Catastrophic Attraction - Eve Langlais Page 0,22
“You start the brainwashing young.”
He laughed, a loud boisterous sound that wasn’t his own but echoed of his personality. “You really are suspicious.”
“You didn’t deny it.”
“Because I guess in a sense it’s true. The students do learn about the Marshlands and Eden and their king. They are taught the rules. Just like I’m sure Haven has its own set.”
“What else are they indoctrinated with?”
“Everything we can think of. From math to reading and writing. We even teach geography with the warning that the rules are different if they leave the Marshlands.”
“You’re talking about an actual education?”
“I am.”
“Who pays for it?” Because it seemed well equipped and organized.
“I do.”
The reply surprised her. “Why?”
“Because stupid people do stupid things.” He rolled his shoulders. “Education is the only way.”
“Haven could use something like this.” Especially once they truly settled in. That was when the babies would come and would need a school where they could be raised with knowledge of the world and not be slaves to the Enclave like some used to be in the Emerald Kingdom.
“I’m sure something could be arranged.”
“I wasn’t asking you to set one up.” She frowned at him.
“Haven is a part of the Marshlands, meaning they can request and receive aid from their king.” He said it so casually, but that didn’t curb her disdain.
“Buying their respect?” She snorted. “Don’t expect them to bow.”
“How many times do I have to tell you? I’ve never asked.”
“But you like to be called ‘Your Highness.’”
His lips quirked. “Sometimes it’s good to remind people of who I am and why they should listen.”
“Because you think you’re smarter than everyone.”
“Not everyone.” He winked, this time showing his normal face, which she preferred.
The fact he could change it proved fascinating. Some might have been disturbed, but Casey wondered if it was something she could ever hope to learn. The uses she’d have for it…
He spoke again. “Let me ask you, since you don’t believe in having a king to rule, what kind of system would work for the Marshlands do you think?”
“What do you mean?”
“You keep scoffing at the fact I want to lead, to ensure a well-running city and kingdom.”
“I question your motives.”
“Can’t I just want to help?”
She snorted. “You don’t strike me as the altruistic kind.”
“I’m not.”
“Which is why you tax the people.”
“Not much, but if they’re going to expect the roads to be maintained and for an army to protect them then, yes, a tithe will be made. Let me ask, in a place like Haven, how are big purchases that are for the group funded?”
“We don’t buy things often.”
“Because you don’t want to or can’t afford to?”
She saw where he was going. “We don’t have the means to buy anything.”
“Yet. But it will come, because already I hear Haven is branching out and delving into trade opportunities.”
“Which you’ll tax.”
“Yes. But can you say that Haven gets nothing out of it? Did you know there are patrols keeping the Haven Outpost on their circuits? Have you ignored the supplies we’ve sent for rebuilding? The communication network? By all accounts, your Haven is thriving. And can you tell me the number one reason why that’s happening?”
“Are you trying to get me to say it’s because of you?”
“Let’s see, previously you were living in hiding, scrounging and raiding for a living. Now you’re in a village with enough homes for privacy, a thriving trade starting, and growth. Let’s not forget the quality of food has gone up.”
She couldn’t deny she ate much better since coming to the Marshlands. As for her living conditions, they were more than fair and within the castle, bordered on downright luxurious. “You are looking for a compliment.”
“I’d say I’ve earned a bit of pride in what I’ve done. I’ve given the people stability they need to finally thrive.”
“So long as they obey your rules and pay their taxes.”
“Does it seem to be working?”
The parts she’d seen of this massive, thriving city made her realize that the things that worked in a little place like Haven would become complicated when multiplied.
“I guess you’re doing good.”
“Guess?” He arched a brow.
“Decent. Not too bad.” She managed to say it with a straight face, and for a moment, he sobered. Then that smile of his—the wicked one that pulled his lips and brought a shine to his eyes—appeared.
“You are most harsh with your assessment, and I am sorely wounded.” He clutched his chest, hand on his cloak, his features mostly hidden by his hood, and yet she didn’t need to see