was them. Not you.”
    “I know, but it didn’t happen to me. I didn’t get…”
    He hugged me harder. “How? Wait, it doesn’t matter. I’m glad. Don’t feel guilty about that. I’ve got your back, remember?”
    “I’ve got yours, too. I’m so sorry—” My chest shook, and my unspent tears welled up inside me and threatened to overflow.
    “Shh, it’s over now. I don’t talk about it or think about it. It’s done.” He rubbed my back, and I relaxed into him. Despite his words, I wasn’t absolved. But it took some of the weight away to know he didn’t blame me.
    “I’m going to get them. I swear it. For you, Brianne, and me. They won’t get away with it.” My voice was a harsh whisper, and I meant every word.
    “Let’s just get through it. All I want is to get through it.”
    “We will. All three of us will make it.” I nodded against his shoulder.
    Letting go, he stepped away and furtively wiped at his eyes. “Have you seen Brianne?”
    “Yeah. She came in, but then I lost her. Do you know anything about the trial?”
    “Miss Rousseau?” Judge Montagnet moved through the nearest group of people, leaning on his cane as he walked.
    Gavin scrubbed a hand down his face and blanched.
    “Go. He just wants to torment me,” I said quietly.
    Gavin gave me a curt nod and walked away toward the band.
    “Judge.” I crossed my arms over my chest and stared into his faded eyes.
    “How are you coming along? Recovered from Christmas?” He grinned, one of his bottom front teeth showing a filthy shade of green.
    “Fine.” There was no other answer—except the truth. And if I told him how I really was and what I really thought of him, I’d be putting Teddy in danger. So, “fine” it was.
    He reached out and pinched my arm. “You seem thinner. Sin not been feeding you well?”
    “He has.” Though civil, I kept my words clipped. The sooner he was gone, the better.
    “Good. Wouldn’t want him starving you out. Not until the trials are done anyway. How’s your father?” He was nothing more than a self-satisfied cat playing with its food.
    “Fine.”      
    He cocked his head, perhaps unsatisfied with my short replies. But, it didn’t matter. The sound system clicked on with a feedback hum. It was show time.
    “All right, everyone.” Cal’s voice boomed over speakers nestled along the metal tent supports. “We have a wonderful show for you today. I can’t wait to get started. Make your way up the stairs to the seating along the battlement. Don’t worry, we’ve had special awnings installed as well as heaters, couches, beds—anything you’d want to get comfy on this rainy day.”
    People began streaming through the door and up the stairs as Cal continued. “I think you’ll be pleased at the entertainment. We also have plenty of servants to accommodate your every desire. Even yours, Judge Montagnet.”
    The crowd laughed, and the judge swiped his hand through the air. “You joker,” he called.
    “Acquirers and Acquisitions, make your way to me. Announcements are over. Let’s get the party started!”
     
     

 
    CHAPTER TEN
     
    S TELLA
     
     
     
    S IN FOUND ME AND took my hand, pulling me from the wall where I’d taken refuge. He squeezed my cold fingers as we made our way back to Cal.
    His touch—the same one that once chilled me to the bone—now gave me a slight warmth. I would be the one suffering today. It would likely be my blood spilled, my body broken. The touch of his hand told me that he would be right there with me. Every stab of pain inflicted on me would be mirrored in his mind. I wished I could save him from it even more than myself.
    We walked against the flow of people heading to the battlements until we reached Cal. Sin dropped my hand, and I was alone again. Brianne, Red, Gavin, and Bob were already assembled. Gavin gave me a slight nod, but Brianne kept her head lowered.
    “We’re all here. Excellent.” Cal smiled, still in showman mode.