Page 33 of Undertow
Uncle Fraser went off-script as well and stood. “We fully support the changes Sagan will be making going forward—changes that revert back to—staying in the castle is aprivilege, not a given. This is our family castle, herhome, not a government building.”
“Yes, we couldn’t stay in the royal suites because they were occupied, and when we brought it up, we were called a variety of names including spoiled,” Aunt Maple practically purred. “Funny since all of the elders have residences in Nerthus. It’srequiredthat they have a residence in the capital since they come from all different territories.”
“And why wouldwewhen this is our family home?” Fraser took back over. “So yes, we support Sagan’s decision to revert back to certain traditions after the elders ridiculously abused theprivilegeour brother allowed them. Planned to abuseher, joking they could with such easy access to her and it would be no problem to puppet her mates as well.”
It was a fairly good mic-drop moment, especially given how many of the Alphas were already combing transcripts and more.
I opened my mouth to take over the meeting and thank my family for the support, but the Alpha of Jade Creek was faster.
“What we witnessed of the crimes they committed against Princess Sagan was beyond upsetting and I think we all agree that our eyes were opened. Clearly, there has been too muchcorruption festering under the surface during good times and fat cats need to be checked—took off their masks when they saw the chance.”
It was a relief that many agreed.
“However, it was also upsetting that they were so certain their choices would fall in line. It didn’t seem random or as innocent as—I’m not pointing fingers, but I’m—”
“It sounds like you are,” one of the Alphas who had a family member chosen by the elders snapped. “My son is just as young as Sagan. That’s the only reason they picked him.”
Bullshit. That could be what he said—maybe even believed—but his son was a dog who would do just about anything for power.
I watched as the Alphas argued about how far the elders took things but also that people named weren’t as innocent as they said. I had warned those with me to stay quiet and let this play out. I could hear a few of them chuffing at how I was being talked about like I wasn’t even there, but I kept calm, more than ready for this.
It went on and on, several making it clear that if the elders behaved like this, assumed I was too young and would be easily controlled, so would others. And that was dangerous.
Sure it was.
Oh,sure, that was their reasoning and not that they wanted their family member mated into the royal family. They weren’t selfish for the perks about it.
It went on a good twenty minutes before someone chuckled and then several Alphas went quiet. There were some shared looks and then a few more chuckles or snorts before one near the middle, the Alpha of Selka, stood and dipped his head to me.
“I apologize, Your Highness. Nothing about this is funny, but you are truly your father’s daughter. Some of us finallyrealized you were doing exactly what he did many times. Especially the first time he met with all of the ruling Alphas.”
“Oh? Do tell,” I inquired as I raised an eyebrow.
The Alpha of Duskridge snorted and stood. “He sat there and let some of us—or our fathers—argue and tire ourselves out so we could have an intelligent conversation instead of one full of pride or bluster.”
“Canthere be any sort of intelligent conversation from what all was just said?” I purred as I tapped my finger on the table. “Really? You think so?” I chuckled darkly as a few Alphas exchanged looks. “Talking about me as if I’m a whore or broodmare? You think anythingintelligentcan come fromthat?”
The Alpha of Duskridge cleared his throat. “Yes, well, we went—”
“Yes, you all did, and clearly it wasn’t evenremotelylike the first conversation you or your fathers had with mine. And more importantly, you all just went off on your own when this meeting wasn’t even called about this topic,” I informed them, smirking when the tension shot up.
A different Alpha coughed and stood. “We all agreed that matters shouldn’t be left alone no matter the situation and—”
“Of course not, but my mating and your greed to have your bloodline be the nextkingwasn’t ever what I was talking about, Alpha,” I informed them, pulling the rug out from under all of them. “I’m sorry you had your assumptions, but I didn’t say that, did I?” It was hard not to snicker when several mouths fell open. “Sit.”
Treena coughed to cover her amusement when the three Alphas immediately did.
“That was your one pass at insanity like I gave the elders and it will be your last or I will handle itas my father would have,” I warned them.
The Alpha of Applerest—who was actually Kole’s father and my closest ally—dipped his head to me. “I know you are much better educated on court protocols than any give you credit for, Your Highness, but you never did attend one of these meetings. I think everyone here would wonder if you know what your father would have done.”
I met his gaze and couldn’t hide my amusement. “I have actually even if I was too little to see much at the time, Alpha. And yes, I then watched Father beat the Alpha in all three forms for stepping out of line. Also, the heavy fine any of you pay for…”
“Being too stupid to control yourselves,” Uncle Fraser finished for me, his voice cracking. “Best addition to the meetings Rhys added. Even Father loved it.”
I was glad he said that when all of the Alphas nodded or muttered in agreement. I kept my focus on Kole’s dad though. “So yes, I know what I just said, but thank you for checking so respectfully.”
He opened his mouth but then slowly closed it, glancing from Fraser to Darren, and then his head swung to Benson. “They’re amused.”
