cinder || dnf

chapter twenty three

George dug his fingernails into his knees when the chanting of the protestors ceased. Bad turned toward him, their expressions mirrors of surprise, though Bad was quicker to disguise it. The queen's success at calming the crowd had been far too easy; George had hoped for at least a hint of struggle from the citizens.

Gulping, George morphed his face back into collectedness.

"It is a most useful trick," said Alex, sitting on the edge of the chaise lounge by the holographic fire. "Particularly when dealing with unruly citizens, which are never tolerated on Luna."

"I've heard that when citizens are unruly, there's usually a good reason for it," said George. Bad flashed him a warning frown, but he ignored it. "And brainwashing doesn't exactly seem like the proper solution."

Alex folded his hands politely in his lap. "Proper is such a subjective word. This solutions is effective, and that can hardly be argued with."

Minx flew back into the parlor with clenched fists. George's pulse ratcheted when the queen's glare fell on him. Being in her presence was like sitting in a confined room that was quickly running out of oxygen.

"It would appear," she said, carefully enunciating each word, "that you are in violation of the Interplanetary Agreement of 54 T.E., Article 17."

George tried his best to remain neutral under her accusation, but he couldn't keep a twitch from developing above his right eye. "I'm afraid I do not have the Interplanetary Agreement memorized in full. Perhaps you could enlighten me as to the article in question?"

She took a slow breath through flared nostrils. Even then- even with all the hatred and anger smeared across her face- she was stunning. "Article 17 states that no party of the agreement shall knowingly shelter or protect Lunar fugitives."

"Lunar fugitives?" George glanced at Bad, but his adviser's face was neutral. "Why would you think we're sheltering Lunar fugitives?"

"Because I've just seen one in your courtyard, along with those insolent protestors. This is not to be tolerated."

George stood and folded his arms over his chest. "This is the first I've ever heard of Lunars in my country. Present company excluded, of course."

"Which leads me to believe that you've been turning a blind eye to the problem, just as your father did."

"How can I turn a blind eye to something I've never heard of?"

Bad cleared his throat. "With all due respect, Your Majesty, I can assure you we monitor all spacecrafts both coming to and leaving the Commonwealth. Though we can't deny the possibility of some Lunars being smuggled in under our radar, I can promise we've done everything in our power to comply with the Interplanetary Agreement. Besides, even if a Lunar fugitive had come to reside in the Commonwealth, it seems unlikely they would choose to risk being discovered by coming to a protest when they know you would be present. Perhaps you have been mistaken."

The queen's eyes smoldered. "I know my own when I see them, and right now there is one in these city walls." She pointed a finger toward the balcony. "I want him found and brought to me."

"Right," said George, "that'll be no problem in a city of two and a half million people. Let me just go dig out my special Lunar detector, and I'll get right on that."

Minx tilted her head back so she could peer down her nose at George, even though he was taller than she was. "You do not wish to try my patience with your sarcasm, young prince."

He flexed his jaw.

"If you are incapable of finding him, then I will have a regiment of my own guards dispersed to Earth, and they will find him."