Something Witchy This Way Comes: A Jolie Wilkins Novel Page 4

  “He said, and I quote,” Mercedes started, “that he ‘did not care to partake in our festivities,’ and I was to inform him of our decision.”

  I swallowed hard, but figured we could move on since Sinjin had willed it so.

  Mercedes took a few steps forward. “Can we proceed, please?” she asked, eyeing me impatiently.

  Frowning, I just nodded and watched as she walked to the center of the room, everyone’s eyes on her. She cleared her throat and looked at each person in turn before she finally opened her mouth. “I am of the persuasion that the vampire should be forgiven.”

  “Of course you would say that,” Rand said, shaking his head. “You two were working together.”

  Mercedes turned her fiery green eyes on him, and I had to imagine that a lesser man would have caved under the pressure of her gaze. But Rand wasn’t a lesser man.

  “My motivation for sending the vampire back in time was different than the vampire’s,” she finished simply.

  “What does that mean?” I prodded.

  “It means,” Varick suddenly piped up from his chair beside the fire, “that from the moment Sinclair had his freedom handed to him,” and he glanced at me with a frown because I’d been the one to grant Sinjin his freedom, “he has acted however he pleases. Had he remained under my control, I would never have agreed to this.” He paused for a second or two and then glared at me again. “Without his independence, this would never have happened.”

  I shook my head and tried to control the anger that snaked through me. I was the Queen and therefore had to lead by example. Losing my temper and blowing up at the bloodsucking jerkoff wasn’t the best choice right now.

  Mercedes eyed him indifferently. She probably figured he was full of it, just as I did. Varick was selfish and his every decision was intended to ensure his own future comfort. Had he still been in control of Sinjin, I’m sure he would have been all for Sinjin’s role in Mercedes’ plan, since he’d stand to gain if his subordinate became more powerful. Yeah, he was full of it, and then some.

  “Sinjin said he acted to protect me,” I replied in a soft voice.

  Rand frowned at me and shook his head but didn’t say anything.

  “He said the same to me,” Mercedes admitted, but then narrowed her eyes as she apparently weighed the sentiment. “Although I do believe he also had an agenda.”

  “An agenda?” I repeated.

  “And yet you defend him?” Rand asked Mercedes.

  “I believe his reasons overall were good,” she said quickly, “regardless of his personal goals and ambitions.”

  “He wanted to force Jolie to love him,” Rand said in an angry tone, shaking his head in apparent disbelief. “And his reasons were anything but chivalrous. Sinjin wanted nothing more than to control Jolie, thereby controlling the crown. As far as I’m concerned, both are treasonable offenses.”

  Mercedes pursed her lips and glanced at me quickly before facing Rand again. “Regardless of the vampire’s intentions, he forced her into nothing. It’s impossible to force someone to love you.”

  Rand frowned at that because he had to know her words were true, just as much as I knew it. Sinjin had certainly led me to water, but I’d been the one to take the first sip.

  “What it comes down to,” Trent suddenly piped up from the couch, where he sat beside Odran, “is that Sinjin decided to plan your life without clueing you in.” He added with a frown at me, “And for that, he should pay the price, I think.”

  Trent isn’t a bad guy to look at—he’s shorter than Rand and has a stocky build—like he played college football. He has wide-set brown eyes, high cheekbones, a full mouth, and a generous nose. He was an attractive-looking guy and definitely had enough women in his life who would echo that sentiment. But I didn’t find him attractive in the least, not anymore.

  Rand nodded—probably the first time he’d ever agreed with anything the werewolf said. The two don’t exactly see eye to eye, given their tumultuous past. It went back to when Trent and I were dating and Rand had gotten … jealous.

  “Sinjin should be banished,” Rand said with finality. “He cares about no one but himself, and this was an absolute act of narcissism.”

  The word “banished” caught in my throat, and try though I might, I couldn’t swallow it.

  “Banishment is a heavy price to pay,” Mercedes said, sighing as she glanced at me. “And I do not agree.”

  “I agree with the warlock,” Trent said.

