He should have been in those negotiations. He should have figured out a way to help those he cared about. But he hadn’t stepped forward as king even though he was the rightful heir.

And when the treaty was finished being read, he didn’t cheer with the others. He just stood there and watched as everyone celebrated. Then, he turned and walked away. Kerrigan didn’t know how to help him. So much of it was excessive. The House of Shadows had already lost so many lives. To confine them to the mountain they’d been isolated in felt cruel. To not permit them a place in the government they were now forced to be a part of was even worse. And what did that mean for Fordham? He was already part of the Society. Would he not ascend to an official position because of this treaty? It seemed ridiculous since he had fought for the winning side.

Kerrigan stepped forward, hoping to speak to Helly about it, but she was dismissed from the commander’s tent before she could even get inside.

She huffed and whirled around, determined to do something. Kerrigan’s eyes landed on another council member, Master Kress. He was in charge of the list of prisoners and working out who was and wasn’t a slave to be released. Something would have to be done with all the humans and half-Fae within the House of Shadows, as they could obviously no longer remain where they had been enslaved. Which gave Kerrigan an idea. She just wished it weren’t Master Kress.

“Sir,” she said as she approached him.

His eyes swept to her, and he sneered. “What is it, Miss Argon? Can you not see that I am busy?”

“Yes, sir. Of course. I was inquiring about two half-Fae slaves—Benton and Bayton.”

“Why?” he demanded.

“I’d like to request that they be released to me.”

“To you?” he asked. “You’re going to have two half-Fae slaves?”

She balked. “Of course not, sir. I was hoping to help them find work and a place to live in Kinkadia. They’re going to need a lot of help. There should be sponsors from within the Society for this, sir.”

He looked at her for a moment and then softened. “Too true. If only we could get more Society members to offer such.” He shrugged. “I’ll find them on my roster and have someone collect them. They should be ready to fly when we leave here.”

“Thank you, sir.”

“Maybe spread it around that we’re looking for more sponsors.”

“Of course, sir,” she said with a brilliant smile. Kress had voted for kicking her out of the Society. She might have just turned one council member in her favor. One down, a dozen to go.