Damion's POV
As always she antagonises my every word. "How can you say that the King and the Prince don't care about their own people?" The last few weeks me and Rahua have been discussing books, ideas, experiences and today we are discussing politics in Cirius Library.
"How can you say they do?" She sounds upset. I can't understand her.
"We have all good things in the kingdom, you can find everything, every delicacy can be found in every corner."
" You are talking from a rich person stand point, you may not know this, but poor people are part of this kingdom too." Rahua always uses this sarcastic tone. Discussing politics with her as made me very aware of many things that I was too blind to notice, however she says outrageous things sometimes, she could end up being hang for it.
But I can't help but admire her audacity. Rahua has somehow found a way of challenging my beliefs, pushing me to see beyond the surface. And while it frustrates me to no end, I can't deny that it makes me think.
I take a deep breath, trying to remain calm. "I understand that there are people who are less fortunate, but that doesn't mean that the King and the Prince don't care. They have implemented policies to help those in need."
She scoffs, rolling her eyes. "Oh, please. Those policies are just a façade. They at end of the day, just serve to fill the bellys of the Lords. The rich keep getting richer, while the poor suffer."
I feel a mixture of anger and helplessness rise within me. "You can't expect everything to change overnight. The King and the Prince are doing their best to improve the situation. It takes time and effort."
Rahua leans in, her voice low and intense. "Is it really their best? Or are they merely concerned with maintaining their own power and wealth? It's easy for you to defend them when you've never experienced the struggles that the common people face."
Her words sting, but I know there is truth in them. I have been sheltered in my privileged position, shielded from the harsh realities of life in the kingdom. It's a bitter pill to swallow, but I can't ignore the injust words, because I do face my struggles they are different from what she knows.
"If the king cares so much why does he not show his face to the people, no-one even knows the Princes name, what does that tell you about that family? Well Lord Ceaser would be a great choice instead, he cares for the people of the kingdom."
There she goes again, on and on about Ceaser. " You could get hang for saying things like these, you know."
Rahua raises an eyebrow, unfazed by my warning. "Perhaps. But silence and fear will only perpetuate the cycle of injustice. We need someone like Lord Ceaser who is willing to challenge the status quo and bring real change."
"Don't dare say that, you don't know a man until he's been fed with power."
"I know him better than the king and/or the Prince." To hear her talking about me like that hurts alot. Even though she, doesn't know that is about me she is talking, I know it does comes from honest place. However it still hurts, to have a small taste of what the people of this kingdom really think of me as their Prince.
She sights, " All I am saying is, why not change policies so that affects trading and land ownerships to allow less fortunate people, even if they don't have much monetary power, they can provide themselves and their families with their own grown foods.
The trading laws are too strict as well, everything is very expensive, poorer families have hard time surviving."
The until now silent, Cirius that was transformed as the Mage Morgana, finally commented.
"The idea has merit," he spoke softly, his eyes filled with wisdom. "Land reforms and supportive policies for agriculture could empower the less fortunate and improve their living conditions. It would be a step towards a more equitable society. It would probably bring the costs of livelihood down."
Rahua nods in agreement, her eyes lighting up with excitement. "Exactly. We need leaders who are willing to listen to the people, to address their needs and concerns. Lord Ceaser has shown compassion and understanding towards the struggles that many face. How many times has he visited the village and how many times has the king or the Prince? He may not be perfect, but he seems a real good alternative."
I feel a surge of frustration. "But what about the King and the Prince? Are we to abandon them completely?"
Rahua shakes her head. " Well I am not saying that. Our loyalty should lie with the people, with the welfare of the kingdom as a whole. If the current leadership is not meeting those needs, then it may be time to consider an alternative. Change is necessary for progress."
Cirius is surprised by her words, his face not hiding the amusement that he is feeling, listening to her words. He definitely enjoying this. " Is certainly an interesting view, maybe the King and the Prince ought to address Lord Ceaser for support, since the people like him so much ... More."
I glare at him, I know exactly that he is trying to tease me.
Rahua smiles,"Right... It would do them good, to ask Lord Ceaser for help."
I almost choke on my tea. I could see in Cirius face that he was holding back his laughter.
As my frustration mounts, I take a deep breath, trying to regain my composure. Rahua will always be relentless in her beliefs, and Cirius enjoys fueling the fire. But perhaps there is a grain of truth in their words, no matter how hard it is for me to accept.
However I am not giving up my place for Ceaser, in any aspects of my life.
I couldn't help but feel frustrated. On one hand, I wanted to defend my family and our intentions. On the other, I couldn't deny the validity of Rahua's and Cirius's arguments. They spoke from the perspective of the common people, the ones who felt the brunt of the system's inequalities.
Despite her words and ideas are a little bit out there, I feel like little by little I am learning more about my kingdom and my people.
These discussions I am having with her open my mind to situations and problems I didn't even know existed in this Kingdom.
I feel very ashamed.