Post by Honora Allemeade on Aug 29, 2024 15:34:18 GMT -5
Honora gleaned what she could of Florina. Given the nature of her gift, she could know someone more deeply in mere moments than even those closest to them. Perhaps that wasn’t the case here—not yet—but Honora saw enough. It was as if someone were holding up a distorted mirror; different they were, yes, but there was something recognizable that chilled Honroa to the bone. But what stopped her was not the beating, not the death of her husband, but…Hiram. The need was not unfamiliar. The strange tantalizing attraction. The brick wall would not be useful in deflecting Honora, but it would be a signal. One that would furrow Honora’s brow. She knew. But how…
Honora smiled softly at Florina. Raising her hand in demonstration, she twisted the ring on her finger. Thanks to the collar, Honora’s gift would go dark — a signal of trust, perhaps. I was an offering, as much for Florina as it was for Tybalt.
“I will not tell you. If I do, you may take him from me. I will not have him stand trial in your courts. The only justice he will suffer is my own.” Honora looked at Florina. She knew, perhaps. Or at least, she’d seen. But the look was pointed. A warning to stay silent.
“The Eldouir will accept nothing less than a full reintegration into society,” Honora delivered matter-of-factly, “They know the queen is gifted, which will only embolden them. What the Eldouir need is a place and a purpose. If you do not create one, they will make one for themselves, and trust me—you do not want that to happen.” Honora folded her hands on her lap, fingers on the ring just in case it needed to be twisted in haste and her gift reactivated.
“The Eloduir served Lorendale once—to great effect. I propose we turn back time, such that it is. The slate for the Eldouir is wiped clean, with the expectation that they integrate into Lorendale as law-abiding citizens. The gifted are placed under the joint jurisdiction of the Eldouir and Countess Bellerose, the more troublesome reformed by their methods with the Coutness’s assistance. I am reinstated as an adviser to the queen to represent the interests of the gifted. In return, the Eldouir can be called upon to fight under the banner of the Royal Legion, should the moment call for it. And, most importantly, they agree to leave Loren standing.”