Colton~~

I have to admit I'm surprised. Our first Senate meeting is going better than I expected. Though perhaps I should have had some inkling of an idea that it would go well considering how long we've been discussing most of the legislation prior to this meeting. For the most part, it's as simple as voting and taking time for me to read the bills aloud.

From across the aisle separating us, the Preeminence gives me a small nod of approval as another bill is passed. He brought Iris. I'm not surprised by that. Two nights ago, I was about to find out her Expiration Date. I would have then been able to warn—prepare the Preeminence. Preparation. Something the Tresais didn't have with Molly.

But then the Eta showed up. He'd never go along with exposing a girl's Mark while she was passed out. I had to carry her in my arms through the labyrinth to the exit.

She hasn't said a word. Hasn't looked up from the floor since the Order and I entered the chamber. I don't even believe she knows who's sitting in which of the twelve black thrones that circle the outer ring of the room. The Zeta is behind her with the Epsilon and Theta on his side. The Zeta and Theta have not been introduced to Iris, and while the Theta does not seem to pay her any mind, the Zeta keeps glancing at her. I don't blame him for wondering why a stranger is attending our first Senate meeting, especially when our sisters that sit in her circle are exceptionally equipped to speak and give advice. Gwen's used this meeting to shine. To show us all she'd make the better Tresais.

The Preeminence keeps his eyes forward, not bothering to look at me from his own black throne. "Beta, please, read the next bill."

I swipe at the screen in my desk, pulling up the bill. Relief fills me when I see which one it is. This bill is another one we've been discussing for weeks now in preparation for our first Senate meeting. I straighten my posture and again see Iris shift in her seat underneath the Zeta. He's not looking at her now, but at me.

"A bill to abolish all privately-owned orphanages and children's homes."

Iris tenses.

I read through the details out loud despite each member of the Order having their own digital copy in front of them. I have my protocol to follow.

When I finish, the Preeminence asks for anyone who opposes the bill to say nay. No one speaks up.

"All in favor say yay."

He's met with a unanimous response. Around the circle, the faces of the Order are relieved. None of us wanted to continue to talk more about this bill.

"Wait." Iris stands up.

I bite my tongue, but I can't stop the scowl I give her.

"Do you have something to say?" the Preeminence asks.

"Was there discussion on this? Numerous lives will be affected by this bill."

The Digamma doesn't even bother looking at her. "We've been discussing this for weeks." I wonder what he thinks about me not being able to carry out the plan in the maze.

"It's in our best interest," the Tresais says. He isn't Iris's lap dog then? It's good to know she doesn't have my whole family under her spell. If I can only make sure my brother doesn't fall for her . . .

"I grew up in one of them."

I can't help but lean forward. She was an orphan? "Then you should know that many of these institutions train rebels."

"Not all of them. Where will the children go?"

The Epsilon shares a look with me even though he directs his question to Iris. "We should care why?"

"Because your children will be their Order."

Beside me, the Digamma folds his hands on his desk and looks at her this time. "We're removing the institutions that indoctrinate and train children to become rebels. We have enough rebels to deal with as it is. We'll find new places for them to live."

I wish Iris would look me in the eyes for what I'm going to say. It would make the words much more enjoyable. "Perhaps if we had closed your orphanage sooner, things would have been different, and you never would have ended up here."

She flinches. "I know you hate me. I just don't understand what I did to make you hate me from the beginning, Colton."

Our names are not allowed to be used while the Senate is in session. It shows a lack of respect. I've already corrected her on multiple occasions outside of this room.

"It's Beta."

She stands, her toga-like dress rippling from the movement. "You expect me to respect you?"

My rage boils, and I pull myself to my feet to counter her insolence. "I've given you multiple warnings, Iris."

She gives a breathless laugh like she can't believe what's happening. "And what were your threats? Fighting me?"

"I was considering chaining you up and torturing you until your Expiration Date, but if you want to fight me, then by all means, as the lady wishes it, let it be." I know I can take her easily.

"Beta, reconsider this now," the Preeminence orders.

"Again, if a lady wishes something, who am I to say no?"

The Preeminence looks at her. There's a longing in his eyes that I only caught a glimpse of once, at the ball at the end of their dance. Meanwhile, the Tresais doesn't look bothered at all. If he doesn't care about her safety, what is she to him?

"I want this," she says.

"Preeminence," I say, "can this meeting be called?"

He sends me a cutting glare. "Very well. Everyone leave but the Beta."

The Order leaves first, and as Iris files past me, I tell her to meet me in the gym in half an hour. She gives me a smile of all things. I'm going to ruin her.

Once they all have left, Jonas steps into the middle of the room. Time now to face my brother's wrath. I've done it before. I can handle this time perfectly well.

I walk down the steps to the aisle.

"How dare you?" he says. "What do you think you're doing?"

"Teaching a little girl to respect her superiors."

"For heaven's sake, Colton, she's your age."

When I don't answer, he starts pacing, muttering to himself.

"You found her passed out in the maze two days ago."

Yes, because I drugged her.

"I'm worried this is too soon for her."

I remain in the same place. I'm honestly not sure what to do. He's never been angry with me over something like this—a girl he seems to be infatuated with, which has never happened before. This almost seems like what normal brothers might argue about; though, without the part where one brother challenged the girl to a fight. Or was it she challenged me?

"I can't call this off, Jonas. Not only my pride lies on this but hers as well."

"Like you care for her pride."

"You are Preeminence. If you are so worried about her, you can stop this."

He halts, his back turned to me.

"What?" I ask.

"Did it ever occur to you that there was a reason she didn't seem worried about fighting you? The Beta?"

"She's stubborn." In my mind I see her in the maze when I told her to run. She stood there. "If you're implying she knows how to fight, she surely has grossly overestimated her skills."

Jonas walks toward me until he's but an arm's length away. "She'll hate me if I try to stop this fight. It's her decision and yours, but I hope you know just how disappointed I am with you." On that final note, he leaves.

I watch him go, my mouth trying to form words. Nothing comes out. 

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