Page 43 of Their Property
“Thank you, Miss Vance. Have a seat,” Governor Perry told me tersely. “Do you know why I asked to meet with you this morning?”
“No, sir. My assistant didn't receive any information regarding that.” I kept my tone neutral, my demeanor calm. But inside, I felt as quiet as a wasp’s nest. The valkyrie stood silent, weapon and shield poised in front of her body.
“That,” he pointed at the door the Sons had just gone through, “is quite a large part of it, I’m afraid.”
I blinked but otherwise kept my face carefully blank. “You requested a meeting about my bodyguards, and then asked them to leave?”
“It's not about your bodyguards themselves, Miss Vance. But we've had some concerns about how you...conduct yourself with them.”
“I'm afraid I don't follow,” I said innocently.
“Those three men in particular have been rumored to have, well, participated in lewd acts with each other. Sometimes with other men and women.”
I already knew the Sons were in a relationship with each other. But it was the implication that they also slept with women that made me burn with jealousy.
“It's none of my business what my bodyguards do in their personal lives,” I said stiffly. “Assuming everyone involved is a consenting adult.”
“Unfortunately, their chosen lifestyle does reflect on you, Miss Vance,” Nathan chimed in. “Especially if they insist on being around you at all times. And in turn, you seem, well...overly familiar.”
I stared at him. What a little shit. Didhearrange this meeting because he was sour about what happened in the courtyard? I had figured he would complain, but I didn't expect him to take itthisfar.
“Is it true that you went to an establishment in the Porter neighborhood with them last night?” asked the governor.
My gaze snapped to him, my pulse thundering. “Governor, if I may ask, why is that even a question? Their job is to guard me, and what I do in my free time is my own business.”
“Because a young woman spending her time in the company of three…” He trailed off, gesticulating with his hands while I narrowed my eyes, waiting for him go on. Fuck maintaining appearances if he was going to insult those men,mymen. I didn’t care if they sent me packing back to Four Corners. The Sons did nothing wrong, and I wouldn’t let them be insulted.
“…Three men of their ilk,” he decided on, “is not appropriate for a woman in leadership, especially in such a seedy area of the city.”
I didn’t know which to address first, the fact I hardly felt like I was leadership because he and his cabinet steamrolled me at every turn, or the sheer hypocrisy that he had someone, probably another capitol employee, go to this exact same neighborhood to keep fucking tabs on me. If I were a man, no one would bat an eye. Hell, these same cabinet members probably spent most of their free time in hidden dive bars as well.
Pulling in a deep breath, I straightened my spine and ignored it all. I couldn’t let all the petty insults sidetrack me, and I went for the heart of the matter instead.
“I won't deny that my bodyguards and I are close.” Four sets of eyebrows shot up at that. “We're friendly,” I amended. “There is familiarity between us because I trust them. My father trusts them and has known them for years.” I sat up straighter. “It's frankly rather insulting to hear you question another governor's judgment, as well as my own.”
“Miss Vance,” said a cabinet member. “We understand that Four Corners is...tolerant of different lifestyles, but that isn't how we do things here.”
I released a tense breath while looking at him. “Then why did you request an ambassador from Four Corners, if not to learn how we do things?”
“Please.” The governor raised a palm. “There’s no need to be combative. Our peaceful, prosperous relationship with your territory is paramount to our success. Wewantto continue working with you, Miss Vance. But you must understand, our territory is in its infancy. Our reputation, our public image, is everything. To rise up as united and strong, we can't have rumors of deviancy running through our leadership.”
I wanted to roll my eyes so many times while they talked, but I forced my expression into one of agreeableness. It was clear they'd never be willing to hear me out anyway. Arguing would only take us around in circles.
“Is there something you'd like me to do in order to...rectify this situation?” I asked demurely.
Nathan didn't miss a beat. “Attend the Sevier Day ball with me, as my date.”
Son of a bitch. I should have seen that coming.
“I haven't decided whether or not I'll attend,” I lied.
“It would be pertinent if you did,” said the governor. “All Sevier officials are expected to.”
Well, fuck. That sure backed me into a corner. If I was trying to be agreeable, at least on the surface, I couldn't outright refuse.
“My bodyguards will still have to attend as well,” I said. “To see to my personal safety.”
“Of course.” Satisfied, the governor waved his hand dismissively. “But they will have to give you a bit more breathing room. Other officials will want to meet you. And it's important that everyone sees you on Nathan's arm. Not constantly surrounded by those three.”
