Page 38 of Undertow
“And they are no longer the family in charge,” I finished for him, glad when others nodded. “That family was removed from leadership with the support of my grandfather. The issues—we weren’t there. But that was the last time an Alpha family mated into the royal familyand with good reason.”
“Yes, as they try to take over the power and throne,” Aunt Maple drawled, articulating my point but with more flair. “And they want you to have four or five or all of their sons trying for the same like you’re a whore.”
It tookeverythingI had to not react to that. She wasn’t wrong, but she was being a bit harsh.
Still, it worked and most of the Alphas looked properly chagrined.
“While it isn’t rare for powerful dragons to take multiple mates, it’s not our normal,” I continued. “This could be a disaster and completely shunned by the general population. So I willnotcommit to multiple mates. I won’t.” I chuffed when there were whispers. “I will not risk the monarchy being overthrown for your selfishness!”
That got a reaction and they all settled down.
“But you are willing to entertain suitors from our families?” someone from the back asked.
“Yes.” I swallowed down my rage when Elder Hardin couldn’t even hide his triumphant smirk. “With conditions that every Alpha in this room will sign with a blood oath.”
It was hard not to laugh when his smirk started to slip. He glanced around the room as if he knew someone would speak out and wouldn’t leave that alone.
“Or?” a voice said too quietly for me to lock in on whom.
Fraser snorted. “Chicken shit.”
I agreed, but I knew someone would push back. Darren had had more faith in people being honorable and at least hearing me out given the conditions were more than fair.
He stood and slammed his fists on the table. “You are all not worth—”
“Sorry, Uncle Darren,” I cut in, my quiet voice being more effective than yelling right then.
Tears filled his eyes. “You deserve so much more than—don’t let them do this to you.”
I chuckled darkly as I looked back to Hardin. “I’m sorry you had faith in the leaders and I lied that I did. I never did. I knew exactly that this was going to be a threat once the floodgate was opened by a snake who thought he held all the cards but was too stupid to realize this was how I would get rid of him.”
People had a range of reactions to my being so bold to speak directly to Hardin even if I really wasn’t.
Accusing him without accusing him.
I glanced back at Darren. “And I’m sorry I went behind your back.”
His face went pale. “Sagan, what did you do?”
“What she had to so she was protected and to show she’s the ruler instead of this sexism that everyone here is so excited for,” Treena purred. “That they will be the grandfather of the nextkingfor whom you will basically be the queen regent.”
I glanced at her. “I really wish we were a matriarchal society like wolves are.”
She snorted and glanced at me with too much swirling in her eyes. “You’re smart enough to know that’s not always the way of things.”
I snorted next and then stared out at the Alphas. “OrI unleash a hell none of you will recover from.” I smirked at Hardin before glancing at my watch. “Your father is waiting to hear from me in forty minutes, yes?”
“He’ll probably give you an hour just to be sure. Maybe confirm through the numbers in the castle he now has. Father is wise and prudent.”
“Sagan, what did you do?” Uncle Fraser whispered.
I shot him a quick glance but then looked back at Hardin. “I gave King Taryn proof of the coup. The recordings that elders were forcing me to mate to become queen.” I smirked when Hardin couldn’t hide his rage. “Also, a selection of recordings from conversations with Alphas who basically tried to strong-arm me for this meeting and shove their—”
“That’s a bit much, Princess,” one Alpha cut in as he stood.
“Well, we know who one of them is,” Aunt Maple drawled.
She was always smart like that.
