Page 48 of These Fractured Bonds

“The balance is as much of a farce as my brother’s rule.”

Yareli watched yet another one of their silent exchanges.

“Regardless,” August said, “as the Keepers, we must maintain the balance as long as possible. Killing Tuom will be our backup plan.”

“Then, how do you propose we get blood from him? He’s as slippery as a fox. It won’t be easy cornering him,” Leo countered.

“I’ll have a tail assigned to him, get a better read on his daily movements, and we’ll spring a trap on him. Erick will preparesome sleepbane to use on him, and it’ll be a quick in-and-out operation.”

Yareli was impressed. August had come up with the plan’s framework in less than twenty-four hours. Leo seemed to agree and nodded.

He said, “Tuom is difficult to trail. You’ll need the best of the best for it. I’d offer my old team, but they’re compromised.”

“I assumed as much about your spies,” August replied. “I have someone in mind. Any updates on the Air Court?”

“Consort Ollie paid a visit.”

A strong, unpleasant odor filled Yareli’s nostrils, and she looked toward the source—Erick. He was dutifully going through the herbs he had gathered. She gave him a look,seriously?

He mouthed back,Multi-tasking, and resumed sorting. She pinched her nose, scooting her chair away from his. In an attempt to ignore the smell, she tuned back into the discussion.

“Consort Ollie has been sniffing around the Air Court for a while now,” August said.

“He has.” Leo agreed. “But this is the first time he met with only a select few of the elders.”

“Which ones?”

“Elder Beihr and Elder Zalher.”

August straightened, hands on his knees. “When did he visit?”

“About two weeks ago.”

“Then, it’s no surprise they initiated another vote regarding their official stance on nox creatures.”

Leo narrowed his eyes. “What are you implying?”

“We need to warn our allies in the Air Court. I suspect there might be some foul play soon.”

Yareli chimed in, confused. “What do you mean? You think they would sabotage their own court? Why?”

“Both elders are cowards,” Leo answered.

“Cowards have their own reasons for acting,” she pressed.

August answered. “To force a vote on the queen’s decree. Currently, only the Earth Court opposes it. They need the Air Court to call for a Council of Review.”

“What’s that?”

“It’s meant to be a check of sorts. To ensure fairness, the courts are given the power to call for a Council of Review to vote on a queen’s decree.”

She frowned. Why would a consort, whose loyalty was first and foremost due to the queen, be plotting against her? Unless… he was an agent planted by the Watchers, but that still left the question about the elders.

“What do they gain from this?” she asked.

“That’s what we’re going to find out,” August said. “Leo, send a missive to Owl asking for any information they may have, and inform them to keep a close eye on any suspicious behavior.”

To Erick, August said, “Check Yareli’s memories.”