Cornelius had barely arrived with a smirk, smelling strongly of Rory and pheromones when Alexandre was called to testify. I jumped, looking at him in fear. I thought he was going to get away without having to play out this little farce. He squeezed my thigh with a reassuring smile and handed me Mina before kissing us both as he stood. I looked back at Cornelius whose expression had hardened. He came forward immediately to sit beside me as Alexandre walked gracefully towards the front of the court and was sworn in. I could feel the subtle shift in the room as soon as he sat down. Cornelius squeezed my hand, and I realized with a jolt that Alexandre was taking subtle control of the minds in the room. Just a soft, gentle nudging to believe his words. I could even feel myself wanting
