insertions since the living population isn't very large. However, we likely won't begin the animal insertions.” The instant she finished, an air of shame surrounded her, further deepening my curiosity.
“And do you have suggestions for alternate ways to accomplish our goals?” I inquired as I turned to face her directly.
She glanced around to find everyone openly staring at her. The golden hue of her cheeks disappeared behind her white-blonde hair as she again tried to hide.
“I–I cannot propose anything that goes against the policies set forth by the King.”
Right. I had a suspicion she had no issues doing so when her boss asked. But we weren't friends, and she had no reason to trust us. I understood, but I would have loved to hear her opinion. My eyes narrowed, and I nodded, appearing to agree with her while plotting ways to shake those suggestions out of her.
“Of course not. Perhaps there are exceptions a little further on. I'm going to settle in and see what I can find. If you'd prefer to leave, we wouldn't have an issue. Just tell us where we can contact you if we need to, and we'll alert you when we finish.” My gaze scanned her body, trying to pick up on those little clues that everyone revealed without intending to.
“No.” Her whispered word was swiftly followed by a more energetic, louder assertion. “I'm obligated to remain until we complete the planning stage.”
Shrugging, I pulled my feet onto the couch and left them all to their own devices. I had to find something that I could manipulate to our advantage. It was that or kill the entire royal family. I wasn't sure which would be harder.
Chapter Fifteen
I read until my vision became blurred, and the words swam before me. The only things I learned proved that the King set out to shackle us from the beginning. When I gave up and slammed the pages together, I startled Trace, who had fallen asleep at some point.
With all eyes on me, I threw up my hands. “From what I gather, we're fucked. I'm going to bed, and I'll work out something when my brain is functioning right again.”
Grace stood and bowed slightly. “I'll return when the sun rises. Would it be acceptable if I took the book, so I can study it? I'll bring it back with me.”
A quick glance out of the window showed nothing but darkness, and despite my general dislike for Angels, I made her an offer. “I would be happy to shelter you. It's rather dark, and you have a long walk.”
“Oh, I couldn't.” Her curls swung as she shook her head, but she didn't stand up, either.
“Kian, would you mind giving up your room? See? Kian doesn't care,” I told her.
“I don't want to be a bother.” She peeked up at me, her blue eyes wide and bright.
Agitation grew inside. I just wanted sleep, not a game of “oh, I couldn't possibly.” Why does everything need to be a production?
“You won't be a bother. It makes sense, and I'm too tired to argue with you any longer. So,” I paused as I disappeared into Kian's room and yanked the coverings from his bed. With the bundle in my arms, I reappeared in the gathering room. “We'll throw on some clean bedding, and I'm done.”
Kian passed by me on his way to dig out his extra set while I tossed the pile onto my bed. Apparently, Grace wasn't entirely convinced because I heard Axton outside, politicking.
“It's already settled. If you choose to leave now, Kian will still be in Zella's room. It would be more of an imposition if you left because Trace would have to walk you home and then return.”
When I peeked into the room, Grace looked up, finding me watching her. She nodded, and something flicked in her eyes. The hot sensation of suspicion bloomed, but I'd already offered, and backing out would do no good. My monster picked up on the potential for feeding, and it perked up, rapping its sharp claws against the edge of the well.
As soon as I switched on my Sight, the world became wavy, and I gripped the door frame a little harder. After scanning the room for Shadow and finding her nowhere, I edged towards one of the fake trees that she made her home in.
Curled up in her nest, she raised her head, blinking at me. Even though she didn't actually sleep, she liked to go through the motions of living, which