The council shifted uncomfortably at the weight of her words. Lockney glanced up at her and quickly back down. Bastian arched an eyebrow at the gall.
Zoh was red in the face. “That treaty is the only reason we did not slaughter their people. They should be happy by what we allowed them.”
“Certainly. They had no bargaining chips at all. So, why not take them for everything you could?” she said, forcing the words out despite the stares of disbelief.
“That is how negotiations work,” Boze snapped.
“Yes. Of course. But then why did we admit them as a tribe at all? Why give them special dispensation to continue to exist? It makes no sense if we are then going to punish them for their existence. We made them join a government that they cannot be a part of for the next hundred years. That’s a long time for resentment to grow while we occupy them.” She took a breath, meeting each of their gazes in turn. “We can’t change it now. The treaty is in place. I will renounce my place with them. But there is a reason there is unrest in this city. Do you really want there to be more with another tribe? Perhaps there is a long-term way to ease the anger. A way to find a solution to this growing pain with anyone who is not a member of the Society.”
Alsia cleared her throat. She was stern but fair with her judgments. She leveled her eyes on Kerrigan, and then a smirk formed on her face. “If I didn’t know better, I’d think you were campaigning for a seat at the table.”
“Hear, hear,” Bastian said with a smile.
Kerrigan blinked at what Alsia had said. “I…”
“The election is this summer,” Alsia continued over whatever objection Kerrigan was going to voice. “And we’re down one member. I, for one, would be interested in what might happen if you threw your hat in.”
Helly grinned ear to ear. “As would I.”
“She’s a first year,” Boze groaned.
“Oh hush,” Anahi snapped at him. “Ambition is ambition. Talent is talent. And this girl, no matter her age, has them both.”
The rest of the council shifted uneasily at the suggestion. Zoh looked disturbed that it had been voiced in his chamber. He’d been making demands, and now, she was. Something he was certainly not used to.
Zoh banged his gavel. “The election is another matter. I will consider the second request. Hellina has been given your official robes. Congratulations. Council dismissed.”
Kerrigan sagged in relief as Helly rushed over to her with black robes in her arms. She pulled her into a hug. “I knew you would do it.”
“I’m Bryonican once more.”
“More than that. You’re a member,” Helly said, helping her into the robes. “And who knows… maybe by the end of the summer, you’ll be on the council as well.”
It was inconceivable. And yet, as terrifying as it was, she wanted that council position. She was going to do everything she could to get it.
Kerrigan headed out of the council room in a daze, the weight of her new black Society robes around her shoulders.
“Mistress,” Bayton said, dipping a curtsy.
Kerrigan startled. “Just Kerrigan, Bay, please.”
“Yes, I will never get used to that.”
She fell into step at Kerrigan’s side, which was a vast improvement from her walking two steps before or behind her. “Why are you here?”
Bayton bobbed her head. “Miss, while you were away, we were requested to pack up your belongings, and you have been relocated.”
“What for?”
“Was this not acceptable? It was a missive from the Society, and the rooms are far superior.”
Kerrigan shook her head in confusion and followed Bayton away from the council room and up, up, up, deeper into the mountain. Kerrigan’s hands shook as she realized where they were going—to the member suites. Hers were far from Helly’s elaborate quarters, but still, they’d known she would accept.
“Here we are, miss.” Bayton opened the door, and Kerrigan stepped inside her own private Society chambers.
She clasped her hands over her mouth in shock as she took in the plush living room. It was already furnished with more elaborate furniture and belongings than she had lived in since leaving Waisley as a child.
“Oh, Mistress, you made it,” Benton said, fluffing a pillow. “We have already unpacked your belongings and hope that you find the room adequate. It still needs some cleaning, but so far, we approve.”
“It’s wonderful.”
Benton gestured to the back hall. “This is the formal bedroom that connects to a bathing chamber. There is a formal study as well as two additional bedchambers. If you permit, we will share the smaller of the two rooms. So, your guests will still have space to enjoy your company. Unless you would prefer to find us a place elsewhere. In which case, we entirely understand.:
“Shh,” Kerrigan said, giddy with laughter. “Take both rooms.”