My mouth fell open as he completely laid out the truth of Elira, giving his own testimony of how petty and childish he found her over the years. How he’d seen her jealousy and she basically shit all over the goodwill and care my parents had given her. Her lies from the original story that I’d pushed her she’d spread to many after all to try and take my place and it was grossly obvious.
And if anyone still doubted it, they were a fool given she immediately fixated on seducing my lover even when I had been trying to dump him for a while before my parents’ death because of his affairs. He said the king had proof, and with my agreement had tried to end the relationship, but Kole had refused and, Joris believed, threatened me.
“Did he threaten you with anything?” Darren checked when we got to that part.
“No, he’s lying and taking a huge risk,” I answered.
“He’s showing he’s on the team and wow,” Treena whispered. “Seriously, how good are you in bed?”
“Uncle here,” Darren sighed, giving her an annoyed look.
I seconded that.
Really, Treena?
I forgave it when I saw she was tired too and we focused back on the statement.
Joris gave some of the other priests a way out and thought that they might be trying to mitigate the high priest’s madness but was starting to doubt that when a few had contacted him to pressure him to speak with me about forgiving elders and allowing them to return to their positions.
So basically, get on my team fast or get run over by this.
He’d hoped that this idea of the priests counseling prospective mating candidates was toprotect megiven the Alphas and their families held a lot of power and sway. That was difficult for me and it worried him. No matter what I did, people tore into me even when I did something so basic as flying around my home.
No one gave me an ounce of compassion or consideration until he saw how the castle staff worried for me and showed him the video, so he knew I wasn’t what people said. They wanted me happy and loved and worried that what the media and others said to slander me would influence the first mating candidate, so someone quietly showed him.
And while it was meant to be quiet, as a man of deep faith he couldn’t keep it to himself. So while he hoped I forgave him and the person who showed him, he was also sure this was the right move. The whole point in getting to know single men from the different families was to find a potential mate.
That meant someone who would stand at my side and be mypartner, not just someone who wanted the title and luxuries of being a prince. It meant someone who would fight for me and be the mate I needed not selfish or greedy like other men in my life had been.
“Ohdayumn,” I chuckled when I read that part, clearing my throat when Darren gave me a shocked look. Treena just snorted and nodded.
There were more and more details, but basically he was leading the charge to get the high priest tossed out. He wanteda righteous leader for our temples and sanity to return to Thovudin instead of the madness that had been leaking into all areas since my father had died. And he hoped others supported him and joined him in the movement.
“Yeah, he’s definitely getting laid again,” I muttered as I read the end.
Darren choked on his drink, but honestly… It was true and Treena and I had needed the laugh.
14
Sagan
“Congratulations on your victory over the high priest,” Ayao Hamdan, nephew of the Alpha of Jade Creek, said as we sat down Sunday afternoon for his introduction meeting. He snorted. “Or should I say Joris Visser’s?”
In truth, both of our stocks had risen. Joris was seen as the too passive son of Wildcairn’s Alpha, but now people were saying that he was simply prudent and knew not to flex his father’s power unlike other Alpha Heirs. That he’d waited until it was something he felt passionate about and the right time to use his power and authority.
Especially when he was involved in the temple and knowledgeable about the situation. Basically, he was being praised as a wise and prudent future leader of our generation instead of being like too many trying to flex they were Alpha. Being smart was better than bold, and physical strength didn’t always translate to the strength of a region.
Iwas actually being praised for kicking the situation to him even if I hadn’t said I did… And I hadn’t.
Well, not consciously. Apparently, I had said something mostly asleep once we were done with sex but before he’d carried me back to my suite. To say I’d about fallen over to learn that was an understatement. Joris had gone to Toni, the new PR manageron my team who didn’t even officially start until Monday, and worked this all out.
She was less than thrilled to find out it was all without my knowledge, but I was glad at least Joris hadn’t completely gone off on his own. He’d talked to Myriam, and even Velle had been involved to help.
Glad she would since I’d kept up my end of the deal.
But I was being praised for knowing when to delegate at such a young age and also taking this “competition” seriously to find a true partner and mate instead of being frivolous. Or a slut with my body as had previously been reported.
Again, they were all assuming I’d given permission, but I hadn’t, nor did I say I had but whatever. Nice press for a change was refreshing.
