I chuckled darkly as everyone else in the room went tense. “I’ll show you my personal accounts when you show me yours, Alpha. Meaning I won’t. Any of this is bad is Treena’s point. Too bad as in a point of no return. I’m fixing what was broken and now before I break the people who allowed this to happen, savvy?”
“Yes, Your Highness,” he muttered. “We had no idea this was going on.”
“Oh, that’s not true of some of you,” I said firmly. “Some of you and your fathers weredirectly involvedbecause of this slight or argument. But I’m willing to wipe the slate clean when I become queen and we move forward with integrity and what’s best for the nation.”
“I’d take her offer because mine is to bepettyand start buying out your businesses thatyouare all allowed to have and then ruining you all financially,” Darren said while chuffing. “Or back your competition and destroy your income streams that somehow aren’t conflicts while you lead your areas, but they are for the royal family.”
“Idothink some of it is conflicts and I do for us too,” Alpha Vex cut in. “I always have.”
“Agreed,” I said firmly. “And I think that needs to be discussedas a wholeand we change it. Just because it’s someone’s brother or cousin doesn’t make it any less a conflict. I think there are areas we all should stay out of as leaders and those in control of so much.” I was glad when that seemed to be an easy sell. “But renting out De la Rosa properties? There’s no conflict there.”
“No, certainly not, and my cousin would be the first to try and reserve one in particular for her wedding in the winter,” he said, his eyes telling me something important.
I gave a swift nod, already having thought of that as well. “That was a suggestion and what my great-grandparents used to allow. I’m planning on hiring a business manager for that with Aunt Maple because my focus is the government. But it is ridiculous that everything comes out of our family funds and it doesn’t for all of you.”
People agreed, but there was hesitation and some back and forth.
“I apologize for cutting you off because I find that rude even if it’s my meeting and I’m the boss,” I interjected,surprising people. “Especially when it’s a reasonable, calm debate which I’m all for, but I want to clear up a misconception here.”
“Of course, Your Highness,” one of the Alphas hedged.
“I’m not talking about a blank check and it’s done,” I said firmly. “I’m proposing the past two years of security be repaid and fromtherefull transparency and receipts at monthly meetings. This isn’t trying to become the next fat cat or anything butfairness. There is a lot of age and wisdom on this call and there can be ways to do things better even.
“Someone on this call could know if the castle is being raked over the coals on purchases from farmers and let us know. Do I plan on asking permission every time we go to the store? No, that is ridiculous and none of us has the time for that. But giving a report of invoices and expenses for state functions to berepaid?
“Yes, that is what I’m talking about. That is what I want going forward, and that way it’s not people abusing the situation, but helpful information and input that we don’t have issues again. I let you know we need contractors and you know ones that can be trusted. You know who can be trusted with this and that.
“That’s how thingsshould be. Transparency because I have nothing to hide, but not having anyone holding it over me like they can hold my leash or pull my strings. Just as I can ask for your financials and inspect your areas at any time.” I was glad I threw that in to remind them that I was the boss. “The finer details we can work out, but that’s what I’m proposing.”
“I think five years paid back over the next twenty years with basic savings interest and that gives us an idea how much to allocate each year going forward,” one of the Alphas suggested. “And quarterly reports are fine after the first year. Paying youback is tedious and silly when we’re trusting you with so much, Your Highness. Have the funds at your disposal.”
I was impressed when that seemed to be accepted. “Good, thank you. I’ll even add that any Alpha can request proposed budgets and vendor lists for functions or events before they happen in case they are worried. There’s no reason any of this should be contentious.”
“None at all,” Darren agreed. “You simply want to keep it from someone micromanaging you either like they have the right to.”
Exactly.
Once that was handled, we went over details of the coronation. Since the role of the elders was cut, there wasn’t really a set way to handle it all.
“I like the suggestion of any former Alphas or their elder relatives being involved,” I admitted after listening to the back and forth, glancing at Darren. “This isn’t a slight against age or tradition, but the snakes who cannot be rewarded for what they did. Even any—do we have any ancients who ever served in the government? Taught law? Anything…”
“Well done, Your Highness,” one of the Alpha’s praised. “I see where your head is. Yes, we can reach out some feelers. I also like your idea that we each provide flowers or fruits from the different regions instead of the traditional white roses.”
“I’m glad you like my idea and I don’t mean to correct you, Alpha, but that is the founding way of Thovudin,” I clarified, nodding when several frowned. “I’m a fan of history, and in the ancient texts it’s recorded that when our nation was founded, the first king was crowned among the bounty of each area. That was the way a new king or queen took the throne.”
“Lovely,” Treena whispered. “That’s an amazing—very symbolic and touching. I love it. You in a white gown among the bounty of your nation you will serve.”
I blinked at her. “Yes, exactly. The robes were white because it’s not about the ruler shining but the nation and we are merely the… Tool for lack of a better word that will bring about the thriving of Thovudin. Father said he always regretted not pushing that we return to that tradition, but Grandfather wouldn’t hear of it given what was expected.”
“Clearly, this group needs to read up on our rich history, Your Highness,” one of the Alphas said with emotion in his voice. “And we will see it done. Princess Treena is right and it’s a gorgeous sentiment. I’m proud my queen wants that to be the message she gives as she is crowned. Truly. We will always miss your parents, but you give me hope of tomorrow.”
I felt my face flush so hot it was hard to try and keep the royal mask of not reacting in place. I thanked them and was glad we wrapped the call on that note.
“I need a moment,” Darren muttered once everything was done.
Shit. He was too smart and clearly had put some things together.
“No, it wasn’t just an accounting error or whatever line Mother gave you,” I confessed when we were alone in Father’s study. “I’m handling it all and—”
