“Why is that blasted healer with my sister again?” Howip demanded, storming into the elders’ meeting room. He was followed by one of the clerks. “I’m sorry,” the clerk said. “I tried to tell him to stay out.” “It’s okay,” an elder said. “We’ll talk with him.” The clerk nodded and left. “Howip, the man is trying to save his son’s eyesight. The treaty laws do state we’re not to withhold healing from allies. He’s having a simple conversation with the woman to find out who the boy’s birth father is. This law was a treaty law King Arlin agreed to and upheld throughout his life. It’s an elven tradition to help those in need. With three of the most powerful known healers in Sen-gan, we feel it’s best to be cooperative with them in case we need them.” “Shunati may be a round-ears, but he’s still an elf and subject to the crown. He can be made to help,” Howip pointed out. “He could still refuse. We would rather have him view us favorably. Wouldn’t you rather have a healer that didn’t hold ill against you to be attempting to save your life?” “How do I know he isn’t in there healing her?” “He gave his word.” Howip sneered. “His word?” “Are you calling my father a liar?” Ann asked. “Are you saying he can’t be trusted?” Howip hesitated. Even he wasn’t stupid enough to cross a white wyrm. “It may not matter,” one of the elders shrugged. “The princess and Queen Deyama have petitioned us to allow her to be healed. We have petitions from several family members making such a request.” “Who?” Howip frowned. “Her son, her cousin, Thailyn, and Princess Ann.” “Princess Ann? How is she a family member?” Howip’s frown grew. “She was just about to explain it when you interrupted.” The elder turned to Ann. “Please continue.” Ann nodded. “King Emeton and Queen Tylan adopted me. When my birth mother died, it sent my father into a form of shock dragons experience when they lose a mate. Because of that, the king and queen were never able to get his consent for my adoption. Consequently, he is still my legal father as well as my birth father according to Menthanlan law. Since my father adopted Ruzi, that makes him my brother. Because Thailyn is Tricot as well as Menthanlan, so are Ruzi and I. Tricots recognize adoption as equal to blood. That makes Pisha my mother since she’s my brother’s mother.” “We don’t have treaties with Tricon,” an elder pointed out. “No, but the Baj-tisk have the same law and Ann is Baj-tisk. It doesn’t matter if Ruzi is or not. Pisha is still Ann’s mother,” Rin explained. “King Voramini and Queen Deyama are also family,” Ann pointed out. “They aren’t Baj-tisk. Don’t push it,” the elder warned. “I protest the adoption of my nephew by an outsider,” Howip said suddenly. “Denied,” Deyama said. “First, he was adopted in Menthanla. By their law, only birth parents can contest an adoption. Second, this is the first time you’ve recognized the boy as family. He was homeless, going blind, and dying and you did nothing for him. You don’t even care for his mother, but leave it for someone else. You aren’t taking responsibility for him now. If you want the adoption reversed, find the birth father, or consent to allow Pisha to be healed.” “I’m her brother. It’s my responsibility to decide what happens to her.” “Un shish Baj-tisk comnito nah leesheeta,” Ann muttered to Rin who nodded. Vor raised an eyebrow and Deyama frowned. “What did you say?” Howip turned to her. “I said that it’s too bad we’re not in Baj-tisk,” Ann translated. “Siblings would never treat each other like this,” Rin explained. “It wouldn’t be tolerated.” “To treat family like that is abhorrent,” Ann said. “We aren’t you savage dragons,” Howip spat. Ann ignored him, or so it seemed. She turned to Deyama. “I’m going to need to go back to Sen-gan soon. I spoke with my sister last night. She wants to come up and speak with the elders about the homes. She has a unique perspective.” Deyama nodded. “I’m sure she has. I don’t think it should be a problem.” “What kind of perspective does Irkali have?” An elder asked. “Or were you referring to Piena?” Ann smiled politely. “Neither. I was referring to my twin sister.” “Drepal?” The elder paled. He wasn’t the only one. “As I said, she’s welcome,” Deyama repeated. This was directed more to the elders than to Ann. She’d understood which sister Ann had meant. “We agreed to pardon her. She was just a child when she was under Lyra’s control. Since she escaped, there is no evidence she’s committed any crimes.” Ann nodded. Happy? She asked Drepal. You were deceptive, Drepal replied. Enough of this game. You’ve lied and you’ve deceived many times. I did talk to you last night. You do want to talk with them, though I have no idea why you want to. What are you up to? Trust me, sis. I won’t break any laws.