overdrive. No one had ever said anything so romantic to her. Like Iridia said, a mate didn’t look at other women. She continued walking to an opening where they stepped into the forest. Her hand was still in his. He hadn’t pulled away. He did want to be with her. But first, business.
“Ferrus, you understand why we are striking, don’t you?”
“I’m not sure of the word or its purpose. Please explain.”
“Striking is not doing what you are expected to do, and using that as a bargaining device. We are not coming back to cook and clean until the king gives us what we want.” He stared into the distance. She didn’t know if he understood what she said or was pissed because of it. But this was the starting point. Everything else rooted from this.
“Ferrus, it’s important for the king to take the females as equals. As I said earlier, women can do anything men can that doesn’t require a …” Her face heated, realizing what she was about to say and to whom. Sure, she could spout dick to the king, but not the guy she wanted to kiss. Geesh, what was wrong with her?
“I understand.” He chuckled. “Writing in the snow is a brilliant example for the men to comprehend.”
“Not too bright, are they, huh?”
He laughed, pulling her closer as they strolled. “Some are meant to be warriors and nothing else.”
“I believe that. Ferrus, I hate to be blunt, but that’s the way I am. My job requires it. The men need to suck it up.”
“I don’t understand, suck it up.”
“That means you and the men need to learn to control yourselves like adults do. They need to take responsibility for their actions. They are not children who cry when they don’t get their way. They must act like adults, which means they control themselves when around women.”
“In the past, it had been…difficult for the men to fight what the body desires.” His eyes drilled into her while he spoke. It felt like he was talking from personal experience. She swallowed hard, determined to do this for the women.
“Well, now it’s time for them to grow up. If they can’t keep themselves from attacking women, then they might as well live in the woods like animals because that’s what they are.”
“Saying that would enrage the men.”
“Then you tell them they must act like fae. Sex won’t stop if the men sleep in their own beds. They will only be with a woman who wants to be with them. No more males choosing who they want. Got it?”
“Yes, got it.”
“It’s unjust that the women are forced to cover themselves because of the men being immature. Self-control needs to be on the man’s part too. As I said, grow up and act like an adult. Also, when it comes to meals, the women will continue to cook. We’ll deal with that issue later. Will you have enough food until we come back?”
He laughed. “The men do love their steaks. And yes, it would be a good thing to have the females to cook.”
“But they won’t be serving the men anymore.” She put up a hand to stop his rebuttal. “They will prepare and put the food on the tables for the men to fill their plates themselves and pour their own water. Additional tables and chairs should also be made for the women to eat at the same time if they wish.”
His eyes widened, and she almost laughed. “Ferrus, these are basic, God-given rights. Men and women should do the same work. It’s not fair if they don’t, and then jealousy grows. Jealousy leads to anger and hate, then you have a problem on your hands. If everyone is happy, then everything runs smoothly.”
“I understand what you are telling me, but women cannot swing a sword to defend their home. Only the men can protect the females.”
“I have two things for that. The first is, why do you think hefting a sword is the only way to protect something? The fae in the village use arrows. And, I hate to say it, but arrows are way better than swords. You can kill the enemy before they even get close.”
“The second thing?” he asked, not too happy that she was trashing his beliefs.
“The women have knives they use to cut and dice food that are superior to your swords. The small blades can cut through rock without being damaged. Can your swords do that?”
He stopped in his tracks. “How can that