Page 47 of Dewpoint
“Well, this is a surprise,” Prince Olwen’s deep voice said as he answered the call on the second ring.
“I assume a good one given how fast you picked up,” I chuckled. “Just to warn you, Treena’s here to.”
“Hey, Olwen,” she greeted.
“Lovely to talk to you too, but go away so I can flirt with Sagan. I’ve never flirted with a queen before.”
We politely chuckled and Treena said she was going to handle something with no intention to actually do so, the others still in the room as well.
“Seriously, how are you doing? I’ve been worried sick and—”
“I’m fine,” I chuckled. “I’m always fine. It’s the royal family way.”
He sighed. Heavily. “You don’t have to be and not with me, Sagan. I wish… Fucking Kole. That piece of shit didn’t deserve you. I’m going to skin him.”
I frowned at the phone but then mentally shrugged. “Thank you, but that’s—I’m fine.”
“No one would be even if it was just a political match. And they’re pressuring you to—”
“Olwen, we talked quick when you called about learning—it’s fine,” I replied, a bit thrown off he was getting into all of this. “I was calling because I have information that you can use.”
He was quiet a moment. “We only talked briefly when I gave my condolences because you were drowning. That doesn’t mean we’re not real friends. I’ve sent messages checking in. I’m worried about you.”
I smiled. “Thank you. Truly. If you can help me with what I need, it will take something off my plate and I think it can help you too.”
“Fine, fine, always business, but seriously have me over soon. I miss you and want to see with my own eyes that you’re okay. Really.”
“We’ll see how this pans out,” I teased.
“Hit me.”
“I’m going to send you a list of names and information on very bad men who not only are doing illegal loans, but are letting people sign up others to be responsible for the debt. Demanding other collateral and ideas oftradefor them.”
“Fucking cockroaches. It never ends. It’s such a game of tossing one away and another pops up.”
“Yes, but every time you toss one away it helps your image. It sets you apart from your brother.” Olwen was second in line for the throne and people weren’t kind about it, sort of like I was learning Fraser had dealt with for my father. But Olwen didn’t want to become king either.
He simply didn’t want to be the backup. He wanted to become a minister and take on a real role in the government. He studied law and was focused on the high crime rates in Danyl.
“This is about Velle,” he sighed. “That pain in the ass is the only one you know—I thought you rightfully hated her?”
I was glad Velle kept it together, but steam was about coming out of her ears and her cheeks were so red it was funny.
“Hate is a strong word but no, we don’t get along. Myriam needs help and wanted her friend. Fine by me if we can be civil.”
“She’s so dismissive and clueless how things really work,” he drawled. “She probably thinks you’ve been shopping for queenly dresses and arranging balls since you’ve taken over. Tea parties with Alpha Mates and all the other bullshit she used to mock and I bet you’ve done none of that.”
I snorted but then did a double take that it was all over Velle’s face that Olwen was right. Wow.
Bitch.
“So I have that for you for the win, but also—your younger sister is getting flak for not doing enough for the royal family, right? I think that was the last report I heard.”
He snorted. “You mean she’s being pushed by some—yeah, all a pretty girl like her is useful for is an alliance mating. And—the news reporting that is clearly being bribed. We already know that. They’re getting paid by the royal family who wants the mating because their prince is obsessed with her. It’s gross.Beyondgross.”
I shared a look with Treena. That was important information that we would both file away later.
“Tell me you’re offering her an advisor position like Treena or something—”
