Hey, guys! I apologize profusely for posting this fanfic a day late this week. School has just been crazy as all hell, and I also had some crippling writer's block when writing this chapter. I also apologize for writing a much shorter chapter than usual. I promise to make it up to you in the next chapter! you have my word. :)

I own absolutely nothing.

Anyways, please read & enjoy! :D

"I told you this wasn't a good idea."

"So you've said time and time again."

"Then why don't you see how terrible things currently are, milady?"

Charlotte sighed as she focused her glassy eyes on the ceiling of the Throne Room. Having to hear many different people lament on how the tax raise was such an awful idea took its toll on her in more ways than one. It was all she ever heard anymore, and it was getting dull and annoying these days.

But Iago was right— the tax raise was a bad idea. It had been a horrible one that had left a trail of devastation in its wake. It had tanked the economy, leaving peasants and even middle-class citizens to suffer the consequences. Many had lost significant amounts of money— so much so that more and more people became homeless and starved as a result. After the riot that had occurred just yesterday, it was clear that the new law had been a poor decision.

Despite all this, Charlotte didn't seem to understand just how awful things were. She had seen the angry mob, but hadn't given them much thought. She figured that they needed more time before deciding on how good or bad the tax raise was. It made enough sense for her, so it should have made sense for her people, as well as her advisors. But that seemed to not be the case. Maybe she understood the present predicament, and yet just didn't care. If that was true, that would've been far worse. Unfortunately for Iago and the rest of Nohr, it was impossible to know how Charlotte truly felt about the situation.

Iago was the worst, though. It was as if he got such joy from repeating how raising taxes on peasants hadn't been a good idea in the first place. Charlotte had had it with hearing him say almost the exact same thing over and over and over again. After he said it once more, Charlotte's eyes snapped towards her advisor. It was as if she wanted him to repeat himself once more, just so she could respond appropriately.

"As I've said, raising taxes on the lower-class was a bad idea," Iago repeated.

"Gods, could you stop saying the same damn thing?!" Charlotte exclaimed. "I heard you say that the first time, Iago."

"My sincerest apologies, milady. I just want you to understand how important this is."

The two locked eyes, with each individual giving the other a different look. Charlotte seemed irritated as hell, while Iago looked bored out of his mind. He placed his hands on his hips and looked away.

"What's on your mind?" Charlotte questioned.

"Nothing but the topic at hand, milady," Iago confessed. "I'm afraid I cannot stop thinking about it. I fear that another riot will happen in the future. Furthermore, the next riot can—or rather, it will— be worse than the first."

"We'll worry about it when the time comes. There's no sense in worrying about the future. That's pointless, Iago, and you know it. You should know better than that!"

"Perhaps you're right. But please reconsider, milady."

Charlotte pounded her fist on a knight statue. Its armour collapsed from the force, resulting in a pile of metal on the stone floor. A small dent could be made out on the chest piece, though only with a good look at it. Her eyes once again returned to Iago, only with more fury than before.

"NO. You need to leave now. Leave before I have soldiers escort you out with force!"

Iago blinked, having not expected such a response. He contemplated disobeying the Queen, but quickly changed his mind when he saw just how serious she was. He gathered himself and exited the Throne Room without hesitation. He valued his life far more than trying to prove himself to be right.

Alone once again, Charlotte retired to her gold throne with relief. She sat on its black cushion and thought about her next move. A part of her knew that raising taxes would come with a couple issues; that was to be expected. But the benefits of such a thing would greatly outweigh any and all downsides very soon. The rich would get richer, and they would be extremely happy because of this. In addition, this exact law would benefit herself, her former in-laws, and their respective families! The idea that those same people would object to such a thing seemed preposterous when one gave it some serious thought.

They'll understand, Charlotte thought with newfound optimism. I can't imagine the rich not liking the tax break! Money makes things better for people like us, after all. WE need it more.

She shook off yesterday's events for good to finally focus on today's tasks at hand.

There you go! I hope you all enjoyed it. :)

Review Responses:

Steel Magic: Aww, thanks! I'm so glad you're liking it so far! I feel bad for Peri & Laslow, too...even though I kinda enjoy torturing them. :D I have no idea why, though...I'm an asshole, I guess. I won't tell you what's gonna happen to Siegbert, though- you'll have to keep reading to find out ;) I hope you continue to read & enjoy this fanfic!

THE CREATOR (chapter 6): LMAO! Yeah, she kinda IS like Garon, huh? Oh well. XD

LittleMissEmblem: It's okay! I love the retainers- that scene was pretty fun to write. Their personalities are all so different that it's interesting to see how they respond to one another, even in a mundane conversation. Yeah, Corrin was a good pick for Charlotte to talk to 'cause Charlotte's not exactly tight with the rest of her former in-laws like she is with Corrin. Mentioning Xander was actually a spur of the moment decision, but I think it definitely added to the fanfic's angst. And oh my GOD, your pun was hilarious! I laughed when I read it, for real!

Please review, and don't forget to stay tuned for chapter 10! :D

- Elizabeth