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.

I do. And again, we wait for Hildebrand as he instructs his guard to leave the room. No witnesses, I guess. Once the guard is gone, he clears his throat and starts.

“The oversight was ours. And The Tribunal apologizes for any inconvenience.”

“You must agree it was more than an inconvenience, Councilor,” Santiago says through gritted teeth.

“Yes, it was. You have our sincerest apology.” He tilts his head, hating this. “But, Judge, since you mention your wife’s pregnancy. She was impregnated while in your care under the Rite, isn’t that correct?” he asks me with a pointed glance at Santiago.

“That matter is not for you to consider, Councilor,” I say calmly. Even if Santiago has forgiven me, I should have done better and been more trustworthy. Done things the correct way with Mercedes.

“Well, perhaps her brother would like it considered.”

“They are married. My sister is happy,” Santiago says. “And I am very pleased to call Judge my brother.” Santiago looks at me, and I feel a rush of emotion at his words. He turns back to Hildebrand. “That is all that matters.”

“IVI will need to move toward adopting more modern thinking on such matters, don’t you think, Councilor?” I ask.

He raises his eyebrows.

“It’s one of the initiatives I plan to pursue once I’m seated on The Tribunal.”

This stops him, and I see what I believe to be as authentic a smile as he can muster. “Well, Judge, this is good news.”

I’m sure he still believes the power of being a councilor will corrupt me. I have no intention of allowing it to turn me into someone like him.

“I’ve already spoken with Montrose privately. Once he steps down in a few years’ time, I will take his place.”

“A few years?” The pleased smile is gone.

“He is not ready to go, and a seat on The Tribunal is a lifetime appointment. As you say yourself, the law must be followed to the letter.” Those were his exact words when he’d ordered my brutal lashing.

“Yes, that’s true, isn’t it? What are we if we cannot follow our own laws.”

“Exactly.”

I check my watch and stand. “It’s late. We don’t want to keep you, and we have an early morning, don’t we?” I ask Santiago.

“We do, and if I am not home to assist Ivy in packing, I will not hear the end of it.”

“I’ll be sure Theron touches base with you regarding that compensation once he’s home.”