Not that I’d taken over like they thought they could pull fast ones on me or I would be too stupid to handle something so big.
“It would make huge waves to only pick certain Alphas but would be a huge win for you if such a defining event was hosted here with all of us at your side,” Dray muttered as he handed back the letter.
I considered that for only a moment. “Hosting? Yes. All of you, no. That would make it seem like the Alphas were the main hosts and another headline you all lead me around by the nose.” I snickered when he didn’t say anything, obviously agreeing with my point or at least seeing it. “Don’t worry, Alpha, you’d be one I’d considered.”
It was his turn to snicker and I was glad he caught what I’d said.
I’d consider all the Alphas in turn to be fair.
Duh.
“Forgive me, Your Majesty, but I was informed you had foreign guests,” Belinda said as she joined us. “And as your newest advisor, we both know there is much I can ascertain about their intentions.”
It was almost amusing to see the range of shock from the tigers… But then I realized it wasn’t just them.
Except Onyxwasn’tshocked. He gave me a look that said he figured out I caught onto something and to give him a chance to explain later.
Fine, but I doubted that I would like the answer.
“Ancient, forgive my behavior,” Dray quickly said as he recovered and dipped his head.
“No need, Alpha,” Belinda said easily. “It hasn’t been announced yet, and I believe the queen is still working out the best way to do that.” She smiled at me. “I have a meeting with Toni later to talk strategy and I’ve already reached out to other ancients as you requested.”
Oh, the tigers were good at hiding their reactions because not one flinched or reacted to the big fat lie.
Except Belinda was smirking. Then I almost busted us and nodded but hurried to look away. I caught Myriam’s gaze and she gave a subtle wink. So whatever magic Belinda was doing to cover herself when she lied, she’d tested it on Myriam first.
And Belinda was obviously going to teach me. Eloise figured it out too and was so excited to finally learn more “fun” that I had to blink back tears. She was so neglected that it honestly killed me.
“I apologize, but may I ask what this is about, Your Majesty?” Dray hedged, looking nervous again.
I nodded for Belinda to go ahead, seeming to defer to the ancient’s wisdom instead of a bit confused myself. We’d not had much of a chance to talk last night since I’d just been so happy and overwhelmed.
Belinda focused on Dray with a cold gaze. “When the queen was younger, she didn’t spend summers at ‘princess summer camp enjoying frivolity’ as some buffoons ran their mouths.”
Dray. Dray was one of the loudest voices who had said that and criticized how my parents had raised me.
I loved that she got to say that and he couldn’t do a thing about it… Which he understood from the way he ground his jaw.
“She was enduring additional training by dragons like myself that too many write off or disparage because of their envy of our powers,” Belinda continued. “While the king arranged it all, Sagan was a dutiful and dedicated student who believed understanding firsthand what all dragon types were like would make her an effective leader.”
“I cannot only lead and be an advocate for the most common of us, especially when it’s a completely random decision by the gods,” I said, easily picking up the ball she’d just lobbed at me. “I learned more studying at your side than all my textbooks ever taught me.”
“And that is why you will be the finest De la Rosa ruler maybe ever,” Belinda said firmly while still keeping Dray’s gaze. “When Princess Maple came to find me at the queen’s request—you know yourself now that our queen is wise and listens toseasoned counsel. She simply didn’t have anyhonorablecounsel here.”
“So she—I apologize, Your Majesty,” he muttered, focusing on me. “You asked your aunt to find your former tutor?”
I licked my lips and thought of what to say, not sure if I was covered by Belinda’s magic. Plus… Maple deserved the credit for this. “No, my aunt put this together and I will be forever grateful to her. I made it clear my priority was finding the right support, but I was being intentionally sabotaged too often to figure out a feasible plan. She found Belinda.”
Then I laughed, shooting Belinda a look of love.
“Yes, I let Maple find me. She was rather annoyed as well. I figured you might come looking for guidance or at least know I would always shield you from those cockroaches.”
I instantly lost my mirth. “You arenotto put yourself in danger, Belinda. Not ever.” I barely controlled my anger when she clucked her tongue at me. “You are just as important. Mystic dragons aren’t common. A female making it to be ancient and with your power—Thovudinneedsyour abilities and teachings just as much as they need me.”
“This is why you will prevail, child,” she said gently, reaching out and rubbing my shoulder. “You win people over the rare times you let them see the glimpses of your heart instead of the masks you were trained to wear.”
I flinched, remembering everyone around us. Still, I patted her hand. “I would never forgive you. I’d rather send you away.”
