Chapter 59

I took my time changing out of my wet clothes, deliberately so. That way, they'd have plenty of time to think hard about what to do about Count Kolkos.

Spilling the water, bringing McCurry in, even how long I spent changing — all of it had been calculated and arranged in advance.

I suppose it's about time to go back in.

Curious how the mood might have shifted, I opened the door to the council hall.

The moment I walked in, everyone scrambled half-heartedly to their feet. I could feel exactly how they were looking at me, and it was enough to startle a short, disbelieving laugh out of me.

Young as I may be, this is some shabby treatment.

I understood my own standing within the house now. Making them respect me, I realized, would be my second task. With that thought, I moved the council along.

"Shall we…