Hawks and Eagles

The Caged Bird

"These are the three servants, my lady." He watched them as they were forced to kneel down before you. "They were caught poisoning your food."

You kept your expression smooth, your thoughts from playing out for others to see. It chilled you to think that they wanted to kill you. Others had tried but you couldn't understand it. Weren't you trying to change things for the better? Couldn't they see that? By giving each sector its own government you gave them more freedoms? Your plans to create apprenticeships for all classes proved your desire for equality.

"My lady, by law, these men should be sentenced to death for their crimes of treason." Seneschal Jordan took a step closer, his paper being scribbled on mercilessly as he kept notes on the proceedings. "By your orders we can begin the executions."

"Murderer," one of them spat, the bravest of the three, rising up on his knees.

"I am a murderer." You leaned forward in your seat, hands clasped as you stared into the glistening marble floors, pristine and untouched by the desert sands just outside the city walls. "But so are the nobles that you serve."

He managed to keep his head high, loyal even to the end.

"I can not kill them for simply doing what they think is right." You stood up and strolled across the room towards them, Constable Armon's hand twitching towards his sword just in case you needed him. But he knew well enough what you were capable of.

The seneschal muttered it, nervously almost, "You're allowing them to live?"

"Find them work outside of the palace." You looked at them, memorized each of their faces so that if you ever saw them again you would recognize them. Their lives mattered. They had family somewhere, someone who cared for them. You couldn't let yourself forget that. "Make sure their families are comfortable as well."

Armon followed you out of the room, each of his steps as heavy as the next which attested to his frustration. "You can't keep letting people live. Those men will find another way to kill you and one day they will succeed."

"Or perhaps they will see reason." You tossed him a weak smile, the best you could give the older soldier after the long, weary days. "Killing everyone isn't exactly an answer either, Constable."

Armon gave a slight nod of his head. "My lady--"

"This is an outrage!" His shout echoed through the halls, drawing attention from everyone but yourself. It had to be a noble, his accent and air of authority told you as much. "This will not stand!"

You stopped short and peered over at Armon, the diligent bodyguard who hadn't left your side since the whole ordeal began. He gave you a nod of acknowledgement that he'd do whatever you needed of him. You turned calmly around to face the challenging man as he stormed towards you, a pair of nobles at his side.

"These... 'vagrants' litter the halls of the royal estate!" He came to an abrupt halt as the constable stepped forward in warning. "They can not remain here! This is an insult to everyone--"

"Kill him." You groaned, too tired to deal with a revolt, too bitter to waste your time on men who opposed change.

Armon stepped forward fully intent on following the orders. Even the noble gasped and stumbled away from you, the men at his side stiffening to hear such words.

"Hold a moment." You raised your hand, eyes rolling as you tried to fight back against the urge to kill every enemy. You weren't a soldier. You weren't fighting an army. You had to be merciful. Killing wasn't the answer. There were other ways, you reminded yourself. "I've changed my mind."

The noble wasn't quite so forward as earlier but his stubbornness didn't change. "This is a palace! It has housed the royal family for generations!"