Chapter 11
Therian Palace, Thursday, December 13, 2012
Luca was frustrated after yet another long day of tedious administrative tasks and meetings. He struggled to maintain the traditions of his people while getting things accomplished amid endless ceremonies. His predecessor had let many Therian traditions fall into obscurity, and Luca was eager to reestablish some of them as he took their people in new directions and rejoined the world.
As annoyed as he got with bureaucracy, Luca wouldn’t rule like Nikoli had. They’d finalized a location for the new palace, and an army of willing labor was working around the clock. All necessary repairs had been made to the old palace, and Luca had opened it to the refugees who’d lost their homes and livelihoods. The destroyed dungeons had been sealed off, but the rest of the palace was habitable, and the halls hummed with hopeful energy as people went about their days.
He hadn’t seen the new palace’s site for a few days, but as of the progress report he’d read that morning, large sections of the foundation had been laid. Tunneling through the mountain to build the lower levels without weakening the bedrock took time, patience, and an expert team of engineers, architects, and others who understood the challenges far better than he did.
After the design had been approved, Luca was astonished by how quickly work was progressing. He shouldn’t have been. They had hundreds of inhumanly strong, dedicated workers who were proud to be part of the project and skilled witches from around the world pouring their talents into the work.
Luca had been right to keep the site of Nikoli’s rampage intact. It had been a Therian stronghold and a symbol of their history and heritage for thousands of years. However, it also represented the dangers of corruption from within. He counted the days until he never had to endure another restless night in its haunted halls.
After the coronation, Luca gathered the clans’ monarchs and dukes for the official royal proclamation that slavery would no longer be tolerated in the empire. Most had abandoned the practice centuries ago, but others were irritated, and a small number were outraged. Nonetheless, he’d issued the edict and made it law.
He”d instructed Viktorija to ensure that the decree was enforced. She was flourishing as the general of his military forces, so Luca entrusted the task to her. Many of the people who’d lived as slaves in the palace had returned after Nikoli’s death, and most had taken up their previous duties since they had few options. The palace needed servants to operate, and Luca demanded they be treated with the respect they deserved. He’d spent days working out the details, and he was excited to deliver the news.
He”d gathered the former slaves, the servants who’d returned to the palace, and the visiting servants in the throne room for the announcement. They filed in, excited that their king had summoned them. Some were scared, but he couldn’t blame them, given recent history. He would have to earn their trust.
Luca turned to the witch he’d asked to help with this meeting. “Are you ready?”
She nodded. “Yes, Your Majesty. It will record the whole thing like a camera, and I will distribute it to clans around the world.”
“Excellent. Thank you. Let’s get started.”
Luca turned to the crowd. “Thank you for coming. I have important news to share with all of you. A royal edict abolishing slavery was issued after the coronation, but it’s taken time to establish a new system. I apologize for the delay.”
A stout woman with short, curly hair stepped forward. “Everyone has elected me to speak with you, Your Majesty. My name is Vanya.”
Luca waved her forward, smiling. “Please, Vanya. I want to hear what you have to say before continuing.”
She looked astonished but shuffled to the center of the room and stopped in front of the throne. “Thank you, Sire. If it’s all the same, we’d like to hear you first.”
Luca nodded. “As you wish.” He raised his voice so the crowd could hear him.
“You are all free. That has been the case for a few weeks, but we haven’t changed enough to give your new status meaning. Today, we completed a new employment and payment system, as well as a plan to help you secure proper housing and provide alternate employment if you no longer wish to serve the empire. For those who wish to stay, I am creating the official designation, ‘Servant of the Empire.’ It comes with a variety of benefits as well as payment for your labor and a retirement pension.”
Excited murmurs spread through the crowd, and Luca’s mood lifted. The tedious meetings had been worth it. An idea occurred to Luca, and he filed it for a more appropriate time.
“I have always had great respect and appreciation for the servants in the palace, and long ago, I promised my dear friend I would one day declare all slaves free. She seems to be tied up, but she will speak to you soon.
“It is my great pleasure to make good on my word. I recognize that the empire can’t exist without you. You’re the ones getting your hands dirty, and I need to express my profound gratitude for all you do. I have instituted new rules of conduct, and it is now a punishable offense to abuse any servant. You deserve fair treatment, and you shall have it.”
