Page 31 of Dewpoint
“No.” I gave her a kind smile. “No, I promised your father that Davian would not leave your side. He only allowed this because all his faith was in Davian protecting you and watching your back. I won’t risk that or his worry.”
Davian, who was the second in command to the King of Bodach’s head of security, bowed deeply to me. “Thank you for your understanding, Your Majesty. I can speak with the kingdirectly and he will send someone out immediately to aid in this while you make other arrangements.”
“Thank you, yes. I’ll call the King of Protesia and make other arrangements.”
“He’s going to want too much for this,” Maple hedged.
“I have an idea actually,” I hedged. “I think it’s more trusting that he won’t send someone to spy, but it should also help by reminding him they’ll meet Myriam first and it could risk our new good faith.”
“Good, I’ll keep you updated,” Fraser said and then chuffed. “Shutting down any investigation because his nephew is in charge of the royal planes is beyond ridiculous and cannot be—it has to be punished harshly.”
I grunted my agreement, especially when the man had also embezzled millions of dollars that was supposed to be used for the upkeep of our planes. The neglect of maintenance and more—I had another huge fucking mess.
I glanced at Benson. “Take all of the flight teams and airport personnel into custody. Myriam can assist you on this and make sure everyone is rounded up. For now, the castle’s landing strip is closed and all flights grounded until we get someone in here to inspect and make sure everything is safe. Top to bottom.”
“Done,” he agreed, taking notes. “I’ll speak to the police chief and make sure he understands the situation. Also, we can pick up the other elder who knew.”
I snorted. “They all knew. They always are in it together.” I waved him off when he opened his mouth. “But yes, get the one who hired incompetent family for a cushy job with the royal family.”
“I’m going to send one of my best resource management specialists,” Darren said firmly. “It’s time the whole castle and anyone who works for the royal family is reinterviewed and—we’re not risking anyone else is a problem. It should happen even without this revelation.”
“Thank you. You’re absolutely right.” I felt some of the tension ease now that we had a plan at least. This was going to be a huge mess, and depending what else we learned from the reports from the crash, more charges could be added later.
But what I was looking at was damaging enough.
The King and Queen of Thovudin died in part because the plane wasn’t maintained as it should have been. The engine should have been able to withstand the direct lightning hit, but because of neglect and not updating some key components, it was catastrophic.
You wouldn’t think they could learn that from a damaged engine, but I wasn’t a specialist. And more than that, they learned a lot from the second engine that didn’t explode and could tell them enough after the crash.
I knew there was more to talk about, but I collected everything and ended the meeting. They were all shocked. I didn’t care. I just needed to… Breathe?
And try not to be upset at my parents. They were the victims, but this was also theirfault. They let this all happen right under their noses and—it could have been a plane I rode on too!
Wow, way to be selfish and make it all about you, Sagan.
“No, you’re feeling neglected and unloved, and it’s understandable to be upset that your parents didn’t protect you better,”Iris said in my head.
Maybe.
Maybe there were no right answers when it came to these sorts of situations?
I sure as fuck didn’t have any at the moment. Just more to handle and added to my plate.
8
Sagan
Onyx flinched when I cleared my throat. He glanced over and gave me a guilty look that actually made him look adorable. “I apologize. The royal family has the best libraries in all of Thovudin. They’re legendary and I couldn’t help being nosy.”
Oh right, he wasn’t allowed in here. I frowned. “I’ll have to bring that up to Benson.” I shook my head when he looked hurt. “You’re an educator and a scholar. I’m not worried about you, Onyx, but the castle shouldn’t be so open where priceless works could be ruined by petty people. Especially with how many we have coming in that I don’t trust.”
“No, you’re absolutely right.” He cleared his throat and put the book he was holding back on the shelf. “I’m sorry.”
“I’d be willing to give you access,” I hedged, realizing now I had something he wanted when I needed a favor from him.
He gave me a curious look but then frowned. “Please don’t play those games with me. I don’t want that between us.”
I was so mortified so fast that I spun away and went to leave without even thinking to continue the conversation.
