Page 10 of Retrograde

“Powerful message,” he muttered. “And you agree?” He chuckled when I didn’t answer. “I’ve never really thought about it. Something to think about for sure.”

He kissed my hair when the song was over and moved away, bowing to me formally. It was actually impressive given how much he’d drunk. “Reel him back in. I know the look of greed in his eyes. He likes the power you’ve given him too much and that’s a problem for you.”

Dray. He was warning me about his uncle without saying his name and betraying him.

I studied him and thought about what he said—really how to frame what I wanted to ask and give him an out.

He seemed to understand my dilemma or at least was in the mood to be extra kind. “His mate is always the answer. She keeps him grounded and he won’t—he hates to disappoint her. The biggest mistake your mother made was not making friends with her. Make her your best friend and he willneverbe a problem.”

“Why warn me?” I asked, genuinely curious.

“Because I’m not one of them,” he answered immediately and glanced up at the night. “I think I’m like her and she waskind. She was good enough to see something in an asshole like my dad. I want to—I don’t want to be like them.”

“Thanks, Ayao. Really.”

He nodded and went for his contraband. “We really could make a good team, Sagan. I wouldn’t betray you. It’s not in me.”

“Not being faithful is betrayal to me, so it’s really a fundamental difference. I’m sorry.” I thought that was the nicest way to say no to his idea now that we’d sorted out our meeting and I liked him better.

Unfortunately, he was stupid again and kept talking.

He frowned at me and snorted. “Kinda selfish that you would get other men and expect them to only have one woman forever. I really didn’t expect that of you.” He seemed to shrug it off and left with a fuckingsalutelike we were buddies.

I couldn’t even curb my reaction, my damn mouth hanging open.

“I liked him for like twenty fucking minutes,” I grumbled. “What is it with that family? Yeah, he’s totally like them.”

I still took his advice though and told Myriam to get everything on Dray’s mate and the way to have a common anything with her. She smirked and handed me a folder.

“I’m almost offended you didn’t think I’d be prepared and see what you needed. The Alpha’s getting a bit too big for his temporary power you gave him. I figured you wouldn’t want to break him again, and befriending the mate is always smart.”

“Except the one who hates my mother and now me enough to bribe guards here for dirt,” I muttered as I flipped through the file. “Extra awkward when her son is trying to mate me. Awesome mother-in-law prospect.”

I felt better when there were a few snorts in the room. Then I was thrilled when I saw what Myriam had.

“I thought you’d like that,” she teased when I chuckled. “Make it happen?”

I nodded and gave her back the folder, leaning in and kissing her hair, which shocked her. “Calling you to help me was maybe the best decision I’ve ever made in my life.”

“Oh geez, don’t gush your feelings all over me,” she growled and jumped away.

That was hysterical because yeah, I was totally emotional, but given we were both way too cold and not affectionate… It was funny.

What was in the file that I liked? Dray’s mate was ahugefan of Andra, my new designer and business partner.

Velle found me a bit later and handed me a bright white credit card that only the ultra-rich had because it had no limit. “‘Please decorate your suite already because the staff is talking and wondering if there’s a problem. You don’t have to worry and it’s all covered.’ That’s the message I’m to deliver because now I’m a carrier pigeon, not a griffin.”

“No one would ever disrespect you that way,” I said as I swallowed a sigh and took it from her, seeing my name was on it. “Please whisper back that nothing is wrong. I’mbusy.” I wiggled it around. “And yes, I didn’t have anything besides the castle’s account Raquel manages after…”

She nodded and there was pity in her eyes. “Yeah, I get you.” She reached out like she might pat my shoulder but then kind of punched it awkwardly. “And you are busy, so don’t just do whatever to get it done. Baby steps to rebuild your life and find who you are. It’s what I’m doing.” She cleared her throat and looked away. “Thanks to you.”

“Thanks for helping me so I can too,” I said quietly as she walked away knowing she would hear me. Sure enough, she gave a half wave over her shoulder.

Honestly, we were the most emotionally stunted and fucked-up group of women maybe ever.

Not Treena. She was actually mature and well-loved—well-roundedand… Well, not normal as a princess, but she knew how to handle something so minor while Myriam, Velle, and I were always weird.

“Start small, huh?” I muttered as I flipped the card around in my fingers. I headed up to my suite thinking about it and oddly enough came across several maids getting off work. I nodded when they wished me a good night but then stopped and glanced at them. “Where would you start in decorating a royal suite if you’ve never decorated anything and…”