  “Aye, I do too,” Odran said, nodding as he stretched his long legs out before him, the sides of his kilt beginning to separate. I glanced away because I was all too aware that he never wore a damn thing underneath it.

  “As do I,” Varick said, eyeing me down either side of his long, snipelike nose. Varick is nearly as tall as Odran, but whereas Odran exudes health and vivacity with his broad shoulders and bulky frame, Varick is so thin, he looks emaciated—like he hasn’t had anything to eat in ages, which I guess is pretty close to the truth. He’s got bright orange hair and the whitest, most anemic skin you’ve ever seen.

  I took a deep breath, forcing myself not to buck at Varick’s words. It couldn’t be any clearer that he had a personal vendetta against Sinjin. He had hated him ever since I’d granted Sinjin his emancipation. “I don’t agree to his banishment,” I said in as regal a tone as I could muster. Odran shook his head in apparent surprise, while Trent glanced at me and frowned. I made a point of not looking at Rand, since I knew what his reaction would be.

  “At the very least, his title as Protector of the Queen should be stripped,” Trent said, still facing me.

  I exhaled for a count of three, not at all happy with where this was going. Maybe I was just being too easy on Sinjin—maybe I should have been as angry as everyone else appeared to be—but I couldn’t deny that there was something in me that believed in him. Maybe it was just wishful thinking and I was still attributing Sinjin with qualities he didn’t possess, but I couldn’t help my feelings. I just … didn’t, couldn’t, believe that he deserved to be banished.

  “Aye,” Odran agreed. “He cannoot be troosted.”

  Mercedes sighed and glanced at me. “Perhaps stripping the vampire of his title is punishment enough?”

  I had to agree and started to nod when something occurred to me. “Who will act as my guardian in his stead?” Varick raised his eyebrows and gave me a significant look. I adamantly shook my head, wanting nothing to do with him. If he were my protector, I’d need to worry about who would protect me from him. Varick was the type who would turn on you in an instant. “No,” I said to his unspoken suggestion.

  “Then I shall inquire with Klaasje concerning who would be an apt replacement,” he said in a droll tone.

  Klaasje was an old “friend” of Sinjin’s who also shared his role as my protector. Although I’d been somewhat jealous of their close friendship, now I had to admit that I liked Klaasje and that she was very good at her job. I trusted her fully to find Sinjin’s replacement.

  “Okay, that is fair,” I said, relieved that Sinjin hadn’t fared too badly in the punishment department.

  “ ’Tis noot enough,” Odran said, shaking his head as he smashed his fist into the side of the couch. “That is noot enough ta teach ’im his lesson.”

  “He should be banished,” Rand repeated, his jaw tight as he ran his hands through his hair. He glanced at me and his expression was imploring.

  “No,” I said firmly. “I will not banish him.”

  “Perhaps we cannot rely upon the Queen’s counsel,” Varick said as he studied me in a detached way—like he was dissecting a bug. “Perhaps she is still in love with Sinclair?”

  I hated the sound of the words because I couldn’t deny the truth in them. I still cared for Sinjin deeply. “That has nothing to do with—” I started, but was interrupted by Rand.

  “Jolie is not in love with Sinjin,” he said. His voice sounded hoarse as I felt a wave of anger and resentment pour through me—Ran
d’s feelings.

  It’s okay, Rand, I said in my head. You know you’re the only one for me.

  He glanced at me and smiled, almost embarrassed, nodding quickly as he did so.

  Trent suddenly chuckled and shook his head. “Looks like a triangle if ever I saw one.”

  “You shut up,” I said, and glared at him before I faced everyone in the room again. “And my personal life is not up for discussion. It’s none of your business! Any of you!”

  “Actually—” Varick started, but I turned my scowl on him and he wisely chose to back down.

  “What is up for discussion is Sinjin’s punishment, and all that should be considered are the facts. That’s it.” I took a deep breath. “And I am willing to admit that he definitely should be reprimanded, but I believe exile is too extreme. I’m comfortable with stripping him of his title of Protector of the Queen, but I refuse to allow anything more than that.”

