Fall from Grace (Book 2: An Angelblood Novel) (11 page)

“Have you heard any news of Caspian?” Desiree
asked half-heartedly.

“No, I don’t know if he’s dead or alive. To my
knowledge no one has heard from him since your wedding.
If we don’t hear from him soon, we’ll have no choice but to
ask the Commission to declare him dead. You would be free
to marry Richard then.”

“The marriage wasn’t consummated,” Desiree
whispered.

 

“I know dear.
When we finish with all these other
allegations, I will go to the Commissionon your behalf.”
“Do you think they will declare Caspian dead?”
Desiree asked hopefully.

 

“I see no reason why not. Even Henry would admit
there’s a chance Caspian is dead.”

Desiree looked at the clock on the wall.
“It’s after
four, if you are to find Richard I shouldn’t keep you any
longer. Let me know the outcome of the hearing.”

“I’ll call as soon as I know anything. Be careful, the
Guild will be watching you both more closely now.”
“I have no fear of the Guild.
Richard would never
allow anything to happen to me.”

 

“I’ll be in touch. Take care of yourself,” Meredith
said.

 

“You do the same and please try not to worry;
Richard will make sure Natalie stays safe.”

As she hung up the phone, the panic overwhelmed
her. Meredith had to find Richard. If the Committee held his
hearing without him being present, she had no doubt they
would find him guilty.

When Henry arrived at the Hall of Justice, he looked
around to find Paul and the members of the Guild speaking
to Arthur.
The members of the council were all wearing
their black robes, signifying their status.
Henry elected to
wear a tweed jacket and black wool slacks.

“Did you speak to Meredith?” Arthur asked.

“Yes, we told her we would be holding the hearing
at five o’clock. I have no doubt she will make contact with
Richard and they will both be in attendance,” Paul said.
“We can address Jayden’s annulment first.”

“Are you also planning to request your marriage be
ended as well?” Paul asked Henry.

 

“Yes, I’m sure I can make a convincing argument.”
“Are we going to inquire about Natalie?” Arthur
asked.

“We have more than enough to discuss today, but
rest assured we have not forgotten about her,” Paul assured
him.

Henry didn’t take his seat with the rest of the
Commission.
He would be testifying today.
The meeting
started with a prayer, as it always did.
Arthur would lead
themin Henry’s place. No one argued. The people of
Utopia trusted him absolutely.

“We are here today to discuss the matter of the
annulment of
Jayden Collins to
Natalie Fairbourne.
Is
Natalie Fairbourne in attendance?” Arthur asked,
as
he
looked around the room.

“Natalie will not be in attendance. She left Utopia
yesterday and no one knows her whereabouts at this time,”
Henry stated.

“In l
ieu of the fact Ms. Fairbourne will not be in
attendance, she will abide by any decisions made today by
this Commission,” Arthur stated. “We will hear what the
young man has to say before pronouncing judgment.”

The other Utopians looked around.
Surely Natalie
would offer some argument if she intended to save her
marriage. They all heard rumors about Jayden’s brother’s
death. Would they be discussing that as well?

Seeing the concern on their faces, Arthur advised
there would be no trial yet concerning the death of Jasper
Collins. “We will however, be holding a hearing concerning
the death of the Enchantor Virgil,” Arthur said.

Richard and his mother were not yet in attendance.
It would not go well for him if he remained absent.
The
Utopian people long awaited Richard to be held accountable
for
his
actions.
Perhaps
today
the
Commission
would
deliver some justice and they would be rid of him forever.

Richard no sooner returned to Phillipe’s home, when
he was advised of Meredith’s panicked phone call. “The
Guild is holding a hearing today in reference to the death of
the Enchantor,” Phillipe said.

“What!” Natalie screamed. They can’t do that!”
“I’m afraid the Guild can do as they see fit,” Richard
replied nonchalantly.

 

“They’re trying to convict you Father,” Natalie said.

“That’s not going to happen,” Richard said. “If it
appears they have already passed judgment, I’ll leave,” he
smiled.

“Aren’t you worried about what they might do?”
Natalie asked.

 

“I acted in defense of the residents of Utopia. That
will provide a strong enough argument.”

 

“You can’t be serious,” Natalie replied.
“Everything is under control. Of course this will
delay my plans for a short time.”

