“I-I don’t see what bearing his current location has on this discussion,” Mara stumbled, trying to pull herself together, likely still shocked at Aiden’s possession of incredibly private information.
“A great deal, from my point of view. He’s either in my domain and the European Ministry is claiming stewardship over one of my citizens, or he’s in Europe and my answer is a simple no.”
“The Ministry is not claiming stewardship. We are only offering to speak on his behalf.”
“Oh, so he is still here, hiding like a coward on my lands rather than facing the consequences of his actions against my clan and the vampires of this domain.”
“I didn’t say that!” Mara said sharply.
“Come now, Mara. The box is open. He can’t be both a citizen of the European Ministry and living in my domain. If the European Ministry doesn’t claim stewardship over him, then he’s obviously here. Because as we both know, the European Ministry has no rights to the domain of the Americas, just as I have no rights to their domain of Europe.” Sitting forward, Aiden placed his hands on the desk. “As such, my ruling stands. He formed an alliance with the traitorous Damon James, aided in the murder of fellow American Ministry members, and plotted to kill members of my clan and the Montgomery clan. The coup failed; he lost. He has presented no reason for leniency. I’ll not spare his life when he wouldn’t have done the same for my clan. I’ll not have him in my domain seeding unrest. I’ll not pardon him for any reason, even if he were to finally become brave enough to face me and apologize for his actions.”
“The European Ministry appreciates your feelings on this matter, but it’s also important to remember that a ruler must look beyond vengeance to what is best for all of his people.” Aiden glared hard at Mara, and Ronan rolled his eyes. He’d already made it clear that this wasn’t just a decision based on vengeance, but also prudent ruling and protection of his people. Why keep around someone whose only goal was to undermine and destroy the Variks?
Mara swallowed hard and pressed on, but it was clear to everyone in the room that this ship was sinking. So, Ronan shouldn’t have been surprised that she threw out one more life preserver, latching on to him.
“It has also come to our attention that you were acquainted with Ronan Svendsen prior to his arrival at court. Because of your old friendship, we hope that you will listen to his counsel.”
Ronan’s heart skipped a beat to have Aiden’s eyes fall on him. There was a coldness in those golden orbs that he hated seeing directed at him.
“She’s right,” Ronan started slowly. The world was tilting now, and he was going to set things in motion that could not be undone. “Heller came begging to the European Ministry to intercede on his behalf. I don’t personally know if he is in the US or Europe, but my money is on him being here. Probably even in this town as we speak.”
“And your recommendation? Do I listen to the European Ministry? Do I give him and his clan a pardon?”
Ronan shoved his hands into his pockets and glanced down as Mara twisted in her seat to send him a warning look. He knew that look: follow the company line, or you’re dead.
He gave a little snort and smiled at Aiden. “Fuck him. He’s a coward and a traitor. He wants you and your family dead. Why would you ever give him a second chance?”
Mara launched to her feet and took a step toward him, her face going from painfully pale to bright red in a matter of seconds. “What are you doing?”
Taking a step away from her, Ronan shifted so he could clearly see Aiden where he still sat behind the desk. “The European Ministry doesn’t give a damn about Heller and his clan. This is all about whether they can flex their muscle and control you from across the ocean.”
“Traitor! The Ministry is going to have your head,” Mara screeched. She started to launch herself at Ronan, her hands outstretched with fingers curved into claws, but stopped suddenly.
Everyone stopped when a long blade seemed to slice right through the air between them and turn toward Mara.
“What magic?” she breathed in horror.
The blade was quickly followed by the rest of Winter and his mate, Fox. Grabbing Ronan’s arm, the witch pushed Ronan backward, putting more space between him and Mara, while Winter turned the blade on the woman currently seething at them all.
Ronan risked a glance over at Aiden to find that he was now standing, a look of barely controlled rage digging lines into his face. Marcus had stepped closer to his father, looking more than ready to jump into the fight.