The Shell and the Star - Part 28

 Welcome back!

The pot is about to boil in this aquatic SFR. If you've been following along each week, you know that Jinn and Trey are now in very hot water.

For those just stumbling on this post for the first time, you can catch up on all the parts posted to date in this 'aquatic SFR' at this link:

The Shell and the Star

For those who are back to continue the story, last week Trey finally had a change of heart and is allowing Jinn to accompany him to his father's estate, though they both know it may put Jinn in peril. 

Jinn doesn't believe she has anything to lose, because she's confessed to Trey that a life without him would be no life at all for her. But can she and Trey find a way to convince his father that mistakes were made and their relationship is worth saving?

CHAPTER ELEVEN

 

The Imperator’s visage, haggard and lined with his burdens, turned to Trey when they were escorted before him in his office.

“It’s true,” he muttered. “You’re alive, when I so feared you dead.”

“I was in seclusion, father.” Trey said. “Until Jinn found me.”

With a deliberate hard-set frown toward Jinn, he dismissed her and addressed his son. “You returned to make your formal bid and engage in the Ritual of Pairing with your intended.” It wasn’t a question. It was a decree.

Trey’s attention cut to Jinn for a moment, just long enough for her to glimpse the dogged set of his jaw. “I will mate with no one but Jinn.” His steadfast avowal came as a soft hiss through her bubble’s translator.

Jinn snapped her head his way but Trey was locked in a silent battle of wills with the Imperator. He was outright defying his father. He was doing this for her. For them!

“The rejection of your bid by the Talstaric commander’s daughter was final. The Talstar female has been banished from our dominion and no longer exists under Shell Law. You will fulfill your new obligations,” the Imperator announced in a voice heavy with authority.

“No,” Trey countered, “I will not.”

Jinn readied her defenses. She would have her say in this. She opened her mouth to speak.

“Your Grace, I must speak with you immediately.” Morra hovered near the entrance to his chamber, her face white and mouth quivering.

“It will wait,” the Imperator growled.

“No, Your Eminence. With apologies, I’m afraid it will not.” Morra crossed her forefins before her, remorseful but steadfast.

“What it is?”

“The Conclave of the Elders has called a tribunal. They demand to speak with you and your second son. Immediately, sir.”

***

Trey’s father swam far ahead. Trey and Jinn followed. All were accompanied by a host of the Imperator’s sentinels.

“Is this about me?” Jinn asked.

“I don’t know. But whatever the affront, the calling of a tribunal by the elders is…monumental.”

“Will they even allow me to enter the Conclave?”

“It might be better if you didn’t.” Trey warned. “The summons was for my father and myself, so you are not subject in this judgment though any words or actions on your part could endanger you.” Trey gave her a solemn look. “But if you wish to enter the Conclave, I will see to it you enter.

“You stood by me. And now I’ll stand by you.”

Ahead, the Imperator passed through the Conclave Guardians at the entrance, but when Trey and Jinn approached, they crossed their spears, barring the way for her sphere.

Trey faced off with them. “Jinn Amalla will attend this tribunal as my witness and advisor, as written in Shell Law.”

“Only the people of the Shell may enter the Conclave.”

“Nowhere in our laws does it state a witness must be of the Shell.”

Their spears remained crossed, and one of the guardians said, “The Conclave of the Elders is a sacred assembly, reserved for justice under Shell Law. Therefore, it is understood that no Talstar will enter the Conclave.”

“You are incorrect, Chief Guardian. May I remind you that Jinn Amalla’s own father was summoned to the Conclave many longtides ago.”

The Chief Guardian looked to his companion. After several moments, he gave a terse wave toward the entrance. The second guard disappeared through the yawning entrance to the structure.

“What’s happening?” Jinn asked Trey in a low voice.

“They’ll seek a decision from the Conclave of Elders, itself.”

Jinn dropped her eyes. What chance was there that the Elders would allow her to pass?

The second guard returned a short time later. “The witness will enter.”

The Chief Guardian looked pained, but he raised his spear and allowed Jinn to continue forward in her envirosphere.

_________________________________

What fate awaits Trey in the Conclave of Elders? And what will happen to Jinn now?

Find out next Monday in Part 29. There are only six parts left in the story!

Have a great week!