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Dawn and Patrick had done something rarely done before: they commenced a meeting without everyone being able to be present. Hallow and the Gardener were an ocean away. Dawn and Patrick had promised not to pass any major laws, or make any major changes. Patrick had agreed to this. But when letters and reports of famine and deaths and running out of graveyard space flooded the palace, it could no longer be put on hold. Dawn put aside her quest for another child.

The meeting room felt awfully empty without the two other Royals and some of the council. Dawn flicked her fingers to send a short flare in the air.

Dawn: “This meeting has now commenced. We are here to discuss something important: the famine in Farrine.”

This immediately caused discussion and rising voices of confusion. A famine? How had they not heard of this before?

Dawn: “Order, order!”

Patrick: “I know you all are confused. I am too. But letters have been sent, claiming there’s a famine. Of course, it could all be a large conspiracy…”

Dawn: “It’s unlikely to be so. I’ve gotten clippings of local papers. Guards have also reported seeing farming villages in devastating states. Our people are starving. We cannot let this go on.”

Patrick: “You sent your guards?”

Dawn: “No. They were…well…Hallow’s guards.”

Patrick: “Hallow’s guards? How long has this investigation gone on? Did someone else send the guards?”

Dawn refused to respond. Patrick suddenly grinned.

Patrick: “Twila sent the guards.”

Dawn slightly flinched at that name, but she maintained composure.

Dawn: “This is all frivolous chatter. The point is not the past, but rather a course of action. I do not believe in letting our people starve.”

The council nodded and murmured in general agreement.

Dawn: “I am free to take suggestions from the council.”

Patrick: “She says that because she has no ideas.”

Dawn: “Patrick. Be mature and respectful. It is your duty as a king.”

Dawn wished there was some way to impeach a ruler, but there really wasn’t. No ruler was beyond the other, so nothing could be done if a ruler was poor; a poor ruler was still seen as much better than any average person. In fact, the only way a crown could be taken away is if they practiced some banned, dangerous form of magic. But even then, many leaders got away with that in secret.

Council Member #1: “I have a proposition.”

Dawn: “Stand.”

And the council member stood.

Dawn: “Do tell us.”

Council Member #1: “I propose we give food to those in need.”

Everyone else groaned, and they quickly sat down. Patrick just laughed.

Patrick: “What a brilliant idea! Oh, but this is no time for jokes. We have no way to fund such a thing! Free food? Then they’d expect it forever.”

Dawn: “Practical solutions, everyone.”

Another more confident council member stood.

Council Member #2: “Perhaps the nation could fund their own farms.”

Dawn: “Now we’re closer.”

Council Member #3: “But how can we save everyone? I’m assuming thousands are affected.”

Dawn: “More like millions. We cannot save everyone. But we can do what we can.”

Council Member #3: “So we’re going to let people die?”

Dawn: “We’ll do our best. That’s all e can ask of ourselves. Now, any other ideas?”

Council Member #4: “The farms idea is on the right track, but it takes time. What if we forced Botanists to help?”

Council Member #5: “Forced them? They wouldn’t agree to that!”

Council Member #4: “Of course they would! It’s their patriotic duty! And they’re Botanists. Come on now.”

Council Member #6, a Botanist, banged their fist in anger.

Council Member #6: “What’s that supposed to mean? Botanists are glad to help, but you cannot tear them from their own families and work and expect them to be okay growing food all day!”

Council Member #7: “I agree. There’s gotta be some incentive.”

Dawn: “We’ll pay anyone who helps.”

Patrick: “We can’t afford that!”

Dawn: “Oh, Patrick. You’re the least frugal person I know. The incentive wouldn’t be too grand, but enough that you’d be a fool not to take it. I like it. A program shall be instated for Botanists to leave and grow farms by the most afflicted areas. Patrick, do you agree to this?”

Patrick: “I suppose, if it doesn’t come out of my money.”

Dawn: “Don’t worry, you won’t have to sacrifice your emerald table.”

A few people bravely chuckled. Patrick glared at them.

Dawn: “I will fund it in its entirety.”

Patrick: “Once the food is grown, will people receive it for free?”

Dawn: “No, Patrick. I’m not a fool. They’ll pay a small amount. But so many people will pay for food that I’ll get more money than what I paid the Botanists originally.”

Patrick: “Huh. Perhaps I’ll pitch in.”

Dawn: “Think it over, money boy. The meeting is over now. Go home.”

Dawn got up and elegantly strode to the door and out the meeting room. Then she went to a nearby glass window, put her hands behind her back, and stared at the mountains and the vastness of the landscape. What a beautiful, lush nation! She was surprised there was a famine. If the people were lying and she was humiliated, they’d face the consequences alright.

But for now, she’d take care of her subjects, in an opulent castle far, far away from anyone that could ever be considered poor.