The Dominant Species
23

I argued with my advisors because I wanted to marry a prince from a different city. I wanted to change the law, so it would be allowed. I spent a long time figuring out arguments that would convince my advisors. I announced that at the next meeting.

“Changing the law is preposterous,” Brianna said.

Sometimes Brianna got so caught up in getting her way that she forgot why she wanted it in the first place.

“I don’t see the harm in it,” Luther said. “Even though it would be difficult and not everyone would accept it. At least, not right away.”

“I want to marry the merman I love and this isn’t just about me,” I explained. “Eventually, someone else in the future would want to marry someone from outside the kingdom and they should be allowed to do that.”

“I think that is unwise,” Henry told me.

“I agree,” said Brianna.

“Everyone should have a right as basic as marrying the person they love,” I argued.

“Or maybe we’re not as enlightened as we think we are.”

“No one has ever wanted to marry someone from outside the kingdom before,” Brianna said.

“We can’t be sure of that because not everyone voices their desires.”

“Is this just for you?” Luther inquired.

“No, it’s for everyone,” I answered, truthfully.

“We have that rule because we aren’t sure that merpeople from outside the city would make good monarchs,” Henry reminded me. “And because we’re not allies.”

“Not everyone from this kingdom would make a good monarch either,” Luther pointed out.

“Yes, they would,” Henry argued. “We trust our people.”

“This isn’t about which city they come from,” I told them. “This is about specific individuals. Some people would make good monarchs, others wouldn’t.” “The same applies to anyone from outside the kingdom,” Henry said.

“I have an idea,” I announced. “Anyone, royalty or not, should go through a test to determine whether they would make a good king or queen.”

“Even you, your Majesty?” Brianna asked.

“Yes.”

“Why would we need that?” Henry asked.

“To make sure that anyone we marry from the city or outside it would make a good monarch. And it’s only fair that members of the royal family should go through the same test.”

“What happens if someone fails?” Luther wanted to know.

“If the consort fails, they would still marry the monarch, but they would not be allowed to rule the city.”

“What happens if the monarch fails?” Brianna asked.

“Then, he or she would step down and someone more suitable would be found.” “Who would decide what the test is?” Luther asked.

“The advisors and the Parliament.”

That way no one could accuse me of making this easy for myself. Not to mention, it would be fair when future monarchs are tested.

We discussed this for another hour. Everyone looked at the pros and cons of both of my suggestions several times. Brianna and Henry were tough to convince, but Luther saw the wisdom in my suggestions. He sympathized with the people and agreed, once he heard my arguments and thought about them.