Janelle took one step into her sitting room and froze. The cold burning rage was enough to know who and what… the why… oh the why was going to be told to her oh so very soon. In a calm voice with no hint of anger she spoke, "I expect this room to be as it was before Daemon wakes."
Saetan winced. She was displeased and rightfully so. She should have roared about this room. Her so calm words just made it worse. "I expect it will be done by then, Lady."
A moment longer and an aural shield as well as protective barriers of the black were placed around the room. Lucivar now stood near a shared window. Watching. Waiting. And dreading whatever it was she wanted to discuss.
Jaenelle closed her eyes and took a deep breath. In a hiss she asked, "Would someone like to explain why My husband is worried enough about our marriage to do what he just ty was did."
The High Lord glared at Lucivar. For two long neither spoke.
In a queenly tone she added, "It's not debatable about not telling me."
Lucivar took a breath. Damn Saetan for not saying anything. "The bitch bedded him."
For just a second cat's claws were where Jaenelle's finger had been. For just a blink of an eye a tiny spiral horn was in the center of her forehead. For the span of a heart beat the room was covered in gray mist and a stone floor. For just a moment…
"Cat." It a was a warning tone. At least he hoped it sounded like a warning tone.
"The whoring bitch, where is she?" it was a midnight growl of something not human. It was a sound that came from far below in the abyss.
The High Lord spoke as calmly as he could, "Lady Karla had her housed n the south tower for the time."
The room returned closer to normal. "And her helpers?"
Prince Yaslana snapped to attention. Helpers? Damn it he hadn't thought of her having helpers. And he should have! He began to pace. His wings working restlessly. "There were no signs of helpers." Then again he could go back and start asking questions. And his war blade would find the answers.
"Prey hides when it knows it's being stalked."
Damn the Cat for being right.
Witch just glared at him. Her anger was a living thing. And so little would set it free, "Lady, may ask if the debt needs to be paid before Prince Sadi is informed of the child?"
Janelle drew a breath, "Damn you. I should dent your head for that remark."
"I only live to please."
"Children enough. I don't believe the Lady would do harm to my unborn grandchild." And that should tell her plainly enough who he sided with. If not he could make it clear.
Several words were said. And none that the High Lord was going to translate and several other he wouldn't be able to if he tried.
Finally after she calmed the queen spoke, "High Lord, is there any reason I have to wait to declare Daemon the father of this child?" Not so much as a question but a command only phrased to be polite.
"The birthright ceremony is tradition but not law."
Anyone who thought Daemon wouldn't be named the father of Jaenelle's child was twice the fool. And twice dead.
"Very well at your connivance I would like for you to put that in writing to be kept at the Keep as well as copies for all the territory Queens."
For all… The High Lord stammered to find the words. Luckily a knock on the door kept from needing to.
The shields dissolved and the door swung open fast enough to prime their tempers. Gabrielle stood in the door way looking too much like she had just been in a fight and riled up enough for that to be true.
"Sister?" Jaenelle asked quietly.
"Lady your assistance is required."
Both the High Lord and Lucivar snapped to attention. This lady would have asked unless it was necessary. Damn her! What could have happen in just a few moments?
"In what capacity?" Witch asked in a deathly calm voice.
"Any and all that you can, Lady."