Chapter 2 #2
I gave him my most innocent smile. “And yes, I’m aware how sexist, petty fools would have immediately painted me.
A young girl unable to handle the finances of the royal family, much less a large, powerful nation like Thovudin.
So while our meal budget wasn’t top of the list, making sure people stay focused on real issues always is. ”
A few people snickered, hearing that I was telling him to move on and not be stupid and petty. Glad they caught on.
We worked through lunch but then had a bit of a break to stretch our legs and not be sitting all damn day. I saw Myriam run interference with Onyx and a few others.
Awesome, because I needed the break too. I could have put my jacket back on finally, but instead I went outside in the sun and stretched out my tense body.
“Would it be crazy if I told people they didn’t have to dress formally for these meetings?” I asked Darren when he joined me. “I’m not saying training clothes like me—this was making a point.”
“No, there’s nothing wrong with business casual or even casual when it’s all day and will probably be two days to start,” he said after a moment.
I nodded. “Casual as long as people are respectful and keep their heads. Sitting around in suits can’t be any more comfortable than the dresses they’ll probably expect me to be in.
” I was glad when he agreed. “I think we set the calendar. Only one day today since the coronation was yesterday, but the next one is in three weeks for two days and we go from there.”
“Smart,” someone said from behind us.
I turned to find a few other Alphas and thanked them but raised an eyebrow to ask why they wanted to speak to me on the side. I was pleasantly surprised that they had female family members who were interested in aide positions after finding out my circle was already women.
I left the questions I could ask to poke like if they thought I would be stupid and want more men around me or… It was best to leave it alone.
“Talk to Myriam and get her their resumes and education.” I frowned when that seemed to confuse them. “Princess Treena and Myriam aren’t simply my friends. They’re incredibly well-educated and beyond intelligent. Myriam is a genius who handles numbers and finances—it’s not a token position.”
They didn’t like hearing that it wouldn’t be a given or posh place for their family members to work, but actual work.
They’d live. Even more than that, Myriam said we needed to make it clear that we were looking for more well-educated and intelligent women who could make a difference in our government.
“You need to call Velle,” she muttered, nodding when I flinched. “Hear me out.”
“Later,” I said under my breath, noting all the people pretending like they weren’t listening in. The last time I’d seen our classmate… It hadn’t ended well. I was one of her least favorite people.
And she really wasn’t someone I liked either, but she was ridiculously smart.
The Alphas were all invited to stay for dinner after the meeting, but most wanted to get back and had lots to do too… Or so they said. No one stormed off in a huff when we wrapped up and most were gracious as they thanked me for the kindness and getting so much done efficiently.
I noticed Vex waited to be last. “I’m sorry, but it’s going to be him or me for what happened and I didn’t do anything wrong.
Not once.” I cleared my throat when my voice cracked, Vex seeming shocked too.
“And no matter how your brother revealed it, he was right and Kole was emotionally abusing me. More than he even knows. He used my lack of…”
Pity filled Vex’s eyes. “Normal upbringing and socialization that we demand of our children.”
I pressed my lips together and met his gaze. “How lovely they’re allowed that instruction to then turn around and use it against others. Excuse me.”
It probably wasn’t the resolution he wanted, and there was definitely more to it when I heard Darren’s voice getting heated as I walked away.
Darren didn’t want to give Vex all the files Father had gathered after Vex was so dismissive and selfish, but I thought it was important that he see the truth and how horrible Kole was to me.
We came to a compromise that Vex wouldn’t be allowed the copies of everything, but he could review it all in Father’s study with Darren.
I didn’t see that ending well, but… None of it was my fault.
“We need to get going,” Myriam said as I joined her in the family dining room.
I wasn’t eating with the Alphas. It wasn’t even being rude—Father had done it too. After being around their boss so long, they deserved a nice meal to unwind together without us around.
I absolutely agreed.
Plus, now I understood he was tired of them too once long meetings like that were done.
“Whatever is happening here, I hope soon you’ll trust me to let me in,” Treena said as she gestured between us.
I pulled her into a tense hug. “Treena, I trust you with everything. The vault—anything and everything.”
“We’re protecting you,” Myriam sighed, undoubtedly having already told her this. “If I can scent when you lie, so will others, and this isn’t something you want to risk following you in being queen. Just leave it alone.”
“I would risk it for you,” Treena whispered, kissing my cheek.
“I couldn’t ever ask that and you wouldn’t either.”
She leaned away and searched my eyes before glancing at Myriam. “Just promise me you’re being safe. It’s not—you’re not risking your life, right? I know things are bad, but—you’re being smart?”
