Page 101 of Within the Veil

"Li'Lamb," Grayson says sternly at the same time. He levels a glare at her, his lips twitching completely, taking away his attempt to look remotely serious. Amateurs.

Li'Ella gives a one-shoulder shrug," Sorry, Mommy," she gives her a wave, and her mom gives an exasperated sigh. She looks back at Grayson, "And Daddy Grayson, BUT... it's still true. Right Queen Mommy?"

Hudson chuckles, "You are quite correct. Now, let's say you defeat Oberon, truly defeat him, not just knock him down. Who is the biggest threat?"

Li'Ella pauses briefly, "You are. I would have chosen you first, BUT everyone else would too. Daddy Zane said that when you're in battle, the first person under attack is normally the one who holds the crown. So, if you're busy, you aren't my immediate threat. But once Oberon is gone, and you sense his loss, you will probably flip your sh...eggs into the hot pan," she quickly corrects her sentence as Hudson gives her a hard look.

Effective and terrifying. I am quite proud.

The amusement coming from everyone is almost tangible as this young child, who is incredibly beyond her tender age in not only speech but with her reasoning, as well. The way she absorbs informationandis able to apply it is astounding. Although, from experience, seers have no choice but to be. Li'Ella came into power at such a young age but has handled it better than Seers, who have come into their abilities at an older age. Some break mentally and emotionally, their brains not handling the influx of difficult and sensitive information.

Others have been known to seek more power beyond what is gifted to them, and some trade their knowledge for monetary gain. Li'Ella, won't have that problem; she is too pure and perfect, and the knowledge that she will be a part of our family is an honor. I will treat her as if she is my own blood and kill anyone who attempts to harm her, slowly, and then gift her their bones.

Hudson meets my eyes, a playful twinkle dancing in her gorgeous eyes, a smirk teasing the corners of her mouth, while the men give me nods of approval and understanding.

I approve and understand, but I admit this Daddy Oberon thing is adorable.

I am terrifying and intimidating. NOT adorable, Mate.I let my displeasure flow through the bond.

She doesn't bother to respond. Instead, she fixes her eyes on the soldiers, " Li'Ella is correct in her assessment. This is from the mouth of a child, albeit a little bloodthirsty one," she chuckles, "but a child nonetheless. Kalen had trained you all for years. He trained me in the same way, except he did so with the intent to keep me alive at all costs. Kalen trained you to defend and protect, but the only thing you all seem to be protecting is yourself. There are those of you, I know for a fact, who fight harder and train more ferociously because you have a family to think of. So, from this point forward," she pauses as she spins her spear at lightning speed, her eyes swirling in different colors.

With a final spin, she taps the floor with the weapon, and a burst of light and power hits everyone in the room. "You willallthink of everyone in this village and those who we have yet to save but will as your direct family. Youwillfeel that desperation to protect as keenly as you fear losing your own life. Because every single,loyal, Seelie Fae deserves to be fought for."

Chest heaving, her gaze sweeps across the room, locking eyes with several Fae as if speaking directly to each and everyone, "Just as I have sacrificed my life for all of you, I expect the same fire to blaze within your veins. Just I will continue to put my life on the line because you areallworth more than my duty to you as a Queen, I expect the same passion to fuel your spirits in and out of battle. Just as I do not sit upon a gilded throne of false promises, you will not wield a weapon with half-hearted intent. You will all feel that fervor because I have bridged that disconnect in your minds."She pauses and lets her words sink into those who have not realized what she has done yet.

I remain still, yet I let my approval shine through because, using her connection to the land and the people, she has effectively made everyone feel as if every single person here is as precious to them as their own child would be. In doing so, she has used her power to manipulate emotions but in a way that is for the good of the people. It is admirable, but I can see why it would cause distress.

In truth, I do not care if it does cause distress; we are fighting for something greater than ourselves. If it were up to me, I would have put these soldiers through my training ages ago and weeded out the weak. But at least in this way, more of them stay alive...I suppose that is a positive thing.

