“I should have told you I need to speak to you in private,” Meredith hissed, as she looked at Jane.
“Jane is my oldest and dearest friend. We keep no secrets from each other,” Henry said sincerely.
“I must insist we discuss this matter privately Henry,” Meredith seethed.
“I don’t mind. Winnie and I are going shopping for dresses to wear to Joshua and Will’s weddings.” Jane knew Meredith had not been invited to the nuptials, but the mention of the wedding would infuriate her. She kissed Henry on the forehead before leaving the room.
“What is this about?” he asked.
“Well I see you certainly didn’t waste any time finding a replacement for me?”
“We are no longer married and I doubt my friendship with Jane is any of your business. What’s brought you back here?”
“We need to discuss Caspian. No one has had contact with him in months. I intend to ask the Commission to have him declared legally dead so Desiree can move forward with her life. It’s unfair to keep her waiting indefinitely for his return.”
Even though Aura had prepared Henry for this, it was still hard to hear.“Is this what Desiree wants?”
“Yes - Caspian left her on their wedding night before the marriage was consummated.
“He never consummated the marriage?” Henry smiled.
“This is not funny Henry. Is she supposed to sit and wait; not knowing if he is dead or alive?”
“I agree with you. Caspian would have contacted us and I have it on good authority you’re correct.”
“You mean he is dead?”
“No, but no one has heard from him. I agree it would be unfair to keep Desiree waiting any longer.”
Meredith wasn’t prepared for Henry to be so agreeable.“When can we meet with the Commission?”
“We can leave now. They may need a day or two to consider your request. Is Desiree prepared to testify?”
“She’ll make herself available to answer any questions.”
“Then I suggest we ask them to place it on the docket. I’ll recommend we postpone Richard’s hearing, until this matter is resolved.”
“That would be appreciated. We both agree this is for the best?” she asked.
“I will support you with this issue.”
“I’m sure Desiree will be grateful for your help.”
“I can hardly blame her, especially if the marriage was never consummated.”
“When do you think we’ll have their answer?”
“They have more pressing issues they are dealing with right now, but I expect we may have an answer as soon astomorrow.”
Yvonne and Yvette planned a shopping trip with Monica the next day. They didn’t want to spend time with her, but their father had insisted. They notified Phillipe that Rita and Jessica were staying at the Academy.
“I’ll tell Richard. Is everything going alright?”
Phillipe asked.
“How long is Monica going to stay here? We
can barely stand to be in the same room with her. I
can’t believe that she’s related to us. There is
something off about her,” Yvonne said. “I almost
prefer Rita and Jessica’s company to hers.”
“Be careful. You don’t want to spend any
more time with those girls then you have to,” Phillipe
warned.
“That’s not going to be a problem. They’re
ignoring us. Apparently they are too involved in their
wedding plans, to be bothered with any of us. Did you
know that we were not invited to Tristan and Jasmines
wedding?” Yvonne asked.
“I’m not surprised. You don’t really know
either of them. I need to speak with your cousin
Monica.Where can we meet?” Phillipe asked. “It would be safer to meet at our house.” “Plan to be there at one o’clock and I’ll make
sure Richard is there.”
“Alright, but when we get home, don’t expect
us to spend any more time with Monica.”
“Just don’t be overtly rude to her. She doesn’t
know anyone at the Academy and we don’t want her to
feel neglected,” Phillipe warned.
“We’re going shopping this morning. We can
show her where some of our favorite shops are, but
don’t expect us to become best friends. Yvette and I
don’t really care for her attitude.”
Phillipe laughed. “I’m sure the other angelbloods are saying the same thing about you girls. I’ll
see you for lunch.” Phillipe hung up the phone and
went into the kitchen to advise the cook they would be
having company for lunch and to prepare three
additional plates.
The girls hung up the phone and took Monica
clothes. “You’ll love this place. They have all the
latest fashions,” Yvonne said.
They started to head towards the door, when
Monica stopped them. “Aren’t you staying here with
me?”
“We’ll be back when you’ve finished your
shopping. My father expects us to meet him at one
o’clock,” Yvonne said. She looked at her watch. It was
already eleven.
“We’ll be having lunch at our house. My
father will be sending a car, so don’t take too long.
You have about an hour. That should be enough time.
We’ll be at the end of the street at a coffee shop if you
need anything,” Yvette said. With that the girls hurried
out of the shop.
“My father will deal with them,” Natalie
huffed. “Treating me as if I were beneath them; I am
still a descendant of Lucifer. They would do well to
remember that.” She started rummaging through the
racks of clothing, picking up several outfits before
bringing them to the counter.
Aura woke up early the next morning and immediately went to check on her little ones. They were still sleeping soundly. She walked into the kitchen to find Aidan waiting there for her.
