by A. L. Tyler
Lena’s voice quavered. “But they’ve been returned?”
“They’re fine.” Griffin muttered, shaking his head. “The New Faith is too soft to have actually done anything.”
“All the same.” Lena said. She reached over to rest a hand on Brandon.
Griffin looked over at Brandon and sighed. The plane taxied and took off; it wasn’t until they reached cruising altitude that he spoke again. “Where did he come from? Lena, who is he?”
Brandon wrapped his fingers firmly around Lena’s thumb. She frowned. “He’s exactly who you’ve said he is. That’s all that matters.”
Griffin undid his seatbelt so that he could lean forward and get a closer look at Brandon. “That poor bastard back in Maggie Valley. He was the father, wasn’t he?”
Lena looked up and stared out the window into a clear, sharply blue sky. He was talking about Tom—the reason she was still alive. The father that had loved Brandon so much that he would never know him. “Don’t tell me what happened. I don’t want to know what they did to him. Yes, he was.”
Griffin looked into her face and nodded slightly. He sat back. “Howard and Doctor Evans identified the body as the human-born who left with you last fall—he was only a human-born, so no one cared to look into the matter further. If I’m not mistaken, though, he must have aged quite a few years more than the rest of us since the last time I saw him.”
Lena only nodded. It was probably better if people thought Devin was dead—Howard and the doctor had done him a great service by ensuring no one would go looking for him. She unbuckled Brandon from his car seat and moved him into her lap so that he faced Griffin. See Brandon? Griffin.
Brandon only watched Griffin warily. Griffin looked up at Lena uncomfortably. “You know I have no interest in this.”
“I know.” Lena said plainly. “But he has an interest in this. I have an interest in this. You’re going to have to learn to deal with each other, because you’ve got a long road ahead of you if you don’t. How’s Darius?”
Griffin seemed confused for a moment, as if he wasn’t sure who she was talking about. “I have no idea. I haven’t heard anything. How was he the last time you saw him?”
“He was one. He’d have to be two now. He’s a smart kid. Trouble—he gets into everything. He likes making messes. I bet he’s been a handful since he started walking.” Brandon turned his head and nestled in against Lena’s shirt. She gently stroked his hair with her hand, and looked back out the window. Griffin followed her gaze silently.
The landing was smooth, and the drive from the airport to Waldgrave seemed to flash by. Lena still wasn’t sure what she was doing or what she was going to say to anyone about anything. She had somehow found herself on the wrong side of the fence despite her best efforts, and she wasn’t sure she was going to be able to convince anyone that it hadn’t happened by design.
Waldgrave was the same as it was every summer—green grass, blooming gardens, the smell of dry pollen on the air. Pete was standing in the doorway of the barn when they pulled up; Lena looked right at him, but he didn’t wave. She wasn’t even sure he recognized her. She felt different and strange now, as though she was invading this place instead of coming home.
As Griffin parked the car under the covered parking off the side of the house, Lena unbuckled Brandon and lifted him into her arms. There were so many other cars around—rentals, doubtless. Most of them black or a nondescript gray that was almost white.
“So, how does this work?” She asked suddenly. “I mean, it’s not going to be us in front of…of everyone?”
“Could be.” Griffin responded, slamming the driver’s side door closed and coming around to help Lena. “It’s what I would do. The diplomatic thing to do would be to have us meet with a smaller group—just two or three, so it’s one on one. They’re not happy with you lately, and like I said, I wasn’t given the option to debate such circumstances.”
Lena felt her heart pounding in her chest. Speaking in front of the Council was never easy, and she had always had the chance to prepare in the past. In her mind, she saw a disaster unfolding in her near future.
“You’re the one who wanted to do this. These are supposed to be your people.” Griffin closed the car door behind her as Lena settled Brandon into a comfortable hug and turned to face the house. His tone was almost mocking. “Your…friends, I believe you considered them. Just get it out of your system so we can go home.”
