WITCH - The Queen

Chapter 67

Julia

The tent stood and a few harpies brought them fruit, small cucumbers, and hot tea. Not far from their tent, some harpies set up a large, festive campfire, which was to be lit in the evening. They looked at Julia and her family curiously. Some came to greet them.

"They were expecting you", Jane said. "It's been a long time since I learned that you all were going to come to us. At that time, our old shaman was still alive. She died two years ago. The age. She fell asleep and never woke up."

"That's sad," Julia replied.

"No. She had a good life." Jane sighed. "She also knew you were coming. The First, Iris, told us this. She had a vision. Long before you. She showed me what she saw, and I passed everything on to our people. They are prepared. We harpies are ready to go into battle!" She proudly pointed to the harpies that set up the campfire. "They all want to remain free and protect their homeland."

Julia sighed.

She, too, wanted to protect many people. But how would her mother react if she realized that Julia was opposing her? And how long did slaves have to suffer until Julia reached her goal? Maybe would achieve her goal? What would become of her homeland?

There was so much to consider. Many things for which she herself did not yet have a solution, or she didn't know about. She still was almost a child. But her mother was only a few years older when she was crowned queen.

She let her gaze wander over the many harpies and her family. Julia never wanted to return home. Leopold sat down next to her and kissed her cheek. She leaned against him while Jane raved about the strength of the harpies. And of their definition of freedom and love. Smiling, she told them that her and Tinke's wedding was the first to be celebrated in hundreds of years.

Lea

Chloe had finally told her what had happened when the two were alone in the library. Shay and Benjamin played cards played in the living room. Maybe that's why Chloe told her what had happened. Because Benjamin didn't hear them.

Lea was boiling with rage. She would fire Mrs. Weich! She would love to have this woman hang upside down from the roof of the academy... Lea promised Chloe that she and Benjamin would no longer have to do any tasks for the academy. A promise for which Chloe embraced her. The girl cried with relief and Lea held her in her arms until Chloe calmed down.

If Lea could, she would take Mrs. Weich to the prison and lock her up there forever. But according to the new laws, Mrs. Weich had not made any mistakes. Lea would still fire her. No one touched her children. Shay would also no longer take on any tasks for the academy. No. Lea would protect the three. Mercilessly, if need be.

Of course, she needed a new manager for the laundry. This time Lea would hold all the interviews personally...

"What are you thinking about?", asked Chloe. She had made herself comfortable in the armchair in front of the fireplace with one of the many books from the library. Lea sat on the sofa with a cup of tea and was actually busy writing a letter to Fritz and also one to Ingried. Should she also write to Paul?

"After I fired Mrs. Weich, I will need someone new for the laundry," she replied.

"You're firing her?" Chloe looked at Lea in amazement. "But Mrs. Weich has..."

"And how many servants would still suffer if she stayed in the laundry?" Lea sighed. "She committed a crime. Even if she has the law behind her! I'm going to hire someone new. And do all job interviews myself."

"As a princess? Don't others take care..."

"Hm." Lea grinned mischievously. "Even a princess can conduct job interviews. Especially when she runs an academy!"

"That's certainly exciting. A job interview...", Chloe murmured. "I've never been to one. And never will."

Lea had an idea. "Would you like to be part of it?"

"What?" The girl almost let the book fall out of her hand.

"Would you like to attend the interviews? Make the decision together with me?" Lea winked at her. "The person I hire must not treat bonded servants badly. And your opinion is therefore very important for the decision, don't you think?"

"I can help you? Really?" Chloe smiled. "Yes! Of course! And Benjamin? No. That wouldn't be something for him. Mrs. Weich has hurt him badly. Way more... than me."

"Sweety?" Lea stood up, walked over to Chloe, and took her hands in hers. "She did bad things to both of you. But don't worry. You never have to see her again."

Chloe nodded with tears in her eyes. "Never again", she said quietly.

(c: sasi)