FORTY-SIX: Treason is no laughing matter

Applause thundered through the vast auditorium welcoming the newest spiritual thermostat, as Lady Rose took her place at the podium.

“Now, now Bishop. Spreading rumors like that are close to treason. Which this Lady, first or no, will not be caught in a HaleSpa or Temple committing!” she said and everyone but Arous laughed.

If my mother’s treason is common knowledge, why hasn’t Burton said anything? He must know, could he not know who my mother is?

She put her hands out as if to stop the uproar.

“Treason, in all fairness, is no laughing matter. No, no it isn’t. Let’s take a moment. I know it may seem small to some but . . . but I must say this. And, I spoke to Ephor Ricci just this morning and he asked me to mention this to you.  He’s such a dear friend of mine, which is how these awful rumors must get started.” She glanced at the Bishop amid some laughter from the crowd and a guffaw from the Bishop.

“The Ephor did ask me to mention that it grieves him that . . . It is awful that the least of us are not protected. A few weeks ago, a young man, worker from the City, turned out four attack dogs out in the City’s Animal Refuge as well as other, innocent small dogs.  Not only was his fellow co-worker killed but over 50 dog residents of the Refuge were killed as well. Now, this boy, is in residence at the HaleSpa where he’ll get better treatment than what he deserves for killing so many innocent animals, not to mention someone who was once his friend. How treacherous is it to kill your own friend? The treason of friendship is so -”

“Mike.”

Lady Rose stopped as if she had heard Arous.

“He couldn’t have . . . it shouldn’t have,” she whispered.  Arous was shocked, the dogs were supposed to cause chaos so that she could take Octavius, no one was supposed to get hurt.

Arous could feel herself glowing iridescent pink and her throat closed as she stared at the floor.  The massive room was silent.

Everyone was looking at her.