Total pages in book: 134
Estimated words: 127026 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 635(@200wpm)___ 508(@250wpm)___ 423(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 127026 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 635(@200wpm)___ 508(@250wpm)___ 423(@300wpm)
Tears came to her eyes as she waved at the assembled crowd. She walked around the arena for all to see her and assess her. Though not everyone here approved of her, in that moment, it hardly even mattered.
Kerrigan reached the stage assembled on the opposite side of the arena and took the few steps to stand beside Alura, who nodded at her once.
Each of the nominees stepped forward to make a speech. Helly’s was brief but informative. Bastian’s was stern and evocative. Durban went on too long. Hydie barely said anything. Selwyn blustered. Alura said exactly as much as needed to be said and not a word more, and the crowd loved her for it.
Kerrigan went blank as soon as it was her turn. She stepped forward, staring into the sea of faces. All the many Society members who were here to hear her explain why they should vote her for. While the people behind them, the many thousands of people behind them, had nothing to say about it. Her speech flew out of her head.
“I know that I’m supposed to address the Society members, to thank them for being here and for all of their hard work in running this wonderful world we live in. That is what everyone else has already done. So, I will save you the effort and speak to those of you not wearing a black robe,” she said, gesturing to the crowd, who exploded with applause. “People of Kinkadia and all of Alandria. Those from near and far. Those who didn’t ride in on a dragon, but came to this place on horse, cart, and your own two feet, thank you for assembling today.”
Another cheer rose up from the crowd. Ten times as loud as before.
“The Society council is the most esteemed seat in our world. It has never been held by a half-Fae or a human. And why should it when the Fae rule our world, right?”
Boos came from the crowd. She smiled radiantly up at them.
“You know all the reasons I shouldn’t be standing here. All the reasons you find me unqualified. I am half-Fae. I just passed my eighteenth name day. I look young, reckless, and inexperienced. Whatever your reason, you’re wrong.” She held her hand up to silence the thundering crowd. “You’re wrong because I am precisely what we need. I am the First of the House of Cruse and now the head of household. I am a Society member and dragon rider. I am nobility, and, yes, damn it, I am half-Fae!”
The cheers this time weren’t just the crowd. Society members were applauding now. Some leaning forward at her speech. Her acceptance of who she was and the limitations they had placed on her. They saw them as weaknesses, and she wore them as strengths.
“I might not be what you think you want, but I am what you need. If I can achieve all of this at eighteen, imagine what I will do, going forward. Imagine what I can do on the council. The tides are turning. Which side of history do you want to be on?”
The crowd roared their approval as she stepped back. It wasn’t the speech she’d planned. Not in the least. But she’d had to say it. No matter if it lost her the election. No matter what anyone thought of her.
Ephriam was quieting the crowd and announcing what would happen next. The center of the arena had been covered with some sort of spell work, and at his words, the cover vanished. Everyone gasped as a gorgeous garden visage appeared, nearly as beautiful as what Kerrigan had found in Titania’s home. No wonder they had closed it off from training for the last couple days. Water flowed in elaborate fountains. Gazebos had been erected. Benches lined tree-ladened walkways. Flowers of every variety imaginable were planted in perfect, even rows. And as the sun set on the nominee appearance, the party commenced.
Society members released their black robes to reveal stunning gowns and ornate suits. Top hats and diamonds and cravats and beaded fans all appeared as the members exited the stands and flooded the gardens.
“You did well,” Bastian said at her side.
“Did I? The people loved it, but the members …”
“No fear. They’ll get what is coming to them.”
Then, he stepped off of the stage and into their midst. Immediately overwhelmed with well-wishers. She didn’t know what he’d meant, but she had to take his word for it. She, too, would be swept up in the madness of the party any minute. She could barely brace herself against it.
But she had no choice.
“Red!” a voice called over the clamor.
She turned to find Clover, Hadrian, and Darby just off of the stage. Clover waved her over, not caring in the least how she looked to the rest of those assembled.