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“She’s what the humans would call a loose cannon,” Lulabelle correctly assessed. “I’m not sure if that helps us or not.”

Grandmother drew herself up and answered, “Time will tell, my dear. It always does. Now, all of you need to eat before the food goes completely cold. Defeating your enemy rarely goes well on an empty stomach.”

I wasn’t certain I agreed or not, but Grandmother had lived far longer than me and I decided to go with her wisdom and ate as much as my rolling stomach would allow. Which, it turned out, was more than I thought I’d be able to eat. An odd sort of calm settled over me. Today was it. The waiting was over. There was a certain amount of ease that came from that knowledge.

One factor we hadn’t discussed was my father’s fate, and I asked just as much. “What about Father?”

Grandmother stilled and her fingers gripped her fork hard enough to bend. “I will deal with Hunapo Montenegro. He held my daughter down while Jaakobah ripped her to shreds. Wasting disease or no, Hunapo’s actions call for vengeance which I will gladly enact.” Looking me dead in the eyes, Grandmother stated, “Your father’s life is forfeit. He will not be allowed to live.”

Lazarus reached under the table and gripped my hand. Quietly, I nodded and answered, “I understand.”

Grandmother gave a swift, sure nod before pointing her bent fork at me and ordering, “Now, eat.”

And so, I sat there and ate while Grandmother, Lulabelle, and Lazarus discussed strategy. Not that there was a lot more to hash out. We’d done what we could. Jima had found Phina and would keep her safe until we could get to her. Thalia was working on tracking down the exact culprits who’d freed Verona. Once known, she could make an official complaint and demand compensation. Doing so might help weaken Jaakobah’s hold on my former flight. Verona and Axios were unknowns that would need to be dealt with when they reared their ugly heads.

As for the rest… Grandmother was right. Time would tell. Time always did.

Twenty-Four

Lazarus

The open field was decorated with cheer. If one didn’t know better, they would imagine the blush pink and white roses signified the beginning of a welcome, loving union. Tables were set along the far side, a host of succulent meats, cheeses, and desserts spread across its pristine white tablecloths. Chairs decked out in floral garlands filled the opposite side of the grassy meadow while an arch adorned in similar decor sat in pride of place at the center.

Gryphons in their finery strolled about the open field, their interactions congenial but an undercurrent of tension hummed just below the surface. One had to look to find it. That tension sang in the sideways glances, in delicate crystal cups held a little too tight, in delicious food that remained mostly uneaten… The joy was only surface level deep.

I’d been separated from Keir ten agonizing minutes ago. He’d been escorted away the minute the vehicle door opened. It had taken every ounce of restraint not to shift and burn every hand that touched Keir to ash.

Lulabelle’s quiet “patience” stayed my hand along with Keir’s silently begging eyes. They were both correct. Now was not the time. For the sake of his flight, and for the sake of maintaining peace between wyvern and gryphons, Keir needed to be the one to challenge Jaakobah’s right to rule. Keir needed to be the one who fought for his siblings.

“Come, let us find appropriate seats,” Lady Usha said as she laid her fingers on my arm. “Lulabelle, I don’t believe there are enough seats for you and the others to join. Perhaps you will be content standing along the edge.”

Before Lulabelle could answer, Xavier stepped forward and stated, “I shall find seating for Lulabelle should she wish it.” He’d been glued to Lulabelle’s side since we’d gotten into the vehicles and made our way across the rolling hills. While it was true that Xavier worshipped the very ground Jaakobah walked on, what was also painfully clear was that he had an eye for his own advancement. No doubt thoughts of bonding with the heir of Lady Usha’s flight had been planted by none other than Jaakobah himself.

I’d met individuals like Jaakobah before. What they gained through manipulation and betrayal was never enough. They were never satisfied and always reached for more. Bonding with Keir, cementing his legitimacy over the Montenegro flight, was but a stepping stone in Jaakobah’s larger plan.

While Lulabelle was an adequate actress, her disdain for Xavier seemed clear to me. Not so to the ambitious gryphon.

“I’m certain I’ll be fine,” Lulabelle curtly answered before softening her tone and adding, “But thank you for your generous offer.”

Xavier’s chest puffed out and his shoulders straightened. “Of course, Lady Lulabelle.”

Lulabelle’s answering smile was tight. “You’re such a gentleman, Xavier.”

Xavier’s cheeks flushed with either pride or embarrassed pleasure. “It is easy being a gentleman to a lady such as yourself.”

I could practically hear Lulabelle’s eye roll. Outwardly, she kept her expression calm and placatingly kind. “Perhaps, if it is not too much trouble, you could get me a glass of cider.” Lulabelle’s eyelashes flickered along her rosy cheeks.

“It is no trouble at all,” Xavier predictably answered.

“Thank you. We’ll be standing over there.” Lulabelle waved a hand toward the edge of the clearing. I noted the angle would give her a good vantage on the archway. Lulabelle waited until Xavier was no longer within hearing range before she allowed the façade to fall.

“Will Xavier be a problem?” Lady Usha asked.

“No more than usual,” Lulabelle answered. “I’ll find a way to get rid of him when the time comes.” Lulabelle flicked her fingers, sharp talons momentarily extending before fading back into humanoid fingernails.

Lady Usha clicked her tongue. “We should avoid unnecessary bloodshed. Xavier is young and impressionable. He may yet be redeemable.”

Lulabelle’s scoff expressed her doubts. “Whether Xavier sees another sunrise or not will be completely up to him.” Leaning in, Lulabelle kissed Lady Usha’s cheek. “Do not worry, Grandmother. I will do what is necessary and nothing more.” Pulling back, Lulabelle’s expression was just shy of mischievous. “But if I find a way to have a little bit of fun while doling out punishment…” Lulabelle shrugged while turning to walk away. The brief scowl she allowed to cross her face directed my attention elsewhere. “Oh, look, the self-proclaimed star is putting on a show.”