Page 50 of Within the Veil

"Also, keep in mind that Celene would have no vested interest in Nici. That would be tantamount to her declaring Nici as important. In the grand scheme of things, to Celene, she isn't. Nici is simply thirsty for power," Grayson adds.

Ryder nods, "So much so that she has neglected the distinct discomfort that comes from purposefully upsetting the natural order of the realm. Also, consider the fact that Nici has been keeping us busy. While the Unseelie and Seelie have to live with a balance, there are still periods of strife. With us occupied, there is no check and balance system in place. Objectively, if you didn't have the savior complex, you do," he smiles wryly, "chances are you wouldn't get involved if someone were keeping thorn out of your side."

I nod, " Hmm, no, I probably wouldn't. Unfortunately, I do have a penchant for wanting to save the world."

"Don't we know it," Hunter mutters, I glare at him, and he smiles almost too brightly. "I love you, dear," he adds sarcastically. I narrow my eyes further.I'm going to waddle up and down that ass.

Bring it,he responds.

You know, now I get what Obi is saying. Can't be scary and a mate and lover. I'm going to have to up my game. They exchange looks of concern. Yup, be afraid fae-itches.

"Let's look at this from a battle perspective," Zane starts, a particular gleam in his eye. He loves planning and directing. It is one of his best qualities. He can direct me anytime. In the bedroom, that is--other than that, stabby stabby with a vine.

He smirks and continues, "It would be illogical to go to war with someone who isn't actively taking over your lands. While it is ingrained in us to protect the balance, we are also programmed to stay well within our realms and mind our own business. Why wait the time or create an unnecessary risk? Nici is aware of that. It's what makes her cunning. Using our own pride against us."

"I've been thinking," Hunter leans back in his chair, his eyes flashing red as he stares at the Council. When they flinch, he chuckles. "The betrayers. We have them captive. Torture techniques may not work on them--as anything given by a Fae under coercement is either a lie or a weapon to be used against you--but we have yet to utilize their Queen. They cannot lie to their Queen."

"They can if they switched sides, Nici would be their Queen," Remi frowns.

"Is she really? In reality, Nici isn't technically a Queen; she's an imposter. So if they switched sides, Celene would be their Queen, and I'm sure she would love to know what information they have regarding Nici's plans," he smiles broadly.

Fucking genius. If they can't answer me, Celene will see their information as valuable. Information is currency, especially for those in Faerie. It is why Oberon and his Whisperers are held in such high regard. It will go a long way to show good intentions by offering Radella and Ealdon. Although I do want to question them myself, I immediately dismiss the idea. Even with my new ability, I am still beholden to the need for balance. Abuse will only increase the stability of the Realm--something I will not do. No, Celene will be able to effectively get any information.

"What information can they possibly have?" Interjects Jensi.

I shrug, "If I were implanting double agents, I wouldn't tell them shit. So to be fair, probably nothing. However, goodwill is goodwill. So it's the thought that counts."

I nod as Brighid raises her hand this time, "In the case that Celene does not wish to align herself with us. What then?"

The room goes quiet for a moment, I suppose waiting for my response, and my gaze focuses on a small point on the table, noting the dips and curves of the natural wood, and suddenly I have an idea. "Hmm, plan B. We make a threat on Nici's behalf," I smile at the room while they catch up to my train of thought. It just so happens we have a King of Whispers and a Queen, me, of stirring shit.

The council members' eyes shoot open, and they visibly struggle with the urge to speak out of turn.

Bran raises his hand, and internally, I roll my eyes outwardly, I nod. "Queen Rhiona, issuing a challenge will be dangerous if we are found out to be interfering with the Unseelie. We could be fighting a war on two fronts."

"Could, meaning it will be like everything else in life; a possibility. We cannot win this war by fearing whatcouldhappen. It's war, period. Chances have to be taken, and this is minimal in the grand scheme of things. It also will not be an issue to the balance as stirring up trouble is something the Unseelie and Seelie have a history of doing. Furthermore, Oberon has centuries under his belt of working under the radar. I'm more than positive that he can spread a rumor."

I am a master of deception, intrigue, and all things mysterious. I am also extremely good-looking. Truly I am the better mate. You are all lucky to have me.

My lips twitch at him, egging on the guys and Remi. See? He can totally sow discord.

The thoughts whirling through his mind, since he isn't shielding are absolutely intriguing, though. This isn't the place to discuss them, but I tuck it to the back of my mind for later. There is a lot of stuff tucked in there. I need a new brain closet.

"Now, we will also need to utilize the magic community," all eyes turn to Ryder as he speaks. "I know this has been brought to your attention. I am aware that this may cause discomfort; it is not in our nature to seek assistance outside of Faerie. But we need to be more realistic. While we have an army, it is nowhere near the size it was prior to Nici. We were fortunate that Nici's attack was small--a way to gauge our strength. Unfortunately for her, her plan backfired in multiple ways. Hudson was able to cut the tether between the soldiers who did come across, and we gained our memories and our skill sets as well, among other things. Still, we are not at a number that will ensure victory. We simply cannot defeat an army of brainwashed Seelie and even so, we would be killing our own people in order to save them. That is assinine. So we need magical numbers. We need people who can be trained to subdue at least those who are not Unseelie so that Hudson can cut those tethers."

Who else will know the abilities and talents of a group of a magical community better than the men who were professors at a Magical University? Between Hunter, Zane, Ryder, Gray, and King, we will be able to know who is useful. I should also be able to pick up on particular strengths. Beyond that, they also had made friendships. Friendships that wouldn't have been possible without manipulation and brainwipes but are still just as important. The time spent beyond the Veil, honed the men's understanding of humans and magical beings. It provided them with a clearer outlook that, despite their entitled upbringing in Faerie, removed instilled misconceptions. It would be ridiculous for anyone to discount the value of their knowledge and experience due to prejudice.

"I agree," I nod. "As long as I am in the general vicinity of the battle, I will be able to ferret out the correct people to subdue and those who will need to be killed." I know that with a surety that verberates in my bones. My connection to the Seelie is a gentle hum; I can feel those here within our border, and I can feel the pain of those under Nici's reign. When I get close enough, I will be setting them free. I cannot wait to run my blade right through Nici's chest. But I'll start at her toes before moving to her calves and thighs, for that matter, I think as I let my mind wander to torture techniques. I think I'll remove her eyelids, too, and make her watch while I rip off her very wings.

Hunter's approval hits me like a sledgehammer.

I know some interesting torture techniques.

Yes,Oberon chimes in.In fact, I have an entire textbook I can share of techniques I've accumulated throughout my years.

Hunter's eyes light up in challenge.Let's go over your notes.

I have to bite back a laugh as they bond over their love for violence. Bloodthirsty Djinn and Bedazzled King. I like it.

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