Page 78 of Retrograde

“He did and honored them, especially when one of us was in trouble,” Dray of all people said, backing me up. He gave a half shrug when several people gave him shocked looks. “I was wrong about her. I’m impressed. Since this goes no further, she’s more impressive than Rhys. Smarter too. I’m on board.”

“Sure you are, Dray,” someone muttered.

He ignored them and met my gaze. “I’m never going to be a loyal lackey or pet, but I’m on the team. I’ve seen—I heard a few of the deals and you are impressive, Your Majesty. You are the future I want for our nation, and I will figure out a way to deal with my sexist tendencies.”

“I hope so, Alpha, because you are an asset and I think you are what’s best for Jade Creek.” I glanced around. “I don’t think the same about some of you for your areas, so don’t test me. I know you still will, but I want to hear you all acknowledge it will cost you yourlifeand you at least believe Fraser will take your head if you let this leak.”

Maple snorted. “They won’t believe us weak females will.”

I gave her an amused look but left it alone, glad when the Alphas all acknowledged it in turn.

I looked at them again one by one. “You did this to yourselves. Pressuring Darren to get me in line that I’ll mate multiple prospects?” I ignored when Darren swore under his breath. “Too bad some of them are fucking idiots and run their mouthsin my castle.”

I snorted when they couldn’t hide their shock that I swore but also were confused.

“Several have been overheard by us, staff, and evenvisitorslike June with the media that they simply have to be one of the final five or six and will be the queen’s mate,” Fraser explained while chuffing. “That it’s basically a waiting game to just let others fuck up and the ones who don’t after three years or whatever will be princes because Sagan hasno other fucking choice.”

I smirked out at the Alphas. “I always have a choice, and the prospective candidates you sent me aren’t even my best options. Not by a long shot.”

“Even I’m confused by that one,” Darren hedged.

I moved so I could see all the Alphas and those who supported me. “King Galan of Cohen is visiting next month to discuss several things. The main one? A possible mating alliance and with him, Cohen becoming a vassal state of Thovudin.” I smirked again at the Alphas. “Do you think any citizen of Thovudin would pick your candidate over that deal?”

They were silent in shock for a full minute before about half of them stood and demanded answers.

“Sit down!” I bellowed, putting the power of my dragons in my voice and hurting theirs to hear it. I felt bad for the others, but it had to be done.

And it worked. The Alphas immediately cowered and obediently sat.

“Do not ever try to pressure me or act like you are my masters again,” I warned them coldly. “I took this deal in good faith to keep peace. I am not your puppet. You are notbiding timefor mywhimsor whatever else you have gotten in your tiny brains because I conceded to this madness for the good of Thovudin.

“If youevertry this again or flex on me, I will make a better alliance and make a few of your family members my fucking sperm donors and humiliate you all. Do you understand me? That’s where we’re at and I will do it because I am the queen. You might be the leader of yourone area, butI am Thovudin!”

The Alpha of Starhaven stood and cleared his throat. “I understand your upset, Your Majesty—and it’s valid, but King Galan is weak and—”

I snorted, not hiding that I was mocking him. “No, he’s not. Galan isamazingand I would mate him in a heartbeat.” I nodded… And flushed.

“He was the one you had a crush on?” Maple asked quietly.

I glanced at her. “I’ve had a few. I went to school with a lot of impressive people but yes, Galan was—he is a top-tier personand—he’s so smart.” I looked back at Thorn’s uncle. “It’s how he’s held out as long as he has. He’s not weak. His wholefamilywas murdered. He’s where I would be against the elders if I didn’t have Darren, Maple, and Fraser’s support.

“The whole royal family. He was cut off and—he’s not weak. It’s a good deal, and honestly if I wasn’t in such a bad spot with myowngrief and the traps set—all of your selfishness immediately hitting me, I would have thought of it sooner. Cohen has vast wealth and resources. The ministers have dismantled the military to inhibit him until he caves.

“That gives me all of the cards with our strong military. Their technology is better than ours. We would get everything.” I shrugged. “And Galan is better than…” I tapped my chin and tried to consider it. “All of the candidates you offered.” I mentally winced and looked at Joris’s father. “You know why I would rank Galan over Joris, and it’s not a fault, but…”

“Thank you, Your Majesty,” he accepted. “My son is a good man. Smart and—thank you.”

“He is. He is of the highest caliber, and his intelligence is—Onyx too, and he’s more assertive, but Galan is as impressive as Treena.” I thought of that a moment. “Actually, he’s more like King Taryn and sees four moves ahead, and his only fault is he trusts people. I don’t, so that would make us a good pair.”

I smirked at Thorn’s uncle just for fun.

But then I got serious and let out a slow breath. “Even some of your impressive candidates have offered me crap. Alliance matings where they live their own lives since I’ll beforcedto have multiple mates and at least they aren’t idiots and would be loyal to theteam.” I glanced around and couldn’t hide my disgust. “I deserve better than that.

“It’s beyond gross none of you understand that and are still so fucking selfish. Telling your brats or family that they just have towait me outlike… I can’t even think of an analogy that’snot beyond gross.” I let out another slow breath. “None of you would even consider accepting this, but you have no problem demanding it for me.”

The room was so quiet for several minutes that a fly farting could have been heard.

“Galan’s not the only option you have on the table, is he?” Zev’s father asked, one of the most sexist who treated me like I was nothing but a baby maker.