Page 88 of The Fake Divination Offense
“On that note,” Treva cuts in, “Reverend Drach has asked that we pass along the message for you and Mr. Warden tonotparticipate in any of the demonstrations. They don’t want you associated with that aspect of the church.”
Oh, darn. I was planning on heading out after this and volunteering for a duel.
Roesia taps a finger on her knee. “But yes, your relationship progressing will be a bright spot against this news. Treva?”
“Yeah, we can definitely work with this. People will eat it up. And—” Treva looks down at her tablet. “This will go a long way towards distracting from last night’s abduction, but the church had their own suggestion in mind for something you two can do. It’ll really shine a positive light on Urzoth and, similarly, on you and the team.”
My teeth clench. “What is it?”
“They’d like to have a photo op of you and Mr. Warden withyour parents, since your mother is an active member of her local church,” Treva says. “It’d be a great, wholesome moment to balance the violent demonstrations. Can they come up for next week’s home game?”
Numb, I repeat, “Next week’s game?”
“Yes. Against the Chimeras. Since eyes will already be on you from facing your old team, we’re hoping to capitalize on that extra attention.”
Introduce Bel to my parents after playing against the team that ostracized me.
My smile is more than a little exhausted. “That’s fine. I’ll call them and arrange it.”
Treva clutches her tablet to her chest. “You’re okay with us and the Urzoth church continuing to push your relationship? If it’s real now, we don’t want to intrude.”
Roesia doesn’t react to that, neither to scold Treva for offering nor to agree.
I look down at Bel’s hand in mine.
No. I don’t want our relationship splashed across tabloids.
Andno, I don’t want our relationship used by the Urzoth church. At all.
But renouncing Urzoth would draw too much attention, especially now. The media would pick apart my choice and everything about my life, and since my relationship with Bel is the latest big change, they’d focus on that, find some way to blame him for me leaving. It’d stir up all kinds of blood in the water for the cultists, and yeah, Bel and I would still be high-profile enough to have some protection, but it’d draw unneeded focus to us. To him.
No. I don’t wantany of this.
I smile at Treva. “Yes. We’re fine with it. If that’s all?”
Treva looks at Roesia for confirmation.
Roesia, who’s been unnervingly quiet, has her chin in her hand and her eyes narrowed pensively.
She flicks that look to Bel. “How do you feel about things, Mr. Warden? Mr. Monroe doesn’t speak for you.”
I jolt. Of course I don’t.
But I have been.
I try to put space between us, but Bel doesn’t let go of me, yanking our hands into his lap.
“I’m fine, Ms. Sombercrown,” he says. “It’s great. I’m really happy.”
Every single person in this room hears the lie in his voice.
My brows dip, but he keeps a forced smile up for Roesia.
Her narrow eyes don’t let up. “My door is always open if you need anything.”
She looks at me, and her pensive gaze turns the slightest bit hostile.
I almost call her on it. What does she think is happening here? All they should see is that we started this fake relationship at their behest, and now it isn’t fake anymore, and Bel’s moving in with me. Why is that worthy of her ire? Does she think I’m forcing him into it?
