Page 19 of Princess For All

All four of them had sent as many people as Nora and Matilda and they weren’t my in-laws. It was very clear that they were on our side and wanted the same.

Plus, Princess Leonor was thrilled that the Pinault coven was gone since they were a serious risk to her. She’s been pressured many times to be adopted and force her whole coven into the Pinault one.

Seriously, Eddie’s mom had been a real piece of shit.

“We can make this work,” Trisha said firmly, nodding when I met her gaze. “Everyone has beendiligenton getting cross-trained. That’s part of the reason Lorenzo and other clan leaders suggested which vamps to accept permanently. They were all over learning more and not just going through the motions. If you snuck over there for an hour and put together what they needed, we can have our people—it’s a good plan.”

“I agree,” James muttered after a minute. “We need more intel on how to make it work though. How big is the airstrip? What do they have around them? We need a full map and even a head count of their covens to make sure we do this right.”

“True, but the best way is to start small,” Trisha said after a moment. “Send a few JLTVs and the right ammo to start. Make their vamps supply more ammo for them and our people use them. We can build on that if it works out which I believe it will given it’s these princesses.”

“Do it,” I agreed. I looked at the nobles there who were representing those four princesses. “Quietlytell your princesses that I will figure out a way to sneak there soon and get them a few ships back online. This cannot be made public or even throughout the coven. You can go ahead when we manage it in the next few days, but tell them to have the right ships ready for me.”

People were shocked that was my answer, but I wanted to meet with the princesses in person—even if quickly—and give Aether a chance to warn me if they had changed sides or there could be an issue. I prayed to Her after the meeting asking for Her guidance and any help She was willing to give in this area.

Next was one of the generals from Fort Knox who slipped in with something urgent.

I sighed when I saw it. It was a slippery slope. I understood wanting to get information out, but giving people information could also be dangerous.

Basically, it was a recording of him explaining how there wasn’t really a US left, but we had figured out a way to make great strides against the corrupted. We had a lure and it was effective. That we had gotten a lot back, and if they hadn’t already, they would see our jets. And to leave them alone because we were beyond fighting each other.

All we fought now were corrupted.

There was more like warning them that the corrupted had evolved and were stronger and more agile so to be wary of that. Also, even if they saw less, nothing was safe yet, and we were not raiding in their areas or clearing intently.

Basically, my warning to never assume that a building was safe and corrupted could always be behind a closed door or in a damn closet.

“I think the idea has merit, but I don’t like the framing,” James objected.

I wasn’t the only one shocked that it was him of all people. “What part?”

“The part where it sounds a lot like what’s left of the US government and military are the ones who managed all of this and should take the credit,” he replied firmly, staring down the general.

“That wasnotmy intent,” he promised.

“But if that was the outcome of their assumptions, you wouldn’t lose sleep over it either,” James practically purred, chuckling darkly at whatever he sensed off the general. “Yeah, and you want our people to be the messengers.” He snorted when the general got mad. “I agree with the idea, but do it our way.”

“I fully understand that, but I do think it will be more effective coming from someone who’s human when the rest of the world finds out later,” the general said firmly.

“Many parts already do,” I told him, nodding when he couldn’t hide his shock. “Most of the covens have now come out. Some needed to when handling problematic remnants of governments like your governor crazies. Others have known for a while because the coven was helping them.”

“I understand,” he accepted.

“Plus, if I’m ready to hate anything not human, you giving the message wouldn’t do much,” I added. I shrugged when a few people gave me curious looks. “They’ll think we forced him or it’s all a setup. We’re puppetting him—hate thinks what hate wants instead of what’s right in front of their faces. We’ve all seen it. Even from other covens.”

“True, but it’s important for people to see you and understand you’re our leader right away,” Kristof said firmly.

I snorted. “I don’t have a penis. Vampires might think princesses rule—even though many undermine them—but the rest of the world will see young, little, female me and think easy pickings.”

“You’re not wrong, so it should be a man, but make it clear we have a leader who put this all together and made this possible,” James said, giving me a sad look. “The idea is good, but we should be the ones to do it. They were about to implode at Fort Knox just like the other settlements. They don’t get to act like they’re the reason we’re ahead of others.”

I nodded. “Whoever you and my husbands think is the right person to be the visual for this—discuss it with the nobles and visiting nobles. It will affect the other covens. I do agree that it’s time to reach out, and if nothing else, warn them that corrupted are changing.”

“I’m glad you like the idea,” the general said as I turned to leave.

I froze and was going to let it go but then realized I shouldn’t. “I do, but I don’t like your attitude and mindset. You were all looking down on me for how I ran things and not trusting you.” I met his gaze. “And then you just tried to worm this move for your own goals. I’ll accept your apology that I was right not to trust you any time.”

I left him stunned and headed to what was next… Except something else popped up.

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