"More than likely first thing tomorrow," Kari answered.
"Pencil me in for a late-afternoon meeting. I will have them report to me first then I will update you with the pertinent information. I have time to wade through those reports, something tells me you do not," Rachelle huffed.
"You are a miracle," Kari gushed.
"Just for that I will bring you some of that peanut butter pie you love so much. See you tomorrow," Rachelle said before hanging up.
Meryn looked around. "Why can't we put her in charge again?"
Gavriel shook his head ruefully. "That, is a very good question Meryn."
*****
Vivi felt like she was going to be sick. She sat between Caspian and Adriel on a platform at the front of the room. The heads of the eight Noble Families and four Founding Families were seated in rows before them. As the distinguished vampires entered the meeting room Caspian whispered their names in her ear so that if called upon she could address them correctly. It would go a long way to present the image that she belonged here. At the podium, Kari stood between Beth and Gavriel.
"Ladies and gentlemen, if I could have your attention? We are ready to begin," Kari announced. The low murmur that had been buzzing since people started arriving quieted. "Thank you. Now, I am sure you are all wondering why we have requested that our ranking families assemble here tonight." Kari paused and took a deep breath. "It is with great sadness that I report that our prince has been laid low by the mysterious sickness plaguing our city." Immediately everyone began speaking at once.
Looking irritated at the lack of self-control of his neighbors Javier BelleRose, the highest ranking Founding Family member stood and raised a hand. Begrudgingly those around him nudged each other until it was quiet again. "Ms. Kari, how is his condition?"
Kari smiled warmly at Javier. "He is resting easily in his quarters." She smiled. "He is probably getting more sleep now than he has had in the past few weeks," she said jokingly.
Javier looked relieved. "I take it; we were called here to establish who will lead the city while Prince Magnus... recuperates?"
Kari nodded. "Yes..." Before she could continue Ivan DeLaFontaine stood. "Guiding our city will take someone with experience in leading a large amount of people. As we are in a time of crisis, I will throw modesty to the winds and volunteer my time to direct the city in her time of need."
Javier rolled his eyes. "You are the lowest ranked among us. What makes you think you are capable?"
Ivan looked down his nose at Javier. "Everyone knows my level has the most citizens. Level Five makes up nearly thirty percent of the city's population."
Simon Géroux stood. "Duly noted. Personally, I feel that either Aiden McKenzie, Rex Lionhart or Gavriel Ambrosios should be called upon to lead." Furious whispers erupted at his declaration.
DeLaFontaine's cheek flushed. "We are a city of vampires, why would you suggest two shifters?"
Simon gave Ivan a droll look. "Not only is Rex Lionhart an Elder and already in a position of leadership in the city, but he has more experience in politics in his baby toe than you do in your entire body. He was raised by Jedrek Lionhart, the most brilliant tactician our world has ever known." He pointed to Aiden. "Aiden McKenzie has commanded our unit warriors from the tender age of one hundred and has done so with maturity and honor. He is the future Elder of Lycaonia. As a Founding Family member himself, he was also raised to lead." He eyed Gavriel. "Gavriel Ambrosios bears the name of one of our Royal Families and has been named as co-heir with his mate Elizabeth by Prince Magnus himself." He smiled woodenly at Ivan. "And he is a vampire, since it seems to be so important to you."
Jervasius Régis stood smiling ingratiatingly to Javier. "I would like to
point out that we, as a people, have never been presented with such a scenario. We have only confirmed a new prince after burying an old one. Might we take this opportunity to create a new chapter in our history?" He exchanged looks with Ivan. "I would rather we have a leader who knows the city than outsiders." Vivi's heart skipped a beat at the number of supporting nods he was getting.
Kari cleared her throat. "Since I am new to city politics, let me ask for clarification. The preferred method of selecting a new leader, that everyone here would support completely, would be to follow the traditions set forth by our ancestors?"
Damn she's good.
Everyone looked around the room nodding. There wasn't a single person who denied that given the choice, they would rather do things the way they always have.
Kari smiled and gave an exaggerated sigh. "You have no idea how much it relieves me to hear you all say that." She turned to them and nodded. Vivi stood and reached into the large canvas bag that had been hiding her families' Books of Life. She walked to the center of the stage and set her books down on the wooden table. She followed Gavriel, Adriel, and Caspian behind the table to prop up their books.
"I take it all of you know what these are?" Kari continued as if they hadn't just revealed four of the most precious treasures of their race. "Some of you may have seen the Rioux Book of Life during Prince Magnus' confirmation, thus you know that Caspian is a royal. We are here to validate the other three."
Javier's hand trembled as he brought it up to his mouth. "Gods!" he whispered.
"This is impossible!" DeLaFontaine railed. "Do you not find it convenient that as Magnus is laid low these imposters show up to swoop in and steal his title? Why come forward now?" he demanded.
"Maybe because they didn't want to deal with a dipshit like you on a daily basis. Prince Magnus has more patience," Meryn drawled. It wasn't lost on the room that Meryn had remembered Magnus' proper form of address. Aiden covered her mouth with his hand as he fought a smile.
Hugo Evreux guffawed loudly not even bothering to hide his amusement. "You really did call René a douchebag!" Around him, people smiled, but their eyes were locked on the four books.
Simon turned to Kari. "May we authenticate their books?"