“This is not productive,” the queen interrupted. “Calliope, we will take into account your story, but the fact remains that the humans have broken the treaty, and those responsible will need to face the consequences. Puck also tells me that although the Magyck was supposed to be relegated to the people, it was instead administered to the nobles. Is that not true?”
“Then we must act,” one of the elders chimed in, raising a fist. “Our ancestors made the mistake of being too hesitant in the past. We can not afford to be as unresponsive.“ “All of those involved must be held responsible,” another chimed in. “If what Calliope says is true, then we invade the castle and take over, attacking all that inhabit its walls.”
“That was the deal they agreed to, Calliope,” the Queen said quietly. “If they wanted to negotiate the terms of the contract, they could have. Besides, they have their machines and we have our Magyck. It’s how it’s always been.” “I would also like to put forth,” Puck began, “that we place a bounty on the head of the Fae who captured Calliope. He has made one of the only actively aggressive motions of this entire thing, and to put out a bounty would establish us as assertive and decisive.” “All in favor?” the Queen asked.
"No!" she said quickly. "He was never my enemy! The whole time I was there he treated me with kindness, protected me from those who wanted to hurt me, and ultimately is the reason I escaped. He is innocent."
“He is not innocent,” Puck replied sharply. “He took you, Calliope, and then held you captive. Besides, we currently have a theory that he only helped you escape because he heard of our planned assault to retrieve you.” “If that is not the case, Calliope,” the Queen interjected, “then I’m afraid that it is almost certain that the Fae is dead. Lord Edgar does not take kindly to traitors.”
She whimpered, but quickly silenced herself. "If he isn't dead please.. I'm begging you to trust that he isn't our enemy."
Puck frowned but the Queen spoke before he could interject. “We will alter the bounty to being dead or alive,” she proposed.
“He is a threat,” Puck said hotly. “We’ve seen how he can manipulate people. This is a mistake; he needs to die.”
She frowned at him. "He potentially saved my life. The king was planning on caging and potentially killing me, but he helped me escape do that wouldn't happen.
“He did that because they were aware that we were about to invade, Calliope!” he snapped, sounding a little panicked. “God! Why can’t you see that these people aren’t your friends? You can’t be so naive!”
The Queen spoke, her voice low and quiet. “The plan of action is that we invade the human kingdom next week,” she said. “As for the faerie, by all means, try to capture him alive, but if he resists, lethal force may be used to prevent him from staying with the humans. All those in favor?”
There was a general murmuring of consent around the table and the Queen nodded. “Very well. The matter is settled.”
“Everyone who has not been invited to stay for the duration may now leave,” the Queen said. A few of the elders started to leave, and Puck was among that group.
