Page 21 of Microburst

Maple snorted. “I’m not missing youeducatingthese fools.” She elbowed Fraser. “Plus, he’s been stepping up his training and I’m competitive. It’s an area that I’ve always…”

Felt lacking. I knew Grandfather didn’t allow her to do much of it—none of the princesses because it wasn’t regal or whatever. I saw Belinda there and shot her a glance, glad when she nodded she would handle it.

“Good, then let’s get started.” I took off at a jog to warm up. “Ayao, where are we with everything?”

He moved up next to me. “You know the runway is already done, third inspection finished, and perfect scores.”

I received alotof crap in the media when someone leaked I was having not just a second, but a third inspection done of the new runway and fuel tanks. It was Ayao—and even his uncle and Alpha, Dray—who pushed back that neglect in that area had killed my parents and I’d be an idiot not to take it seriously.

June’s station had actually aired an interview with a trauma counselor who said it was a healthy way for me to process my grief and showed I was an effective leader. That the loyal and dedicated castle staff had to be shaken up by what happened as well—certainly the Queen’s Guards given two lost their lives in the crash.

And my willingness to go so far in matters of safety showed that I took important things seriously and would pay attention to details. He’d also said having Benson work with outside and more seasoned security professionals showed growth for him, and again, my effective leadership. People responded well to it.

I couldn’t prove it and June had dodged me, but I knew it had been her somehow. She’d gotten more clout at her station given how big her interviews with me had become and I was pretty sure she was using it.

From what Toni had said, it worked because that report gotmassiveviews unlike the other stations that ran the same crap over and over again.

“Repairs on both hangars are finished and inspections are Monday,” he continued.

“That’s ahead of schedule.”

He was quiet a few moments. “I don’t have proof, but I think someone tried to fuck with what was going on. The owner said something about a big, lucrative job offer and wanted it done. Asked for the clearance to extend working hours without charging overtime on your end.”

I glanced at him and his jaw was tight. “Or you? People know you were doing it. They might not like Jade Creek getting along with the royal family.”

He let out a heavy breath, evidently not having thought of it. “Could be. He just seemed nervous. A lot of companies would have pulled people to jump on such a big deal—it sucks, but that’s normal. What’s a few more days for a job they’re ahead on or already secured to get more work that they need? It feels slimy for the people paying but…”

“It’s the way of the world, and businesses need to survive too,” I accepted. “Except the companies that don’t do things like that are the ones people call again and refer.”

“Yes, but if you’re a smaller fish, you’re just trying to not get eaten,” he countered.

Fair. “Give him some sort of comparable bonus. He did right by us and wasn’t slimy. That should be rewarded. Make it clear to the Alphas he was honorable.”

He nodded, giving me an impressed glance. “And find out who was behind it?”

“Talk to the tiger and stay out of it,” I said quieter so not everyone heard.

“Good deal.” He cleared his throat and then let out a slow breath. “After getting all the bids and comparing specs, plane options have been narrowed down to three. I don’t feel comfortable recommending past that.”

“Well done,” I praised, nodding that I wasn’t kidding. There was nothingwrongwith saying that.

Things fell apart because people took on more than they could handle or pretended they knew more than they did. Weallneeded to be a bit quicker to ask for help.

We all needed to be more willingto helpas well, but that was a whole different conversation.

I almost took off but then realized something, shooting Ayao a look. “Don’t get offended. It’s my process.”

“What does that mean?” he asked… But I was already gone.

I shot off and sprinted way in front, Treena racing to keep up with me and barking happily as only Davian kept pace with us. Then I did an aerial flip and raced right back to the group, slowing down this time to not startle them. I ignored the looks, only catching Fraser smiling brightly as I focused on Benson as I jogged backwards.

“You have a favorite?”

“Yes,” he confirmed.

“Have you flown all three?” I checked.

“No,” he answered with a smirk, impressed I’d gone there… And also probably thinking of the same memory I was and the time he’d thrown down with my father about getting trained as a pilot. It was one of the only times I’d disagreed with Father around others and it wasn’t even because I’d been in love with Benson.