Chapter 16 #2
“That’s how things should be. Transparency because I have nothing to hide, but not having anyone holding it over me like they can hold my leash or pull my strings.
Just as I can ask for your financials and inspect your areas at any time.
” I was glad I threw that in to remind them that I was the boss.
“The finer details we can work out, but that’s what I’m proposing. ”
“I think five years paid back over the next twenty years with basic savings interest and that gives us an idea how much to allocate each year going forward,” one of the Alphas suggested.
“And quarterly reports are fine after the first year. Paying you back is tedious and silly when we’re trusting you with so much, Your Highness. Have the funds at your disposal.”
I was impressed when that seemed to be accepted. “Good, thank you. I’ll even add that any Alpha can request proposed budgets and vendor lists for functions or events before they happen in case they are worried. There’s no reason any of this should be contentious.”
“None at all,” Darren agreed. “You simply want to keep it from someone micromanaging you either like they have the right to.”
Exactly.
Once that was handled, we went over details of the coronation. Since the role of the elders was cut, there wasn’t really a set way to handle it all.
“I like the suggestion of any former Alphas or their elder relatives being involved,” I admitted after listening to the back and forth, glancing at Darren.
“This isn’t a slight against age or tradition, but the snakes who cannot be rewarded for what they did.
Even any—do we have any ancients who ever served in the government? Taught law? Anything…”
“Well done, Your Highness,” one of the Alpha’s praised. “I see where your head is. Yes, we can reach out some feelers. I also like your idea that we each provide flowers or fruits from the different regions instead of the traditional white roses.”
“I’m glad you like my idea and I don’t mean to correct you, Alpha, but that is the founding way of Thovudin,” I clarified, nodding when several frowned.
“I’m a fan of history, and in the ancient texts it’s recorded that when our nation was founded, the first king was crowned among the bounty of each area.
That was the way a new king or queen took the throne. ”
“Lovely,” Treena whispered. “That’s an amazing—very symbolic and touching. I love it. You in a white gown among the bounty of your nation you will serve.”
I blinked at her. “Yes, exactly. The robes were white because it’s not about the ruler shining but the nation and we are merely the…
Tool for lack of a better word that will bring about the thriving of Thovudin.
Father said he always regretted not pushing that we return to that tradition, but Grandfather wouldn’t hear of it given what was expected. ”
“Clearly, this group needs to read up on our rich history, Your Highness,” one of the Alphas said with emotion in his voice.
“And we will see it done. Princess Treena is right and it’s a gorgeous sentiment.
I’m proud my queen wants that to be the message she gives as she is crowned.
Truly. We will always miss your parents, but you give me hope of tomorrow. ”
I felt my face flush so hot it was hard to try and keep the royal mask of not reacting in place. I thanked them and was glad we wrapped the call on that note.
“I need a moment,” Darren muttered once everything was done.
Shit. He was too smart and clearly had put some things together.
“No, it wasn’t just an accounting error or whatever line Mother gave you,” I confessed when we were alone in Father’s study. “I’m handling it all and—”
“How? How are you handling that, Sagan?” he chuffed. “How broke are you? How could they let this happen and—”
“Darren, I’ve got this,” I whispered as I rubbed his arm. “Leave it and remember Mother as your baby sister, okay?” I swallowed when pain filled his eyes. “Maybe Maple’s right.” I flinched, not having meant to say that.
“What do you mean?”
“It’s nothing.”
He grabbed my arm when I turned to leave. “Tell me.” Horror filled his eyes when I did and he let me go, shock all over his face.
Meaning he probably agreed. My parents were surrounded by snakes and drowning in too many problems, and the only way they thought to protect me from it all was if I didn’t have a connection strong enough to them to want to save their feelings.
Maybe?
I mean… I still was, so did that really work out?
Who knew? Who knew the minds of people I barely knew and were at the eye of such crazy fucking storms?
“You’re avoiding me,” a deep voice said from my right as I stepped out into the garden.
I gasped and spun to find Onyx there, rubbing my chest and taking a wobbly step back.
His eyes went wide as he reached his hand out to me. “I apologize, Princess. I didn’t mean to—I was visible through the door waiting here.”
I took another step out of his reach, hurt filling his pretty green eyes. For some reason they looked normal on Kole, but they were so pretty with Onyx’s other features. I wasn’t sure how that worked given they had the same family eyes, but it did.
“You’re upset with me,” he murmured. “That’s understandable. I just hoped you’d let me explain.”
“What?” I frowned. “I’m not upset with you. You genuinely startled me.” I studied him as confusion wafted off of him. “Why would I be upset with you?”
“What Kole told you,” he hedged.
I snorted. “He was lashing out and being…” I swallowed loudly when surprise and heat filled Onyx’s eyes. “Oh. Oh, I’m sorry I never considered that…” I cleared my throat and tried again. “I’m sorry, I feel as if I’m misunderstanding something here. You’re his uncle.”
“That has nothing to do with my desire for you as a woman.”
I was pretty sure my mind short-circuited in that moment.
Onyx Conley was ridiculously attractive and had haunted my fantasies for years as the nameless professor who had made me swoon that day.
I’d already regretted not getting his name so I could at least see him on social media if not see him again.
And he wanted me?
Suddenly.
I took another step back. “Is this—do you have an issue with Kole?”
He narrowed his eyes before his jaw ticked.
“You’ve been through too much and enemies all around you that should have been your allies, so I won’t take offense to that.
” He moved closer and lowered his voice.
“No, you’re not a toy we’re fighting over, Your Highness.
I was more than willing to step aside until I saw how he treated you. ”
“He…” I couldn’t even think to defend it.
“Clearly, this isn’t a conversation you’re ready for,” he said gently, searching my face.
“I’m sorry. This isn’t how I wanted to confess that you have haunted me since I met you.
I just couldn’t handle thinking you were avoiding me because Kole made me sound like a creeper stalking you instead of what really happened. ”
“I wasn’t avoiding you,” I heard myself whisper. “I didn’t think it was true. I’ve also been busy.”
“Of course. I’m sorry I scared you and this conversation upset you.” He moved to the side so I could escape but kept the same distance to me. “I hope we can have that conversation when you’re ready.”
“All right,” I accepted, not sure what else to say. “Thank you for understanding.”
“Your Highness?” he whispered when I was a few feet away. He waited until I looked at him over my shoulder. “I asked Vex to allow me to be the candidate from our family.”
“What?” I gasped as I spun around. “Kole will—”
“Kole should have treasured you instead of…” He adjusted his neck as power flashed in his eyes.
“Kole will never forgive you,” I muttered, not sure what else to say.
He chuckled darkly. “Vex might not either because I didn’t really ask. I told him to let me be the candidate or I would put Kole in the ground if I saw him emotionally abuse you again. And I meant it.” He bowed to me and walked away before I could reply.
Not that I had a clue how to reply.
Not one.
Wow, he really was an intense guy.
So Onyx was the candidate from Applerest and Kole was going to be separate from it all?
Great job, Sagan. Now you have eighteen men. Awesome. Be petty again and you’ll end up with double the number or something. Idiot.
Was I though? Thinking of the intensity of Onyx and the look in his eyes as he focused on me, I was pretty sure I was getting an upgrade.
And thinking that made me feel guilty no matter how Kole had been behaving. Awesome. Just what I needed.