“That’s what I thought, too. We always seemed to be on the same page,” King Francis says. “I always admired your rule, Kitajo. You opened up Ekios’s borders after centuries of seclusion. The misty land of fae shrouded in mystery became open to new, prosperous relationships.”
“Yes. Opening up the borders and signing trading agreements have benefited all three countries greatly,” the General says. “As I always say, this is just a beginning. Imagine how many more doors are waiting to be opened. How many more possibilities lie behind them. However, just because I opened the borders and allowed sharing resources to benefit all three countries, it doesn’t mean you or Emera’s council have a say in how I choose to rulemycountry.” The General pausesbefore adding, “You don’t see me expressing opinions about your choices. Even though I disagree with many of them.”
“I agree with you, General,” the king says. “Unfortunately, when the way you rule your country can have implications on my kingdom and its future, we cannot be silent.”
The General arches an eyebrow. “I don’t see how legalizing sex work and imposing regulation on the trade in Ekios to ensure safety of my people and stop illegal sex trafficking can or will negatively impact Wetra.”
Oh, so that’s what this is all about.
When the king doesn’t answer, the General adds, “If anything, it even benefits Wetra and Emera. Right now, organized criminal organizations are trafficking poor children out of both countries to sell their bodies here. I want that to end.”
“You see, it’s not as simple as that. Your cause is noble, but the reality of life is very rarely as simple as our visions and dreams,” the king says.Patronizing asshole.“What do you think will happen when whores in Emera and Wetra find out their filthy perversions are legal in Ekios, and are even celebrated? That if they were to move here, they’ll be welcomed with open arms, allowed to spread their legs for money, and not be punished for it?”
Fucking hypocrite.How dare he speak of these people who find themselves in these trades as if they’re the problem?
He has no issue paying for the company of said whores. But he has the audacity to judge them?
The General smirks. “Oh, I see. Now it makes all the sense. You’re afraid people will leave Wetra, seeking a better place to call home.”
“It seems that’s your new agenda, General.”
The General laughs. “Believe me, Francis. I don’t have a secret agenda of stealing your people. All I want to do is ensurethe safety of innocent kids here in Ekios, and if I can, beyond our borders.”
“How noble of you. I don’t buy it.”
This motherfucker is playing with fire. The General’s body language is relaxed, his eyes dancing with amusement. But the Taaslord… Cold seeps from the shadows that curls around his neck, making goose bumps rise on my skin.
The king’s sly eyes shift from the General to me.
He’s looking at me, but his words are directed at the General. “Decarios are few amongst humans. Rare. You know that well, Kitajo. I assume it’s our punishment from the old gods for sins of the past, to not bestow many gifts upon our race, unlike fae and dwarves. Even knowing how precious human Decarios are, you poach one from us.One, whose family was highly esteemed and close to me and my court. Forgive me, General, for saying it, but it feels like a calculated political move that’s not in our best interest.”
Every pair of eyes around the table pins me in place.
I brace myself and lift my chin.
“After losing my family, I didn’t feel safe in Wetra,” I say, slowly. “If someone could do something so horrid to my parents, most loyal servants to the Crown, what would they do tome, a lone girl?”
The king eyes me thoughtfully. It throws me off. “I would have ensured your protection, Ms. Wildarrow. What happened to your parents was a terrible tragedy, and I’m sorry for your loss. I wish you would have come to me. I would have granted you shelter and protection.”
I’m stunned. Speechless. I look between the king and his commander, whose face reveals nothing. No way he acted without his king’s knowledge.
I don’t believe it.
Irefuseto believe the kindness the king displays is real.
It’s all for show.
“Thank you, Your Majesty.” I choke out the words.
“As Phoenix says, she sought us out herself. I didn’t steal her from you,” the General says. “She chose to be here, and you should consider it a huge honor that a human Decarios is amongst the ranks of the Order. The first one in Ekios history.”
A beat of silence passes before the king says, “You’re right. It’s an honor to see a human Decarios accomplish the impossible. Congratulations, Ms. Wildarrow.” I dip my chin in acknowledgment. “What worries me, though, is that there’ll be more like her. Decarios, while gifted and powerful, easily succumb to vanity. More will want to try their luck at joining the legendary ancient order of most powerful soldiers.”
I bet he doesn’t want Decarios leaving his Royal Guard. Who’s going to carry out his ruthless orders? Who’ll protect his greedy ass then?
Just when I think I can’t get any angrier, a new hot wave, like molten lava, rises within me.
All the king does is serves himself. He cares nothing of his people, of those who suffer because of his actions.
