Court of Sunder (Age of Angels #2) - Milana Jacks Page 0,27
open told me that mortals had broken into it.
I stepped inside my private garden built in a circle and surrounded by what appeared as trimmed hedges from the outside. Inside, the Highland Majesties grew from the hedges. The violet flowers with petals as large as my palm, always open and receiving my attention, now had folded, barely hanging on to their stems.
I sat on a single chair at a single round table. I needed no company when in this place. It afforded me solitude. After my time in the keep, I’d grown to hate solitude as well.
My angels didn’t hover around me. They walked the garden, allowing me time to consider my options. My absence had created a power vacuum, which neither the Command Fleet nor my lieutenants could hold. Hmmm. “No one staked a claim on Sunder City?”
“That’s the word in town,” Cayen said.
“Do you believe it?”
“Not for a moment.”
“What do you believe?”
“Sunder City awaits the new lord,” he said.
“Mmhm. And my angels, both Ariel and Samael, defeated the Command Fleet, then cleared the path for him.” We all knew who the new lord was and that he would come. All the more reason to assemble an army he couldn’t control.
“What of the angels in the regiments? Are they still loyal to me?”
“They followed orders. When the word of your return reaches them, they will flee their posts and come.”
“Job, send a word of my return and make sure my angels come home safely.”
Job nodded and ascended.
“What of Ariel and Samael?” Cayen asked.
“What of them?”
“They split the Court. They believe they rule their lands. You only have Sunder City. Beyond it, the mortals worry about their future, about what their new lords will do, whom they’ll ally with. If Michael is no longer an ally, people fear you will ally with Lucifer.”
“Ariel tried to kill me in the passage. I would presume Samael would do the same. Since the territory surrounding the City is hostile, and civilians have nowhere to go, they’re scared and uncertain and likely fear my wrath and know neither Ariel nor Samael can protect them. Some of the undead will travel all over the land delivering weapons and supplies, spreading the word of a new army that serves this Court. The mortals will join them for protection against the Marked.”
“The undead?” Cayen approached the table.
“You will see them this evening, not to worry.”
“I worry.”
“You always worry. It’s why you’re my right hand.” I turned to find Galo behind me, tinkering with the bushes. “Are you gardening?”
He spun around and stood at attention. “No, my lord, I was just…picking on things.”
“Fly to the Court of Virtue. Tell Gabriel I’m withdrawing all my soldiers and power from the Restraining Veil.”
Cayen started pacing.
Galo remained in place for a second, then dipped his head.
I rolled my eyes. “Speak at ease, Cayen.”
“Withdrawing forces and further weakening the Veil would enable those behind it to break out,” he said.
“I am aware of that.”
“Of all the Courts in the realm, my lord, currently, we are the most vulnerable, the first place Lucifer will try to take. Why he hasn’t already is…” Cayen’s eyes widened. “That’s why you helped him free Azrael from the Veil.”
“Excuse me?”
“You released Azrael from the Veil.”
“Did not. Why would you think that?”
“The girl hostage told me that’s what you said to the commander in the keep.”
I smiled, pleased she didn't betray what had transpired between Michael and me. I didn’t know if it was out of loyalty to Michael, care for me, or self-preservation. Whatever it was, I welcomed it. “The girl heard what I wanted her to hear,” I said.
“Ah. I see. Then…” He stroked his chin. “You made a deal with Lucifer. You will weaken the Veil, and in exchange, he will leave your Court alone. Azrael hasn’t escaped yet. He will when you weaken the Veil. Lucifer is preparing for the moment the Veil weakens to extract Azrael. This is why he never came here and staked a claim. He’s busy elsewhere.”
“Lucifer is already here. I promised him sanctuary.”
Cayen ran a hand through his hair. “He is to live among us?”
“He has been living among the people the entire time I rotted in Michael’s prison.”
“He won’t stay in hiding. He won’t be content with less than what he believes is his due. He’ll want land.”
“And he will take land. Ariel’s part of the Court.”
“Why hers and not Samael’s?”
“Better climate.”
Cayen smiled, showing dimples. “That’s it?”
I chuckled. “In that way, Lucifer is rather simple. I’m sure he’s