My method is funner.

* * *

Hudson

As my words sink in, I watch as the room fills with the occupants of the entire village, everyone deathly quiet. Through the bond, we can feel a myriad of emotions; pride, nervousness, surprise, and acceptance but, thankfully, no fear. This is good, considering with everyone here, I can rip the other bandaid off. Bandaids are fun. Right?

Steeling my voice with a touch of power, I let it echo through the room, "I do not use my powers lightly, but Idouse them with intent. My intention is to protect, lead andwin.As such, it is important to use this time to bring several things to light, for things that dwell in the dark only do harm. Council, step forward, please," I don't bother to turn back while Bran, Brighid, Dana, and Shea move forward, King, Jensi, and Luca striding forward as well.

"During the time that I was indisposed, Prince Shea was working for the crown and not present. My sentinels, as is their duty, presided over council meetings in order to plan for ways to win this war. Five weeks of several meetings led to no solution. That is five weeks of time wasted in order for us to seek allies and gain a foothold in a precarious situation," I pause, allowing my words to settle and take root in their minds. I needed them to understand exactly why I had to make the decisions I did. Because while I am Queen, it means nothing when the people are unhappy. Fae, by nature, admire power, but they also admire strength and resilience. When combined it can inspire a nation, but it can also destroy it. This is precisely why Nici has people bespelled, she learned firsthand what happens when the Fae sense weakness and abuse.

"When I was able to attend a meeting, on my way to the council rooms, I had the distinct honor of being crowned by The Keepers," with barely a thought I conjure our matching crowns onto our heads, eliciting a collective gasp that ripples through the room. We haven't worn them since they were gifted, outside of the initial meeting. A Fae Coronation is usually a massive event, from what I have worked out, but considering I still haven't taken the Kingdom back from that conniving little bitch, I wanted to keep our official status discreet. The balance of Tir ag Nog would start to shift slowly, but surely and I plan to take advantage of that. But right now, it's an ace in my pocket, and considering The Keepers never bequeathed power to anyone in this manner, just as Grayson had said before, my place can never be contested.

As one, everyone drops to their knees, and while they have done it before out of respect, this time it feels differently, official. Warmth expands through my chest, and I bring a trembling hand over my heart and bow my head in gratitude.

When they stand, I smile brightly. "It is an honor that I cannot adequately put into words. I am forever grateful, and as you all know, for us, forever is a long time." They laugh lightly, their eyes glistening as hope radiates throughout the space.

I take a deep breath, "Because of the council's inability or rather an unwillingness to make progressive strides toward our safety and success, I have invoked 'The Right of Conquest.'"

There is a heavy pause in the room, a deafening silence as thousands of eyes peel back the layers of my skin. I keep my spine straight, accepting their visual potato peeling. Seriously, this is what potatoes must feel like.

Fuck I want french fries.Echos of laughter vibrate through the bond but fuck them. One of them is going to get me some fries.

Just as the stares start to become achingly uncomfortable, their expressions shift. Approval radiates through their eyes, and I resist the urge to breathe out audibly as a weight lifts off my shoulders. Briefly, panic flares through one particular mind, but before I can pinpoint who it is coming from, a round of applause rings out around the room. Bran, Brighad, and Dana look uncomfortable as the applause is punctuated by glares in their direction. Good, maybe a little guilt and potato peeling will allow them to lift the fucking blinders from their stupid little perfectly symmetrical faces.

"Queen Mommy?" Li'Ella says from my side with a heavy sigh, tapping my leg in the process. I look down and almost burst out laughing at the very Grayson expression on her face, her eyes brewing a storm, anger simmering just beneath the surface. The face of when I reject every damn milkshake he tries to kill me with.

"Can we get to the training now? I'm feeling stabby!" Oh goodness, I love this little girl.

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