“Also, this will be the type of regular meal at the castle going forward unless it’s a state function,” I announced when it was time for lunch. “It was the biggest thing Father was mocked for—his tone-deafness when we were still recovering from a recession.However, it was because of the elders demanding this and that.
“I will be making that clear and also that the only reason the recession wasn’t worse was the moves my father made that many chastised. If you would like back in my good graces, I would appreciate people reminding everyone of that. Father put everything into helping the people of Thovudin. Always, and that should never be forgotten.”
I was glad when people clapped for that and nodded to the staff to serve.
“Also, it’s something you would immediately be criticized for, Your Majesty,” the Alpha of Clovergarde said… While looking annoyed he couldn’t now. “Though I guess I wouldn’t have thought it something you would handle so quickly—I mean we have so many other priorities.”
“I’m quite capable of multitasking and Raquel is beyond amazing, so the five-minute meeting with her wasn’t a bother,” I replied easily, hearing what he was really trying for.
That my priorities weren’t what they should be.
I gave him my most innocent smile. “And yes, I’m aware how sexist, petty fools would have immediately painted me. A young girl unable to handle the finances of the royal family, much less a large, powerful nation like Thovudin. So while our meal budget wasn’t top of the list, making sure people stay focused on real issues always is.”
A few people snickered, hearing that I was telling him to move on and not be stupid and petty. Glad they caught on.
We worked through lunch but then had a bit of a break to stretch our legs and not be sitting all damn day. I saw Myriam run interference with Onyx and a few others.
Awesome, because I needed the break too. I could have put my jacket back on finally, but instead I went outside in the sun and stretched out my tense body.
“Would it be crazy if I told people they didn’t have to dress formally for these meetings?” I asked Darren when he joined me. “I’m not saying training clothes like me—this was making a point.”
“No, there’s nothing wrong with business casual or even casual when it’s all day and will probably be two days to start,” he said after a moment.
I nodded. “Casual as long as people are respectful and keep their heads. Sitting around in suits can’t be any more comfortable than the dresses they’ll probably expect me to be in.” I was glad when he agreed. “I think we set the calendar. Only one day today since the coronation was yesterday, but the next one is in three weeks for two days and we go from there.”
“Smart,” someone said from behind us.
I turned to find a few other Alphas and thanked them but raised an eyebrow to ask why they wanted to speak to me on the side. I was pleasantly surprised that they had female familymembers who were interested in aide positions after finding out my circle was already women.
I left the questions I could ask to poke like if they thought I would be stupid and want more men around me or… It was best to leave it alone.
“Talk to Myriam and get her their resumes and education.” I frowned when that seemed to confuse them. “Princess Treena and Myriam aren’t simply my friends. They’reincrediblywell-educated and beyond intelligent. Myriam is a genius who handles numbers and finances—it’s not a token position.”
They didn’t like hearing that it wouldn’t be a given or posh place for their family members to work, but actualwork. They’d live. Even more than that, Myriam said we needed to make it clear that we were looking for more well-educated and intelligent women who could make a difference in our government.
“You need to call Velle,” she muttered, nodding when I flinched. “Hear me out.”
“Later,” I said under my breath, noting all the people pretending like they weren’t listening in. The last time I’d seen our classmate… It hadn’t ended well. I was one of her least favorite people.
And she really wasn’t someone I liked either,butshe was ridiculously smart.
The Alphas were all invited to stay for dinner after the meeting, but most wanted to get back and had lots to do too… Or so they said. No one stormed off in a huff when we wrapped up and most were gracious as they thanked me for the kindness and getting so much done efficiently.
I noticed Vex waited to be last. “I’m sorry, but it’s going to be him or me for what happened and I didn’t do anything wrong. Not once.” I cleared my throat when my voice cracked, Vex seeming shocked too. “And no matter how your brother revealedit, he was right and Kole was emotionally abusing me. More than he even knows. He used my lack of…”
Pity filled Vex’s eyes. “Normal upbringing and socialization that we demand of our children.”
I pressed my lips together and met his gaze. “How lovely they’re allowed that instruction to then turn around and use it against others. Excuse me.”
It probably wasn’t the resolution he wanted, and there was definitely more to it when I heard Darren’s voice getting heated as I walked away. Darren didn’t want to give Vex all the files Father had gathered after Vex was so dismissive and selfish, but I thought it was important that he see the truth and how horrible Kole was to me.
We came to a compromise that Vex wouldn’t be allowed the copies of everything, but he could review it all in Father’s study with Darren.
I didn’t see that ending well, but… None of it was my fault.
“We need to get going,” Myriam said as I joined her in the family dining room.
I wasn’t eating with the Alphas. It wasn’t even being rude—Father had done it too. After being around their boss so long, they deserved a nice meal to unwind together without us around.
