Page 82 of Warrior

“There are good men being forced to fight for the Federation’s army,” I began calmly.“We are not going to kill them indiscriminately.What we need to do is discover where the president has gone.He has a larger plan working in his devious little mind, and while we’re focusing on revenge, people in the U.S.are still out there in the wild, facing hellhounds and military threats.”

“They aren’t our people,” Nokita muttered.

I turned to him, letting my eyes grow dark.He immediately glanced down and mumbled an apology.

“Humans are your people,” I said.“They are not responsible for what the Federation did to the Shadow Warriors.The Federation is amassing an even larger army and forcing civilians to fight and die or simply die if they refuse to fight.They are killing children and babies.”I knew my eyes were practically glowing now.

“They’ve proven they want to destroy us.They will eventually come here, to our shores, and put the island’s people in danger too.I would rather take the fight to them.”

My eyes traveled the room before I said my final piece.“I will go after the Federation with or without you.It will be done with as few civilian casualties as possible.”My voice rose.“I’m sick of your bickering over the small details that mean little.This is not up for discussion unless you wish to take it outside and settle it with fists.”

Beneath the table, King’s hand found mine.Then he turned to the room.“Does anyone wish to fight with my queen?”

Silence.The council sat motionless, none daring to challenge me or him.

King lifted my hand to his lips and kissed the backs of my fingers, his expression softening when he smiled.“I think you’ve got the whole queen thing down pat.”

I met his gaze with a small smile of my own.“I believe I do.”