Draconia Offline vol. 1

43.2. Consequences - Part 2

Bennett blinks a few times, shocked by the change of my conduct. And he's not the only one, my friends are looking at each other, taken aback. Erik is genuinely scared but I shower him with my affection that is the same as always so he relaxes.

The only people in the room who aren't surprised are the EU delegates. Miss Ortega has been timid around me from the very beginning and Dubois experienced my rage in full already and he's been wary ever since.

"Please, accept my apology, Your Majesty," Bennett says after a moment of consideration. "We simply implore you to be careful. Your position is very different from elected representatives and even human monarchs. Your people adore you and are willing to follow you without a question. We're talking about people with unmapped magical abilities that could potentially become very dangerous."

"I think I proved enough that I wish for peace," I purse my lips. "I didn't defend myself even if it was my right in that kind of situation."

"The outcome is the same, though, Draconians are rioting," Delgado remarks. His voice didn't lose its venomous aftertaste but it seems I earned some of his respect at least.

"What kind of riot? Were any innocent civilians hurt?" I ask.

"Fortunately not," the UN General-Secretary clarifies. "But Draconians are protesting in front of government buildings all over the world and they're also rioting in front of companies that fired them."

"They're protesting because you bully us," my voice is a whip. "But they're still doing it peacefully exactly because I didn't defend myself. Because I showed that I want no bloodshed."

My implication couldn't have been clearer. Bauerova flinches a bit while Delgado wrinkles his nose. They fully realise now that I have the power. I also fully realise it and I guess it was about time. I'm not powerless. They're right to call me a threat.

"What do you propose then?" Delgado asks and has to force those words out of his mouth.

"Zero tolerance towards racist behaviour and financial support for those who lost their jobs," I say resolutely. "That would be a nice start. As for the rest, I believe the UN is preparing an international conference in a few weeks?"

"We indeed are," Myren Duke confirms.

"Can you guarantee that Draconians will stay put until we reach an official agreement, Your Majesty?" Bennett asks openly but politely.

"I can ask them not to ignite unnecessary violence," I shrug theatrically. "I can also implore Draconians to be careful not to kill any humans in self-defence but I won't tell them to turn the other cheek when they're being bullied. Not anymore. I experienced first-hand that it just doesn't work."

The world leaders look at each other.

"Can we have a few minutes to discuss the matter in private?" Delgado asks and doesn't look happy at all. He suspects he's not going to win this round.

"Sure," I say and signal Luvi to disconnect us for now.

When the holographic projection disappears, the tense atmosphere brightens tiny bit as we sigh out in unison. I don't care about appearances in front of the EU delegates and kiss Erik. He was holding up so well.

Sorry you had to see me like this, I tell him. But this is also me.

He doesn't answer. Instead, he's thinking frantically. I don't pressure him for now, he needs time to process it. But at least he kissed me back which is a good sign.

"God, that was intense!" Fefnir grunts loudly. "I had no idea you had it in you, Aefener."

"I'm the Celestial Emperor, it's my job," I look at Liana who looks most shocked by my behaviour. I touch her wing with mine.