Sagan #2
Oh, and would Thovudin be open to hosting some possible ceasefire negotiations and maybe more? Because the royal families wanted to end the war, but others kept making things worse.
Yeah, we could probably make that happen.
Fiete and Idunn were having forest fires that they couldn’t get under control, so Treena got on the phone with Princess Killara and Prince Quix, who she knew well.
And on and on it went. Prince Alderic from Khirriln where I was already trying to get the embargo lifted.
Princess Makeda from Virryr basically promised her trust fund and huge accounts if we got her out of being sold by her parents as some tenth consort to a gross slob.
I didn’t know her as well as Treena but… Yeah, fine. Come help us.
Gods knew we needed it.
Princess Orchid of Milvid who I was close with said she’d help. Same with Princess Fredericka—or Freidi to her friends—from Belmyn and that she demanded a visit only to make sure I was really okay. She wanted to come with the help.
Which made a few others demand a visit to check on me as well even if it wasn’t official.
It actually warmed my heart because I hadn’t thought any of them had remotely liked me as much as Treena or—I’d been wrong. This wasn’t about me becoming queen.
They were scared for me.
It took a few days but not remotely as long as it would have for most countries. The relationships were there, and even if all of the deals weren’t done, they were solid.
So when the first call came in “suggesting” we push back the Alpha meeting again, I knew it was time to take a stand. I made it clear the meeting would happen, sending out a group message to all of the Alphas, and if they didn’t show, then I would make it clear that I didn’t think they were needed.
Or really, I already planned to do that so to prove me wrong.
Then I went and had the press conference I’d already set up.
“First of all, I want to announce that soon these outdoor, weather-affected press conferences will be a thing of the past,” I said evenly.
“After speaking with King Taryn of Bodach, I fully agree with his vision of the respectful relationship with the media. I’m sure it was on Father’s agenda for the future, but I’m moving it up, especially with the security issues we’ve had.
“There will be a separate building added onto the guard station for the press and these briefings—they call it an actual briefing room. That way press from all recognized stations can be on standby and not freezing or burning up while remaining professional. Credentials issued instead of this mob gathered at the castle’s compound gate.
I’m a fan of order and calm announcements. ”
Even the biggest assholes had nothing bad to say about that or even tried to question it. Yeah, it affected them, and no one liked being outside in our sweltering, humid heat in business attire.
“Now, as you all know, I spent very little time in Thovudin growing up.” I held up my hand to stop the questions as mouths opened. “I am speaking, and people will start behaving as they should or their press credentials will be revoked.” It was hard not to smile.
Yes, that was part of this, and I would train these fools to behave better.
“Your incorrect opinions have run rampant and it’s always amusing when people speak on topics they have no actual knowledge on,” I continued. “But today I’m going to prove a lot of you wrong.” I nodded to Toni who unveiled the large foamboard map of Thovudin.
Yes, we were so ridiculous that things like this had to be done with an easel and foamboard.
It was honestly embarrassing, and I wanted to talk to Myriam about getting more fights done so we could have the funds or—something figured out to build the briefing room.
I was never making such an important announcement like this again.
Ever.
“Several areas had undisclosed droughts and crop losses that now have led to food shortages. I won’t get into the specifics of why this happened or the intentions, but it won’t happen again because this is how a nation’s economy can be thrown into chaos.
This is how recessions can happen and we are still recovering from one.
“A huge one that no one listened to my father’s warnings about.
One that people constantly chastised him about and few admitted his bold moves helped Thovudin.
His choices softened the impact and quickened our recovery.
Every other country I have studied in teaches that.
” I nodded when people seemed surprised by that. “Bodach teaches a whole section on it.
“If anyone doubts it, contact Toni and she will provide the economics course syllabus and experts from actual textbooks where they detail King Rhys’s revolutionary moves that saved people’s homes and bank accounts.
” I stared down several people. “That’s what he was doing and fighting off all the opposition instead of focusing on elder corruption.
“Going forward, I suggest the press focus their criticisms on me and not the recently deceased former rulers who you were always unfair to. Father is the reason some of you still have jobs.” I swallowed a snort when several mouths fell open.
Yeah, I wasn’t sure why I was defending him so adamantly either. It wasn’t like he deserved it.
No, he did… On this one topic.
“As his heir—the one he trained to take his place one day and made sure had the best education possible—I learned from him firsthand what to do in a crisis,” I continued. “Especially when there is opposition to what will help Thovudin.”
I wasn’t being subtle and I absolutely meant the Alphas being pains in my ass.
“Goldenbarrow, Starhaven, Applerest, Clovergarde, Emberward, and Lunaria all have had undisclosed droughts and environmental issues that have led to crop shortages.
Shortages that will snowball and become detrimental to Thovudin if not handled now.
And no, I am not being an alarmist nor blowing this out of proportion.