Page 100 of Within the Veil

King tosses his head back with laughter, "CLIT?"

I shrug, "Except,thisone should be easy enough to find."

Remi laughs, "Never been a problem for me."

Hunter rolls his eyes, "I would fucking hope not."

"Enough, boys and girls," I hold my spear into the air. "My CLIT and I have an insurgency to lead!"

I ignore their laughs and stride off with purpose. They can go train with swords, I'm going to win the war by stroking my faithful CLIT.

* * *

Oberon

I watch in amusement as my mate stomps off to the middle of the training grounds and raises her spear in the air. Everyone stops immediately and bows in respect.

I know pussy can bring men to their knees, but this is a bit ridiculous.I suppress the urge to laugh at Ryder's words and allow a frown to crease my brow, internally, of course, at how quickly my amusement leaks through. It's remarkable how effortlessly amusement seeps through me these days. With Hudson, and even Remi and the men, it flows as if we've shared countless laughs throughout several years together. And in the presence of Li'Ella and children in general, laughter is perfectly acceptable-- They should not bear the weight of the world, that is for us to hold. However, it isnotacceptable at any other time.

Although, I do see the merit in laughing whilst murdering an enemy. Their confusion would be quite delightful. It's a laugh I've been secretly training Li'Ella to do. She is quite terrifying. I am proud.

Obi, I'm in the middle of a speech that is going to be major, powerful, badass, and transcending. You are distracting the greatness that is the wondrous Bringer to the Knees of the Unseelie.

My lips quirk as she continues without skipping a beat.

Giving a nod of acknowledgment, she waits until everyone is standing at attention before she speaks. "First, I would like to thank all of you for training so diligently. Your dedication is admirable. That being said," her eyes grow dark as her tone takes on a sharp edge. The temperature in the room noticeably chills as she looks around the room, meeting as many eyes as she can.

My heart starts to beat slightly faster at the display of dominance. Beautiful.

"You all have much to learn to survive this coming war. This is not merely a battle between Fae. This is a battle between the Gods," she holds her hands up as the panic in the room becomes palpable. "I can sense your panic, and that is a problem. While I can understand it, you are all letting your emotions lead you. The only thing that should drive you isdesperationto win. What do you fight for? For pride? For glory? Or do you fight so you do not have to mourn your children, mates, family, or friends? Panic clouds the thoughts, fear is a visceral response that will shut down your body and have you hesitating when you should be protecting your weakest points. One secondwillbe the difference between your death and your victory. Ask yourself, when your enemy has slain you...where do you think they will go next? Who will die when your line of defense falls?" Her eyes flash purple and red as she speaks.

Red?I ask automatically.

The children. Part Arallu, their anger is triggered by her words just as much. Their powers are leaking through.Grayson says thoughtfully.

That's useful and problematic,Zane adds.

They will probably be born ready to fight. So precious.Hunter says both wistfully and viciously. His bloodlust is entertaining.

Ah fuck...Remi starts, but Hudson cuts her off with her next statement.

"I would like to show you a small demonstration. King Oberon, can you come forward?" She looks directly at me and walks into the middle of the combat zone, where I faede to her side. Without having to be asked, all soldiers come forward and form a loose ring around the area. "King Grayson, can you also bring your class forward as well?"

With a nod, Grayson moves the children to the center of the mat.

"One of the most amazing, and sometimes dangerous," she smiles briefly at the children, who practically vibrate with excitement to have her attention, before she continues, "Things about children is that they do not show fear. They are sometimes reckless and think before they act. If molded correctly, this can actually be quite beneficial, especially when combined with their inherent thirst for knowledge. For example," She turns to the group.

"Li'Ella, if you could challenge anyone in this room...who would you challenge?" Hudson asks.

Without hesitation, Li'Ella strides forward and points at me, "Oberon."

The soldiers shift uncomfortably, and I take note of who looks the most nervous--cataloging their names. The room starts to fill with people from the village, and I see Shea and the Council make their way forward to the combat floor. Shea's amusement is clear despite the nerves on their council's faces.

Hudson laughs, "Good choice, and why did you make it?"

"When you kill the baddest motherfae-ker in the room, everyone else falls with him," she says fiercely, her eyes flashing as she points her sword at me.

"Li'Ella of Thorn!" A soft, matronly voice says from the side of the room as everyone laughs heartedly.

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