Heat burns my cheeks, and I grip my scepter to stop myself from spilling power into the crowd. "You will not drive the zombies from their territory. There is no reason you are more deserving of it than them."
Cillian, the governor of the human Underworld colonies, clears his throat. "We are alive is one of many reasons. They should have no claim if they have not a heart to beat."
"They were given those territories long before I generously allowed all of you to move into my lands, and they will continue to reside in them, heart beating or not. If you do not like it, you are welcome to return to the surface, but if I ever hear that you have moved yourself into land that is not yours again, I will not be so merciful with my arrows."
"We pay great taxes to the throne and bring your kingdom abundant resources through our farms and unique skill sets. One would think that would grant us more from the queen. Perhaps we will not be so merciful with our swords next time."
Jude whips his sword out but stops advancing at my raised hand. A single nod, and the governor's head will roll by way of my top general.
I rise from my throne and shoot an arrow over the governor. I skim the top of his head, cutting a bald spot through the middle of his hair and leaving his scalp untouched. "If you dare threaten me again, I will aim lower."
He touches the top of his head and backs away. "I apologize, Your Majesty. We will find elsewhere to build our shops."
"See that you do." I hear three more disputes, rule on six official matters, and send out three royal decrees.
Jude empties the room when I raise my scepter to declare myself done for the day. He shuts the door and approaches my throne. "You look exhausted."
"Don't you mean fiercely intimidating?"
"To everyone who doesn't know you well, absolutely. That was quite the show."
"After all these years, some still doubt my capabilities. It's good to remind them."
"Yes, my favorite was when you were about ready to have your triplets, and the troll king thought that meant you could no longer fire an arrow."
"He made a foolish bargain, but it stopped a war." I rub the back of my neck and close my eyes, swaying a bit.
"When was the last time you slept?"
"A bit last night. There's always something that needs done. Nox and I are so busy that there's little time for personal things."
"Sleeping should be considered a necessity." He helps me down from my throne and adjusts my cloak behind me. "Maybe it's time for a vacation for just the two of you."
"The triplets just started school, and that's enough of an adjustment without us leaving them."
"A few days shouldn't matter much. It's been too long since our queen has had some time off. She's too dedicated."
I unfortunately yawn. "You act like Figor never visits, and that we don't go revisit the gluttony realm every time he does."
"Figor is good for the queen, but you need time with your mate too."
"I wouldn't argue about that. There are some concerns with us both going anywhere, but I will speak with Nox and see what he thinks."
"That is all I ask."
A soldier bursts into the room, ignoring the protocol to knock when my throne door is closed. "My queen! I apologize for the intrusion, but several imps have broken loose and are inflicting havoc on the grain supply."
