Lord Mayweather, Minister of Domestic Affairs

“Lord Mayweather, what have you to report?”

The elderly advisor looks at the new king and nods in respect before beginning. “Your Majesty, the kingdom will be watching closely in these days to see what positions your administration will take with regard to trade and commerce.”

Stewart nods. Basic economics was part of his educational preparation.

Mayweather hesitates a moment before continuing. “Sire, this may be the appropriate time to signal a bold new initiative with respect to such matters.”

Stewart raises an inquiring eyebrow. “Go on.”

“Well, My Liege, the relations between the magical and the mortal have been tenuous, at best. Your father and grandfather held them at arm’s length, fearful that too close of a relationship would cause people to question the Crown’s independence of magical influence.”

Stewart nods again, wondering where Mayweather was going with all of this. He had grown up being taught that although Mirantia was a kingdom of both magical and non-magical beings, the continued peaceful coexistence could only happen by drawing a clear line — particularly at the royal level — between the two. It was the fear that humans might lose their hold on the throne that was behind the prejudice that prevented him from openly consorting with a magical being such as Chantelle.

Mayweather continues. “While no one is suggesting that we abruptly reverse long-standing policies, it might be helpful if Your Majesty were to signal a certain willingness to more actively engage with the magical beings. Such a move might calm the discontent that has been stirring the Enlightment and the Resistance.”

Stewart heard muttering around the table and quickly saw that Mayweather’s words elicited reactions from nearly all his fellow ministers. In addition to the muttering, Stewart saw the men, in nearly-equal numbers, either nodding in agreement or vehemently shaking their heads.

“What do you suggest?” asks Stewart.

“Perhaps an offer to meet with a high-ranking member of the magical community,” suggests Mayweather. “A meeting for the purpose of expanding the mutual understandings of both constituencies.”