Chapter 11 #3
“Olwen, we talked quick when you called about learning—it’s fine,” I replied, a bit thrown off he was getting into all of this. “I was calling because I have information that you can use.”
He was quiet a moment. “We only talked briefly when I gave my condolences because you were drowning. That doesn’t mean we’re not real friends. I’ve sent messages checking in. I’m worried about you.”
I smiled. “Thank you. Truly. If you can help me with what I need, it will take something off my plate and I think it can help you too.”
“Fine, fine, always business, but seriously have me over soon. I miss you and want to see with my own eyes that you’re okay. Really.”
“We’ll see how this pans out,” I teased.
“Hit me.”
“I’m going to send you a list of names and information on very bad men who not only are doing illegal loans, but are letting people sign up others to be responsible for the debt. Demanding other collateral and ideas of trade for them.”
“Fucking cockroaches. It never ends. It’s such a game of tossing one away and another pops up.”
“Yes, but every time you toss one away it helps your image. It sets you apart from your brother.” Olwen was second in line for the throne and people weren’t kind about it, sort of like I was learning Fraser had dealt with for my father. But Olwen didn’t want to become king either.
He simply didn’t want to be the backup. He wanted to become a minister and take on a real role in the government. He studied law and was focused on the high crime rates in Danyl.
“This is about Velle,” he sighed. “That pain in the ass is the only one you know—I thought you rightfully hated her?”
I was glad Velle kept it together, but steam was about coming out of her ears and her cheeks were so red it was funny.
“Hate is a strong word but no, we don’t get along. Myriam needs help and wanted her friend. Fine by me if we can be civil.”
“She’s so dismissive and clueless how things really work,” he drawled. “She probably thinks you’ve been shopping for queenly dresses and arranging balls since you’ve taken over. Tea parties with Alpha Mates and all the other bullshit she used to mock and I bet you’ve done none of that.”
I snorted but then did a double take that it was all over Velle’s face that Olwen was right. Wow.
Bitch.
“So I have that for you for the win, but also—your younger sister is getting flak for not doing enough for the royal family, right? I think that was the last report I heard.”
He snorted. “You mean she’s being pushed by some—yeah, all a pretty girl like her is useful for is an alliance mating.
And—the news reporting that is clearly being bribed.
We already know that. They’re getting paid by the royal family who wants the mating because their prince is obsessed with her. It’s gross. Beyond gross.”
I shared a look with Treena. That was important information that we would both file away later.
“Tell me you’re offering her an advisor position like Treena or something—”
“Sorry, Olwen, that’s a bit much no matter how much I respect you,” I cut in before he got ahead of himself. “Treena is heir and beyond—you know her resume. Your younger sister has one degree and bailed on her master’s. I couldn’t have her as an advisor. We both know that.”
He sighed, not about to say it or pick on his family, but he knew it was true. “Please, I’m all ears for your idea then.”
“We’re reopening De la Rosa properties for vacations and events. The elders—we used to do it for income that wasn’t problematic. However, they all need some work or sprucing up at least. Some flare would be nice and someone up to date on trends and—”
“You are amazing and I adore you even more,” he chuckled and then sighed. “Seriously. Kole is a fucking idiot to have fumbled you. I hope the next one realizes how lucky he is.”
I frowned but pushed on with the topic. His younger sister was a talented designer and all over social media worldwide for her events and more. She was always at the forefront of fashion and—the girl had style. She was classy and honestly I was jealous of how put together she always looked.
Who better then to whip our properties into shape?
“I hope Velle appreciates what you’re doing for her,” he said as we were wrapping up. “She probably won’t, but she should.”
“How long will it take you?” I asked, holding Velle’s gaze.
“Depends on how long the list is, but I mean we know most of the usual problems. It shouldn’t be more than a week or two to get them all.
If one is someone new, we’ll just send them to you as someone who offended Thovudin and off with his head.
All good. No one’s going to care about scum over worrying you’re unhappy with us. ”
And there it was. That was exactly what I wanted her to hear. That I had the power to make people disappear to keep me as the ruler of Thovudin happy.
Because I had that much power and influence.
“You win,” she whispered after the call was over. “You win. You might be na?ve to real normal life, but I’ve been a fucking idiot guppy and I will check my pride. Thank you, Sagan.”
Wow, I didn’t see that coming.