Encala : Book 3 of the Heku Series by T. M. Nielsen - HTML preview

Chapter 16 - Coronation

“Let me see the list again,” Chevalier said, taking the papers from Maleth. He went over the names slowly.

Maleth glanced over at Emily, asleep in her bed.

“Tell me again, is she sick?” Maleth asked Chevalier.

He glanced at Emily and back to Maleth, “No. She hasn't gotten out of bed since Leonid was put to rest.”

“Is that healthy?” Maleth frowned.

Chevalier shrugged, “I honestly don't know. Sam said she did the same thing when her Father died.”

“But Leonid isn't dead.”

“We know that, but to her, he is.”

“Poor child, should I talk to her?” Maleth asked, looking back across the table.

“No, Sam suggested we just let her be. I appreciate you coming in here for this though, I hesitate to leave,” Chevalier said, turning back to his files.

“What do you think?” Maleth asked as Chevalier frowned.

“I really don't think Damon is ready. I wish I knew Torman more, I've only met him a few times and moving one from a coven into Eldership without a spot on the Council makes me nervous,” he said, his eyes still on the list.

“What about Quinn then? He's been our Chief Interrogator for close to four hundred years.”

“Right now, he's the one that's standing out in my mind,” Chevalier said.

Maleth nodded, “I agree, shall we make the announcement? We should swear him in as soon as possible, tomorrow night even.”

Chevalier nodded, “Yes, let's announce it today. It's been three days, and that's too long.”

Maleth nodded and glanced at Emily once more before leaving.

Chevalier sat on the bed by Emily and brushed her hair away from her face. She opened her eyes slowly and looked up at him.

“Hi,” he said, smiling.

She shut her eyes and pulled the covers up over her shoulder.

“Em, we've picked a new Elder,” he said.

She opened her eyes and looked out the window.

“That was fast,” she whispered.

“We can't go without full leadership for too long,” he explained.

“So easily replaced.” She turned away from him and shut her eyes again.

“Today is the last day,” he said, watching her.

“I know,” she whispered, not opening her eyes.

“Have you decided against it then?” Chevalier hated to even consider it.

“I'm just tired.”

“I know you are, but I also need to know you're awake enough to make a decision.”

She opened her eyes and sat up in the bed, then held her hand out to him, “Put it on.”

“Are you sure?” he asked, digging in his pocket for the essence ring.

She nodded and watched as he slipped it back on her finger. Emily felt the familiar pull as the ring sealed itself to her finger. She laid back down and pulled the covers up, it seemed cold in her room.

“We need a fire,” she said, shutting her eyes.

She felt Chevalier's hand against the back of her neck, “It's hot in here and over ninety degrees outside.”

“It's so cold.” She burrowed deeper into the covers.

“Ok, I'll get a fire,” he said, and watched a servant blur into the room and start the fire.

“Who is it?” she whispered. Chevalier looked down at her and she was watching him.

“Who is what?”

“The new Elder.”

“Quinn”

Emily frowned, “The quiet guy on the end?”

Chevalier couldn't help but grin, “Quiet? He's one of the meanest Chief Interrogators I've ever seen. I swear he could get information out of a turnip.”

“He's never said anything to me.”

“He's good at his job. I think he refrains from speaking for fear he may come across as harsh and abrasive,” Chevalier said. He suddenly realized what a good choice they made in choosing Quinn.

Emily looked back out the window, “I don't like him.”

Chevalier smiled slightly, “You're supposed to be at the swearing in.”

“Why?”

“You're… in a roundabout way, part of the Council.”

Emily shut her eyes again, “I put on the ring, now stop hovering and go to work.”

Chevalier nodded, “Think about it, ok?”

She nodded and rolled over.

Chevalier went down to his desk. He knew he would have a lot of work as he hadn't been in since Leonid's burial. He could hear preparations

being made for the swearing in of the new Elder. Chevalier left orders for Mark to wait outside of Emily's room and alert him if she got out of bed. He lost track of time, engrossed in his work, when he heard a knock on his door.

“Enter”

Kyle stepped in and frowned, “You aren't ready?”

Chevalier glanced up, “Is she going?”

Kyle shook his head, “She's not out of bed.”

“Ok, I'll be right there,” Chevalier said, and pulled on his green robe, then followed Kyle out of the room and into the great hall.

He stepped into the great hall from the back entrance and took his seat by Maleth. It didn't slip his notice that the gathered heku all looked around when he entered, trying to find Emily. He knew that even those heku that didn't think a mortal should live in the palace, were still fascinated by her heritage. Rumors also spread of the carnage she left in the Encala palace and it instantly made her a legend.

“Where is she?” Maleth asked, smiling and nodding to someone in the audience.

“She's not coming.” Chevalier sat back in the large throne-like chair.

Maleth nodded, “Just in case, I've had fans installed to blow air toward the Council.”

Chevalier frowned, “Damn, I should have thought of that.”

The Council all gathered and the audience fell quiet. Maleth stood and addressed the Equites. As customary, he gave a brief detail of the roles and responsibilities of an Elder. Chevalier heard gasps from the crowd and he turned when he heard footsteps. Emily had come in the back door. She was wearing the dark blue, backless gown from her first meeting with the Equites Elders and her hair was tied up. He was always amazed at her beauty, and the few times she actually dressed up, it made his heart skip a beat to even look at her.

Chevalier could see Emily begin to blush, so he turned back to the crowd. He could feel her move to his side and place a gentle hand on his shoulder. He fought to cage his jealousy as he noticed the number of heku that were watching her and suddenly, the exposed skin on her waist and back seemed too revealing.

The entire room fell silent when the double doors opened and Quinn stepped in. Maleth and Chevalier stood and moved<