8 #2
It was also why Father—and too many—were biased against those from Fiete.
While most animal-type shifters didn’t have any features of their species in person form, warthogs had small tusks on their lower jaw that were visible.
Pointier ears than most as well and maybe a type of piggish nose, but like… So what?
It was so fucking petty that people clocked it or made it a thing. It truly always seemed so crass and it was something I couldn’t hide that I judged Father for in private.
“I came to your father with—how do you say it there? My hat in my hands? Yes, I think it that.” She went on when I confirmed that was a common phrase and I understood it.
“The past two years in the end of summer when the heat was too high and the air too dry.
The fires got out of control too fast and we were powerless to stop them.
“Years ago, it was hints. Offers of trade when the global ecosystems started to shift and these problems affected many of us. But these last years, I even begged. He said there was nothing Thovudin could do for a country halfway across the world that didn’t have any impact on his people.
Lives were lost and that was his answer. ”
I swallowed loudly. “As his daughter, I would apologize, but we both know I can’t.”
“No, but I like you better for admitting that and I thank you. The guilt is not yours. Never carry his sins. You will as I did, but do not.” She let out a shaky breath. “We carry an extra burden in this world being queen rulers and you have saved my people from a pain that we have been suffering.
“So to show you—and maybe your father that I am not what he accused me of—I hope you accept my gift for the intended symbol of ongoing friendship I mean it to be. I want peace, but more than that, I want a sister queen ruler to have more support than I did. I was an island besides the sirens trying to help, but my father destroyed that relationship.”
It was hard not to snort. Ours was in tatters as well.
“And your country—the madness of your media and the way your people are treating you… I’m sorry. I’m sorry you are suffering, Sagan. You don’t deserve what we suffer. Hear it from someone who has suffered it too.”
I think that was maybe what I needed to hear more than anything and I let out a shuddering breath, nodding even if she couldn’t see it. “Thank you.”
“So my real gift to you, female leader to female leader, is a win. Tell me what troubles you have so that I may give you the best assistance.”
I ran my tongue over my teeth and tried to control my temper. “I may be young and new to ruling on the world’s stage, but I’m not an idiot. You’re not the first to frame helping me as the way to private details from me. But thank you for letting me know how you truly feel about me.”
There was a long pause and she burst out laughing. I almost hung up, but she got enough air in her lungs to ask me to wait before she lost it all over again.
I was losing patience fast though.
“I did frame it that way and it’s truly my mistake,” she accepted.
“No, you are no one’s fool. That—I am the fool to think we could drop the masks that low on our first chat.
Oh, I am sorry. That is the nicest way anyone has ever told me to pound sand.
That—” She chuckled and then let out an amused noise.
“Then please rephrase to what you meant,” I offered, still tense.
“I know of many of the problems you face, Sagan,” she said easily.
“Not even just Thovudin, but the ones we all face. I’m asking what your priorities are.
What would be a win for you versus others.
Not simply what could help Thovudin—I heard about the food shortages you will have because of Alphas hiding things from you. I know what you face.”
Then it clicked. “You’re asking how to help in a way that’s actually helpful instead of someone else being able to intercept it like the temple tried to with my mating contest.”
“Yes, and that disgusting display from them and your leaders is a conversation for another time,” she bit out.
“And we’re pigs.” She snorted. “I have two decades of ruling on you. Let me lend you my wisdom. You were bold in sending help and that leap of faith needs to be rewarded. Boldness is how you will make it through your challenges. Remember that.”
I sighed and told her that distributing food was the problem. It wasn’t going to be a secret anyway, and I was working to have the temples’ food pantries inspected and worked on so we could.
“Good. I understand. Then I will leave you to it and help in another avenue. You will not regret being bold and taking this chance at making friends with us. And I will not forget it.”
I had no idea what that meant, but it was clear she didn’t have an answer to give me yet.
It wasn’t until my interview with June that it made sense. The producer actually interrupted what we were discussing—waiting until June went to speak of course.
But we still both looked at her like she’d lost her mind.
“I’m sorry, Your Majesty, but there’s breaking news and our bosses know we’re here,” she muttered, her face flushed all the shades of red. “I’m being flooded with demands to get your reaction and a response. Plus, I have a feeling you are going to want to see this.”
“Fine, but the agreement was clear that everything was decided beforehand and none of this ‘gotcha moment’ bull,” Toni grumbled as she pulled out her tablet. Her eyes went wider than I thought possible before she slowly looked up at me. “Your Majesty, did you speak with Queen Rani of Fiete?”
“Did she say that?” I asked instead.
“Publicly,” she whispered. “And that she called you personally.” She handed me her tablet, and while her hand was steady, it was clear that she was gobsmacked with what was going on.
“I thought you were going to talk to Killara?” Treena muttered.
I gave a half shrug and a look we could discuss it later. Then I tapped play on the tablet.
“I would like to thank all of the citizens of Thovudin for their support in this matter, not just the water dragons who flew to Fiete and helped us,” Queen Rani said to her media.
“But mostly, I thank Queen Sagan. It takes a bold, brave ruler to change direction for their nation and she is both.
I personally called her earlier today to convey my thanks and tell her that.