“They’re still sleeping,” he said.
“I know. I just checked on them. How long have you been awake?”
“Not long I wanted to speak to you privately.” “I don’t want to talk about Jeziel again Aidan.
We have already beaten that horse to death.”
“I’m not sure what that means, but I have some
new information aboutJeziel.”
“What news is that?”
“Her eyes are honey brown again,” he smiled. “Jeziels eyes have returned to their original
color?”
“Yes. Doesn’t that give proof that she is
innocent?”
“Well it certainly is a conundrum to say the
least.”
“After what happened to Jayden, isn’t there a
chance she hasn’t fallen?”
“Did she agree to meet with the Council?” “Not yet, but I’m sure I can convince her now.
I have to speak to your father about something else she
alluded to.”
“What would that be?” She knew the truth
about Jeziel, but if her eyes had changed, Aidan would
see that as proof of her innocence. He would never
believe she was fallen now.
“I tried to warn her about the Elite guard. She
said she wasn’t afraid of the Guard, but the Guild might
want to watch out for them.”
“She said that? What do you think she meant?” “I don’t know. I was hoping your father might
have some idea.”
“Why would the Guild have to be fearful of th
e
Elite Guard?” Aura laughed.
“You met them before. They are not to be
toyed with Aura. I told you then not all of them follow
the laws of Heaven.
“It doesn’t matter which laws they follow; the
Guild have always been faithful.”
“No one doubts their allegiance. Perhaps in her
own way, Jeziel is trying to protect them.”
“Perhaps, either way my father will be glad for
the news.”
Aura began making breakfast. “We should talk
about this later.I don’t want to talk in front of the little
ones.”
“What are your plans for the day?”
“I have a few things on my list for your sister’s
wedding tomorrow. I suppose we’ll have a quiet
celebration this evening.”
Aidan laughed. “I thought I would marry
before Jasmine. I’m happy for her. Tristan will be a
good husband.”
“They will both be good for each other.” Aidan wanted desperately to give Aura
Avriel’s ring that morning, but decided to wait. She
was still keeping her distance from him. He was
certain when she heard the news about Jeziel it would
change her mind, but he was wrong. Eventually they
would have to discuss their future together; if there was
going to be one.
Chapter 43
Henry decided to hold a closed meeting with the Commission. After all the spectators had cleared the room, he addressed them. He was sure Arthur had already been briefed.
Meredith addressed the councilmen. “I fear my son Caspian is no longer of this world and I am here to request he be declared legally dead.”
“Do you support this request?” Arthur asked
Henry.
“I do. I can’t believe he wouldn’t have
contacted us if he werestill alive. I’m afraid I have to
agree with Meredith on this matter.”
“We will need some time to consider your
petition. In light of your request we will postpone
Richard’s trial.”
The members looked at each other and
whispered something Meredith wasn’t able to hear.“Is
Caspian’s wife prepared to offer testimony in regards to
this petition?”
“Yes as I’ve told Henry she wants an end to
this matter, so she can move forward with her life.” “Very well; we’ll meet tomorrow at nine
o’clock to consider your request. We should have an
answer for you then,” Arthur said.
“Thank you. It was a difficult, but necessary
decision.”
“You may take your leave now Ms Wycliffe.
We have other matters to discuss privately. We can
assume you know your way out?”
Meredith knew the use of her maiden name
was to remind her she was no longer the Governor’s
wife. Instead of responding, she thanked them and
excused herself.
She would advise Richard his trial was
postponed indefinitely.“Fools, I wonder if they realize
the gift they have given to my son. They can enjoy their
little group for now, but when Richard takes over, they
will all suffer for their treatment of me.”
When Meredith arrived in Paris, Richard was still there.“I have good news for you.”
“I trust your meeting with the Council went well?” he asked.
“The Council will give us their decision tomorrow. They have postponed your trial indefinitely.”
“That is good news. Perhaps we can have a little peace after that.”
“I assured them it wouldn’t be a problem for Desiree to testify.”
“Did Henry argue when you made your request?”
“No -actually he agreed with me.”
“What if they ask me about the baby?” Desiree asked nervously.
“Make sure you wear something loose, so they won’t be suspicious.”
“Yes - it’s imperative you hide your pregnancy. I told Henry your marriage was never consummated. It was the only way I could convince him to help us.”
“After the hearing, we’ll be free to marry,” Richard said to Desiree.
“We won’t have to hide our relationship any longer?”
“No, I’ll take good care of you and our son. Was there any mention of Arian?”
“Not a word -perhaps they aren’t aware that Arian is alive.”
