Page 101 of The Ruler
Fueled by victory, I grew greedy and wanted more.
“Thank you.” I nodded my head. “I will make you proud, and I ask that you’ll openly acknowledge that I have chosen to marry the ruler of the Northlands of my own free will and with the support of the council. I would like all Motlanders to know that this gives hope of a future union based on friendship and respect. Christina’s and Boulder’s marriage should be mentioned too.
“But it’s illegal to speak of the Nmen,” someone pointed out.
“So change that,” I challenged. “It’s insulting to our neighbors in the north and harmful if we want to break down barriers between us.”
Before anyone could object, I continued. “Now the second thing is that in case our stories inspire women who are curious, then a solution might be to allow a few men and women to meet each other on safe grounds.”
“Safe grounds? Are you talking about allowing Nmen to enter the Motherlands?” Naomi asked.
“Yes, a few selected ones that are open to learning about our culture and being a type of ambassador to represent their people. It’s time to demystify the Nmen, and the best way is for Motlanders to meet them in person. A handful of selected men could be allowed to visit and work to educate our people. Meeting a friendly Nman and seeing that they’re human beings and not monsters will ease a lot of people’s fears.”
“And if they kidnap again?”
“They won’t. I’ll personally select the men that I trust to behave. But…” I raised a hand. “They will come and go as free men and they can’t get in trouble for improper communication. It’s simply how they speak.”
“I think we all need time to reflect on what you have told us today. You’re asking us to take a huge leap of faith in you,” Juliana Hernandez, one of the senior members, concluded.
“I understand, and I thank you for your great open-mindedness. May peace be with you all.”
“Pearl.” Councilwoman Leah stood up as I sat down. “Before we make our vote on making it legal to speak of the Nmen, I would like to thank you for sharing your thoughts with us. Given the council’s vote on your request to move to the Northlands and marry Lord Khan, you shall no longer serve on this council. We thank you for your service, dedication and not least for your bravery when you saved Athena. That shall not be forgotten, and I suspect we shall have the pleasure of seeing you again as a representative for the Northlands.”
I nodded my head respectfully and smiled, feeling high on adrenaline and my triumph. With rhetoric as my sword and logic as my shield, I had fought my battle and won. It was time to go back and claim my prize, but not until I got a few details sorted out.
CHAPTER 24
Claiming My Prize
Pearl
“So what did you vote?” I asked my mother when I met her outside my apartment only half an hour after the council meeting. I could see her eyes were red-rimmed and knew she had been crying.
“Don’t go back to him,” she said, clearly heartbroken. “If you do, I’ll never see you again.”
“Why not? Am I not allowed back to visit you?”
“Yes, of course.”
“Then I will.”
Isobel looked down; her slim figure that I’d always seen as strong suddenly seemed frail.
“I would invite you to my wedding, but with your distaste for the Nmen, I understand if you don’t want to come.”
Her forehead furrowed. “Are you sure you would want me there?”
“Mom.” I tilted my head. “Of course I want you there.”
“But you know I voted no,” she admitted.
“Yes, I suspected that much.” I gave her a sad smile. “But I also know that you did it because you care for me.”
“I love you,” she said.
“And I love you. But you broke your oath today in that meeting. You put your own personal needs first and used your power for your personal gain.”
She looked down.
