Page 46 of Bianca and the Monsters

I feel Bastien’s anxiousness about that possible fate and his resolve in the desperate choice he made.

“Tarans are the property of mighty rulers, the most powerful lords and ladies, kings and queens.” Remy leans in, his eyes probing mine. “They are possessions, not citizens—you must see that.”

I lean back, my hands in fists. “Nope, not a chance. But, just to entertain your delusional state, tell me why Bastien doesn’t deserve equality in this society.”

Remy holds my abrasive gaze, a sliver of concern emerging in his expression, but finally, he nods. His focus locks on Bastien, whose feathers aren’t shimmering now. Everything about him is diminishing.

“Bastien,” Remy says, as though he should earn points for indulging me in using Bastien’s name, “if Lady Bianca were to claim you and then commanded you to kill me, what would you do?”

Bastien swallows roughly and takes a drink of his water, his body quivering now. “I would do as my Mistress commands, as you know.”

Remy’s smugness is his least attractive quality, but then his eyes glint with dark intention. “And if she were to command you to kill Archie, Pennie,andNico, what would you do?”

Shame lives on Bastien’s face and he doesn’t answer, staring down at his hands resting on his lap.

Remy doesn’t let the painful moment last longer than necessary. “My Lady, Tarans are a subjugated species because once they bond, they can’t be held accountable for their actions. They have no control over their lives. If you claim him, you willownhim. Yes, he’s sentient. Yes, he clearly has feelings. But without the ability to decide for himself what he does or refuses to do, how could he possibly be a citizen?”

My fiery hatred for Remy sours my weak interest in eating. I drop my fork onto the plate. “Do you hear how stupid and narrow you sound?”

Remy’s body is rigid. “I genuinely do not mean to cause offense, but perhaps your vitriol is because you see the truth. In your world, do beasts of burden participate in the governing of your society?”

I clear my throat, choking over some highly appropriate swear words. “First,beasts, as you call them, would probably do a better job running my world than people. Second, beasts in my world can’t speak, can’t describe their feelings, can’t reason.” I turn to Bastien. “If I asked you to harm Pennie, Archie, and Nico, what would you do?”

“I would do what you ask, Mistress, but I would try to convince you that whatever they did could be overcome, that we could leave rather than hurting them, that life is long and forgiveness is the greatest treasure we possess.”

I’m suddenly lost in his words and baffled that Bastien, who is entitled to vengeance and hatred, believes them.

I set my hand on his. “And what if I asked you to kill Remy?”

Bastien studies the monster who treats him like an animal. “I would kill him or die trying, but I would suggest that other actions are more effective. I would definitely tell you how you could render Remy and all his soldiers completely helpless withtacos.”

Remy’s shock is clear and I’m starting to understand his obsessive interest in my favorite food.

“Well played, Bastien,” Remy says with a tight nod.

Bastien slumps and rests his elbows on the table. “I’m sorry, Mistress, but I don’t think I can stay much longer.”

“It’s time—I need to make the call,” I say to the table at large.

Remy seems confused and looks to Nico.

“We can communicate with her realm,” Nico says, now standing. To me, he adds, “Can Remy listen in? I think it’s important.”

I nod, pushing back my chair as I stand. Pennie and Archie move closer, helping Bastien out of his seat, before Pennie lifts Bastien and carries him from the room.

In the sitting room, Pennie claims the loveseat, keeping Bastien safely in his arms, while Nico approaches a dark wood hutch and retrieves a cell phone.

I catch the look of surprise on Remy’s face and suddenly understand that the technology that allowed my monsters to find me isn’t well known.

Nico hands me the phone. “Your father’s number is already programmed.”

My heart warms. “Of course, it is.” I pull up the contacts and easily find my dad, given only my number and his are in the phone. The only two humans from my realm who matter to my monsters.

My dad is listed underFuture Father-in-Law, which makes me smile as I stand beside the loveseat, resting my hand on Bastien’s soft head.

“We really didn’t mean to be presumptuous,” Archie mumbles.

“I love it,” I say, meeting his gaze, and then I push on the screen and watch as the call attempts to connect.

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