Page 15 of Undertow
I decided to be bold like her, slapping on my fakest smile as I faced Hardin. “You’re clearly a bit too overwhelmed and emotional to carry out your duties. It’s understandable, but you’re dismissed for the rest of the day. Tomorrow is the funeral and we all need to be at our best and show aunited frontto the world.”
He actually chuffed at me but tried to curb it when people reacted.
“Clearly, I’m making the right call and you’re out of sorts, Elder,” I added, letting him see in my eyes that I was mocking him. “A few days after the funeral as well. I’d say a few weeks, but we both know you won’t obey me and excuse yourself from the meeting with the Alphas.”
“Something else not to forget,” Treena purred. She simply stared him down as if daring him to speak to her out of line or start a problem.
“I appreciate your care and loyalty to those you rely on in this difficult time, Your Highness,” he said to me.
I blinked at him. “I have never relied on you, Elder. On the contrary, you’ve made this all more difficult on me. So please,get yourself sorted so you might be of use to me and the crown.” I turned away and led Treena towards where we were going.
While ignoring when Hardin chuffed at me again.
“So he’s the first we’re getting rid of?” Treena asked me under her breath when we were in the family residence wing and alone with our party.
“There’s a list it seems, and I’ve already managed to get a bunch of them under review, but I’m fairly sure that was Hardin’s plan.”
“How so?” Uncle Darren hedged, tension coming off of him in waves.
“Let’s get to the dining room,” I muttered, knowing there was something else to handle first. I waited until our small party was in the dining room that was sealed up with magic and more before turning and deeply bowing to one of Treena’s party.
Which shocked the shit out of Uncle Darren, Benson, and my other guards.
However, King Taryn—Treena’s father—was amused, letting out a slight chuckle. “You are as impressive as my daughter has told me, Princess. I understand the pride your father had whenever he spoke of you.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty, and you honor me by coming to my home,” I replied as I lifted my head.
“I’m not even going to ask how, but your senses and always noting so much—it would make me jealous if I didn’t love you,” Treena muttered. “And don’t be mad at me.”
“Not at all,” I promised as I kept King Taryn’s gaze while others now greeted him as they should. “You love her and this isn’t easy. It wasn’t going to be easy, but now with my parents gone, you’re terrified to continue with the plan. I understand andshareyour concerns. I will forever be grateful you still allowed this.”
Benson cleared his throat. “Your Majesty, Princess Sagan doesn’t speak just pretty words. There have been adjustments to the original plan and she made it clear that we’re open to more.”
“Oh?” King Taryn hedged as he accepted the folder from Benson of what I’d worked up. He couldn’t hide his surprise but then met my gaze, hesitation in his eyes. “You will ruffle more than a few feathers with this.”
The smile I gave him was genuine even if it wasn’t much. It was all I could muster, but I hoped he knew it was a real one. “I love her too. I need her. I need… I wasn’t ready for an immediate coup and threats to only allow me to be queen if I matedfourmen they picked for me like I’m a mare.”
“Yes, and I doubt it’s the last way you will be pushed and tested. I experienced a lot of the same when I took over and my father simply retired when I was ready. People—you have battles in front of you.”
“What did you allow, Sagan?” Treena asked, glancing between us.
“Your private guards, not just a detail on you always, but reserves to be integrated with our security,” I told her. “Five will work under Benson at all times with our other details plus your detail of however many you both feel keeps you safe. Also, your own staff.” I met her shocked gaze. “I will keep you safe, Treena. You’re more than my best friend.”
“Well done,” Darren praised. He reached over to shake the king’s hand, surprising everyone. “You’re not here officially. You’re here as a loving father and as an uncle who only cares about his niece in all of this, I hope we can be allies and keep communication open.”
King Taryn studied him before shaking his hand. “You’re the main reason any of this alliance ever happened besides Sagan. Your companies treat our people fairly and none of this species nonsense. Knowing you felt that way, no matter what wereceived in reports from this government, gave me hope to deal with your sister. She was a wondrous woman.”
“She was,” Darren agreed, clearing his throat. “I’m glad you understand that I truly feel that way, and any who works for me adheres to the same values. If not, I want to know. Immediately.”
“As any good leader should,” he praised before focusing back on me. “Now that you figured it out, we can have some quick, frank discussions even if I’m not really here. If you’re open to it.”
Treena cleared her throat. “Father was forced to mate my mother and take two concubines. Even if they fell in love and the concubines were for show—let him help, Sagan.”
“I will always take valued advice, but we’ve started on a plan,” I told them as I moved to take our seats, leaving the head of the table for King Taryn.
Which impressed him again.
As we ate, I filled them in on what had happened so far, probably being a bit more candid with another king than Darren or Benson were comfortable with. I didn’t answer to them, but I decided to address it.
