“That’s good for the humans. Doesn’t matter to us. I appreciate the update.”
I end the call with Lady Sharog, then meet with a few other orcs. President Highton’s speech was given to his nation, but it was a public broadcast, and there’s some unrest in Uzrirgard because of what he said. I’ve released statements addressing his lies, which seems to have helped, but most citizens are still nervous about the prospect of war.
I notice Clover has been writing things down while I’ve been talking to the other orcs, so I glance over to see what she’s working on.
“Are you taking notes, little human girl?” I chuckle, sipping my coffee.
“No, just thinking about what I’m going to say tonight,” she replies. “I want to tell the truth. I just don’t want to say something that will make things worse.”
“I have a few talking points for you,” I say, searching through my documents until I find the one that was sent over by the Lords and Ladies. “I’ll print it for you.”
I look over the document once it’s printed and cross out a few things. She needs to speak from the heart, and there’s no reason to squeeze in any other orc agendas. Focusing on the current crisis is the best option.
“There, I think those are the important things you should touch on,” I say, handing her the paper. “But it’s ultimately up to you. I’d prefer if you hit the talking points, but if something feels wrong about one of them, don’t feel obligated. It’ll be more effective if it doesn’t sound like you’re reading a script.”
Clover quickly scans the document and nods. “I think I can work most of this in.”
“Good. Spend the rest of the day working on it,” I tell her. “I’m going to make a few more calls so that everything will be ready when it’s time for you to go live.”
“Will you let me do a few practice runs with you beforehand?” she requests apprehensively. “Just us? I think I’ll be less nervous if I know you approve of it.”
“Yes, that’s perfectly fine,” I answer gently, patting her hand, mine lingering longer than it should. Gently? Me?
After several more calls and a quick meeting with the war council, we’re set for Clover’s speech. Our engineers will hack the television broadcast. She’ll be on every station at the same time. If someone has their television on, they’re going to hear what she has to say.
I just hope the truth is as effective as she believes it will be.
If it isn’t, peace may no longer be an option.
CHAPTER 27
Clover
I’ve spent all day writing down my thoughts and trying to organize them into something coherent.
There are pages scattered across King Lix’tuk’s desk, half of them covered in crossed-out sentences and words we decided sounded too angry, too weak, or too much like begging. My hand aches from holding the pen, but I keep writing anyway.
I’ve never given a speech before. That’s essentially what this is going to be. I want to speak from the heart, but I don’t want to leave anything important out. There’s so much to say, but not all of it matters tonight. King Lix’tuk helps me trim a few things so I can get to the important points faster. He doesn’t soften my words. If anything, he cuts away the parts where I try to make myself smaller.
The war council arrives with updates on Concord City. Things haven’t gotten any better. Humans are still protesting and calling for blood. President Highton seems eager to let them findout how easily it can be spilled. If his objective was to work his people into a frenzy so he could start a war, he has their support.
People who have never met me are willing to die in my name. I hope that means they’ll listen to what I have to say.
But first, I have to get ready. I brush my fingers across several dresses, trying to decide on the right one. I’m starting to care more about my looks. I doubt I will ever become vain, but I like wearing pretty dresses and styling my hair in intricate braids. I like it even more when King Lix’tuk notices.
I’m standing in front of a mirror, smoothing a purple satin dress along my midsection when his heavy footsteps approach. I glance back as he walks into the room.
“Are you almost ready?” he asks, looking me over with a nod that seems to indicate he’s pleased.
“Yeah, I think so,” I say, turning around.
“I’ll come get you when it’s time,” he speaks quietly, his dark gaze lingering long enough for me to blush before turning away.
“Okay,” I say, smiling a little as he walks out of the room.
When it’s almost time for me to go live, King Lix’tuk escorts me to a room in the East Wing. I’ve never been inside it before, but there’s a podium with cameras facing it and enough seating for two dozen orcs.
“Is the entire war council going to be in the room during it?” I ask apprehensively.
