Chapter 180 - If hell had a heart (2/2)
Russ stood and patted Ry's shoulder as the large man struggled with what to say next. He turned his attention to the several sets of irritated eyes staring back at him. ”I take full responsibility for the disruption earlier. I was over eager to see my sister and Joslyn that I snuck out of our room while Ry was indisposed. When I entered their room, I was surprised and upset to find Joslyn and Areion in... in a compromising position.” He gritted his teeth as he forced out words.
Selena narrowed her eyes but before she could say anything, Lamia spoke up. ”And what difference does that make to you, boy?” She waved her hand dismissively. ”I'm sure you are well aware by now; you've been betrothed since childhood. Just as all the other Alphas of your kind. Strong lineage is a vastly important factor when considering the wellbeing of a species on the brink of extension.”
Russ's eyes widened and he shot a glare to Raven.
She shrugged and lipped the word sorry.
Themis noted the interaction before moving to her next question. ”What compromising position would that have been?”
Arei stood but Jos halted him with a trembling hand. ”I... I'll answer...” She held his gaze for several seconds before he finally nodded but didn't sit back down, instead, he stood beside her. ”I... I was upset after our meeting earlier. Shelly, Arei, and I feel asleep watching movies. Nothing more... nothing less.” She risked a glance in Russ's direction.
Selena tapped her fingers against the arm of her chair. ”That is all fine and dandy... but I have a few questions of my own.” She stood leaning her elegant frame over the counter. ”Why would he give a shit about who is in your bed unless he's also occupying it.” her gaze shot accusingly back and forth between Russ and Jos. ”What? Everyone was so eager to answer earlier. No one have an answer this time?” Her gaze moved between all the faces down below before moving to Prometheus. ”You read them both, did you not?”
He nodded studying each of their nervous faces. ”I did, but only as far as it concerns each of their individual cases. I was mostly concerned with the boy's future and the girl's past. Visions available to me of either only showed that of a deep care and devotion... that of family and maybe some lesser more complicated emotions.” He nodded toward Jos. ”In the case of the Kraken, I believe it is only fair to judge her based off actions within her control verses those she cannot.”
Selena popped her lips as she turned her gaze back to Russ. ”Have you slept with this woman?” She waved over to Jos.
Russ shrugged. ”Yes, I've shared a bed with her and my sister several times... I guess I was overreacting because of my personal distaste for Arei.” He bit out.
The gavel hit the counter and Themis exchanged a glance with her daughter. ”Restate the question.” She said simply.
Selena gritted her teeth. ”Have you and the Kraken, Joslyn Decker, had s.e.x?”
Russ opened his mouth, but Ry stopped him. Shaking his head, he nodded toward Themis and Vicky and whispered something quietly into Russ's ear. Russ cleared his throat and shout Jos an apologetic look. ”We have.”
A satisfied smile curved Selena's lip. ”Finally, some semblance of truth.” She studied each of their faces. ”You know, I couldn't piece together this half assed story the lot of you were trying to sale. Well, now it makes complete sense.” Her head turned. ”Now, to address the real reason I'm here... Isha. Were you aware of this forbidden relationship, yes or no?”
Isha swallowed hard. ”Yes.”
Selena's smile widened. ”Before you rejoined the council?”
Isha squeezed Raven's hand. ”Only in the most basic of details and only in a sense of past tense.”
The gavel falls on the hard wood of the long counter again. Selena narrowed her eyes. ”Yes or no, were you aware of a forbidden relationship between Russell Boosilis and Joslyn, the Kraken, Decker?”
She swallowed past a lump in her throat. ”Yes...”
A wicked smile curved Selena's lips as she raised her arms over head and flipped her wrists. The lights in the room dimmed to a near pitch darkness, before flickering back to life. Heavy shackles clamped around Isha's wrists. ”You are here by stripped of your powers while in this court. You will be escorted from the grounds with you wife as soon as transportation can be arranged. Guards will be set outside of your room until then. The both of you will remain in easy contact in case your testimony is required during farther investigation into matters involving The Kraken.”
Jos watched helplessly as tears streamed down Isha's face and Raven wrapped her arms tightly around her, sending the harsh goddess a glare. {This is my fault again!} Jos's mind blasted the words at her on repeat.
Lamia stood, her focus on Russ. ”Is this relationship over as Isha stated.”
Ry nudged Russ causing him to grunt out his answer. ”It is as of now...”
Lamia nodded. ”You are dismissed to return to your people as soon as the business that brought you here is concluded. Also, expect to reimburse the Embassy in a payment to yet be determined.”
He gritted his teeth as he nodded. ”I'm not sure what my people or palace would have to offer in their current state.”
She nodded, ”Matters of such will also be address before you return.”
Themis and Vicky whispered among each other for several minutes before turning back to the group. ”The council will review all new information. In the meantime, we ask that Areion remain in close guardianship of Joslyn Decker and the young princess here at the Embassy.”