Page 49 of Within the Veil

They started to fidget in their seats, and I chose to ignore it. Let them fidget.

"So because you chose to do nothing, right now you are here to hear me speak. You may take notes," I wave my hand in the air and conjure three notebooks and matching pens.

Do those notebooks say Fae-rly Noted? Zane's amused voice asks.

What the hell is the point of being a super powerful ultra mega bringer of light if I can't conjure punny notebooks?

Their faces are totally worth the conjure. " The best to begin our search is to look closer at who and what we know. To begin that we look to thetrueUnseelie Court. More specifically, the true Dark Seelie Queen, Celene," I say.

As I speak the name, my mind sparks like a internet search and I'm suddenly drinking in information like water as my brain sifts through various connected beings, their magic and their roles within the Dark Seelie Courts. The Keepers have opened up given me the ultimate cheat enclyclopedia.This is fucking amazing.

Unfortunately, as much as I want to dive into a research hole and fill up a shit ton of notebooks, I focus on the information I need and pluck it like a flower from a field.

Celene is just as unsavory as anyone in the Unseelie court, but for the most part, stays within her realm and rarely has any issues with the Seelie. Unless someone treads into her realm, then all bets are off. I shudder as her preferred torture techniques fill my mind. Most that make medieval times in human history seem like a trip to Disney.

The Council shifts uncomfortably as I say the name, and I roll my eyes. Can't handle important tasks or hard topics. Got it. Don't give a fuck.

I press on, "However, recluse or not, she cannot possibly be happy with someone that was previously in a position of power taking more power for themselves? Even if Nici is impersonating the Seelie Queen, she is using Unseelie Fae to do her bidding. Despite her using our lands, capturing our people, and destroying our interests, she is still technically operating under Unseelie pretenses. We need someone to contact her; the enemy of our enemy is our friend. Thoughts?" I don't really want to hear them, but the 'Queen' side is waring with my 'Hudson' side and my 'Queen' side is firmly on following certain protocols and ways of speech. While 'Hudson' wants to tell them all to fuck off and that she will do what she wants. Ah, to be a multi-fae-ceted woman of high-intellect and repute.

Repute? Hudson, you're absolutely not reputable. You are our little dirty...Ryder starts, and Remi mentally smacks him, shutting him up. I hide a smile.

"We do not consort with the Dark Fae," Bran speaks up, lips curled, while looking at the other members, his voice dripping with disdain.

I narrow my eyes, "That is interesting, considering our history shows that is not quite true. Do not make the mistake of presuming I am a fool. The Seelie and Unseelie have a vested interest in ensuring the balance of the Realm. My interactions with the Unseelie have been due to Nici's call to war. The Unseelie Court has gained a reputation, but they are not inherently evil. Unpredictable? Mischievous? Not a big fan of humans? Sure. But I, too, am unpredictable, mischievous, and not a big fan of people-ing in general," I shrug lightly. "The only difference is, I'm of Seelie blood. The Seelie are known to be good-willed, correct? However, we had two betray us for power. Now what does that say about the Seelie as a whole? Anyone?"

Remi sits up straighter, "If I may, my Queen. The actions of one do not determine the nature of a people. In the same breath, poor actions or decisions do not necessarily determine the path that one is destined to follow. By that alone, we can not and should not assume that an entire court is evil. We simply hold different values."

I smile, "My mate is quite correct. Now, that does not mean I will overlook all questionable decisions, like those of Ealdon and Radella, that resulted in murder and mayhem. However, it does mean I will not judge others based on warped perceptions dealt out by hearsay. We co-exist because there must be a balance. So we can...carefully...try to come to an understanding that meets our needs and the needs of the people we are supposed to protect and represent."

I meet the eyes of the three members before me, feeling the warmth of approval and admiration flow through me. I once again look towards Kalen's empty chair. The weight of his physical presence, or lack thereof, sits heavily on my soul. But more is more powerful is that even without him here, I feel his approval as well.

He would be very proud of you, Hudson. The way you have grown as a person in a short period of time. But more so, the way you have so easily taken on so much responsibility and still thrive.Zane says softly.

Look at how quickly you are able to switch roles and tones to meet the needs of the room. Not only here but with the soldiers. He always taught you the value of knowing when and how to fight your battles. You have surpassed his mentorship.Grayson adds.

I knew Kalen for several centuries. In all my years, no one has been able to hold a candle to your aptitude for this role. You are inspiring.Oberon's voice whispers.

I send gratitude through our bond, staying focused on the meeting at hand. But damn, they earned several PP touches for that. Their laughter echoes in my head.

Dana raises a hand, and I nod.

"How do you suggest we facilitate those talks? Furthermore, who will be the liaison between the two courts? We cannot invite her to the village. We are protected by a shield that can only be penetrated by invitation. It would put us at risk. We also cannot travel outside of that protection, for it will also put us at risk of attack from Nici. Whoever takes on this job will be risking their lives each time they travel within the realm and territories," Dana says, eyes wide.

"I am not saying it will be easy. However, if warwereeasy, then all beings would have lost interest in it. As all things, easy to come by, depreciate in value. We will need to choose a neutral meeting place if it comes to that. She may be content to communicate strictly via missives," I pause and reach for a cup filled with a cool, green liquid and take a careful sip. Green-colored anything is questionable at the best of times. My eyes shoot open as flavor explodes on my tongue.What in the...

I drink deeply, albeit a little greedily, draining the cup. Oberon chuckles before leaning over to refill the cup. I didn't even realize he moved away from me. That green concoction clouded my ability to track my hot mate, and still, I wanted more.

"I forget you have yet to try so many different Faerie foods and drinks. This one, in particular, is a Honey-suckle and Clover juice. The Fae are partial to clovers, so anything infused with it is an instant release of endorphins," Oberon says as I drink my refill. I shoot him a wink, and he grins.

"Queen, if I may?" Oberon starts, "In regards to setting up a liaison, I will take point. I will be reaching out to my personal soldiers I will send out my scouts and see what can be done," Oberon nods and stands quietly again, but not before reaching over to grab my cup to refill it with that clover sex juice. I love that man.

"Has anyone here actually met the current Unseelie queen? Consorts and Sentinels, make speak freely. " I tap my fingers on the dark wooden table in front of me, feeling the smooth grooves with every drum of my fingertips. Each tap brings me knowledge of where the tree came from and its history, everything it has seen. It was invigorating to have this connection with the world around me. Part of me wants to walk around touching shit...

I mentally shake my head free of the random thoughts, "Now that I really think about it, I do find it odd that for several years she has left Nici to her own devices. Wouldn't Celene take offense that Nici has been usingherpeople?"

"Not necessarily," Jensi spoke up, "oftentimes when the courts change due to usurping, which is often how the Unseelie take power, a few loyal followers choose to go with the previous queen to avoid being killed themselves. Celene was the more powerful being then and even more so now. Although Nici didn't lose her life, Celene probably thought of Nici as insignificant. The only way she would feel the need to attack or to step in would be if Nici directly issued a threat to her, as Celene is not known to tolerate a challenge in any way, even if it holds no true weight," he shrugged.

"Until she has all of the Seelie under her thumb, it wouldn't be prudent," Luca adds.

---