CHAPTER 277 IF WE LOSE THE VOTE

“I would also like to propose that a better schedule be organized for their working hours. Twelve hour shifts within their duties are archaic. I would like to propose a schedule of eight hour shifts, and suggest that the same benefits that apply to pregnant she wolfs, or those with young children be applied to the omega’s on staff. They will be allowed a reprieve from their duties until either the children come of age, or if they choose to return to work, I feel that the Enclave should provide additional child care facilities so that the children are not forced into the life of an omega, before they receive proper education.”

“Preposterous! Traditionally an omega learns their duties from a young age! They…”

“No.” Ann’s voice cut sharply across the arguments that were bubbling amongst the Elders. “From this moment forward, no child may enter into servitude, or into the staff of households until they have completed their education. Special allowances may be made perhaps for apprenticeships if a child shows a particular affinity for it, but they will be required to attend all classes that their peers have the privilege to attend.”

Ann turned to Bartholomew and smiled at him.

“Bartholomew, see to it that the appropriate changes are made to the legislation and I’ll sign off on it as soon as it’s on my desk.”

“Very well, your highness.” He answered with a smile, bowing his head respectfully.

“Your highness, we need to vote on this you can’t just…”

“This change in legislation benefits the kingdom as a whole,” Adam answered firmly, “There should be no need to vote on a legislation that serves no other purpose than to strengthen our ranks, and lift our people up by providing for all of their needs, both now and in the future.”

“I do, however, have a few more items of business that I need to run past you all.” Ann interjected smoothly, “There is the matter of the finances that go into funding our defense and security forces, and the matter of a new installation that I wish to propose for the Enclave.”

“An installation? What sort of installation?”

“Well, I have the plans being drawn up for it and they are by no means finalized, it’s just a matter of deciding the site that it will be built on.” Ann explained casually, knowing full well that they were going to object to the plans that she had in mind, but she was clinging on to the hope that maybe, just maybe, it would pass through on a slim majority if it went to vote.

“The Enclave hasn’t been modified for nearly a century, your highness, there has been no need to.”

“Well, I disagree with that.” Ann stated, “The barracks need extending and refurbishing for one, and I want the defenses on the outer walls of the Enclave, and nearby packs bringing up to date as well. We all know the threat that we are facing currently, and the sooner we have our security up to date, the safer we’ll all be.”

A murmur of approval rippled around the room as Ann continued.

“The defense budget has been sorely neglected over the years and that changes now. I would like our financial team to work on a way to increase our budget, triple it if possible so that we are able to train, equip and supply our warriors with everything they need to ensure that we become a force to be reckoned with across the world.”

She took a deep breath and steadied her racing heart as she came to the final hurdle that she would face.

“Along that same vein, I hope to construct a building that will house a… method of transportation that we can fine tune to meet our needs, allowing almost instantaneous travel to whichever set points we

choose, and only accessible for those with the security clearance to do so.”

Ann could feel the tension rising in the room as the Elders conferred amongst themselves. Such a method of transportation could be invaluable, but it also hinted at the dreaded magic that the Elders now seemed to be hard wired to fear.

“But, my Queen, this transportation that you speak of… what exactly is it? I know of nothing in our world that can provide this… by all accounts life changing opportunity.”

“I want you to know that both I and Adam have used this method before and it is completely safe.” Ann said, taking a steadying breath, “The portals will allow us to move between locations unhindered, the potential for ease in prisoner transport alone is…”

“Potals?” A voice scoffed, “Magical portals that will allow anyone access directly inside the Enclave?”

“She already stated that the portals could only be accessed by those with security clearance.” Adam answered irritably.

“Honestly, I don’t think it’s a bad idea, the costs we would save on fuel alone.. not to mention practically eradicating the risk of escape attempts…”

“Absolutely not. Allowing magic inside the enclave? It will leave us open to attack from the inside..”

“Who exactly is going to assist in the construction of this?”

“The construction will be taken care of by our company, so you have no need to worry about the people gaining access to areas within the enclave. As for the magic, Lord Brarthroroz has offered to…” owns this text.

“Oh yes… the Daemon Lord.” A voice scoffed, “Didn’t the Excidium coven rise thanks to the backing of Daemon? Why should we trust him?”

“Why shouldn’t we trust him?!

His daughter is Beta to the kingdom and has a strong, personal relationship with the Queen, there’s no reason that he would turn on us.”

“Maybe not now, but what about years down the line?! No. Absolutely not.”

“Enough!” Ann yelled, the sudden outburst startling Coral and she dropped the device and glanced apologetically at Ann as she hastily picked it up.

“I can see this is a t*ouchy subject, so I would like to hold a vote. The quicker I know your answer, the quicker I can decide where to install it.”

“Your highness, you cannot…”

“I seem to remember you were already warned about telling me what I can and cannot do. If I won’t have your approval for the site within the enclave,

then I will site it elsewhere. This building will be constructed whether you approve or not, so, if you would like to cast your vote as to siting it within the enclave, it would be very much appreciated.”

Ann waited patiently as the elders shuffled forward to register their votes.

“Crusty old f***s, why do you have to answer to them? Just order the construction and let them cry about it in their coffins.” Maeve sneered.

“If I do that Maeve, then it puts the whole concept of a democratic leadership out of the window. I will absolutely stand up for things that decisively benefit our kingdom, but the elders at least need to feel that they have a choice, no matter how small it is. It’s about picking our battles.”

“And if we lose the vote? What then?”

“Then we build an extension onto the barracks at the palace.” Ann shrugged, “We’ll still have the portal room, but we will shoulder the responsibility ourselves.”

Once the votes were cast and tallied, the result was announced. The vote against hosting the portals at the Enclave passed by a very slim majority and amongst the smug faces of those who had voted against, were the unhappy faces of those who wanted to see progress.

“Thank you for your votes, and I want to assure you that your voice and your votes still matter. I will always listen to your advice, although I may not heed it. As such, the portal room will not be built at the enclave, instead, I will construct it on my own property, at the royal palace.”

Almost instantly the voices of disapproval rose but with a single gesture of her hand, they were silenced.

“I appreciate your concern, but this is my responsibility. I hope that with time, your confidence grows in my ability to make safe decisions for the good of everyone. You are welcome to utilize the services of the portals once they are constructed, by appointment only of course, as only the current monarchs and their betas will hold the security clearance to activate the portals.” Ann stated as she felt the weighted stares of the elders focused on her.

“With that issue concluded, I have no further business. Are there any further matters to be discussed?” Ann paused, waiting for a response, and, when there was none, she nodded seriously,

“Very well, thank you for your time elder council members, I look forward to receiving the requested items and reports in the near future.”

As the Elders filed out Ann turned to Coral with a smile, “That wasn’t too bad now, was it?”

“It wasn’t great either, your highness,” she answered timidly with a wry smile.

“Don’t worry too much about their reactions for now, Coral. With time, they will become more accepting.” She said as she stood and stretched slightly, the muscles around her abdomen already protesting at the lives growing inside of her that stretched her belly at a rapid rate,

“For now, I’m going to go and lie down. For some reason, I’m suddenly incredibly tired.”