“Ah, well, Her Majesty’s opinions become law, and I enjoy being reckless.” Yemi winked. “Men as a species are fickle. Constantly moving, constantly changing what tradition even is, what’s of value, what can be discarded.”
“You’ve learned how to opine from Her Majesty,” Dahlia prodded.
Yemi disguised her mild annoyance with a focused gaze on the rings her swishing wine left clinging to the sides of her glass. “No, I’m simply saying, the monarchy was once absolute. Now there is a senate. The Kept led Ixia for centuries, and now they’re a religious sect. The dominant one, but small compared with the whims of modern men as individuals. When the land and lore become less importantto the people, things will shift organically in favor of individual preference, for better or worse. Which is unfortunate for Sofia, but I am personally fond of our packards.”
Marvel raised both his fists in apparent triumph.
Dahlia raised an eyebrow. “So you don’t believe your opinion as a future leader of the state holds more value than anyone else’s?”
“I am only a future leader of the state because there are men who have told me I was born to do it. I am the last person who gets to decide I am important. The people did that, with the backing of this orthat god.Weare the preserved here. They can discard us at any time and pave a road right over us.”
“You’d be… amicable to a dissolution of the monarchy?” Dahlia knew better than to appear intrigued by the idea, but it seemed she couldn’t help herself. Yemi wondered if anyone else noticed.
By now the entire table had leaned in her direction. She could feel her mother’s eyes on her behind the mask.
“If you tell someone they’re a god from birth, indoctrinate them, steep them in that reality, give them immeasurable power and influence, and then suddenly tell them they’re not because you’ve changed your mind, thereby fucking up their entire reality, how well do you expect that should go?”
The queen thrummed her stone fingers testily against the table in the ensuing silence. Marvel and Sofia appeared scandalized. Dorian Drake was mildly sweaty.
Dahlia nodded. “Point taken,” she said with a smile.
Around the table, there was an air of cautious relief that the mischief in Yemi just could not abide. Playing provocateur was her only source of fun, and she could only do it until her every word became gospel.
“Wedidhappen upon something remarkable, matter of fact,” she started cheerfully. “A body. Or part of one. Each one of us is familiar with the ravages of war, yes, but have you ever seen the hollow trunk of a man?”
The queen cleared her throat pointedly, but Yemi continued, leaning low into the table. “The soul of him ripped out and washed away, just a block of meat and bone, unidentifiable from a well-cleaned side of pork save for his belly button—”
“Daughter,” the queen snapped.
“Yes, yes, alright,” Yemi relented. A short-lived joy, but worth it for the look on all their faces. She raised her glass in a toast. “To adventures.”
The men present scooted their plates far enough away to promptthe servers to retrieve them. Sofia snorted laughter. She’d always been one for a good eccentric story.
“Well,” said Marvel Packard with some bluster, “wasn’t sure before, but now… yes, that’s definitely indigestion. I’m afraid I might be done for the night.”
“We should be going as well,” said Dorian. “My Light, it is always an honor. My unending adoration to your impeccable kitchen staff for a wonderful meal.”
Here was where the Bear Queen would normally invite them all to stay, but she now had an earful to give her daughter, and Yemi took full advantage before she could change her mind.
“Oh no! Real shame. I’ll walk you out.”
She stood, prompting the guests to do the same. Marvel wobbled somewhat on his heels, and Sofia guided him with a hand on his back.
“You braying ass,” she muttered. “Dorian, would you mind assisting?”
“Not at all.”
They bowed collectively and shuffled off down the hallway. Yemi followed them, pleased with herself for a quick evening. She found herself alongside Dahlia as they sauntered behind Sofia and Dorian guiding Marvel between them.
“Her Majesty looks well,” Dahlia said.
“That’s kind of you,” Yemi replied.
“Is she? Well, I mean?”
“She’s outlived all expectations. I’ll tell you what would help, however. You know the imposition placed on her hosting guests for meals.”
Dahlia nodded solemnly. “I understand. My father wanted to see his friend, that’s all.”