The room erupted in applause and cheers. Several people wept, and Luca wasn’t even finished. He allowed them to celebrate for a few moments before he motioned for quiet. He was thrilled they were happy with the changes, but it still made him sad. He’d barely done more than secure basic human rights and fair employment for them. It was nothing compared to what they deserved.
“Shall I continue?” he asked, smiling at the many happy faces.
“All servants in the empire will receive fair wages for their work, including room and board or transportation when appropriate. You’re to have scheduled mealtimes, as well as real breaks, and your shifts may be no more than ten hours per day. You will have a minimum of one day off each week, and my preference is two.”
This announcement led to those gathered gazing at each other in astonishment and muttering before turning their disbelieving faces to Luca.
“Forgive me, Your Highness, but how is that possible? How will anything get done?” Vanya asked.
Luca grinned. “I’m glad you asked. I lived among the humans during my exile, and I learned a few things from them. They manage their workdays by creating schedules with three work shifts of eight hours each. I expect you each to choose the shift you prefer. Perhaps Vanya and Ivanna can work together to ensure that we have enough workers on each shift. From time to time, some of you might have to work shifts you don’t like. Unfortunately, we’ll face some obstacles as we transition to this new system, but we will find ways to make it work.”
“We need to discuss the living arrangements you mentioned, Sire. Many of us are crammed into the current servants’ quarters, and there isn’t enough space.”
Luca’s brow furrowed. “Please take over the guest quarters immediately. I am deeply sorry no one gave you permission to do so already.”
He cleared his throat. “Asking people to give their all while giving nothing in return will fail. In return for your service, I offer a home for you and your families and a representative on my advisory council. The new palace will include staff apartments, and any who serve there will be welcome to take up residence with their families. The lower levels of the palace are being established as a sort of city.”
Luca gestured around the room. “This place carries a dark history for many and was the scene of unimaginable tragedy for us all. I can’t live here, but if enough of you are willing to wash away the memories, we can make it something new. Something more. I want to convert the entire palace, aside from this room, which will become a memorial, into a city for our people, with permanent portals that will allow you to work in or visit numerous locations. You deserve a safe, comfortable home, a respectable occupation, and the gratitude of your people.”
Tears shimmered in Vanya’s eyes, and her voice was thick when she spoke. “I think I speak for all of us when I say we accept, Your Majesty.”
Luca bowed his head to her. “I’m truly happy to hear that, Vanya. Can I count on you to help us develop a functional system to address concerns and ensure that no one slips through the cracks?”
“Of course, Your Majesty.” She hesitated. “I must ask, what do you plan to do to those who resist your changes or refuse to treat their servants properly? And those who live far from the palace? The problem doesn’t only exist here, Sire.”
“I can’t see everything, so I have to rely on our people to report incidents. If you believe that the rulers in your clan are corrupt, get word to me. I will handle the situation. No one should ever be threatened, beaten, or brutalized again. I will do my part, but I can’t fix problems I don’t know about. Please trust me enough to tell me what’s wrong.”
Vanya nodded. “That is fair, and it makes sense.”
Luca looked at the crowd. “If anyone ever threatens you or touches you in a way you don’t like, come forward. If you don’t trust anyone around you, go to Vanya or Ivanna, and they will get word to me.”
Ivanna approached from the back of the room, having just come in. The others parted to let her through, and she bowed her head to Luca. “May I, Your Highness?”
He waved her onto the dais so everyone could see her. “Please. Your words will mean more than mine.”
That was the sweetest thing anyone has ever said to me. Thank you.
Ivanna gave him a dazzling smile and faced the crowd. “For most of my life, I was one of you. Almost a century ago, this man promised me he would abolish slavery as soon as he took the throne, and here I stand, a free woman. Lucaindrion Nablyudatel is a Therian of his word, and you can stake your life on the promises he’s just made. If you’re mistreated, tell me, and we will see that it’s dealt with.”
“Any Therian who mistreats the people under their protection deserves neither their power nor position, and they won’t hold it long under my rule,” Luca declared.
A thin woman with a bruise darkening one side of her pretty face stepped forward, her eyes wide with fear and hope. “Do you mean you will strip them of their title?”
Luca nodded. “That is exactly what I mean. Tell me, do you trust the person responsible for your care?”
She looked at the floor, refusing to meet his gaze. “I trust you,” she muttered.
