Page 59 of Dream in Darkness
“Oh yes, sorry. I do,” Gabe starts. “The Legion has made its way onto my territory, and they’re setting things on fire.”
Well, that’s one way to send a message.
“What do I do?” he asks, scratching his chin.
This demon honestly thought cake was a more important thing to start with than domestic terrorism? That’s absurd, but what do I know about leadership? I just acquire information, I don’t make the rules. If these governors ran their territories even half as well as Raph runs just the carnival alone, we wouldn’t be having so many problems.
Now, Raph’s continent suffers while trying to fix everyone else’s issues. He’s constantly taking in refugees and those in need. It’s honorable, sure, but it wouldn’t be necessary if these governors did their fucking jobs.
“Are children or the elderly at risk?” Zada asks.
Gabe nods. “I would say so.”
“Then you should try them for illegal murder,” Uri says.
Illegal murder,as opposed to regular murder.
I’ll never forget when I met Gemma, she told me all about Earth and how murder was practically always illegal there. Maybe that’s for the best. There’s plenty of senseless killings that happen thanks to our laws. Roxanne’s death was unnecessary and vile. But I can also see how a land that’s overly-ruled could run its own risks. Corruption, injustice.
Sitting here in front of all our leadership, it’s clear that’s the bulk of our issues. Unjust leaders combined with cruelty from the upper-echelons of society; it’s an unhealthy mix. If every continent had a fair and altruistic governor, I think we’d be okay.
That would mean Raph, Zada, Uri, and maybe Gabe would remain. Josina, Cavan, and Micha would be replaced. By who? I have no idea. But the monarchy shouldn’t reign for much longer. Not unless we all wish for war.
“You can send them to us,” Cavan says, smirking at Josina.
“Wait a second, are these people protesting against decisions you’ve made? Perhaps you should consider… changing them?” Zada looks pissed as she glares at Gabe, who is normally more considerate than this. “What are they upset over?”
“That’s the thing, I have no idea. I haven’t changed any laws or implemented anything new,” Gabe pleads, desperation leaking into his tone.
“I recommend we break away into separate, smaller groups to continue these discussions. The weather is not ideal for traveling right now, so you’ll all have to depart in the morning,” Uri says, and everyone nods, clearly wanting this meeting to be over.
“Gabe, how about Raph and I help you with your problem? I think we can brainstorm how to please your citizens,” Zada chimes in. “We need to get to the root of the issue.”
Gabe smiles politely. “Please.”
I let out a breath, not realizing I was holding it. I fully expected Gabe to disregard his citizens’ wishes and try them fortheir crimes, but I’m glad he’s willing to reason. It’s a natural call and response.
If people feel strongly enough to protest or riot, a good leader would take action, finding ways to provide their citizens what they need, not punish them.
Everyone slowly exits the room. Standing in the doorway, I watch as Luc walks through the castle, a fluffy-as-always Beelzebub by his side as they head towards where the Queen Mother stands waiting at the end of the ornately decorated hall.
Leaning against the stone wall, I take a deep breath.
“Could I meet with all of you privately?” Phaelyn asks, looking at me and the other members of The Devil’s Masquerade.
“Of course,” Draven answers.
We follow Phaelyn and Draven down to a second, smaller room. It reminds me of the one in Luc’s building. A tighter space, but still comfortable enough for the six of us.
There is a portrait of Luc and his siblings on the wall. Josina and Cavan stood next to one another, towering over the other children. A very young Uri stood in front of them, not smiling. Then there’s Lucile, a tiny Micha resting on her shoulders, and Zada in front of her. Gabe is squished between Zada and Luc, who stood in front of their grandfather, Lucifer.
Lucifer looked serious. Wrinkles lined his features, and he was incredibly strong, reminding me of the statues we have in museums. There is no father in sight, and I wonder what happened to the father of our overlords.
There are no tellings of him in history books. At least, nothing of substance. Just vague statements listing Lucile was married to another upper-echelon demon, but no further details. It’s odd, honestly. There was more information on Tempest and me in the papers announcing our engagement, and we might as well be nobodies.
Taking a seat, I wait for Phaelyn to speak. “I have to meet with Gemma regarding the new project, but I wanted to speak to the lot ofyou first.”
“Uh-huh,” Absinthe says. She’s looking at Phaelyn with stars in her eyes, and I honestly can’t blame her. She’s a feminine, sexier version of Draven.
