Page 34 of Dewpoint
“I cannot comment on any of that, but I’m not worried for my safety at the moment,” I answered carefully.
“Glad you have Myriam Metcalf watching your back. You need someone who lives in the gray right now if you are to survive,” he muttered, sounding like he didn’t like to comment on it.
“She’s not her father, and I’m not as… I’m not mine,” I offered. I had some snide comments that I couldn’t be as principled since I didn’t have the option to leave my mess for others to clean up.
“No, but even if I hate the Metcalfs exist, we know they’re a necessary evil to keep worse problems at bay.”
I snorted, completely agreeing. “I did make it clear that he should clean up his image a bit to earn this favor to his familythat I would have Myriam as an aide instead of him being stupid and thinking to use the connection. Especially when we were working to be allies. I think he’s smart enough to have heard me.”
“Still…” He sighed. “Word has it you have security for Princess Treena. Would you be opposed to a few of our royal protection to be assigned to protect Myriam?”
Warning bells went off given what I needed Myriam for, but then also an idea quickly formed. “I would need them not to watch her too closely. I currently have her in an investigation where she needs to slip in and out of the castle. Probably more of them down the road as well.”
“Of course. You’re smart enough to utilize her. Honestly, I wish I had the same,” he grumbled.
“But yes, and I would like to work towards sending a dragon aide for you as well. That’s the vision Father saw for all of us instead of this division and never trusting each other.” I let out a slow breath. “His reign is over.Iwould like those of us with the elder systems gone to have aides of our own working in our circles. It was the goal of my education in different countries.”
“I would be more than interested,” he practically purred.
Mostly because a dragon at his side meant his family would be ridiculously protected. Tigers were great, but we turned into huge semis. We were beyond lethal.
Now on to the idea that had formed. “Onyx Conley isn’t just the younger brother of Alpha Vex, but he will be announced as one of my mating candidates.”
“Oh, that’s already all over,” he drawled. “I believe he’s making it clear he’s staking his claim. I can only imagine the popcorn I would need to hear how that all played out.”
“Glad my life is a drama people want to watch,” I let slip out before I caught myself. “I would like to send some of the Queen’sGuard with him. Not to spy or report anything but given—” I swallowed loudly when he burst out laughing.
He really was smart.
“Yeah, I’ll make sure they’re checked out and who they’re loyal to, Sagan. I figured some were in the pockets of elders. It’s why we did away with our system. Corrupt old fuckers. Seriously, greedy fat cats who—I’ll take that favor later. Nothing big because—this will be fun.”
Glad to amuse him, and as much as I didn’t like owing him a favor, this was something needed.
And shockingly enough, Benson agreed. I think the blinders truly and fully came off.
We did also warn Onyx who we were sending him with so he didn’t worry. I was glad he agreed to immediately go so we had help.
What I didn’t expect were the guards we were sending to basically throw a fit.
“This isn’t up for debate,” Benson chuffed. “It’s an order from yourqueenwho you serve, or do you work for someone else?”
Yes, yes, they did. Everyone there could see it plainly.
We were in so much trouble. Really, we were.
However, it was nice to be on the same page with Benson finally and getting things moving in the right direction. So of course, something else had to come up and fuck everything up and upset me so badly that my eye started twitching.
“I’m going to need to start flying every day,” I grumbled under my breath before walking off.
I wasn’t really joking, and I didn’t know how to handle this. I moved on to something else and thanked Raquel when she brought my lunch personally to Father’s study and came to check on me.
“When you’re ready, we should talk about changes in here,” she said gently. “I know you’re still thinking about it as the king’s study, and just as it held him back from his role, it will you as well, Your Majesty.”
I let out a slow breath. “Thank you, but I’m not ready.” I glanced around and shook my head. “I’m just not.”
She moved her hand to my arm and gave a squeeze. “I’m proud of you for admitting that. Prince Fraser asked me to bring it up when we spoke and to remind you that you have a rather large castle. Leave this and your memories of it alone and make a new study of your own then.” She gave me a knowing look. “You can find the funds for that now.”
Oh boy. Just how much did she know?
