Almost half the galleries erupt in applause on the heels of Lexi’s final word. There are indeed many residents of the Bottoms in attendance, and their voices quickly overtake the entire floor. Taru looks around, seeing at least a dozen men and women rise to their feet in support of Lexi. Seizing the opportunity, Taru bolts up from the bench and begins thunderously applauding Lexi’s speech. The retainer seeks the gaze of every ragged body still seated and gestures for them to do the same.

Soon it seems more people in the galleries are standing than sitting. Their cheers reach a deafening crescendo.

Senior Arbiter Tang is waving his arms. “Silence from the gallery, please, people! Please, we must have silence!”

It’s another full minute before the commotion begins to die down, longer still until those on their feet sit down once more. Taru is the final one to return to the bench.

Lexi realizes she’s never been so acutely aware of her own heart beating, but her composure, long practiced even if it has never been such a focal point for so many, remains intact.

“The Arbiters appreciate those words, Te-Gen,” Tang assures her. “We recognize both the need for attentive pleading on behalf of Division Nine and Gen Stalbraid’s long commitment to that cause.”

“Thank you, Senior Arbiter.”

“Are my colleagues ready to vote on Te-Gen Xia’s petition?”

There are no dissenting voices from the other five members of the Council.

“Very well,” Tang proceeds. “We will vote on this matter now. Those who would oppose Te-Gen Xia’s petition to be recognized as pleader for Division Nine of the Capitol, make yourselves heard.”

“No.”

“No.”

“No.”

The three votes come so quickly that Lexi barely has time to register their implication. It takes her another moment to accept that a fourth dissenting vote isn’t forthcoming, meaning the matter is not yet settled. Sudden panic giving way so quickly to relief sends a rush of cold running through her.

Senior Arbiter Tang allows several silent ticks before calling for the other half of the vote. “Those who would favor Te-Gen Xia’s petition to be recognized as pleader for Division Nine of the Capitol, make yourselves heard.”

“Hai.”

“Hai.”

“Hai.”

The final assent belongs to Tang. His eyes meet Lexi’s as he casts his vote, and she finally realizes he’s studying her and has been since she first stepped up to the altar. If he has yet to form a conclusion, he must at least be swayed.

“Stalemate,” Tang announces. “As Senior Arbiter, it is left to me to decide. And it is my decision to allow Te-Gen Xia to represent the Ninth Division, as I feel it is in the best interest of its people.”