“Really?”
Evie gives her a smile of understanding. “Yes. Mia and I came from small shifter villages much like yours, but Layla lived in the city, and again wasn’t from the acceptable social circles.”
“My father is a professor at the university, and my mother is a hairdresser. Both still live in the city in the house I grew up in. I tried to convince them to move into the palace, but they decided they were happier where they were. We still see them regularly. I’ll introduce you to them next time they are here for a visit,” she tells us.
“None of us are stupid, but we blindly trusted the council, thinking they had our best interests at heart, and while Emmett and Audrey do, the others made it clear very quickly that they are only out for their own gain, but by then, it was too late. We learned how to deal with them through sheer stubbornness.”
“So how does it work? How do I appoint a new council?” I lean forward, eager to hear the answer.
“You can announce that the positions are open and ask for applications, or you can ask people you trust to be on your council.”
Before I can ask Lucas another question, the door slams open, and Gracelin hurries in, taking a seat and breathing heavily like she’s been running. “Sorry I’m late. Archie had a tantrum when he wasn’t allowed to have breakfast with you. It took me this long to get him to calm down and off to school.”
I smile as she speaks. “Does he go to school in the palace? Like, does he have tutors?”
She shakes her head, laughing. “No. He goes to one of the local elementary schools. The social interaction with other kids is good for him, since he gets spoiled by all the attention from his grandparents and the palace staff.” She mockingly glares at her parents, but I can tell she isn’t upset.
“Smartest kid in the whole school,” Lucas boasts, and I can’t stop my own smile. He reminds me of my grandpa, except, you know, he looks forty and is hot.
“Now, did I hear you telling Colbie about those assholes on the council? I can’t believe they crashed breakfast. I’m so glad Archie was hungry early this morning and had breakfast with his nanny. Could you imagine if he talked about Colbie being his sidepiece and said something to Councilor Mason while his wife was there?” Her cheeks pinken as she laughs awkwardly.
“I would have paid to see something like that.” Lucas slaps his hand on the table, laughing wholeheartedly.
“We were just telling Colbie that she doesn’t have to accept the council in its entirety or any at all really, but we suggested she keep Emmett and Audrey, since they do have the shifter nation as a whole in their best interest,” Layla explains, and their daughter nods.
“Yes, both of them have been assets, even when they haven’t always agreed with decisions you’ve made. The rest of them are a waste of space, only out for their own interests. I agree, you should get rid of them, and they certainly don’t usually come for breakfast. That was them flexing their proverbial muscles.”
“But I don’t know any shifters. What if I get rid of them and the ones who apply are worse than the ones who are already in the positions?”
“Dad and the moms will guide you,” she says, but then smirks. “Or you could ask all four of them to fill the vacant roles,” she suggests, and I feel a glimmer of hope.
“I can do that?” I look at the four rulers who are staying suspiciously quiet on the subject.
“Yes…” Lucas sounds reluctant to answer, and then I realize something.
“Oh, you are probably looking forward to your retirement, right? I’m sure you have better things to do than spend the next forty years advising me.” I feel a pang of disappointment, but I completely understand. I’ll probably feel the same way when it’s my turn to retire.
Mia scoffs. “Are you kidding? It doesn’t look like either of our other two children are going to give us grandchildren anytime soon, and the thought of being idle makes my skin crawl, but we didn’t want to influence you in any way. This needs to be a decision you make yourself. Personally, I would be happy to join the council, and it isn’t uncommon. Emmett is a past king, and Audrey is one of his queens. The other three decided they were happy with their hobbies, but those two have always enjoyed the political intrigue that comes along with being on the council, and their vast knowledge and contacts are invaluable. They also coordinate the liaisons for the other kingdoms. You will meet them at the coronation. Each kingdom has an ambassador who lives in the palace. They are mostly figureheads, but they help with any problems we may have with any fae, witch, or vampire who visits our land.”
“They weren’t at the ball last night?” I ask, unable to recall being introduced to anyone other than shifters.
“No. Our retirement is also a chance for other kingdoms to appoint new ambassadors. They will be presented by the rulers at the coronation when they come to pay homage to the new shifter queen,” Lucas answers, leaning back in his chair. “I, too, would be happy to be on the council if that is your wish.” His eyes sparkle with excitement, even though he keeps his expression neutral.
Evie wrinkles her nose. “I mean, I guess we could be persuaded to join the council. What do you think, Layla? Ready to commit another forty years to the shifter nation?”
Layla sighs heavily. “I don’t know if it would be a good idea for all four of us to be on the council. The public might consider it manipulation if all four of us are on it. I think Mia and Lucas should, and you should choose two others. Evie and I will always be around to give advice.”
“Yay! That means you won’t have to move out of the palace and our family can stay together,” Gracelin cheers.
“Of course, I’m sorry, I never thought about it in that way. You and Gretchin will be staying since you will be my secretary and advisor, and her my bodyguard, but your parents would have left. That was thoughtless of me. I don’t like the idea of splitting a family apart,” I apologize, thinking back to the snide remark from the council about me not having any family or mates yet that they know of—not that I would like my mother here, and I am super thankful she’s still human. I wonder what happened to Lucas’s family
She shakes her head. “It isn’t a big deal. Their new home wasn’t going to be too far away, but I know this will make Archie happy.”
“What will the two of you do?” Violet asks the two queens, sounding curious.
“Nag Gracelin for more grandchildren.” Evie grins at her daughter who rolls her eyes.
“It isn’t like we’re aren’t actively trying,” she grumbles, and Lucas grimaces while his wives laugh at him.
