“I do, actually. Over the past couple of decades, people have changed. They’re more concerned with the economy and the future we’ll give to our children than they are with remaining insular. Studies show relaxing border restrictions will grow the market for our tech industry, and tourism and increased educational immigration should also give our GDP a boost.”
“That’s perfect fodder for your speech,” said James.
Before she could reply, a thin, white-haired man sat down on James’s other side.
“He’s my boss,” whispered James.
“Good morning.” The older gentleman stuck a hand out toward Scarlett. “John McNeil, the secretary of commerce.”
Scarlett grasped John’s hand. “I’m, erm… I’m Scarlett Heroux. Pleasure to meet you.”
“Not sure of your name, lass?” he said with amusement.
She shrugged. “I’m technically Lady Scarlett Heroux, but I haven’t gotten used to the title yet.”
His face grew more solemn. “I’m truly sorry for your loss, Lady Heroux.”
“Thank you,” she said with a dip of her chin.
“So, did James sell you on saying a few words to the council about free trade?” he asked with an excited glint in his eye.
“It would be a privilege,” she said.
“Wonderful.”
Someone at the front of the room hit a gavel. At the speaker’s podium, a woman in pink tweed was ready to begin.
Scarlett listened as the council opened the meeting. They went through some housekeeping business, and when the woman in tweed announced the next item on the agenda was tariffs, a stocky-looking man with wire-rimmed glasses took the podium.
“That’s Ian Carmichael. He’s a representative for the farmers’ union, and he’s in favor of retaliatory tariffs,” whispered James.
Scarlett listened with a furrowed brow as Ian reviewed the agricultural industry’s viewpoint that retaliatory tariffs were only fair given the actions taken by the Brightness Isles. The matter of agriculture tariffs was small in comparison to Soleil’s embargo on magic, but countries closing themselves off to each other raised alarm bells in her head. Just like at home, the people, not the politicians, would be the ones to pay for whatever was decided today.
Next, John took the podium. Scarlett thought he spoke very well and didn’t need her help, but as he closed his remarks, he introduced her to the room.
“We have someone remarkable with us here today. Lady Scarlett Heroux, daughter of Soleil’s late prime minister Lord Jules Heroux and Sabina Bedivere of our own Clair de Lune. Given the rarity of a visitor from Soleil and the unique trade embargoes she lives with, I’d like for her to take the floor to give a few remarks.”
“Go get ’em,” said James as Scarlett stood.
Scarlett took a deep breath as she made her way to the podium, summoning the manic excitement that usually aided her when she spoke in public. She looked out at all the civil servants.“Thank you, Mr. McNeil, for the kind introduction. It’s true—the Cerulean Party is struggling to undo the isolationist economic policies that have handicapped Soleil for so long. Soleil has a lot to offer the world, and likewise, I believe our quality of life would be better if we were more open. I agree with what Mr. McNeil said about tariffs hurting the consumer most of all, because the people are the ones who pay. I’ve seen extreme iterations of that in my country with our hard borders. Black markets form to offer the restricted goods illegally, and people in need of special services like medical magic are left to suffer needlessly.”
As she spoke, she noticed glittery, almost golden tendrils rising in streams above the people listening. She stopped talking and looked across the room, momentarily stunned by the sight. A couple of listeners had black smoke twisting into the air above them, including Ian Carmichael. One man with a thick mustache had both colors above his head.
Refocusing, she relayed what she’d told James about the economic benefits she believed would occur if their border was more open.
“It’s wonderful to be in my mother’s homeland, and thanks for the opportunity to address the council,” she said to finish her remarks.
There was a smattering of surprising applause, which made her face grow hot. She was going to have to get over that reaction before she addressed Soleil’s parliament. This had been an excellent practice run at a public address. It was so thoughtful of James and his boss to include her.
James and Scarlett observed in silence through the rest of the meeting, and Scarlett only half listened as she mulled over what the black and gold had meant. Was that all there was to being a vox?
“There’s plenty more to it. James will explain,”said Nori.
Scarlett was beginning to understand what Brayden had meantwhen he’d referenced Jax’s tendency to withhold information. She got the sense Nori preferred for her to learn by living and was mostly there for emotional support.
“Exactly,” said Nori.“And don’t forget, I’m your source of magic.”
I know. I’m grateful, said Scarlett, feeling guilty for her unappreciative thoughts.