  “I do not believe he should be banished either,” Mathilda said softly, shaking her head as the silvery tresses of her hair bounced around her, seemingly weightless.

  “Then ’tis ah draw,” Odran announced. “The womenfolk in disagreement with oos.”

  “Maybe,” Trent started, cocking his head as if carefully considering his words, “maybe this is another case of women being the weaker sex. Maybe you three are just too lenient to see this situation clearly,” he finished as Mathilda, Mercedes, and I all glared at him at the same time.

  “Do you want to say that again, Trent?” I asked. “Either Mercedes or Mathilda could turn you into dog stew in five seconds flat.”

  “As could you, child,” Mathilda added.

  Rand chuckled while Mathilda and Mercedes continued staring at the stupid were. I had no clue why I’d ever dated him. It was just one of those things I preferred to sweep under the rug and forget. “I’m firm in my decision,” I said, and felt my jaw tighten.

  Jolie, Rand interrupted in my mind. You need to divorce yourself from your feelings for Sinjin and look at this rationally.

  I looked up at him and frowned, feeling heat beginning to brew inside of me. I am looking at this rationally. Banishment is way too heavy a price for him to pay … and … and I refuse to agree to it.

  Then perhaps this must be a case in which you defer to the vote of your panel. His voice was silent for a second or two. Perhaps your personal feelings are getting in the way?

  I shook my head as I felt acid begin to build in my stomach. This has nothing to do with my feelings! I railed back.

  Then what does it have to do with?

  Maybe you need to ask yourself the same question!

  Seemingly taken aback, he glared at me. I do not begin to guess what you mean by that.

  Rand, you need to separate yourself from your own jealousy regarding Sinjin and ask yourself if this truly is the right decision.

  I watched him swallow as he took a deep breath. He said nothing, though, so I continued. I simply won’t agree to banishing Sinjin, no matter what anyone says. And I’m the Queen—my word is final.

  I choked on that last sentence. His eyes were narrowed on me, his lips pressed into a tight white line. Ah, then you are now playing the part of a dictator?

  No, I thought immediately, then shook my head, realizing how bad it had sounded. No, of course I’m not a dictator. You’re … you’re blowing this way out of proportion, Rand.

  Pray tell me, then, what is the difference between what you just said and the way a dictator would act? You refuse to allow for a democratic vote among your panel of representatives?

  Rand—I started but he shook his head.

  Jolie, I will leave this decision to you. Yes, I fully admit to my jealousy, but in this instance I have done my best to divorce myself from it. I believe Sinjin should absolutely suffer for the fact that he attempted to thwart his monarch for his own selfish reasons. And for what it is worth, I wouldn’t mind if you chose to forgo my vote if you believe me too biased.

  I realized then that if I truly wanted to lead as the Queen I had envisioned myself to be, one who valued democracy and justice, I couldn’t override a majority of the people in that room. No, I had to rule justly and fairly, and that meant I would have to be open to a majority vote … as much as it pained me. “Although I am opposed to Sinjin’s banishment, I will allow his fate to be decided by this room,” I said, feeling my heart riding up into my throat. I then glanced at Rand. “By everyone in this room.” I nearly felt myself choke on the words, knowing I was castigating Sinjin even as I uttered them. “But before you make your decision, I would advise you to consider all facts in this case and realize that banishment is no light subject.”

  “You could very well be sending him to his death,” Mercedes added as she glanced at each person in the room.

  “His death?” Varick scoffed.

  Mercedes considered him without amusement. “The Lurker threat is ever present,” she said simply.

  At the mention of the Lurkers, I felt my stomach sink.

  An hour later I found myself alone in the library, my head aching as I realized what I had to do. We had debated for another two hours before reaching a decision about Sinjin. In the end it was agreed that he should be banished.

  I was mostly exhausted, but I did see Rand’s point. What it boiled down to was that even if I did believe that Sinjin meant to act in my best interests, he shouldn’t have tried to ruin my relationship with Rand—that was the true evil. That was the sticking point. Sinjin had wanted me to fall in love with him for his own selfish reasons, and that was why I had to punish him with a heavy hand—why he needed to be banished.