 

“Should I go with you?” Natalie asked.

“No! You’ll stay here as agreed. I’ll return in a f
ew
hours to collect you.
I doubt the Guild will come to you
Phillipe, but you should take the necessary precautions just
in case.”

“I’ll wait for your return before joining Marie.”
“I am indebted to you for your hospitality. It will
not be forgotten.”

 

Phillipe laughed.“I’m sure my days as ambassador
are numbered. I should rather enjoy my retirement.”
“It would benefit all of us if you remained in your
position until you are asked to step down.”

“Of course, they won’t fire me yet. Desiree is still
married to your brother. To my knowledge Henry won’t do
anything to upset Caspian.”

“I agree. My father doesn’t know the circumstances
regarding the marriage.
It may give us the time we need
until my plan is in place,” Richard said.

Richard was angry because Natalie was interfering
with his plans. “I’ll return as soon as I can. You need to be
ready to leave as soon as I get back.
Do you understand
me?”

“I’ll be ready, but I wish you would tell me where
we’re going,” Natalie protested.

 

“You’ll find out soon enough.” Richard then
vanished, leaving Natalie alone once again with Phillipe.
Chapter 12

Aura and the girls met the family at one of their
favorite malls in Baltimore.
She had been there with Ella
and the twins when she saw Alannah for the first time. They
spent most of the day shopping.
She hoped when they
returned, Aidan would be there with news about Jeziel. As
they were packing up the cars with their purchases, Aura
stopped suddenly. “You all need to stay close to me,” she
said.

“What’s the matter Mommy?” Alannah asked.

“Black
wing,” she responded. “I can smell him and
he’s close.” She looked at the others and told them not to be
frightened, her shield would protect them.

“Is it Samhael?” Bren asked.

 

“No, it’s
someone
even
more
powerful
than
Samhael.”

 

“Do you know who it is?” Bren questioned.

Aura didn’t want to alarm them, but she knew with
certainty who the stranger was.
As he approached them,
Alannah started to cry.
Ben and Tracy quickly took her
hands.“Don’t worry Aura won’t let anything happen.”

“Stay together!” Aura insisted.

She watched as Lucifer’s son came closer.
He must
not
have
shopped
at
the
same
boutiques
as
Samhael.
Mortriel was wearing a cotton shirt and jeans.
Aura was
instantly drawn to his pale blonde hair and blue-grey eyes.
His hair, almost white in color, fell loosely down his back to
his waist.
Aura would have expected his eyes to be black,
but then she remembered Samhael.
Unlike the other dark
wings, his eyes were blue.

AsLucifer’s son approached them, Aura didn’t wait
for him to address her; she spoke first.

 

“Why have you come here, Mortriel?”
Smiling he asked,“Avriel is that any way to greet an
old friend?”

 

“You are no friend of mine. I asked why you’re
here.”

“I
heard you were alive and I wanted to see for
myself. It’s been so many years. I couldn’t believe it when
Samhael told me the good news. I see the other eternal child
is with you. Pity her twin sister and cousin are locked away.
I’m sure you miss them terribly.”

Aura
moved
closer
to
him. “If you dare touch
Alorrah or Alexis, I promise you’ll burn!”

 

Mortriel laughed.“I have no intentions of harming
the little ones.”

 

“Because you can’t,” Bren yelled at him. “If you try
to touch Alorrah, she’ll turn you to ashes.”

Mortriel looked closer at Bren and Tracy.
Their
resemblance
to
Bree
and
Tercia
was
remarkable. “So,
apparently I didn’t kill you both. I was certain I did.”

“Get away from them!” Aura shouted.

Mortriel continued to laugh. “You don’t want to
make
a
scene
here
when
there
are
so
many
innocent
bystanders,do you?”

Aura looked around.
There were several teenage
girls walking in the parking lot. Regardless, she wasn’t
going to be threatened by him. She didn’t respond verbally,
instead she called for her shield and watched as Mortriel was
thrown to the macadam.

He picked himself up and Aura could see the fury on
his face. “You’ll pay for that!” he spat.

Aura first called for her shield to protect the mortals.
When it was secure, she looked at Mortriel and laughed.
“Know this; if you even think about hurting my little ones, I
will enjoy watching you die.”

