"May I be dismissed, Your Majesty?"

"Yes, Clarissa, you may leave."

Clarissa curtsied to the King and queen and then left.

"She's not stupid, you know."

"Good, maybe she will finally be of some use. We have to convince the Princess that..."

"...the women of Remno aren't treated as slaves?"

"We have to convince the Princess that the women of Remno are treated in a way similar to Tearmoon."

"Why should we even help? Pretend that we are not in prison for a few weeks, just to return to..."

"Look!"

The King took Claudia roughly by the arm and pulled her to the picture window behind his desk.

Below, she could see children playing in the courtyard, and further out from that, busy shops, farms, schools, homes...

"If we don't get food soon, they will all starve. It will be all of our heads if that happens."

Claudia tried to shake off the King's grip, but he was much too strong. After a few seconds, the King released her. He didn't want to hurt her—today, but he wanted it to be clear that he was choosing to release her—her desires were irrelevant as her ability to resist.

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The queen stepped back, "When will the Princess be here?"

"One week."

"That won't be enough time."

"It has to be enough time."

"I will need help."

"Anything you need. "

"You will have to address me and all of the women in the castle with respect."

"Yes, My queen. Is there anything else?"

There was no irony in his voice—he spoke to her as if she was important to him.

The suddenly civil tone actually shook Claudia more than the physical intimidation. It was frightening how easily he could choose just stop his subjugation as if it never existed at all—almost like blowing out a candle.

Is it really so easy for him to pretend? Is the situation really this dire?

"I will need soldiers that will follow my commands"

"How many?"

"Two's enough."

The King swung open his office doors, catching the two guards....well, off guard. As the one soldier's cards were sent flying, the other stood at attention with a boot in his saluting hand.

The King pointed his thumb in the direction of the guards.

"Will this sorry pair do?"

"As well as any, I suppose."

"Well, then..."

The King looked coldly into the eyes of the bootless soldier. "Son, do you like your head?"

"My head, Your Majesty?"

"Yes, that thing attached to your shoulders by your neck!"

"Yes, Your Majesty! I am quite fond of my head!"

The King shifted his gaze to Claudia.

"Are you sure, My queen? I know I can do better than this. I could just chop these two up, and get you a better pair."

The queen chuckled, "Well.... we are short on time."

"Okay, boys. Today is your lucky day! You get the privilege to serve the lovely queen Claudia and keep your heads! You will do everything and anything she asks. You will address her as you would address me. Of course, if you have any objections, I could always find her majesty a better pair."

The two soldiers just stood motionless, fearing that the slightest movement might be interpreted as an "objection."

"No objections? Good. Now, get moving...Chop! Chop!"