Their Reign (The Rite Trilogy 3)

29

JUDGE

Several months later

It’s late when Santiago and I walk into Hildebrand’s office at The Tribunal building. Tomorrow, Mercedes and I leave on our honeymoon along with our entire extended, somewhat dysfunctional family. Not how I expected to spend my honeymoon, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. And I am determined not to let Hildebrand’s dour face and demeanor cloud even one second of it. Mercedes and I have traveled a very long, very hard road to get here. And now that we’ve arrived, I won’t allow anyone to cast their shadow over our family, our future, or our happiness.

“Judge, Santiago,” Hildebrand says, standing to greet us with a smile I’ve come to know. It’s the one you never see standing before the three Councilors of The Tribunal when they are seated in official robes. He reserves this smile for when he knows the playing ground is level. Because Councilor Hildebrand does not like a level playing field. Never has.

“Councilor,” Santiago says dismissively. I wonder which of us likes this man less.

“Hildebrand,” I greet with a nod, choosing not to use the title he is too happy with.

His eyes narrow infinitesimally, but he forces that smile to widen and directs us to have a seat in the two chairs set before his desk. He is so calculated, even switching out furnishings depending on the situation and, even more importantly, the visitor.

“I thought you’d be coming alone, Judge.”

“Considering it was my sister’s wedding that was crashed, and she was the target, I felt it more than appropriate I be present,” Santiago answers before I can.

“Well, yes, of course. But Mr. Montgomery and I have some Tribunal business to discuss—”

“Nothing that can’t be discussed in front of my brother-in-law,” I tell him. I will keep no more secrets from my friend.

Hildebrand gives a disapproving exhale and settles into his chair, which is like a throne behind his desk. He wants me to sit as a Councilor on The Tribunal. And as I watch him I wonder more and more if the course my grandfather and Hildebrand set for me isn’t where I’ll do the most good. If I do it, though, it will be on my terms.

“First, allow me to congratulate you on your nuptials and the birth of your children, Judge,” Hildebrand starts. He takes a small box out of his desk drawer and pushes it toward me. “For your daughter.” The IVI bracelet all girls are gifted upon birth.

“Thank you,” I say, leaving the box where it is. I’ll take it home, but I can’t guarantee Ariana will be wearing it anytime soon. I’ll leave that to Mercedes to decide. Because ultimately, it’s a mark of ownership already. My daughter is a member of our Society, even if she is a Sovereign daughter. And that means something. And then there’s my son. A Sovereign Son like myself. Like Santiago and even Hildebrand. Privileged beyond belief. The world open to him. To her, too, but to a lesser extent.

“I trust you are fully recovered from the unfortunate incident earlier this year, Judge?”

The unfortunate incident of him requiring the full extent of punishment for Mercedes’s role in bringing unwanted attention to The Society. For my invoking the Vicarius clause and taking that punishment over.

“I am, thank you for your concern.” He is not concerned. It’s that playing field he would like to tip in his favor.

“Now that we’ve dispatched with the pleasantries,” Santiago starts, emphasizing the word pleasantries. “Perhaps you can tell me how an armed outsider managed to get on IVI grounds on the night of my sister’s wedding and attempt to kill her, succeed in almost killing her husband and her brother-in-law, who, by the way, was the man who brought Vincent Douglas down. Not an IVI guard of whom there were plenty.”

“What are you suggesting, Mr. De La Rosa?”

“I’m not suggesting anything. I’d just like to know what the hell happened that night.”

Hildebrand takes a moment but then nods. “As would I. We’ve questioned the guards at the gates, and two have been disciplined.”

“Two? What about the others?” I ask.

He glances at his desk, then back up at me. “I understand your brother needed long-term rehabilitation. I’m sure those costs are exorbitant. We will, of course, pay for his treatment and any distress the situation caused him.”

“Money is not the issue, Councilor. I’d prefer you take responsibility for what happened. More people could have been hurt if not for my brother.”

“Yes, Theron did a service to the Society,” he agrees. “And for that, he shall be rewarded.”

“You and Theron can work out those details between yourselves another time. But The Tribunal’s role, considering it is The Tribunal who manages security for our members, is what I’d like to discuss tonight.”

He clears his throat, struggling with this part. But neither Santiago nor I plan to let him off the hook, and we sit quietly, letting time do its work.

“I believe, gentlemen, that it came down to one thing. Vincent Douglas was determined to avenge his sister’s death. And we as The Tribunal underestimated his determination.”

“And my pregnant wife was almost killed for it!” I slam a fist on his desk.

Both Hildebrand’s guard and Santiago are on their feet in an instant, each with a hand on my shoulder. I realize I’m up towering over the older man. And Hildebrand looks more afraid than I’ve ever seen him.

I draw a deep breath in and manage my rage.

“Judge,” Santiago says quietly, gesturing for me to sit.