“Think what you want. There’s always a way, Griffin. We just have to give them what they want.” She said, adjusting Brandon’s hat.
“They won’t give you anything back.”
“They will if they feel there’s a chance I’ll swing human-born support.”
Griffin snorted. “And how do you suppose you’re going to do that?” He asked arrogantly, going to the trunk to get the suitcases.
But Lena didn’t respond. She fidgeted with Brandon a little more, trying to calm her nerves.
The side door was unlocked. Griffin went in first, looking around cautiously—there was no one waiting for them in the side entrance. He put down the suitcases and gestured Lena in, and as she crossed the threshold she felt as though Waldgrave was alien. There were the white walls, the dirty floor mat, the banging of the uneven washer load…everything that had been there the first time she had ever stepped foot into the house, and every time she had done so since that first time, but this time was different. In her heart she knew Waldgrave was a memory now; it would never be the same again.
Griffin led her into the kitchen, which was also empty and completely in order. No ticking clocks, no dirty dishes or smudges on the fridge. The house was sterile, and slightly under-heated, just as it had always been. Tame, almost, except for all the memories of life she had attached to it. The contrast between the goose bumps on her arms and the warmth of Brandon in her against her was startling. It wasn’t until the living room that they met anyone waiting for them.
Howard and Rosaleen were sitting patiently on the couch, dressed as they habitually were in a suit and a stiffly pressed dress, with Jason Rivera and Master Astley standing off by the stairs. Griffin put his arm out to stop Lena from walking into the room, attempting to push her behind him. In the stony silence, Lena could feel, for the first time, that all eyes were not on her; everyone seemed to be trying to look at Brandon. She hugged him closer.
That’s a show of confidence, bringing him here… Jason caught her eye. He still looked so young to her, but so serious. The light in his eyes had never returned after his father’s death. You don’t fear for your son’s life?
Lena tried to keep herself from shaking. Perhaps Griffin was right; Brandon would have been okay with Alexis for a few days. “I’m here to build alliances. If this meeting fails, the blood is on your hands, not mine.”
Silently, her thoughts came back to one of the final conversations that she had had with her mother; Ava had thought that the living room at Waldgrave was horrible, and she wanted to redecorate it. Lena had to stifle a morbid smile as she had the thought that if she was about to be shot, the living room was the place to do it. Then there would be actual justification for redoing the carpet, walls, and furniture.
Lena pushed past Griffin and walked as confidently as she could to Howard and Rosaleen. Howard got up and pulled her into a hug, smiling very cautiously. It seemed like an eternity before he let her go. What’s his name?
“Brandon.” Lena said quietly, trying to ignore the two men by the stairs, who were still watching her. “Howard, I am so sorry—“
But he only shook his head. It’s okay, it’s okay. Now is not the time. He’s beautiful.
She held Brandon out to her uncle and he took him, and Lena turned to hug Rosaleen.
“We’ve been so worried…” She whispered. “It’s so good to have you back. I thought we would never see you again.”
“How’s Darius?” Lena whispered back. “He’s…he’s been okay since…?”
“He’s fine, h
e’s fine…” Rosaleen finally released her and they sat down on the couch together. The wrinkles on her aging face were showing more than ever as her lip trembled and she grabbed a hold of one of Lena’s hands. “They took him for a short while, but he’s back now. They figured it wasn’t much use since…” She looked away.
Since Griffin had a son now. It was true—Darius probably would have been his heir if not for Brandon, which would have made him a valuable hostage. Darius was unimaginably lucky for the fact that Brandon had come along.
“Hesper’s been worried about you.” Rosaleen continued quietly, casting one brief glance over at Jason Rivera. “You never called. She really thought you would call, and you didn’t. For the longest time she thought you were really gone this time.”
Lena nodded, trying not to choke up. Now, in front of the enemy, was not a time for tears; but all of this, walking into the house, her former home, so freely, and reuniting with her family…it had been predicated. It put them at an advantage to make her go through this. “I didn’t want to involve her. I didn’t want her to have to deal with all of this.”
