Page 29 of Microburst

I swallowed loudly and thought of something to say—anything to say.

But there wasn’t anything that I could do to fix this nor should I be the one to try to, and a huge part of me hated that I knew the answer. I didn’t want to carry the weight of this truth.

Especially when she was right and this type of knowledge could cost me my fucking head.

8

Sagan

I was beyond shocked whenallof the Sunday morning news shows were doing reports on what I had outed… And not tearing into me.

Did they praise me?

No, of course not. That would have been insane to expect.

Butno one called me a liar or screamed about me trying to ruin the reputations of the amazing elders or any of the normal bullshit that had happened before. Even after one had tried to kill me.

They pretty much ignored my involvement entirely and acted like it was a breaking news story their own people had found out or something. If someone ignored that part, it was actually pretty good reporting. They dug in and peeled back the layers of the onion.

Not that the elders had bothered to do much to bury the truth.

Why bother to even camouflage your corruption when no one was calling you out on it? No one was able to stop you?

One of the three elders had the audacity to try and say it was all of my fabrication and more proof that I was unhinged and unfit to be the ruler. That if Fraser didn’t take over like hewas supposed to as next in line after Father, then I needed to be mated and controlled like the wild mare I was.

Un. Fucking. Real.

And beyond grotesque. Even some of the most sexist media was disturbed by that, saying that the line of succession wasn’t hard to understand.

One reporter pushed back and asked the elder if he was willing to say all of that in front of a truth dragon. And if I was lying, why didn’t he file a lawsuit against me and makemedo that?

The elder’s response?

That the reporter was a pissant pleb who should never have dared to bark at him and blah, blah, blah. Yeah, that didn’t go over well, but I loved it.

I also loved the first change to my schedule. Now I started my day with a run how I liked, and it was beyond hilarious to see the range of reactions for everyone who had to be there to give me updates… And who didn’t even bother to show up.

I snorted. Really? People couldn’t get their asses out of bed for six in the morning?

And some of these fools thought they should take me over and rule Thovudin?

Yeah, sure thing. Where did I sign the transfer papers?

Dipshits.

Talking with Joris gave me an idea and I was glad when he was there along with Maple who didn’t seem to be as early of a riser. But I appreciated her support and trying for me. I really did.

“I think we need to inspect all of the temples,” I told them, ignoring when several people with us stopped running. I kept going and let them catch up. “They want to put pressure on the royal family and act like they’re in charge of Thovudinsomehow? Yeah, no. Their funding isentirelyup to our discretion and approved by the Alphas.”

“Turn the tables and make it clear they need to get their shit together,” Onyx muttered, nodding his head. “I like it. How do you see it panning out?”

I glanced at Maple. “I think we need to be united and more visible. You know that one former elder won’t be the only one who tries this bullshit that Fraser was next in line. I’m glad the media isn’t latching onto it, but we know they’re not above being bribed.”

“Smart. Very smart. And give the temples more to handle instead of rallying to come after you.” She studied me. “You have more going on in your head though, right?”

“Yes, we’re getting in the first of the food I arranged soon. We need those food pantries ready and not corrupt,” I said firmly. “It can’t be handed over to stores to sell. That would be—no. It has to be distributed to those in need. Yes, that will be expanded with food shortages and prices going up, but it’s the best answer.”

I was glad when people agreed and she promised she would manage it with Joris and make some of the candidates of use.