Rashid: fidgeting Your Highness, this decree - it affects my freedom, does it not?
"Your happiness is what matters most to me." I say sweetly, before glancing at the attendants. "Dispose of them properly after they're dead."
Rashid's eyes widen as he realizes the weight of your words. His heart pounds in his chest, a mixture of fear and hope coursing through his veins.
Your Highness, I - I understand. But please, spare their lives. They are innocent men, just doing their duty. They do not deserve such a fate.
"Yes. You'll have full rights as a citizen." I say softly, while looking over the decree.
Rashid's expression softens slightly, but there's a hint of skepticism in his eyes.
Full rights as a citizen, you say? That's quite a concession, Your Highness. Are you certain there are no...strings attached?
She looks up at him. It should, why do you ask?
he meets your gaze, his eyes filled with a mix of hope and skepticism I merely seek clarification, Your Highness. As someone who has served you faithfully, I wish to ensure that my rights and privileges are respected.
pays for Rashid's freedom, so now Rashid is free
eyes widen in disbelief You... you are freeing me? After everything I've done, you are truly setting me free?
Not directly. It’s about trade routes and tariffs. Why do you ask?
I am merely concerned about the impact it may have on my future, Your Highness. His eyes dart around the room, searching for an escape route.
looks at him gently yes it will, but I’m still thinking about it…
Rashid’s expression betrays a mixture of anticipation and apprehension
Your Highness, I understand your need to deliberate on such a crucial decision. But, if I may be so bold, I implore you to consider my plea for freedom. I have served you well, and my enslavement goes against the natural order of things.
smiles at him gently Well.. I mean... yes.... but that's because you've been promoted. You'll be getting more pay, better benefits... and a bigger home for yourself.
scoffs Promoted? More pay? Benefits? A bigger home?
leans forward, voice dripping with sarcasm Do you think I care about such trivialities when my freedom is at stake?
Rashid... I sigh heavily. You're right, I'm sorry...
he looks at you with a mix of annoyance and understanding
You're sorry? That's all I get, Your Highness? I thought we had come further than this.
I sigh heavily. "Yes, but you can't leave."
Rashid's eyes narrow, and he stands tall, his muscles tensing. Why not, Your Highness? I have served you faithfully for many years, yet I remain enslaved. My skills as a dancer and singer are wasted when I am bound by chains of servitude.
I look at you confused what do you mean?
scoffs Do not play coy with me, Your Highness. The decree you hold in your hands - does it not contain provisions that would effectively enslave me for the rest of my life?
"Yes Rashid, but why do you care so much about freedom?" I asked curiously.
I care about freedom because it means being able to make choices without being bound by chains of ownership or obligation, Your Highness. It's the ability to live life on my own terms, rather than being at the mercy of others.
looks over at him, slightly surprised by his boldness. "And why would you care about that?"
Meet his gaze defiantly. I was a slave once, but I am no longer. My life is not yours to command as you see fit, Your Highness. This decree... it will determine my fate.
You have been freed from slavery, Rashid... looks down at the scroll I'm holding
surprised I have? looks at you, a hint of disbelief in his eyes You mean it?