Chapter 4 --4
"I’m experiencing temporary disorientation," Elara said. The lie came easily. "Clarify: beastmen can serve as guards. They wear uniforms and carry weapons. But they’re not equal to human guards."
"Of course not, Your Highness. They’re property of the Crown. It’s an honor for them to serve in uniform rather than in the fields or the mines. The collar—" She gestured vaguely at her own neck. "—keeps them obedient. Reminds them of their place. It’s always been this way."
Collar. Elara looked back at the fox-eared guard. Now that she knew to look for it, she could see it—a thin band of metal around his neck, barely visible beneath his uniform collar. Seamless. Permanent.
Shock collar, probably. Hidden beneath ceremony and protocol.
They dressed them up in fine uniforms, gave them swords, placed them at attention throughout the palace. Made them look like soldiers.
But kept them leashed.
"I need information," Elara said. "About the laws governing beastmen. Service regulations, ownership protocols, punishment systems. Everything."
The servant stared at her. "Your Highness, I really think we should summon the physician—"
"Everything," Elara repeated. "Now."
As Elara turned to walk toward her chambers, she paused mid-step.
Her eyes moved back to the two human guards flanking the entrance. They stood at ease, relaxed, confident. Hands resting casually on their sword hilts. Shoulders square but not tense.
She looked at them for several seconds. Calculating.