Howard passed Brandon across Lena and to Rosaleen, who smiled at the baby as he came into her arms. Lena felt Howard rest a hand on her shoulder. We have business to attend to.
Lena looked over her shoulder at him and nodded. They got up from the couch.
“You’re sure you’re okay with him?” Lena asked Rosaleen, perhaps more forcefully than she had intended. “I mean, he’ll be okay here?”
Master Astley cleared his throat. “As you’ve said, this is a conference for peace and negotiation. The child will not be harmed during your stay here.”
Lena scrutinized him. “Do you speak for everyone?”
“I do.” Astley bristled. “But if you’d prefer, bring him with you.”
“I would prefer—“
Lena! Griffin chided, walking up next to her. Let him stay here. They’re feeling for a weakness. A fear. Leave him here with her.
Lena took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. Every part of her was screaming not to leave Brandon alone, even with Rosaleen—desperate people would do anything. She trusted Rosaleen completely, but there were so many cars parked outside…
“He doesn’t need to be present at the negotiations. I trust you’ve made accommodations for us?” Griffin said quickly.
“You have your old rooms.” Howard said. “We’ve arranged everything for Brandon to stay with Lena—“
“She’ll be staying with me.” Griffin interjected. “They both will.”
Lena tried not to twitch as she looked over at him. He was telling her not to show weakness? In the silence that ensued, Griffin seemed to realize he had overstepped the bounds of what was expected of him.
He made a quick addendum. “I won’t be taking any unnecessary risks here, Rivera. You tried to kill them once.”
“Are you accusing me of bringing you here on false terms to assassinate you?” Jason said evenly.
“I’m stating a fact that you’ve done it in the past.” Griffin shot back. “There’s no need to bring my son into the conference chambers, but don’t take it as a sign that I trust you.”
“You’re accusing me of foul play, at a conference for peace?!” Jason shouted back.
“Okay!” Lena interjected. “Okay…this is not what we’re here for! Jason, you did try to kill me. Griffin, you let it happen. You’re both equally responsible, so let’s just forget about it, move it upstairs and get the ball rolling.”
Master Astley seemed convinced. He turned and started up the stairs into the library, followed by Lena and Howard. Jason broke the stare down and turned to follow as well. Griffin trailed him, but not before shooting Rosaleen a long, meaningful stare.
They went up to Master Daray’s office, where several chairs had been arranged around one of the side tables. Lena was suddenly very thankful—it was just going to be the five of them, alone, in Daray’s office. There were probably more than fifty people staying at the house at this very moment, and she was only going to have to convince two of them. It was generous beyond expectation, and she had to wonder who was responsible for it.
Master Astley was watching her unusually closely as everyone took a seat. She gave him a slight nod; she saw the corner of his mouth twitch. Of course he had been in contact with his exiled son, and now, probably his granddaughter too.
The office had changed, but only slightly—things had been moved around. Books were out of order, and some things were missing. Lena momentarily wondered if they had discovered the stairwell under the portal cat skeleton, but somehow she didn’t think they had. With all the contraband Master Daray had kept hidden down there, she would have caught wind of it if they knew.
The five of them settled down at the table and proceeded to keep an unnaturally long silence as Griffin and Jason continued the staring contest they had started downstairs.
Master Astley spoke first, looking directly at Lena. “I presume you’ve come with something to say. Say it.”
“I’m here to make reparations.” She said quickly, speaking directly to Master Astley, who was likely her best chance; Jason was probably still too young for anyone to be taking his opinion seriously. He was probably only here as a figurehead—a human shield for whoever was puppeting him to power. She was still worried about where Brandon was. “I made promises to you, and I broke them. I’m here to—“
“Regain our trust with more lies?” Jason spat. “You’ve got nerve if you think we’re going to buy it again. You’re as dangerous as your grandfather was.”
“I assure you, I’m nothing like he was.” Lena said, turning pale.
