Colton~~

It doesn't take long for the rest of the Order to file in to the chamber and take their thrones. Percy hasn't stopped glancing back at the door since we arrived, and if I've noticed that, it means I've been doing the same. Usually, Iris and Jonas can fend for themselves, but lately that hasn't been the case—at all.

            Vienna drags a soothing hand down my arm, and my shoulders relax a little. This is the last Order we need to convince, and then we can go home, and I can slide an engagement ring on her finger. The one I've had hidden in my room for so many years.

            "We've heard from other Orders about your request," the Preeminence dives right in. "We have no objections to your sister's—your Tresais's heir becoming Preeminence of Elleany's next Order." Is that because they don't see anything wrong with the idea or because the Head Order has voted that way? How many of Gadfrie's decisions reflect their own beliefs rather than others? "Leorus has expressed to us that Alastairi might marry your sister."

            I frown, tired of hearing about this. "She'd have to agree to that first."

            A few of the Order members exchange looks.

            My neck prickles. "What is it that I don't know?"

            "We've heard they are dating." The Beta taps a finger against his throne, and I grow cold. "Or the better term might be courting."

            "Gwen and Alastair?"

            The Preeminence tilts his head. "I'm fairly certain I said his name. Did I not?"

            I swallow down the lump in my throat. "No, you did. Forgive me, Preeminence. I'm just surprised."

            "Why? Leorus wants this marriage, and so Alastairi is pursuing her."

            I'm about to retch all over this floor. Let them all call me dramatic, but this is my sister. "Not because he wants to, though?"

            "I believe obeying his father takes priority."

            He won't love her. He'll never love her. He'll only see her as a chore, an order. He'll break my sister's heart a thousand times over.

            "Our concern, however, with your request is about what you want."

            I take Vienna's hand. "I know what that is."

            "You'd give up your heir being Preeminence even if you held the title?"

            "I am not Preeminence. My brother is. Giving this up is no sacrifice on my part."

            "Your brother is Expired. You cannot know when he'll die."

            And now I'm really regretting leaving them alone.

            "I know what I want, Preeminence. My brother knows what he wants, and so does my sister. I've made my decision."

            The Preeminence pins me with his gaze, his expression giving away nothing. "If so, then we've made ours. We grant your request to marry Ms. Rosen, and for your sister's heir to become Preeminence."

            The weight of his words settles over me. It's a surprise my knees don't buckle. They've all said yes. All the Orders of Amoria.

            "Now, please"—the Beta stands—"go and enjoy the ball." It's a polite dismissal. I don't want to risk angering them by lingering, and I'm eager to return to my brother and Iris.

As we approach the door, a Konkursi opens it. I hesitate for a moment when I don't see Jonas or Iris, and but then quickly step through it only to find they're not on the stairs either. I turn, ready to question the Order, but the Konkursi closes the door in my face.

            Percy's hands tighten into fists. "I shouldn't have left them."

            "Jonas told you to." Vienna rubs at the back of her Mark, her eyes roving around the space. "You didn't have much of a choice."

            I massage the space between my eyes. Even if they are in trouble, it would be dangerous for us to freak out. As calmly as I can, I pull out my phone and dial Jonas's number. It rings before going to voicemail. "Maybe they went upstairs to wait." Unlikely. "They could be right at the top."

            Vienna nods, but Percy looks unconvinced. Even so, he's the one to lead us up the stairs.

It's clear before we reach the top, though, that Jonas and Iris are not here.

            I scan the room, spinning in circles. The crowd is too dense to search properly, but I don't see them or any member of the Head Order. That doesn't mean they aren't here though. I can't ask any member of Gadfrie's Order. Not when they've conveniently locked themselves in their chamber.

            Percy starts to walk away, and I have to jog to catch up with him. I grip him by the shoulder and ground him to a halt.

            "Where are you going?"

            He looks at me as if I've grown a horn. "To look for them."

            "Is splitting up the best idea?"

            "I didn't do anything to tick off any Order here. They all have granted your request. We're not the ones in danger."

            Maybe Jonas only felt faint and wanted a seat. Maybe Iris had to nervous pee—I don't know what her bladder is like. I don't want to and never want to think about it again.

            Still, Jonas could have helped her find the restrooms.

            I glance out the window. Does the water that gets flushed just end up out there? I fight the urge to bury my face in my hands. What am I even thinking right now?

            "Fine." I let go of him. "You're right."

            "I wish I could actually savor those words." He adjusts the sleeve of his suit that my hand bunched up. "I'll check out in the halls. Maybe see if you can find Ean."

            "You actually trust him?"

            Percy's eyes flick left and right. "No. But if he knows something, you can get it out of him."

            "And the same goes for Elisana?"

            Something flashes in his brown eyes. "Leave her to me." He takes off in a stride toward the edge of the room.

            Helplessly, I scan the room again. I can't even process the news that Alastair and Gwen are very possibly courting at this moment. She's going to marry the man whose father might very well kill her brother.

            At least it won't be her favorite brother.

            Damn it. What the hell is wrong with me? Pull. It. Together.

            "I can wait here," Vienna offers. "In case they come back."

            "I don't want to leave you."

            "I'll be fine. But your brother and Iris might not. Go, Colton."

            My hand opens and closes, itching to stay, itching to go. Jonas might need me. Iris might need me. I place my hand on the side of her head and pull her toward me, pressing my lips to hers. "Be safe, please."

            She nods, her forehead brushing mine.

            I close my eyes, savoring the feel of her, breathing in her perfume—the barest hint of vanilla—before releasing her and stepping back. She makes a shooing motion with her hands, and I turn, heading in the direction Percy went. If the two of them did go in search of the bathrooms, they'd be out in the halls. Maybe Iris's wreath wasn't secure. There are so many possibilities that don't involve murder.

            But if the Head Order has done something to them, then the next time I see Leorus Moretti, I'll make sure he knows Gwen will hear everything her supposed-future-father-in-law has done to her brother.

There will be a new chapter tomorrow. Thanks for reading!