He crossed the few feet between them and lifted her face with a gentle finger under the chin. “I am grateful for that, but it’s not what I asked.” His fingers brushed the ugly bruise. She flinched, and he let her go. “Did your former master do that to you?”
The woman hesitated, clearly afraid to tell the truth, then nodded. “Yes. Duke Liam ‘freed’ his slaves, but it didn’t change anything. And no, I do not trust him. He will tell you what you want to hear, but when we return, everything will be the same.”
Luca smiled grimly. “No, it won’t. You will be safe when you go home.” Returning to the dais, he addressed the crowd. “The people in power were told of the change and given a chance to step into the future with me. If they aren’t willing to join us on the quest for a stronger, more robust Therian empire, we don’t need them.
“Should they embrace this venture to my face but turn their backs on our mission in private, they will be dealt with. Most of you serve good rulers who care about your well-being, but some of you will still face mistreatment. Please, look into my eyes and believe that your king cares. Everyone in this empire and on this planet matters to me.”
The crowd’s fear and worry had been replaced by hope and unity. All were free, and some still wept at being treated like a person for the first time by their king. His reforms would be life-changing, so many would linger to discuss their plans and where they wanted to serve.
Before she lost them to chatter, Ivanna got their attention again. “I have some details to discuss before we go off course. There are many things you need to know about our new employment system. In addition to reasonable shifts, fair wages, and days off, you will also receive a certain number of days as personal or sick time. Also, all your medical needs will be attended to.
“I need to speak to anyone who needs a place to live or is staying in insufficient quarters.” She laughed. “Therians have looked down on humans for eons, but our ‘inferiors’ have systems to protect their most vulnerable. We should, too.”
Luca left the group in Ivanna’s capable hands and stepped off the dais. Before he reached the door, the bruised woman stopped him by placing a hand on his arm. She looked terrified but determined. “Forgive me, Your Majesty.” Her voice was barely above a whisper.
He shook his head and smiled kindly. “There’s nothing to forgive. What can I do for you?”
She glanced around nervously. Her fellow servants had crowded around Ivanna, who was discussing how the changes would work. The bruise reminded him that she had suffered abuse even as she gazed hopefully at him. “Please, Sire. I’ll do anything. I don’t care about freedom as long as I can serve you. Just, please don’t send me back to him.”
“Is it that bad?” he asked, fighting fury.
Eyes on the floor, she nodded. Her telepathy was much weaker than his, but she offered him her memories. Luca accepted, letting her guide him. She was Helena, and her experiences horrified him. The shared vision only took a few moments, but it felt like an eternity and left Luca feeling ill. The abuse the young woman had suffered was worse than what Ivanna had endured.
Helena finally broke contact, and Luca opened his arms, but paused before touching her.
“May I hug you?” She nodded and welcomed the embrace, leaning into his solid strength as she wept.
“You will never see that monster again. Do you understand, Helena?” he asked. She nodded against his chest. “I’m going to take you to my right-hand man Remington. Remy will ensure you’re protected until I can put things in motion.”
Luca led Helena through the halls, shielding her from others’ view with his large body as she composed herself. Remy was in his office, and he jumped to attention when Luca knocked on the door.
“I need your help, Remy,” Luca began. “This is Helena, and we need to keep her safe for the next few hours.” She’s been through a lot. She needs kindness and safety. I’ve given her my word, and I need yours.
“Oh, you poor dear. Please come in. Let me put on the kettle,” Remy swept the door open wide. He radiated understanding, so Luca knew he’d come to the right place. The tightness in Helena’s shoulders relaxed the moment he got within five feet of her. Remy was proving to be indispensable and capable of handling any situation the king sprung on him.
After they got Helena settled in a comfortable chair with a cup of tea, Luca let her know what he planned to do. The very least she deserved was information. “I will grant your request to work in my personal court now, and I guarantee you a place serving the royal family. Remy, please inform the others of the situation and inquire about their current staffing needs. If there are no positions open, create a new one. Helena, you will be safe here.”
Tears streamed down the woman’s cheeks. “Thank you, my king. Thank you so much.”
“You are welcome. I am sorry you’ve had to endure for this long. Before I go, Remy, I need you to work with Helena to put together a list of the servants in Duke Liam’s house. Were you the only one he…” Luca’s voice trailed off since he was unsure of how to describe the treatment she’d received.
Helena shook her head. “No. There were several of us, males and females. And age is not a factor, if you understand my meaning, Sire.”
