Song Suggestion: Beautiful People by Cher Lloyd ft. Carolina Liar

The Rift is certainly one of the strangest places I've been. Which is saying a lot. But Ridge House is even stranger. Upon first seeing it, I quickly realized this is not the place to carry out the plan. The entire estate is made of different kinds of metal. My heart sinks as I realize that any assault here would be impossible. It's basically one great weapon and there is a whole family who won't hesitate to use it. But Davidson shows no signs of worry. He's slipped into a politician's demeanor. And although we've spent the last few weeks working closely together, I'm still no closer to reading him as I was the first day I met him.

The location of this meeting was decided for a number of reasons. Although we may have an understanding with the Rift, Cal is still a fugitive in Norta. Delphie has yet to rebel against Maven, biding their time until the Nortan and Rift alliance is secure. This is also the first time the Scarlet Guard and the Rift will be together since Corvium.

Most of the information I've passed on to Maven by this point was retrieved by our spies hidden in House Laris, Iral, and Haven. But placing spies in Ridge House is too risky. Davidson says that Larentia Viper is one of those reasons. Way back when Lady Blonos had taught me the colors of every House and explained each of their ability. An animos has the ability to control animals. But only recently did I discover it doesn't stop there. Not only can they control the minds of animals, but the ability to see and hear through them. And perhaps a few months ago I might have been worried, but after spending so much time with Alex it doesn't scare me. Alex says she's only used a fraction of what she believes she is capable of. Claiming it's the equivalent of me turning all the lights on in a house.

"I feel like I can do more," she said once.

I told Maven about the meeting and how I would be there, which was sort of true. But I have no real political power in this case. So my presence would be too suspicious if I just showed up to a meeting. But the amount of sophisticated technology that Davidson has at his disposal is astounding. The one, in particular, we are using today is short-range radio. Hidden in Davidson's breast pocket is a pen disguised as a listening device.

I remain in the jet as I listen to the meeting.

"Premier," I hear Queen Anabel say. "It's a pleasure to have you join us once again."

"Yes, it is indeed," Volo Samos agrees.

I huff at their facade. How can they possibly think we believe their bullshit? Are they really this stupid? How could they think this highly of themselves after all we've done to bring them down?

"And of course," I hear Anabel say, "It's great to see you once again Tiberius."

I knew Cal had come along. But he didn't know I was here. I slept in the jet the night before so no one would suspect my presence. Pretending that I was far away at who knows where.

A few more greetings go around. But I hear no one greet Farley. As a Command General, she came along, but the Silvers would certainly ignore her for as long as possible. But the greeting that peeked my interest was Davidson to the Samos siblings.

Ptolemus is now heir to a throne and I'm actually glad I'm not there. Since Alex took away my pain, all I feel is an overwhelming hatred that burns through me stronger than before, almost every second of the day. And there are times when it scares me.

The meeting drags on for about an hour. Talk of battle tactics as well supplies drone on but it's not until the last fifteen minutes do things get really interesting.

I may only be able to hear what is transpiring but as they speak I can picture it just as easily.

A grand room, cold from its metal decor. From the platinum unlit fireplace to the side and the gilded windowpanes that surrounds the unnecessarily large diamond glass windows. The table they all sit is long and narrow. And of course, Volo sits at the head with his wife at his side with whatever predatory animal she decided on today. Down on one side, most likely on Volo's right sits Ptolemus. Both men are not dressed too extravagantly. They don't want to appear too desperate for attention. Whereas Evangeline probably shines in her metal garments. Across from them sits Queen Anabel in her house colors and her hands dangling off the arms of her chair displaying her wedding ring that once came with great power. Beside her is Cal with his matching bronze eyes. After him follows Farley, then Davidson.

"We must address the matter of the marital alliance between Tiberius and my daughter," Volo says.

Cal shifts in his chair, slightly indicating his discomfort on the matter. He never officially agreed as far as I know, but Samos continues like he has.

"The fact that we are at war changes nothing. We are winning whether the tyrant king believes so or not."

He emphasizes the word 'we' like his vision of life after war is the same as ours.

"Then what of your troubles in your Air Force," Anabel interjects. "What is this 'sabotage' I hear of?"

I smile and I know Farley and Davidson do the same under the masks they must maintain. We made certain she would learn of it.

"Nothing more than a rumor I assure you," Larentia Viper answers. She doesn't hold back her bluntness.

"Now as for a date-"
"One month."
Everyone goes quiet. Anabel straightens her spine. Cal turns to his grandmother with wide eyes. Everyone looks to him except for Evangeline. She stares at Anabel. She doesn't know that I saw her silent plea. She doesn't want this any more than Cal. I almost feel bad.

Almost.

Under the table, Ptolemus takes Evangeline's shaking hand. I always knew they were close. Even back during the Parting Ball, Ptolemus passed by Maven and I and rushed to congratulate his sister in winning Queenstrial. I watched from the side as they embraced after the Sun Shooting with a look of relief that they were both alive. And I saw how angry she became as I shocked him in order to stop him from killing Kilorn. And then Evangeline made me promise not to kill him. And although I'm grateful she set me free, it doesn't mean I have to like not being able to avenge Shade in the way I want.

Anabel goes on to discuss wedding plans and how it's for the better of both nations. The ever dutiful Cal sits there and swallows her lies. Whereas Evangeline squeezes her brothers hand. But no one notices her other hand clenching something that's not visible to the rest at the table. And no one minds how the seemingly "empty" chair next to her is pulled back from the table. Far enough that another person could sit there if they had the ability to hide in the shadows.

Queen Anabel is still talking. She speaks of how together, Cal and Evangeline can create a new and fair era for all blood types. But the three on the opposite side are no longer listening. They hold onto each other. As if afraid the other will dissipate into thin air.

Volo Samos, Larentia Viper, and Anabel Lerolan, all smile as if they are sure they will come out on top.

Little do they know, I'm smiling too.

ANALYSIS

Okay, real quick, I have to tell you I left something out of the analysis from Chapter 16. So I love alluding and referencing to other fandoms. I don't know if anyone caught it or not, but the last chapter I put in dialogue similar to that of the TV show Reign. This show is based on the life of Mary, Queen of Scots.

The original dialogue went something like this:

Catherine (Queen of France): How cunning you've become. How you've changed since you came back to us from convent. I missed the girl you were.

Mary (Queen of Scotland): Many will. She was easy to kill.

So those who caught that, know that I do not claim this quote as my own. Full credit goes to the writers of Reign.

Moving on. I chose this song because I think it relates to so many people in this chapter. So the song isn't purely from Mare's point view. Like Evangeline could see reds as beautiful because she thinks they're lucky because they get to chose who they love. Mare once considered the silvers beautiful because they used to get everything they wanted.

So you guys say my suggestions are on point, but I still wanted to explain that each song is often told from more than one person's point of view.

Also the SWEEPSTAKES is still going on. You guys have until Chapter 20 to get in your reviews. So no stress.

Thank you, guys.

I love you all!