Page 31 of Seas the Reckoning

My temper threatens to snap. And surely, in this case, it’s justified? Any regular party guests would be bound to clap back, and perhaps it will look more suspicious if I don’t.

Grammy said to trust our instincts, and mine have some things they’d like to say.

“The witch you’re insulting has more integrity in her little finger than y⁠—”

“Lillian!” the sharp male voice that interrupts me belongs to Claude.

The man has pressed his way through the crowd, and has the woman by the wrist, his fingers wrapping around it tightly and squeezing.

“The councilman is well-respected, as are his decisions. Maybe our long-standing association with him leads you to think you are free to express yourself less formally, but he will not thank you for it. I certainly don’t want you inserting your petty disputes into his business dealings. Men, I will take responsibility for my sister’s careless words. She’s had too much to drink, and I must beg you to forgive her inexcusable overstepping of bounds.”

Siblings, then.

And apparently, the line begins and ends with Starla. Jackal is available for insults, because it must be common knowledge the councilman doesn’t care for him. But he’s showing obvious favor to his daughter and her friend, so we’re off-limits.

I tuck that information away for later. While Councilman Taylor might still be a threat to Starla’s independence, he is also our buffer from the more aggressive guests.

I step in front of Lillian, testing how much leeway I’ll be given.

“I would hate to have to tell Councilman Taylor that this was the reception of his daughter’s closest friend. Particularly when he’s been so kind as to help me generate connections. Many people have been very interested in what my siren abilities can do. I’ve already made several useful contacts.”

The woman swallows again.

“Siren?”

I smirk, relishing the chance to put her in her place. It’s not part of my day-to-day nature, but no one insults Starla and Jackal in front of me and gets away with it.

“Of course. As you all indicated, the councilman surrounds himself with the best. And what about you? Lillian, was it? Do you do anything worthwhile, other than being the daughter of the right people? Any talents of your own? Surely you’re not a dud witch?”

The insult tastes bitter in my mouth, but it has the desired impact.

The woman snaps.

“I’ll have you know I have a key that allows me increased strength, and if I were less of a lady I could flatten you.”

“And if I were less of a lady I could sing you directly off the manor’s second-floor balcony,” I say while keeping my smile firmly in place.

There are a few intakes of breath, the others waiting to see how the situation will conclude.

Lillian huffs.

“Go back to your room and sleep off your overindulgence,” Claude says, pressing his sister forcibly back into the crowd.

She glares daggers at me, but she does what she’s told.

“Got your work cut out for you with a sister like that,” one of the men says, laughing.

Claude shoots him a withering look.

“My sister has had a long day and merely had one drink too many. Any worthwhile companion would have been monitoring such a thing. Who was dancing with her most recently? Who brought her the last glass of alcohol?”

No one answers, so Claude continues.

“I’m sure none of us want to ruin the festive feel of the weekend, and it would be a shame if Councilman Taylor was pulled from his good mood for a small spat between two of the ladies, I’m sure we all agree?”

Jackal steps forward, reaching out to thump Claude on the chest.

“Very chivalrous of you, Claude, considering the ladies. I know none of us want to ruin the weekend.”