“I’m always smart,” Myriam purred but then got serious. “I’ve got this. I’ll keep her safe. It would just be a scandal, and I’m making sure even if people found out that it couldn’t land on her too bad.”
Treena let it go after that and I quickly ate, finally getting a chance to glance at my phone.
Onyx: I’m so, SO sorry, Sagan. I was a complete asshole. There’s no defending it, but please let me explain.
I snorted.
Me: You’re not blocked. Do what you want.
I was shocked when the three dots appeared and he was immediately responding.
Onyx: It’s hot when you know your worth and push back. Not the point but fuck, it’s hot.
Onyx: Yesterday he kept it together. You were in those robes that would have hid anyone’s figure. People were saying different things about you not wearing makeup—I thought it was perfect. You embraced what you said and the areas and their bounty was to shine through.
Onyx: TODAY you came in like our QUEEN and the boss, beyond gorgeous wearing those leggings and fitted top, baby girl. Everyone—even the mated ones—took notice and drooled. So many had to adjust how they sat and the rage—I’m sorry.
Onyx: I took too much joy in being petty, but it was FOR YOU, Sagan. He was seething mad that others now knew how gorgeous you were and they all realized you could have landed so much better. He can’t spin it anymore that—he can’t spin anything anymore. And we all saw his reaction.
I wasn’t sure of any of that and set my phone down while he was still typing so I could eat. I had to leave soon for a big fight and… I just didn’t want to deal with this.
Myriam had my phone in her hand before I could even blink and was reading it. “‘Baby girl?’ That’s not an endearment you call someone you’re not intimate with.”
“It’s not one you call someone at all,” Treena muttered as she wrinkled up her nose but then glanced at me. “I’m sorry, you like it.”
I sighed. “I did—I do from him or…” I stuffed my mouth with too big of a bite, which amused them both, and tried to sort out my thoughts. “You’ve both known love and been treated softer. Even you, Myriam, until whatever happened with you father.”
“And him calling you ‘baby girl’ makes you feel more feminine?” Treena offered, chuckling when I shrugged.
“‘But you were completely right and I stepped all over your moment and for you to shine as our leader and I’m so sorry,’” Myriam read.
They shared a glance and then Treena asked me something else about the meeting we were going to follow up with. I didn’t realize what they were up to until too late and then I slowly looked back at Myriam while her thumbs were flying.
She snorted and tossed my phone towards me. “At least he’s smarter than most. I bet he would have figured it out faster if he wasn’t thinking with his dick. For real though, that man has it bad for you. It’s not an act.”
Treena managed to snake my phone before I could.
“No, my guards talk about him filling their nostrils with lust too. I heard them wondering if any of the females in the castle were into wolves.” She shot me a look when I couldn’t hide my worry.
“They’re not sexist jerks. They would never pressure or—they’re good guys. Father chose well.”
“Sorry, that seems to be rare,” I grumbled. “And I have no idea that answer.”
“Nor should you,” Treena replied. She chuckled when I did a double take that she unlocked my phone. “It took us no time to spy your password. You’re too trusting.”
I snorted. “I am not. Just—I can’t keep my guard up with you guys now. I just can’t.”
They both acknowledged it, but then Treena burst out laughing and didn’t fight me when I grabbed my phone.
“Run, Myriam,” I chuffed when I saw what she’d written.
“We gotta leave in five,” she purred before making herself scarce.
Treena waved for my attention. “It is good he figured it out.”
“Yeah, but I’m still going to murder her.”
Me: If that’s how you feel, why didn’t you worship your queen after the coronation?
Onyx: I didn’t want to be pushy. I told you that it’s all on your terms. If you had given me any hint, I would have been at your door seconds later. I will be tonight if you give me the green light.
Me: Hmm, sounds like you didn’t want to upset your brother.
Onyx: Vex can suck my ass and we’re not doing well. I was actually going to ask if I could stay in a guest room until my official turn. I really don’t want this to come to blows.
Me: You won’t fight for my honor?
Onyx: I want you and would do whatever you needed, Sagan. I just know my temper and I would put Kole in the ground and then Vex and I would fight and… I didn’t think you’d want that mess. To have to punish me.
Me: Fair, but I think you deserved to be punished in other ways.
Onyx: Absolutely. Tell me what you need, baby girl, and I will give it to you. I’ll do whatever you want. Please, I’m begging you.
The answer was so explicit just reading it made me blush.
Onyx: I’m guessing this is Myriam. Give Sagan her phone back before you hurt your friendship with her and I get pissy you’re near her. The joke was amusing, but any more and you know it’s not okay.
I liked his response. I really did.