The Lightning Queen

Chapter 13

Mare

As the letters from my former beloved captor (obviously said with sarcasm) begins to pile, I brush my fingers against the stack of unopened envelopes that appeared on my bed. There are moles in the scarlet guard; luckily none of them know that I am Queen. Some things are kept confidential.

This is exactly why I need my right hand to deal with matters such like this and read the intentions of people around me.

The newest letter came yesterday, if I start opening every letter in the order that it came I'll finish by dawn, that's not bad considering its noon. It's only been three weeks since I return and acquired Summerton and yet there's 14 letter and 2 packages. I bet he has killed numerous trees because each of these letter are 4 pages each back and front.

Maven

The view is gorgeous from here, being in my study always reminds me of the time I confessed my worst shame to Mare.

I would hope she has gotten all my letters. Some of which gives a summary of my favourite books and favorite political articles that has ever been written and also the history of Norta, I know she read multiple books on Nortan history but this is a briefing about silver cities and the economic balance, so when she does become my queen she'll be perfect at winning over the silvers.

Her political mindset is so stunning it makes her even more attractive but with this she will be flawless.

Calculated steps walk clank through marble floor sending an echo across the room.

"Maven we need to talk?" He takes a seat on the opposite side of my desk.

"Proceed." I motion my hand for him to continue.

"Is therapy working?" My eyebrows furrow, what an odd question.

"Yes, you know it is, I've been-" he interrupts me.

"You haven't talked about losing New Town which just happens to be your finance capital."

"I'm extraordinarily well, I've been talking to Laura and she been very helpful-" He interrupts again and I swear if he wasn't who is to me I'd kill him.

"In other words Maven, you're close to bankruptcy." How dare he.

"We can raise taxes for the Reds and Silvers citizens." He seems infuriated.

Jake strodes in, his T- shirt covered in black oil of some sort. He sees me looking.

"I was fixing a jet." He said and I roll my eyes.

Like I asked.

"What are we talking about?" Jake spoked.

"The fact that Maven is bankrupted and he wants to raise taxes." He pauses and looks at me. "If you raise taxes people won't even afford to live and you already spend alot on wars." Jake turns to me.

"You can always shift your profits to agriculture." Jake suggests. There is an abundance of profit in that.

I don't know if to be enraged or pleased. Cal can't do agriculture because everyone in Norta know that their land has suffered severe overgrazing. Harbor Bay has been taken away from him and he has no financial support either besides for Ptolemus but now I don't know if that's true anymore, he is mostly likely holding Evangeline hostage, I pity him, having to spend time with her, she's terrible.

"Agriculture it is." I place my palms flat against the mahogany desk.

"I thought you'd put up more of a fight."
So did I.