  Knowing that what I had to do was going to be unpleasant, I took a deep breath and started for the door. I took the stairs two at a time, and when I emerged in the basement hallway, I could feel my heart beating wildly, thumping throughout my entire body.

  I spotted the vampire guards outside Sinjin’s door immediately. Sinjin could have destroyed either of the younger vampires in a heartbeat, had he the desire. But he had obviously chosen to play by the rules, not causing any upset in my kingdom. For that, I felt strangely drawn to him—and appreciative.

  The vampires bowed when they recognized me, and I smiled my greetings in a hurried and absentminded way. “I need to see the vampire,” I said.

  “We have been instructed not to allow you near him, my Queen,” one of the guards said.

  “Rand does not have the authority to dictate whom I see,” I said sternly, realizing who the perpetrator was as soon as the guard spoke. Rand hadn’t wanted me to deliver Sinjin’s verdict to him in person, pointing out that according to Underworld custom, there would be a ceremony during which Sinjin was stripped of his position and officially banished. If anything, the fact that he would be so publicly humiliated made me want to see him alone all the more. I had to somehow explain everything to him.

  The guard just nodded and stepped aside. I approached the heavy wooden door, but from the feeling of energy reverberating off it and stinging my cheeks, I realized it was charmed. I closed my eyes and held my palms up, facing the door, and imagined the magic fading away, breaking the spell. Why Rand had bespelled it was beyond me, because it wasn’t like witchcraft worked against vampires. Just extra precautions, I assumed.

  I knocked, and didn’t hear a response from the other side. But moments later the door cracked open, revealing the breathtaking vampire on the other side. Of course, he knew it was me—he’d probably known from the moment I stepped into the hallway. I’m sure he could smell me, and his incredible hearing would also have allowed him to eavesdrop on my conversation with the guards.

  “My Queen,” he said with a grin as he bowed low.

  I didn’t like the sound of “Queen” on his tongue. No, truth be told, I preferred it when Sinjin referred to me as “poppet” or “love,” his pet names for me. I closed the door behind me and took a deep breath, clasping my hands in front of me as I thought about the best way to start.

  I
found it difficult to even look at him. He was staring at me so unabashedly and appeared so … stunning. Yes, my feelings toward Sinjin Sinclair were lessening day by day, but I couldn’t deny that he meant something to me and always would. That was when I realized I’d always been in love with this man. Maybe not to the extent I was now, but there had always been a part of me that loved him—really, it was impossible not to love him.

  But I knew that thoughts like those would do me absolutely no good, so I shut them down and focused on the task at hand. “You really outdid yourself this time,” I said, frowning at him.

  “Perhaps and perhaps not,” the debonair vampire replied, continuing to stare at me in a way that made my heart rate increase.

  “You have been stripped of your title as my protector,” I blurted, suddenly wanting nothing more than to say what I had to say and retire to the solitude of my bedroom.

  Sinjin didn’t respond for a second or two, but then nodded as if he weren’t surprised. “Please inform Klaasje that Saxon should take my place. He is the only vampire I would trust with your safety, aside from Klaasje herself, of course.”

  I couldn’t help but remember the moments when Sinjin had been there for me. When I delivered my first speech as Queen and was so nervous I thought I might wet myself, Sinjin had given me the strength to carry on. Just glancing back at him and seeing those hard ice-blue eyes and his gentle nod had given me the courage to continue.

  “That’s not all,” I managed, feeling as if I were choking on the words.

  “Yes?” Sinjin said in a small voice. I glanced up from my fidgeting hands and found his gaze focused on me.

  “You’ve been banished,” I said quietly.

  Sinjin’s eyes narrowed, but almost immediately his expression was once again stoic. He just stood there, watching me. I tried to meet his gaze but found it increasingly difficult to do so. Feeling like I might pass out, I took a seat on his bed and rubbed my temples, sensing an ache beginning to build behind my eyes.

  “This is a decision that will threaten your safety,” he said solemnly.

  I glanced up at him in surprise. “My safety?”