“He is.” Jason nodded at Griffin. “We’d hoped we were done with Daray’s reign of terror, and now you’ve given him exactly what you promised everyone you would not. You’ve given him a dangerous heir.”
“Oh, I’ve done no such thing!” Lena said loudly. “I never…This was a surprise. None of this was planned, but believe me, Griffin isn’t getting him. I’m not an idiot, Jason.”
Next to her, she felt Griffin shift. What are you doing?
Lena kept her eyes on Jason Rivera. He was so young, and so arrogant. It was hard to believe he had accomplished so much by himself. “We’re not married. Brandon is a Collins. He’s my heir, not Griffin’s!”
Both Master Astley and Jason Rivera seemed confused as their eyes darted back and forth between Griffin and Lena. Howard was sitting quietly, apparently only present because he was the head of the house—Lena was his heir, and there were laws governing the circumstances under which heirs were allowed to speak for themselves.
“He’s my son! You can’t take him from me!” Griffin said through gritted teeth. You can’t do this, Lena! You said you wouldn’t!
“You have a brother, use him.” Lena said carefully, trying to keep the tone in the room congenial. “Thanks to you—both of you—I’m told Brandon is the last. I don’t have a second chance at this, and you can’t strip me and my household of Brandon because he’s the only biological child I’ll ever have.”
The clock, as annoying as ever, ticked on from the bookshelf just behind Howard as people tried to digest what she had said. Master Astley was discretely smiling at her as Griffin continued to fume.
“You’re being serious.” Jason said slowly. He cracked a smile as he looked over at Griffin. “She’s serious. And she can do it. She has my vote if it keeps that child away from you.”
“I’m the father. I have rights—and it doesn’t change a damn thing! He’s still my son, you can’t take that away. You know who he is—the people will follow me!” Griffin said, glaring around. He stood up. Lena, we’re going downstairs, we need to talk.
“We are talking.” Lena said. “And I’m sorry, but as I said, he’s mine. I’m claiming him, and that’s non-negotiable. We’re here to make peace and get back on good terms. And I think we’re making progress, so sit down. In your own words, you told me to get it out of my system
, and I’m not done yet.”
Griffin remained standing.
“That child is already dangerous.” Jason continued. “I can’t even imagine what he’d be like with him as a mentor. I want sanctions—I don’t intend to leave today without ensuring the two of them are separated. I’m not sure if I even trust you anymore, Collins. It might be best if the child is removed from—“
“No. He’s mine, and he stays with me. I don’t care what you have to do or what I have to do to make that happen. I agree with you. I’ve done almost everything in my power to prevent this from happening, and my family continues to be a point of controversy. We’re dangerous, and I can see that now. Something has to be done for our safety and everyone else’s. Reinstate my restrictions and give Brandon the same. And Griffin is right, he does have rights. I have no intention of denying him access to his son.” Lena said.
Master Astley was looking impressed.
“What access does he need?” Jason sneered. “He’s Old Faith! None of them raise their own children!”
“And you do?!” Griffin shouted. “Get off your high horse, Rivera! You hardly knew your parents growing up!”
“The only reason you would want access to that child is to pollute his mind with delusions of grandeur, Corbett! We all know it!” Now Jason was standing, too. “You would be off on your quest again, trying to find it to bring the two together! I will not allow you anywhere near the boy!”
“I am not Old Faith, and I demand that he is allowed access to his son!” Lena said forcefully. “I’m not asking for special treatment, Jason, I’m asking for the opposite! I’m asking that you treat this baby as you would any other—if it becomes a problem, believe me that I will ask that the situation be remedied. I’m here to fix this problem. Brandon isn’t special. The portal is gone, and it will never be found. I maintain that it will never be found or opened. Never. You have my word, so please, we’re here to prove that to you. I want equilibrium restored. Whatever I have to do to lead as normal a life as possible with my son, I will do it. Please, I’m here to beg for his life, because I know we’re hanging in the balance now. Please. No tricks. I just want my son’s life.” She glared at Griffin. Sit down!
