Book 4: Chapter 76 (1/2)

“Am I included?” Henry VIII asked the guide that was translating for him. The guide cleared his throat and raised his hand, asking Tafel for him.

“Yes,” Tafel said. “You’re one of my subjects now. Do you own all of the island that England’s on? If not, I want you to conquer it all.”

Henry’s expression blanked. He whispered to the guide, “When did I become one of her subjects?”

The guide scratched his head. “Do you know the famous saying, I came; I saw; I conquered?” He nodded. “The instant Her Majesty stepped on your land and laid her eyes on you, you became one of her subjects. If you haven’t noticed, she’s a tyrant.” He cleared his throat. “Of course, I’m not actually sure that’s the case. You see, I’m just a guide that was hired to bring her to England.”

One of the nobles raised their hands. “What if we can’t double the size of our territory? Isn’t it unfair that some of our territories are larger than others? Also, the majority of the people I can draft have been taken away by Your Majesty’s peasant rebellion.”

Tafel snorted. “If you can’t double your territory, I’ll demote you.” She placed her hands on her hips. “As for fairness, since when did any of you care about fairness? Ask the peasants if they thought you’ve been fair.” She swept her gaze over the nobles, glaring at them. “As for the third part, didn’t I tell you I can transport an army around? Pool all your people together and request for me to send them to you when it’s time. With me as the leader, you have to stop thinking traditionally. Think with magical portals!”

Frederick III raised his hand. “If we convince someone to join us like Your Majesty has suggested, does that count as territory we’ve added to our quota?”

Tafel nodded.

“So,” Frederick III said and stroked his chin. “Your Majesty is suggesting we talk to them first, and if they refuse, summon a great army inside of their home whilst they’re unprepared?”

Tafel pointed at Frederick. “Do you hear that, everyone? That’s called thinking with magical portals.”

***

Alice sighed and snuggled deeper against Nate’s chest. After making a name for herself, she was finally located! Not by Tafel, but by her dear Nate. Unlike Tafel, Nate was reliable and usually meant what he said as long as he wasn’t joking. “I’m not going to lie,” she mumbled. “I was pretty lonely without you.”

“But I’ve only been gone for a few minutes?”

Alice froze, a chill running down her spine. That voice didn’t belong to Nate at all! She sat up, and her face struck a fluffy mess. “Ow!”

“My nose!” Burc yowled. “Why did you sit up like that!?”

“What do you mean why did I sit up like that?” Alice asked and rubbed her forehead. “Why were you there?” She looked around. Nate wasn’t there. A sigh escaped from her lips when she realized it was just a dream.

“Well,” Burc said, his voice muffled because he was covering his nose with his paws. “I heard you say you missed me, so I hopped up there to make sure you weren’t possessed.”

Alice squinted at Burc. “What do you mean possessed? Even if I happened to be possessed, what could you have done?”

“I could’ve slapped you,” Burc said. “Do you know why so many places revere and respect cats? It’s because we can hunt ghosts.”