Page 57 of Wrath of the Fae Queen
“There is a supposed food shortage, but we can’t bring in the stock we have acquired from across the border!” a man shouts, and several others agree.
“Titania has cut you out of the deal,” I continue. “She has installed herself as High Chancellor so she can bleed this court dry of wealth, lining only her pockets. This was her plan all along: to stifle other businesses, making it impossible for them to trade. To steal from the people she is meant to be serving.”
More and more merchants perk up, nodding at my words, so I push on.
“We all know she restricts imports into the city. That she creates false shortages so she is the only one who has the goods in demand when prices rise. It is despicable for a leader to price gouge to make themselves wealthy, while the common person struggles with the cost of living. While they starve.”
Up until this point, I have only spoken of things they already know and reinforced their opinions. I have told them I understand their struggles. These merchants are now buttered up to hear what else I have to say.
“I can make you a promise. I am not a businesswoman. When Aldrin and I claim our throne, we will not cut merchants out of their own trade. We do notneedto line our pockets withyourmoney. I have trained to be a queen and rule a kingdom for my entire adult life—we just had no idea I belonged to the Spring Court, not the human kingdom of Strathia. I know how to rule and bring equal opportunities to all, becausethatis what we want: wealth and prosperity forallof Spring. Unsure whether you should believe me? Do you remember what trade was like under Aldrin’s rule? I have heard many since then call it the golden times.”
In truth, it was Silvan who discovered that little detail.
Apparently, while I was being tormented by Titania, he was visiting every bar and tavern he could, picking up information for me to use when I found my power base and spreading his own rumors in our favor.
“Let me tell you a little story about Titania. It will demonstrate that she is not only the opposite of the shrewd businesswoman she claims to be, but also a shortsighted, terrible politician.” Grumbles rise at my words and I smile with triumph. “You may have heard her claim that Aldrin fought in a war in the human realm because I seduced him away from his own people in their time of need. The truth is, he did it to install a king on the human throne who is friendly toward fae interests.One who agreed to reopen trade between our realms and bring great wealth and many opportunities to the Spring Court.
“Think of the new business ventures this agreement could present for you. The many markets among the humans that could be available to you and the rare goods you could import. There is little magic left in that realm, and even simple enchanted exports like fire orbs that are abundant here could fetch you an exorbitant price there. You would be presented with the opportunity to bring in delicacies like chocolate, coffee and even butterflies.”
I pause for long enough to hold many of their eyes.
“Neither Aldrin nor I are going to squander this trade for ourselves, as your High Chancellor would. No, we will need the support and hard work of the merchant guild to make this deal happen.Youwill benefit, personally.”
A round of applause erupts from the crowd and a few people cheer. My heart hammers within my chest, because if I get the execution right on my next words, I will win these people over to us in such a way that Titania could never drag their allegiance back.
“There is one reason why Titania has kept this immensely profitable deal hidden: she very nearly destroyed this trade agreement before it started. Mere days after we signed the contracts and sealed the bargains, with all trade to funnel through the Lord Protector’s lands with his oversight and approval, Titania invaded the human realm with a legion of warriors, stormed and captured the Lord Protector’s castle, and threatened violence against his family. Againstmyfamily.”
Horrified gasps fill the space, followed by angry muttering.Many faces pale.
“Her ruthlessness knows no bounds!” a red-faced man roars, standing from his seat. “Her bullying tactics will blow up in all our faces!”
“She has become the court’s most powerful and rapidly expanding businesswoman because of her tactics to destroy the opposition,” a woman calls out in response. “Maybe she knows what she is doing and the humans need stern guidance.”
The room breaks out into arguments. I momentarily become all but forgotten.
“I will tell you the effect hertacticshad!”
My air wield amplifies my voice until it is as loud as a clap of thunder. The halo of fire around me whooshes until it engulfs my entire frame, then suddenly recedes. The squabbling cuts off abruptly.
“The Lord Protector himself has informed me that the human king views Titania’s violent and disrespectful actions as an act of war and will not trade with her. He will not allow fae under her rule into his realm, believing this is a benchmark of how they will behave. King Niall will only collaborate with Aldrin and myself. If you want a slice of this deal, Titaniamustbe removed from the throne.”
Someone drops their glass to the ground and it shatters, the sound painful in the silence that falls over the room.
“How long until Titania’s rule sends each of you bankrupt? How long until there is no wealth left in this court, except what is in her pocket?” I ask. Glazed eyes stare at me as they do the math. “During Titania’s propaganda blitz, just before she stole the throne from Aldrin, she claimed he was going to impoverish the court with his ideals. That only she could bring economic growth. Well, it has been a decade and she has only done the opposite, while Aldrin offers riches on a silver platter instead. All you have to do is be bold enough to reach out and grasp them.”
It is a risk to even allude to Aldrin’s push for the high fae to return to their responsibilities in the wilds to these merchants. Dispersing the population, their customer base, in such a way would only increase their expenses. It is more important forthem to stop viewing Titania as a businesswoman who will make all their fortunes rise, when she does the opposite.
“I call on you now to fight against Titania’s tyranny,” I demand. “Do not sit on your hands or cower because it is easier.”
“How do we do that?” one man calls out, as if on cue. “We are not soldiers! You cannot expect us to take to the streets with weapons. To fight Truth Templars!”
I smile broadly at him. “No. I want you to do quite the opposite. I call for peaceful opposition from the merchant guild. You have told me this city is in the middle of a food shortage crisis. That people are starving and cannot afford the essentials to survive. You also know that this situation has been manufactured by Titania herself, and that every effort you make to bring food into the City of Vertical Gardens is blocked by her.”
I flare my air wields to make my voice burn brighter, louder, larger than life.
“I ask this of you: speak out. Inform your customers. Whisper to your neighbors. Make sure every citizen in this city knows the truth, so that when we challenge Titania for the throne and she calls on these very people to rise up and fight for her, they will know that she has no loyalty toward them. They will turn their backs on her, instead of fighting violently for a High Chancellor who does not deserve their fealty. She cannot take your power so long as you still have a voice and the courage to use it.”
A rumble of assent rises up from the crowd, with so many calling out that I cannot discern individual words. They clink glasses and throw back drinks. As I leave the stage, most break off into groups for deep discussions.
