Free Web NovelChapter 196: Chapter 196 A New Decree
Amber’s POV
We’re up bright and early, when the twins awake just around dawn. I get up and bring them back to bed, where Chase and Blaze are still sleeping. When I get back in, both of them awake and then we just lie there for a little while, enjoying each other and peace and quiet. The events of yesterday playing in my mind, while Callum and Ashilia are babbling in their baby language.
When we decide to get up, Chase and Blaze take one of the little ones and get them ready, while I do me. I go to Melody and Elina’s room, seeing if they are awake. They are, and their nannies are helping them to get ready for the day. They have to take care of their ponies before going to breakfast, and I tell them I’ll go with them down to the stables where I’ll look after Alsan this morning.
Afterwards we all gather for a good breakfast, and here I tell Alma of her new duties. I present her to the existing staff and everyone is happy to welcome her - especially when they discover she is really the mate of Haldon. We all chat, and Haldon asks permission to ride with Alma today, so they can get to know each other more. I decide to let them travel with Melody and Elina, on the notice they have to keep the girls entertained and safe for the day, which they both happily agree to. Melody and Elina ask Haldon to tell them some of his war stories, and he promises to think of some to tell them along the way.
It was my turn to be with the little one, but Chase stops me when I’m about to go into the carriage. ƒrēewebnoѵёl.cσm
"Do you need to ride today, my love?" I give him a surprised look.
"But it’s my turn." I reply, but he just shakes his head.
"That’s not what I asked, was it?" He says, with a small smirk. I narrow my eyes.
"Yeah, the exercise would be appreciated." I say, watching as Blaze has both Aslan and Chase’s Bolt at the bridle.
"What are you doing?" I ask, but they just tell me to get on, and then we are on our way. These two are just precious, and I love them very much. They must have felt my restlessness this morning, and even though I helped out in the stables, I was still having so much pent up energy.
With the events last night, I’m still not sure if my decision was correct. I’m having a hard time accepting the conditions of some of these poor women, and I know I want to do more for them. I’m also struggling with how things went down with Jodun, and then fact I had to use my powers to restrict him. I never want to be one of those tyrant rulers who force their subjects to oblige them. freewёbnoνel.com
"Amber, I know you are struggling with what happened yesterday, but it was not your fault and I am proud of the way you handled it. You didn’t back down, or hand it over to me as the King and your mate. You saw it through and you handled it with poise and grace." Chase says when we have traveled for a couple of hours. He has let me brood in my own head, and when he feels I’ve been brooding enough, he speaks. I have tremendous respect for this.
"I know, but I just wished I could do more. I want to help all the women, not just Alma. We got lucky with her. She is still sane and not too traumatized." We had the healers and a mind healer to look over her last night. "But I know she is not even one of the worst cases, not even close, Chase. How am I supposed to be their Queen and not help them?" He sighs.
"We will. I promise, we will find a way to help them. I understand your struggle, but right now we have another goal in mind." I open my mouth to protest, but he holds up his hand. "I know what you are going to say, but this goal is also important, Amber. We need to show our faces and our unity as a family to the people. We cannot make changes if they do not know who we are." I nod, not liking him is absolutely right.
"I know, but I don’t like it. We left, and those poor women. I can’t get it out of my head." I say, and Chase reaches out to stroke my hand.
"I understand my love." He says, smiling. "We are a loud voice, Amber. And we need to use it wisely." He gives me a side eye before riding ahead.
I smile down at Aslan, letting him stop for a while until we are down at the back of the long procession of horses, men and carriages. Down here the writers are located, and I smile at them when they give me a curious look.
"Hello my Queen. What can we do for you today?" One of the eldest asks, bowing his head. They are in a semi open wagon, making it possible for them to have a great view, while still being able to stay dry in light rain.
"I was wondering if you could do me a favor, Senior Editor?" I ask, smiling at him. He tilts his head to one side, his eyes alight with curiosity. "I want a decree send out to every part of the Kingdom, stating we have been made aware of the situation where men and women are being treated less than equal to their partners, and that we are keeping an eye on that, so all our subject will always and forever have the opportunity to join us back to the capitol and a new beginning." His smile widens as the words leave my mouth. He knows I’m giving abused men and women, because it is not just women who experience this kind of abuse, a way out of the violence and protecting from the Royals without saying it directly.
"We will have a draft made before nightfall." He says, just as the trumpets announce we are nearing our next destination.
I ride to the front again, gasping when the sight of the next city catches my eyes. It is absolutely beautiful, and I have never in my years seen anything quite like it. Chase stops beside me.
"A sight to behold, no?" He asks, and I turn my blazing gaze to him.
"How is that even possible?" I ask, not sure if my eyes are really deceiving me. I know we talked about this before we started this journey, but seeing it in person is something else entirely.
"Magic, and determination. Come on, we’re falling behind." Chase says, getting Bolt to move forward, while I lead Aslan to follow.