“We’ll meet again soon. Perhaps then you will
show me some proper respect,” Mortriel said.

“You are a fool if you think I would ever respect
a
demon like you. Why don’t you be on your way, before you
get hurt?” Aura sneered at him.

“We’ll see. I’ll be sure to say hello to your
daughter.” Mortriel smiled, and then he disappeared.

Aura rushed to Alannah. “Send Alorrah a message.
Tell her if Mortriel or any of the others come anywhere near
her or Alexis, I want them to burn.”

“OK Mommy. I’ll tell her. They can’t hurt her; you
know that right?” Alannah said, as Aura dried her tears.
“Are you certain they can’t hurt Alexis either?”

“No
she’s still safe.
He can keep them locked up,
but he can’t harm them physically,” Alannah reassured her
mother.

“I’ll notify the Guild when we return home. They
won’t be happy about Mortriel’s visit. He doesn’t frequent
the earth anymore than his father does.
He despises the
mortals too. I’m sure he is planning something. I wish my
visions would tell me what it was,” Aura sighed.

She made sure the others were calm and then told
them it was time to go. “Keep your cars close to mine. My
shield is powerful enough to protect you, but we shouldn’t
delay going home,” she said.

When Richard and Meredith arrived at the hall, the
entire room became silent.
Meredith was as arrogant as
ever. They made their way to one of the tables where Henry
was sitting with Analie.
Will and Joshua were also seated at
the same table next to Jayden.

Henry didn’t acknowledge their presence, despite
Richard and Meredith taking seats near him.
Richard was
surprised to see Joshua and Will there. Meredith didn’t
speak to either of them, but she glared at Jayden.

Arthur stood.
“The Council has ruled in favor of this
young man.
We see no reason not to grant his annulment,
provided the High Council agrees.
Arthur looked at Paul.
“You will notify them of our decision?”

“That won’t be necessary,” a voice came from the
back of the room.

They turned to see Uriel standing there. Despite
wearing jeans and a cotton shirt, the soft light that shadowed
his body, gave him a commanding presence. The residents
could see the resemblance to Paul immediately.
Both had
blonde hair and soft blue eyes.

Judging from the look on Paul’s face he wasn’t
expecting a visit from his father today.
He quickly stood
and walked towards him. “Father, I wasn’t aware you were
coming,” he said.

“I need to have a word with you and the others,”
Uriel smiled. “But first let’s put this matter to rest.” He
addressed the Committee. “The High Council agrees that
the marriage between Jayden Collins and Natalie Fairbourne
is hereby annulled,” Uriel said. “All records will
be
expunged and Jayden is now free to live hislife.”

Jayden looked at Uriel.“Thank you sir. I promise
I‘ll think before I decide to marry again.”

 

“I’m sure you will,” Uriel said graciously. “Now I
need a word with my son beforeRichard’s trial begins.”
Arthur
interjected. “We have another matter to
discuss before the trial.”

 

“What matter are you referring to?” Meredith asked.

“Since Uriel is already here, perhaps he could
remain and give Henry an answer to his own petition for
annulment?”

“I would be more than happy to be of assistance,”
Uriel replied.

“The Co
mmission will stand in recess for fifteen
minutes
before
hearing
testimony
from
Henry
and
Meredith,” Arthur said. Uriel pulled Paul and the rest of the
Guild aside to speak to them.

“Why are you here Father?” Paul asked.

 

Uriel smiled at his son.“You’ll understand in a few
minutes.”

 

“Has something else happened?” Adam asked.

“Yes, but I assure you it’s nothing to concern
yourselves with.
You will all be enlightened soon.
Why
don’t we return to the table?
I think I would enjoy a cup of
tea.” He whispered something to Paul who was clearly upset
by what he heard.
Never one to question his father, Paul
nodded in agreement.

As the others returned to their table, Joshua left to
bring Uriel’s tea. He felt a bit uneasy being in the presence
of someone of such authority.
Uriel saw the concern on his
face and assured him he was family.
His smile seemed to
relax
Joshua somewhat,
but like
the Guild
he too
was
questioning his presence.

At the end of the intermission, Arthur and the rest of
the Commission returned to their seats.

Henry offered testimony first. “How can I remain in
a loveless marriage when there is clearly no trust,” he
pleaded.