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“–is crucial for our development. You need to allow humans to put beasts to work. If you ban this practice, you’re putting hundreds and hundreds of humans out of work.” The mortal drones on, voice getting louder and louder the longer he remains uninterrupted. It’s like he knows his allotted time to speak is running out and it’s only a matter of time before I silence is pointless rant. “We can’t have humankind starving because their main source of income is taken away. The beasts must remain employed for the betterment of our alliance, it’s the only way.”
That’s enough of that.
“I am not,” I begin, cutting off the mortal diplomate at last. “ruling that every beast be removed from their place of employment nor am I suggesting that mortals give up their livelihood.” The diplomate, Henry I believe is his name, looks entirely too pleased by my words, no doubt misunderstanding me so I charge on. “What I am demanding is that mortals release their slaves to me, their Queen.”
I pause and let that sink in for a moment. We’re in the throne room as Kieron calls it, hosting yet another long and dull meeting to discuss the current affairs and relationships between beasts and humans. This meeting has already gone well beyond the two-hour allotted time and yet here we still sit, rehashing the same thing over and over again. I allow my gaze to wonder to each of my mates as they too are required to attend this thing.
We are all seated at a large table, with me at the head in my throne. I can tell that Jed is ready to go home as he looks bored out of his mind. Ronen and Kieron look as regal as ever like they can continue this discussion for another five hours without breaking a sweat. Vesstan, well Vesstan just looks angry and that’s nothing new.
“My beasts,” I continue after I feel enough deliberation has passed for the mortal Henry. “They will now have a say in who they are employed too or with. They will be paid according to human standards and will be treated as such. There will be no more abuse, enslavement, imprisonment, torture, or the like under my rule. Do I make myself clear?” Henry looks a tad nervous but I need my point made. “They will receive the same rights as mortals and be treated with respect. We do so for the humans in our domain and we expect, no demand, the same from your kind.”
“Very well.” Henry says with a swallow.
“Good. I expect this to be enacted immediately. For now, this meeting is adjourned, thank you gentlemen.” The two mortals share a quick glance but I pay them no mind. I’m done being civil, I’m tired and cranky. “Elvian will see you out. Safe travels.”
Elvian upon hearing her name steps away from the door she was guarding to escort the mortals out safely. I don’t anticipate any issues with their departure but one can never be too sure. The water sprite bows her head to me before she slips out the door with Henry and Tolken a step behind her. As soon as the door closes, I sigh heavily and lean back in my throne. I’m ready to go home and I know the rest of my bond mates feel the same way.
Ruling sucks.