What a despicable excuse for a ruler Duke Liam had turned out to be. Exile was too good for him. The man needed to die. He’d seen enough in Helena’s memories to condemn the duke to death without losing a moment’s sleep. When he growled in rage, the air around him felt charged with electricity. “Remy, when you two are finished, get Ivanna to help you gather everyone who was in the service of former Duke Liam somewhere safe. Send envoys to his home to inform them of his death and offer them the resources they need to recover from his tyranny.”
Remy nodded. “I’ll see to it straight away, and I’ll protect them with my life, Sire.”
Her eyes were wide with shock. “You’re going to kill him?”
“I am. I have no stomach for torture. He will meet a far easier end than he deserves, but this day is his last. We have no place for monsters in our empire.”
Several emotions flashed in her eyes before Helena nodded. “Thank you.”
“Please don’t thank me. I am ashamed that I did not stop this. Do you know of any other houses with this level of abuse? Is anyone else in immediate danger?”
“Not since Nikoli’s death. I do know some who need help, but I don’t know the extent. We have been afraid to talk, even to each other. This is not your fault, Sire. Those who served during your childhood know gilded chains bind just as tightly.” She straightened her shoulders and beamed. “It is good to have a king worth following.”
Luca left Helena in Remy’s capable care and pulled out his phone to call Viktorija. After she answered, he summarized the situation and told her what he needed her to do. Then he located his cousin Niletean. Luca could no longer stomach the idea of letting anything come between himself and his family since few were left. Niletean might be an ass, but he was a loyal and capable one.
“I need your help righting a terrible wrong,” Luca explained. “Duke Liam is going to be executed for crimes against the former slaves in his care. Even if his litany of offenses wasn’t so long, he hurt children. We don’t need men like him in the empire.”
Niletean nodded. “Let’s go. And cousin? I’m proud of you. Your mother told us it would all be worth it all these years. I’ve been a dick in the past, but I was wrong. You’re the king we need, Luca, and I’m grateful to serve at your side.”
Luca accepted the words with genuine affection. “Thank you. I guess you’re not such an ass after all. I was just thinking that it was time to bury the past and start fresh.”
Niletean extended his hand, and Luca shook it. “Okay. How do you want to do this?”
They went to the duke’s chambers, where they found the man lounging in his underwear while he berated one of his servants. “Get up, you pathetic piece of trash,” Luca snarled.
“What is the meaning of this?” the duke sputtered, furious at the invasion.
Luca turned to the servant, who cowered in the corner. “Are you okay?”
The girl, who was no more than twelve, nodded mutely. Luca ushered her out to the hall, where Ivanna waited. He entrusted the girl to her and returned.
“What is the purpose of this violation?” Duke Liam demanded. “This is illegal. I have done nothing wrong!”
“How dare you!” Luca roared, voicing his fury. “You have been abusing people for so long that it must feel normal to you. However, there’s a new king on the throne, and I make the laws.”
Duke Liam spat on the floor at Luca’s feet. “You haven’t been in that seat but five minutes, and you already sound just like your father.”
“Nikoli was a monster who would have praised your cruelty and depravity. I will punish you and protect my people as he should have. Liam Wedell, you are charged with countless acts of torture and abuse. You may prove your innocence by allowing me access to your mind. Otherwise, I will proceed with sentencing.” Luca’s voice was ice-cold now.
Liam paled. “You…you can’t do this.”
Luca offered him a satisfied smile. “I can, and I will. Do you want to refute the charges and clear your name? If you demand a trial, I will present the children you’ve harmed and wipe you from our history. I don’t want to shame your family for the misfortune of being related to you.”
“Fuck you,” Liam snarled.
Niletean punched the duke, knocking him to the floor. “I think you meant to say, ‘Long live the king.’ Five minutes on the throne, and he’s already abolished slavery and removed a sick bastard like you from power. I think he’s off to a fantastic start.”
“For your crimes, you are sentenced to death, Liam. Make your peace with the gods, if any of them will listen. You won’t survive the night. Niletean, take him.”
Duke Liam continued to protest. As Luca left the room, two members of the King’s Guard arrived to help Niletean. When he returned to Remy after carrying out the sentence, Luca was smiling. He liked knowing his family supported his decisions. With that disgusting piece of shit taken care of, they had other matters to attend to.