"They're calling it the Code Danton," said Suki as the company loaded weapons and supplies into the wagons. "This is the most progressive legislature that has been passed in the history of Calydon."
Cyrus didn't miss the look on the princess's face before he said, "Legislature can only be effective if followed. There are so many false constitutions, Suki."
Suki completely ignored him. Suki was so harsh and realistic when it came to everything else, but she could never seem to stop hoping in the new Calydorian Republic.
"The Code Danton gives suffrage and suffrage to all land owning males, among other things. It also outlaws all parlors," Suki said.
"The promises of a liar mean nothing," the princess said viciously before stalking away.
Cyrus had always thought princesses were supposed to be demure and flighty, but she was the complete opposite; she was willing to learn and gritty when the situation called.
Cyrus supposed she needed those traits if she was going to take back her homeland. Flighty and demure princesses didn't make history like she was going to. He was sure of it.
She had traded her angelic white dress for something more practical - her tunic, cloak, and leggings would have let her pass for a commoner if not for the jewel encrusted tiara and the way she glided rather than walked.
"She's right," Cyrus said. "Parlors are integral for the spread of ideas and banning them is the first step towards taking away free speech."
"Parlors aren't integral for the spread of ideas - that's books and writings. But parlors are the symbol of new ideas being restricted to the nobles, and I'm glad that they're being done away with."
They were both distracted by the sound of Lucas's voice. He had mounted his pristine white steed already, a stark contrast from the chestnut and black ones of the mercenaries.
"Princess," he called. "Come, ride with me." Suki snickered cruelly, and Cyrus shot her a severe look.
She shot him a look back that said don't pretend you didn't think the same.
"Thank you for the offer Lucas," the princess called back from her position trying to adjust her belt. She clearly was new to it, using only her right arm to strap her sword to her belt. "But I will ride with the mercenaries today."
Suki dropped her stack of books in shock. Lucas gave Cyrus an extremely dirty look.
"Good Riah, I hate him so much," said Suki in full earshot of Lucas as she bent to retrieve her dropped books.
"Maybe the princess isn't that bad if she's willing to sit in a wagon full of mercenaries that haven't seen a bath in weeks just to prove her appreciation for their help. But," she added hastily, seeing Cyrus's grin, "that does not mean I think she has the capacity to rule."
"She does. You'll see."
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
