So it is done

Where the line is drawn

Opening his eyes, Jonathan allowed himself a few moments of morning grogginess before forcibly bringing himself to full wakefulness. Today's the eighteenth of May in the year one thousand seven hundred and forty-five, a Monday. And more importantly, tomorrow is Kali's birthday.

The secretary should have picked out a present for her by now.

Of course, Jonathan, the ruler of Glenn, couldn't afford to be distracted by something as mundane as picking out suitable birthday presents. At least not unless it was for Cinder and Neo. After all, even discounting the fact that Cinder and Neo were crucial figures in his personal life, they are also one in Glenn's politics.

Kali Belladonna? Not so much, even with her leading role in politics as the former head of security of Menagerie and Ghira's, she was just 'one' of the leading figures, and most of her influence lies in Menagerie and with the Faunus.

And maybe by our actions, she doesn't even have that long to stay on top... Or even alive? What do you think, Jonathan?

Jonathan paused for a moment and closed his eyes, trying to clear his mind of intrusive thoughts, failing miserably.

Of course, Jonathan. Why do we have to talk about something we've been to over a hundred times in the past? Just do it, forget the past. Cross out another life with one word, ten lives, one hundred lives, You can't save them all – sometimes you have to sacrifice a hundred to save a thousand. Sacrifice a woman, a wife, and mother both to save a hundred more. Come on, Jonathan, isn't that usually how our reasoning goes? Your decisions? We already know where this is going to go, don't we? So why the hesitation?

Jonathan could only sigh as he kept covering his eyes, invoking a spell, feeling the subtle change in the world around him before he opened his eyes. Taking the final step, he now found himself in the bathroom instead of the room he was supposed to be in after passing by the door, exactly where he wanted to go.

Closing the door behind him before stepping into the shower, his usual morning ritual, a cold shower five minutes between going out of the bed and starting work. Unlike most people, he couldn't afford a relaxing mug of tea before starting his shift, typically. Of course, being in the position as the highest authority of the land, he could theoretically spend as much as time drinking tea at any time. Most Kings have wasted their time on less important pastimes.

But that was hardly what Jonathan needed in these moments. A quick shower, teeth brushing, a change of clothes, and another step later, and he's in the kitchen. Cinder's voice, no less familiar to Jonathan in the morning than his alarm clock, made Jonathan nod, turning his gaze to Cinder. "Up already?"

Of course, as one might expect, a mug of freshly brewed tea was already in Jonathan's usual spot on the table alongside a couple of freshly toasted toasts. Jonathan didn't have to think about who had prepared the breakfast, Cinder had wrested the right to do the cooking from him a long time ago, and she had never let it go.

In fact, every such household duties were already in Cinder's iron-grip. Cooking, cleaning, laundry, Jonathan could easily imagine Cinder choking with indignation if he ever even insinuated some 'outsider' to do Cinder's jobs.

Whether it was a professional, a RATS agent, or the Brothers from heaven who had suddenly decided to take a part-time job in Jonathan's small, by the standards of the world's big shots, house.

Somewhat fortunately for Jonathan, at least Cinder did not also force herself into becoming his personal driver and bodyguard. The role was not taken over by Neo either, thankfully, instead being taken by a RATS agent. To be honest, Neo would not have minded taking on the role, but looking at Neo's driving style, who preferred to call the 'rules' of the road more like 'suggestions'?