Page 21 of Princess

“Where is she?”

Ire entered Beatriz’s voice.“She has bigger concerns than you,” she said bluntly.“If you have questions about the Señora, ask the Señor, her mate.”

A chair scraped loudly against the floor, followed by the soft click of the door shutting.

A second later, King retook his seat.

“I think you made her angry,” he said.

“For that, I am sorry,” the woman replied.Then, she dropped a bombshell.“We have children who need care,” she admitted.“We discovered twenty-six in an orphanage fending for themselves.We are struggling to feed them, but we will continue if it is our only option.”

Shit.

It was hard enough for the outposts to care for their own families.Now, they were trying to keep orphaned children alive, too.My heart went out to the children and those trying to help.

My mind kicked into overdrive, and I began making plans.We had families who would help.And if it came down to it, more would step up.

“I have no problem taking the children,” King said.“They can return on the plane after you go back.We have medical personnel.Will any of them need extra attention?”

“If you could send a few women, they won’t be so afraid,” the mayor replied.“A medical person would be helpful, but overall, they’re in good shape.”

She paused for a moment before glancing at the other leaders.“Kevin?Mason?Any more objections?”

“No,” both men said in near unison.

“Dave?”

A beat of silence.“I’m sorry for my belligerence,” Dave said, his tone less confrontational now.“I don’t know what I expected by coming here, but it wasn’t this.We have items for trade.My wife has a list.And,” his voice steadied.“We need help.We promise your Warriors will not be stabbed in the back.”

“If it’s settled,” King said, “help yourselves to some fruit to tide you over for the next hour.We’ll provide a full meal before you return.”

“Thank you,” the woman said, though hesitation crept into her voice.“But we’ll decline the full meal.The children already know they may be coming here, and they’re nervous.Honestly, some are terrified.The sooner they meet their future, the better.”

“I understand.”King said.“The plane has been refueled.I’ll have your meals delivered and food for the children put on board.I’m sending twenty-one Shadow Warriors as guards, seven per outpost if that works for you.If needed, we can send more in a week.They will report directly to the three of you.They are guards, not laborers.When they’re off duty, they rest.”

He laughed slightly.“Beatriz wasn’t lying when she said we eat a lot, so we’ll send extra food for them, too.”

The woman exhaled, the relief in her voice unmistakable.

“Thank you.”

Chapter Nine

Marinah

“What was your take?”King asked me.

The plane left thirty minutes ago.My guard was gathered in the argument room.

“I couldn’t see their faces or expressions,” I said, “but that might have been a good thing.It forced me to listen and focus on their voices and tone.”I tilted my head slightly, recalling the meeting.“There was fear and anger at the start, definitely.But it shifted.By the end, I heard sincerity.”

King’s lips curled into a small, knowing smile.“They pushed my buttons.”

“And I’m so proud of you for not pushing back.”I gave him a wink.

“Good call on Beatriz,” he said.

I chuckled.“She rules the staff with a broom in one hand and a frying pan in the other.”My gaze flicked to Nokita.“Did you tell her not to give information about me?”

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