Tina clenched her fists tightly as she waited for one of the Council members to finish their ranting.

"But she’s innocent! The Empress was controlling her. Jodi attacked our castle for christ sake, she’s the real threat. Why are you overlooking that?"

The head Council member or Bird-Man as Tina silently nicknamed, stood from his seat.

"We are not overlooking anything Princess. We are however taking the fact that she is an Oracle into great consideration. Oracle’s cannot be trusted, they have too much power. Your Caretaker though only half Oracle was given too much free will around this castle and look at the end result"

Beyond frustrated, Tina began to raise her voice, "She did not do it out of her own free will! She was forced!"

"Have you any proof?"

Tina swallowed, "No but I-"

"Then there is nothing to discuss on that matter! She made an attempt on the King’s life. Your father and yet you defend her still? Where is your loyalty Princess?"

Tina inwardly begged herself to stop talking. She knew that she was only digging a bigger hole for herself.

"With all due respect my Lord but wasn’t it an Oracle who saved my father’s life?"

Tina could tell the Council member was grinding his teeth. He was losing his patience and fast.

"And the fact that you are speaking so loosely to this Council Princess Christina proves that she’s more dangerous than we even anticipated. Oracles have been known to manipulate the mind. What makes you think she hasn’t poisoned yours?"

Tina clenched her jaw tightly, trying to keep her anger in check. She knew if she really lost her cool with the Council, there would be no saving Bette.

"I trust her, the same as I trust our healer, Kit. There’s good and bad in every race my Lords. These two women are genuine. I would stake my life on it"

Bird-man pursed his lips, "Your faith in these two women wouldn’t have anything to do with the fact that you are romantically involved with one of them right? Your Caretaker to be exact"

The other Council members began to whisper amongst themselves. It was obvious they hadn’t heard the news and Tina’s heart stopped at the realization that the head Council member knew.