I’d do a lot more than that and honestly tank my reputation to help her. To take some of the pressure off of her with the media.
In a heartbeat.
I talked with him a bit longer about the integrity of the media currently and the state of reporting, honestly impressed with how intelligent and easily he handled my challenging of so much. He was quick on his feet and undoubtedly deserved his role.
“It was genuinely a pleasure talking with you, and you give me hope that with the right voices in the right time slots things can turn around,” I praised him.
“Thank you, Princess, that’s high praise from you.”
“I will make sure you have my personal cell number after I speak with your segment manager again.”
He coughed for a moment. “I’m sorry?”
I chuckled, understanding what he thought. “I wasn’t asking you out. I’m saying this was productive and I’m keeping the line of communication open so the next time you have real questions for a member of the royal family,you, as a reliable and honorable member of the media, have a direct line. That’s the goal. Freeze out the problems and get back to actual news.”
But it was flattering he stumbled over himself at the idea. He was very handsome.
And amusing.
“We’ve located her, Your Highness,” the head of my security told me about ten minutes after I’d wrapped up the call. “She’s been escorted to a quiet location.”
I snorted. “She let them.” I stood and followed him, ignoring when he was frowning. I understood they would take it as an insult because they were fantastic at their jobs, but… She let them.
I wished some of them would try for jobs to protect Sagan, but I understood why a lot of private security preferred to stay private even when working for the royal family still. Being a Queen’s Guard was seen as a calling and life allegiance whereas my security could retire or change jobs when they wanted.
It was also the pressure of protecting me, but that was very different than protecting one of the most powerful leaders in the world. Still, I hoped a few did.
Even if it meant I was less secure. The company could hire more.
Sagan was at risk of snakes using her situation to her advantage. For now, I thought it smart to sneak in some private security until the situation was fixed, but Fraser didn’t think that possible.
Who would know? They didn’t have to be the visible ones. Have them in the security office and other roles.
Why did men always make things so much more complicated?
“Long time no see, Belinda,” I greeted the mystic dragon.
She barely dipped her head to me, basically saying she had no problem with me, but not what she should do given my birth. She never did, but it made the others in the room go tense.
And that was before she doubled down.
“Glad to see you’re taking your security more seriously, Maple.” She focused on the truth dragon with me. “I’m of no threat to her. You can leave us.”
I snorted but waved them off when one of them went to blast her. “It’s fine, she more than deserves her disdain for our family.I’m amused because I know reality and she could fool you and your dragon should she want.”
Belinda smirked. “You were always so much more impressive than anyone ever gave you credit for, child. It upset me.” She adjusted her neck as she stood. “And yes, I have many,manyreasons to be furious with your family. I am sorry you suffer because you loved your brother. Truly. You are one of the rare, good De la Rosas.”
“Give us the room and don’t hover to listen like normal.” I snorted again. “She’ll block you anyways. Make sure we’re not discovered and don’t cause problems in her life.”
“Yes,Your Highness,” one of them growled, his tone making it clear they respected me and Belinda should.
It amused her, and it was best Belinda was amused because she was fucking powerful. Ancients weren’t as rare as other countries thought, but she was probably the only ancient mystic dragon alive. And a female?
Oh yeah, her life was difficult to say the least. The fact I’d been able to find her…
“You came out of hiding hoping one of us would look for you, didn’t you?” I sighed when she smirked and sat when she offered. “Well played. I was proud of myself.”
She sat next and poured me tea. “Was it your idea to come looking for me to help her?” She gave me a genuine smile when I nodded. “Then still be proud, child. You have a kinder heart than your brother. You see Sagan as a loved one. He saw her as the tool to fix his failures and the vessel to keep power for your family.”
