Page 32 of Retrograde

“Yes, well, we still had access to his messages and more. People can try to put whatever spin on things they want next, but saying I would be ‘dealt with’ after birthing a boy isn’t really that vague. Either way, I know women aren’t as important as men in Thovudin, but I had thought even the most sexist would care about any ruler of our nation.

“But no, they care more about the ruler not being female instead of a planned assassination and puppeting my male child. Nothing to say if I had a girl—or a few first. So… I’m once more disappointed.” I snickered again. “People are always so demanding that I care about their opinions and none seem to understand that I’m just as disappointed in them.”

“The arraignment is this week and his parents won’t pay for an attorney.” She waited until I nodded. “A public defender then or—”

“I have no idea, June.” I chuckled when she blinked at me. “If this was the only problem or issue on my plate, that would be great, but I lead a very large nation. We have many issues, including more droughts than were originally reported, and now we have shortages in harvest in several areas. I’ve been navigating that and other economic issues.

“There’s still the issue of the police corruption in the capital. The insanity with the former high priest and the push that the new one meet with my candidates to make sure… I’m not really sure what they want him to check in on. That they’re not being abused when I didn’t have a choice in who was allowed to court me?”

“They haven’t disclosed any reasons as of yet,” she said tightly.

“Yes, well, while they try to change the narrative of their own corruption and grasp at straws like they could have power over the ruler of Thovudin through her future mate, I’m busy,” I replied as I reached over and picked up a folder. I handed it to June. “Like suing my ex-boyfriend.”

I frowned when that same cameraman choked on air and I saw Treena and her security go tense.

“Last week I understood, but you do work with June often, yes?” I asked him. “You handle breaking news all of the time—are you always this unprofessional?”

“Remove him,” Davian ordered as he and the other wolf guard blocked Treena.

Lydia, the team lead on my security most times, had the cameraman restrained and removed before June, her producer, and the other cameraman could even react… And then they all blinked at each other.

“So my security isn’t anywhere as lacking as people think,” I said with a dark chuckle. “Loraviel is a powerful shadow dragon, the son of a powerful Alpha, and well…” I spread my hands out.

“I have questions,” June whispered.

I snickered and gave her a real smile. “That is why I’m here. To answer questions.” I felt better when she let out a small but true laugh. “Yes, Princess Treena’s guards are allowed to give orders but also follow orders. If my detail had sensed something,then they would have—they work as a team to always keep the Heir of Bodach and me safe.”

She looked over at Davian. “Can I ask what you sensed?”

He waited until Treena and I both nodded. “Malice strong enough it was violent. It was at the same level of someone about to commit or committing violence, and we do not take that sort of risk. That level was unwarranted given the situation, and that’s a threat. He would have been removed even if reasonable given the queen and princess are in the room.”

“I had no idea wolves could sense that level,” June admitted. “I could tell he was upset, but—no one likes to be called out.”

“And yet you and I have called each other out and never have you given me a look that you wanted to punch me,” I reminded her. “And I stand by what I said. You have covered some of the biggest stories of Thovudin for over a decade. And how long has he worked with you?” I nodded when she didn’t answer. “How many times has he reacted like that to your interviews?”

“None before you, Your Majesty,” she accepted.

“So, I would ask a different cameraman next time,” I told her as I offered her the file again. “Back to the topic at hand.”

“You’re suing Kole Conley,” she said as she took it. “While Onyx Conley is one of your prospective mating candidates.”

“It is complicated,” I agreed when she didn’t seem to know what to say. “But he supports the move.” I nodded when she blinked at me. “He went personally to speak with Kole and Alpha Vex before I took these steps. Both men were convinced that I wouldn’t be so heartless and do this tothem. I wouldn’t risk what this could do to Thovudin.”

“But they’re wrong,” she hedged as she opened the folder and started glancing through it.

“They have a selfish view of it, but I see the damage the lies are doing to Thovudin. I’m not simply an ex-girlfriend he’s pissed at, but I’m theleaderof maybe the most powerful nationin the world. His petty grievance I kicked him to the curb doesn’t justify risking the nation’s faith in their leader when he’s lying.”

“He knew he was being recorded,” June gasped. “This is an affidavit from the person who recorded it and another friend there saying it was all faked. Kole wrote the whole speech and—this is disgusting.”

“It was always disgusting but yes, I knew it was fake the moment he doubled down and acted the victim. He did that very well in our relationship, and it was how he manipulated me—a lot of other women as well. The problem is Alpha Vex enables the disgusting behavior and that risks the future of Applerest.”

I went over some of the other proofIwas allowed to know just for this and then talked about several other things before wrapping. June wanted to get some more insight into how things worked with Princess Treena’s security and also asked to speak with Belinda.

“We ask you speak with Raquel and some of the staff,” Toni interjected, nodding when I glanced at her. “I agree with what Raquel said. People will find every stupid way to pick on you no matter how perfect you are, Your Majesty. Let those with open minds and who want the truth see it. Let them see the fun and education you brought to your home.”

“If they don’t mind being on camera. That’s not part of their jobs, and I don’t want anyone uncomfortable,” I said after a moment.

“You really are much kinder than people give you credit for,” June said, smiling at me. “I’ve interviewed a lot of people, Your Majesty. You’d be surprised how rarely they say something like that and worry about the comfort of people under them when it could benefit them.”