“Natalie was certain Henry knew. Perhaps Mahlyssa realized there would be serious repercussions if the truth was known. I may have misjudged her after all,” Richard said. “Perhaps she’s more afraid of the consequences to her children than she is about the Guild. I suggest we relax and enjoy the rest of the day. Perhaps we should discuss our nuptials,” he smiled at Desiree.
“I thought we could have a simple service here.”
“I will have to insist we have a reception after we‘re married. I want to show off my new bride.”
“Meredith and I can plan the party,” Charisse said.“We still have a few loyal friends.”
“What about your family?” Desiree asked.
“The only family I have is my mother and my daughter.As long as you’re there, no one else matters. I do need to check on Natalie, but I will return shortly. Perhaps you can think about where we should go for dinner.”
“I would love to go to the beach,” Desiree admitted.
“We can talk about it more when I return.”
“What about the hearing?” Meredith asked.
“We’ll return in time for the hearing in the morning. A night away from here will do us both a world of good.”
Richard kissed Desiree goodbye and promised to return as soon as possible.
When he arrived at the Devereaux’s home in New York, he found Natalie alone with Philippe. The girls had raced to their bedroom as soon as they arrived. The less time they spent with their cousin; the better they liked it.
“So I trust you had no difficulties last night?” he asked Monica.
“No father, my disguise worked perfectly.”
“I’ll be unavailable until tomorrow. I’m planning to take Desiree to the beach for an overnight rest.”
“What if something happens? What am I supposed to do? Jessica and Rita are staying at the Academy.”
“Did they recognize you?”
“No, but I didn’t think Aura would recognize me either.”
“Rita and Jessica will be too busy with their wedding plans to pay any attention to you. I’ll return tomorrow morning for the hearing.”
“They’re going to start your trial on Friday?”
“My trial has been postponed indefinitely. They will be addressing the issue of Caspian’s death.”
“Caspian is dead? I didn’t hear anything about that.How did he die?”
“Caspian is not dead, but your grandmother has asked the Commission to have him declared legally dead.”
“And Henry agreed to this?”
“Apparently he hasn’t heard from my brother either. Once they declare Caspian’s death, I will be free to marry Desiree. We plan to marry as soon as possible.”
“I suppose congratulations are in order,” Phillipe said.
“I’m sure we’ll see you before the wedding. We may get married the day after tomorrow, on New Year’s Day. A new year to celebrate a new beginning; quite befitting don’t you agree?” Richard asked.
“Won’t the Guild find it suspicious if you marry so soon?”
“Do you think I care what the Guild thinks?”
“No father, of course not,” Natalie said apologetically.
“I promised Desiree I would return home, so I’ll leave you all now. If anything dra
stic happens, Phillipe can get in touch with me. But it had better be an emergency, if you interruptmy dinner.”
“I hope you enjoy the beach,” Natalie said.
“Oh, I’m sure I will.” Richard laughed, and then he was gone.
Chapter 44
The dresses for the wedding arrived that morning. When the girls tried them on, there were no alterations needed. Anastasia had outdone herself. The gowns were beautiful.
Jasmine asked Tiffany to be her matron of honor and Logan was chosen as the best man.
“You don’t mind do you?” Tristan asked Aidan.
“Of course not, Logan is your best friend.”
“I didn’t want to hurt your feelings. You’re still planning to escort Aura to the wedding aren’t you?”
“Have you heard something else?” he asked Tristan.
“No, but I wanted to make sure you didn’t have other plans.”
“Are you asking me if I am planning to see Jeziel?”
Tristan became nervous.“Look Aidan I realize Jeziel is your friend and you believe in her. I’m not questioning your loyalty. I was meaning to talk with you before now. I don’t have a problem with you bringing Jeziel, but the Guild might think it’s in poor taste. I hardly think the reception is the place to air any dirty laundry.”
Aidan became angry. “Why doesn’t anybody else think she’s innocent but me? Did Aura tell you her eyes are honey brown again? When Jayden’s eyes turned from black to blue they accepted him. Why is Jeziel treated like an outcast?”
“Jayden willingly met with the Guild and we were able to determine his innocence. If Jeziel would come forward, they could put this whole matter to rest.”
“Jeziel is afraid. She thinks they have already decided her guilt and she doesn’t want to be punished. Why is that so hard to understand?”
“I’m not the right person to answer that question.Maybe you should talk to Paul.”
“I have spoken to Paul and he feels the same way that you do. If Aura would speak to Jeziel she would know she’s telling me the truth.”
“Has Jeziel asked to meet with Aura?”
“No - she thinks Aura hates her because of me.”
Tristan started to laugh. “Aura doesn’t hate anybody.You of all people should know that.”
“I used to think I knew Aura, but she has become so distant lately; I don’t know what to think anymore.”
“It’s your decision to make. But if you’re not planning to be in the wedding, you need to tell your sister.”