to protect us all from the Sensitives. Truly remarkable." The small group allowed into the pressroom claps. "Where do you think you found the strength to keep fighting?"
"So many thoughts flashed through my brain, but the one that stands out the most is the memory of love." I inhale deeply to steady myself before leaning forward in my chair. "Have you ever felt a love so strong, it kept you going, no matter how hurt you were?"
James shakes his head. "That must be a remarkable bond you have with your mate Ryker Newbold. Did he rush to your aid?"
I pause, unsure of what to say. "No." This is not a line of questioning I want. Ask me about Beck , I think. Ask me how I'm going to deal with him.
"Tell me, Lark, what do you plan on doing with Beck Channing now?"
Careful, Birdie, Beck says. Don't overwhelm them.
"After careful review of the case, the Council and I believe it's impossible he led the attack against my mother. Or against me. The Sensitives doing this are attacking Founder descendants. For what reasons, we're still unsure. But I swear we will get to the bottom of this.
"As for Beck Channing, after strenuous testing, we've concluded he is not and never was Sensitive. He was framed."
James gasps. His hand flies to his cravat. "But the State," he stutters. "The State doesn't make mistakes."
Oh no. This isn't a going well.
I throw my head back and laugh it off like I'd seen Mother do. "Oh, Darling James, the State didn't make a mistake. A human did. The test was perfect, but someone – an unclaimed Sensitive perhaps – tampered with the results."
He relaxes into his seat, and his energy tells me he is content that all is right in the world.
"I have to ask," James says. "Could the culprit be someone in your inner circle?"
I freeze. It's almost like this man is reading my mind, but Annalise assured me he is an ordinary human.
"We can't rule out anything," I answer, my voice growing strong and steady.
Can't you ask me about my job or something easy?
"Now, I have to ask, since you're mending so well, when do you plan on returning to your government duties?"
What in the world? Everything I think, he says. Am I somehow controlling him? The thought dances around my brain. If I am, I'm in total control of this interview.
"I plan on resuming work tomorrow." I have no idea if that's the right answer or not, but I want to seem strong. "In fact, I've already begun working with my team on ways to increase food production." It's a lie, but again, I need to seem like a leader.
"Oh? And who makes up that team?"
"Ummm..." Way to go, Lark. " Henry Trevern, Eloise Decanteure, and Annalise Greene are my core group of advisors. Along with the Council, of course."
"And Beck Channing? Now that he's been cleared of all wrong doing, what will his role be?"
"Beck will be my mate and co-leader."
Dead silence.
From the wings, I hear Annalise cough, a sign I need to change the direction of the conversation.
Ask how I feel, I beg in my head, testing out my theory.
"Can you elaborate on how you feel right now?"
It worked. Somehow I'm doing it - controlling the conversation.
I sit up in my chair and smile at the camera. "Perfect. Healthy. Ready to govern."
Suddenly, maybe in a fit of madness, I say, "There's someone here I want the public to see."
I extend my hand to the wing, and Beck steps from the shadows. He pauses long enough for Annalise to express her concern before walking out onto the stage. He is, as promised, dressed in the uniform of a diplomat: fitted, flat-front trousers and a snug v-neck sweater under a sport jacket. Dressed like this, he looks years older than eighteen.
The audience gasps and unease ripples through the room. My magic percolates inside me, growing in intensity as the crowd becomes more confused and concerned.
Beck slides up next to me and laces his hand through mine. He lifts our hands to his mouth and gently kisses the back of mine. I love you , he says in my
"So many thoughts flashed through my brain, but the one that stands out the most is the memory of love." I inhale deeply to steady myself before leaning forward in my chair. "Have you ever felt a love so strong, it kept you going, no matter how hurt you were?"
James shakes his head. "That must be a remarkable bond you have with your mate Ryker Newbold. Did he rush to your aid?"
I pause, unsure of what to say. "No." This is not a line of questioning I want. Ask me about Beck , I think. Ask me how I'm going to deal with him.
"Tell me, Lark, what do you plan on doing with Beck Channing now?"
Careful, Birdie, Beck says. Don't overwhelm them.
"After careful review of the case, the Council and I believe it's impossible he led the attack against my mother. Or against me. The Sensitives doing this are attacking Founder descendants. For what reasons, we're still unsure. But I swear we will get to the bottom of this.
"As for Beck Channing, after strenuous testing, we've concluded he is not and never was Sensitive. He was framed."
James gasps. His hand flies to his cravat. "But the State," he stutters. "The State doesn't make mistakes."
Oh no. This isn't a going well.
I throw my head back and laugh it off like I'd seen Mother do. "Oh, Darling James, the State didn't make a mistake. A human did. The test was perfect, but someone – an unclaimed Sensitive perhaps – tampered with the results."
He relaxes into his seat, and his energy tells me he is content that all is right in the world.
"I have to ask," James says. "Could the culprit be someone in your inner circle?"
I freeze. It's almost like this man is reading my mind, but Annalise assured me he is an ordinary human.
"We can't rule out anything," I answer, my voice growing strong and steady.
Can't you ask me about my job or something easy?
"Now, I have to ask, since you're mending so well, when do you plan on returning to your government duties?"
What in the world? Everything I think, he says. Am I somehow controlling him? The thought dances around my brain. If I am, I'm in total control of this interview.
"I plan on resuming work tomorrow." I have no idea if that's the right answer or not, but I want to seem strong. "In fact, I've already begun working with my team on ways to increase food production." It's a lie, but again, I need to seem like a leader.
"Oh? And who makes up that team?"
"Ummm..." Way to go, Lark. " Henry Trevern, Eloise Decanteure, and Annalise Greene are my core group of advisors. Along with the Council, of course."
"And Beck Channing? Now that he's been cleared of all wrong doing, what will his role be?"
"Beck will be my mate and co-leader."
Dead silence.
From the wings, I hear Annalise cough, a sign I need to change the direction of the conversation.
Ask how I feel, I beg in my head, testing out my theory.
"Can you elaborate on how you feel right now?"
It worked. Somehow I'm doing it - controlling the conversation.
I sit up in my chair and smile at the camera. "Perfect. Healthy. Ready to govern."
Suddenly, maybe in a fit of madness, I say, "There's someone here I want the public to see."
I extend my hand to the wing, and Beck steps from the shadows. He pauses long enough for Annalise to express her concern before walking out onto the stage. He is, as promised, dressed in the uniform of a diplomat: fitted, flat-front trousers and a snug v-neck sweater under a sport jacket. Dressed like this, he looks years older than eighteen.
The audience gasps and unease ripples through the room. My magic percolates inside me, growing in intensity as the crowd becomes more confused and concerned.
Beck slides up next to me and laces his hand through mine. He lifts our hands to his mouth and gently kisses the back of mine. I love you , he says in my
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