Page 57 of Within the Veil

Everyone nods in agreement.

"The missives, even with Oberon's help, there is the danger of them being intercepted," Ryder adds, pensively.

"That can and will pose a problem," Hunter adds gruffly, "we will be letting go of any tactical advantage we may have. If Nici has converted them, we are letting them know when and where we are arriving. We are opening ourselves up to attack. Likewise, if they aren't on her side and the missives are intercepted we are bringing danger to their front door."

"Not necessarily," Remi shrugs. "Considering that Radella and Ealdon knew who you were, Nici has had that information for years she would have used it to her advantage so we approach this armed with the assumption that everyone is already on her side, or being influenced--It's better to prepare for the worst. Also, if the rebel camp wasn't a clear indication, then Hudson releasing a bunch of fae from her hold, Nici already knows we are going to continue to try to build our numbers. Hell she would be dumb as fuck if she didn't think we wouldn't be reaching out to our families the moment everyone realized who they truly were. We can say plenty of shit about that fae-itch but, we can all agree, the one thing she isnotis foolish. She's shrewd. Calculating," Remi scowls and I can feel her irritation rising. Understandable, Despite all the shit Nice has been pulling, it all began with her fucking Remi over in the worst way--by preying on her vulnerability over her sexuality. Just one more thing I get to stab Nici over.

"Overall," she continues, "we should avoid sending any Fae at all, instead, I recommend Xena and Cerubus. They are not beholden to typical Fae customs and can appear and disappear at will. Of course they will still have to follow a few rules, but we can prep them on that," Remi takes a seat next to me, summoning a glass of freshly squeezed juice.

I take it gratefully and consider her words.

"That definitely sounds better than possibly putting you all, our spies and people in danger, now what will those missives say?" I wonder outlaid.

"We can let them know that an envoy will be arriving to facilitate a talk with the rightful Queen of the Seelie as well as a formal invitation to court to meet the Queen and hold a formal court, after the envoy has left," Ryder offers.

"Except that envoy will be one of us," I murmur, nodding as I write it all out. I will have to burn the notes, because let's be real here, leaving our plans for anyone to find just screams 'D Rated Movie'. But at least it helps me process the influx of information.

"For the formal court, Nici has taken over the Seelie Castle. Granted we have the Royal Court of the Keepers and my brain is telling me that it has the ability to accommodate needs, which is fucking awesome, because one, total room of requirement vibes and two, it's not like we can ask royal dignitaries to pitch a tent and nap with the trees. Beyond that, how in the world will we be able to host all these foreign dignitaries and keep them entertained? Not like we can host events in the middle of war planning." I point out.

"Nor should we have several courts bring all of their people, if only to reduce the amount of possible subterfuge," King adds.

Zane nods, "Valid points. But other than the formal ball that will be used to introduce you in a royal capacity, entertaining them is the least of our worries. Those pretentious fucks will have to sit down and help with the planning or stay in their rooms, unless they are walking the grounds with one of our men."

"We can ask the Keepers for secure rooms if they feel the need to hide away or avoid anything beyond the ball. Think about the possibilities of having them under the watchful gaze of the Keepers. In terms of having too many people within our secured location, we will invite them to send their leaders and not an entire party like the Fae would typically do. We may not havethecastle, but I cannot imagine anyone turning down the opportunity to sit within the Realm of the Keepers, where only the Queen and her most trusted enter,"Ryder adds.

"The missives will have to be worded strongly. While those under the protection of the Seelie crown are technically beholden to us, it has been a long time without the watchful gaze of their true Queen. Some of these smaller kingdoms have grown...a little lax in their typical practices." Oberon frowns.

"In what way?" I mimic his expression.

"Ignoring boundary lines, ridiculous skirmishes, use of power to declare themselves the leaders of their realms. Neopotism at its finest. The Fae can be quite unimaginative. Nevertheless, it is a problem we will have to rectify. Hopefully with a little bloodshed," Oberon smiles ferally.

Grayson sighs and rubs his head, "Beyond that disturbing desire to harmourpeople. We have to show the Far that neither the Queen of the Seelie, or her Royal Court, bow to no one. Power is the only language we understand, butthatwill not be a problem. It's the getting them here that will be a bit more complicated."

Oberon scoffs, "I will pen the missive myself. We will demand their arrival, or they can challenge me in battle." His lilt becomes more pronounced as his eyes darken, and he pulls out one of his swords to start stabbing at the air.

King, Jensi, and Luca duck to avoid being made into Fae-flavored kebabs, and I scowl at him, summoning vines to pull the sword away and bring it to my side, where it hangs in the air out of his reach.

"You may not have my jeweled sword!" He says indignantly, trying to reach it, which would be comical if I weren't so annoyed.

"I will not be having your flesh sword either if you try to stab our sentinels, you fucking bejeweled savage," I retort, through gritted teeth.

He pauses, then goes silent, his face sullen. Smart man. His attempt at a pout is absolutely adorable, but I refuse to be swayed by the power of the pink sheath of sexual hypnotism and ignore him instead. He may be used to winning, but he will have to deal with the fact that I am, too. But I will win more.

Remi rolls her eyes, "disregarding the attempt at mutilation, Grayson is correct. Oberon also, believe it or not. The stronger the wording, the better, and when that fails, a challenge to their fragile egos will seal the deal. Either way, they will be curious enough to come, angry enough to send someone, or inspired enough to finally fight back. Whoever does not show up, we can assume it is on Nici's side."

Or a bunch of punk-ass winged bitches.

Shea nods, "it's not a bad idea. I also still hold a favor. I can let the plans of a meeting slip after they have come and gone. Showing my allegiance but not inviting danger to our doorstep."

I shake my head, "No. If we want this to be believable, you need to let her knowbeforethe meeting. Whoever is loyal to her will show up. I should be able to pick up on who is friend and foe. And in the case that I can't, it will be telling enough once we see how everyone interacts with one another."

"Unfortunately," Grayson grimaces. "When it comes to interactions, the Fae have spent centuries masking deception behind flowery words and flattery. It is all disgustingly fake. Even before I became King, I hated court events; if the women and men weren't throwing themselves at whoever held the highest station, it became a game of who could insult who in the most covert ways. Nevertheless, no matter how skillfully they have mastered hiding behind a mask, one can only hide their true selves but for so long."

Hunter grunts, "I've mastered the art of ripping someone's head off their fucking shoulders."

I smile. I love him.

"If everything aligns, which, let's be perfectly honest, isn't likely, when we consider all of these variables, we can fuck up Nici's entire regime of lies." My heart feels just a few grains of anxiety lighter as I consider the endless possibilities on this chessboard of fate and fuckery.

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