Legacy (Keeper of the Lost Cities #8) - Shannon Messenger Page 0,40

enough to know what you truly want and ignore the rest. And Grady and I will support you every single step of the way.”

“We will,” Grady agreed. “Though I gotta say, I hear staying single can be amazing.” He yanked his hand free before Edaline could pinch him again.

Sophie rolled her eyes. “You know this isn’t just about dating, right? Everyone’s going to freak when they find out. And I’m sure the Council will take back their fancy appointment faster than you can say ‘Regent.’ ”

Maybe they’d even kick her out of Foxfire.…

“Why?” Grady asked. “Marriage has nothing to do with the nobility. In fact, some Regents and Emissaries are even advised to stay single—that way they’ll have the option of becoming a Councillor someday, should an opening arise.”

The Councillors weren’t allowed to have any immediate family ties because it could hinder their ability to make objective decisions.

“Okay,” Sophie said, wishing it could be that simple, “but… how many bad matches have been appointed to the nobility?”

Grady and Edaline shared a look.

“I… can’t think of anyone,” Edaline admitted. “But it’s hard to keep up with all the Regents, Mentors, and Emissaries.”

“I’m sure it is,” Sophie conceded. “But, given the way people treat bad matches, I’m betting there haven’t been any. And even if there have been… I’m unmatchable. I’ll be stuck with that label whether I date or not—and I’m sure it’s never happened to anyone before, so that’s going to make it an even bigger deal. Which means, once the news gets out—and you know it will, given how many people have already figured it out without me telling them—it’s going to turn into this huge drama. And if I’m a Regent, I’m sure they’ll demand the title be taken away, and then I’ll be the Girl Who Got Kicked Out of the Nobility and—”

“Whoa, easy there,” Grady interrupted, wrapping an arm around her shoulders. “I think you’re forgetting that power and talent will always reign supreme around here. How else would someone as grumpy as Bronte end up on the Council? And no one—no one—can deny the value of your abilities. Or how much we need your help with the huge problems we’re up against.”

Edaline reached for Sophie’s hand. “I know people haven’t always been as welcoming, or as accepting of you as they should’ve been. Our world wasn’t prepared for the challenges we’re now facing. And many unfairly blamed you, because you were new and different and completely unexpected. But they’re beginning to see how very much we need you.”

“That’s actually another reason the Council is offering you this appointment,” Grady added as Sophie’s skin turned prickly with responsibility. “They want to send a message—loud and clear—that you’re officially on their side.”

Sophie chewed her lip. “Am I on their side, though?”

“I think it’s time for you to be,” Grady admitted. “If the Neverseen are working to sway the public to their side, then the best thing you can do—for yourself, the Black Swan, and the Council—is prove that you’re not some rogue rebel circumventing our weak leaders. Show everyone that you’re a valuable ally working in unison with the Councillors because you respect and trust their authority. Make the Council look good, if you can. And take advantage of the resources that only a Regent is entitled to have.”

“Like what?” she asked. “I still don’t even know what a Regent is.”

“Their specific duties and privileges vary,” Edaline told her. “So try to think of it more as ‘redefining your relationship with the Council.’ You’d be one step closer to being their equal, and as such, they’d grant you the power to make certain decisions that an ordinary citizen wouldn’t be authorized to make. Like… choosing moments to bend the rules of telepathy—or break them. Or when to teleport to important places, even if they’re technically forbidden.”

“So… things you already do—but now you wouldn’t get in trouble for them,” Grady teased, jostling her gently. “And there’s a lot more to it than that. But, like Edaline said, it’s hard to know the specifics until you have your first assignment.”

“They’re going to give me an assignment?”

“They’re going to give you lots of assignments,” Grady corrected. “That’s why the nobility exists—to provide the Councillors with reliable people who can assist them with the projects they either don’t have time for, or that require special skills. The title just provides you the clearance to access classified secrets and the authority to act on the Council’s behalf.”

“Lady Sophie,” Edaline said, her voice all