Attempting to calm my nerves by wiping my palms on the dress, I stand up and pace to the other side of the table. They have surely noticed I’ve gotten up, but I don’t have their attention, or much time before the other leaders get here, and I’m expected to sit and be quiet again.

“I have a proposal.” I say confidently, changing my posture to match for when they look up.

Father’s eyes meet mine and he asks, “Go on.”

Organizing the thoughts in my head with one fell swoop I began, “I have yet to write it out, but if you accept the notion I will have it done by tonight." A slight pause and a nod to continue. "I say we change the punishment rules. Or add a new one at the least. For minor offences I want to banish people instead of just outright killing them.”

I pause, waiting to see if I am allowed to continue.

“And where will we banish them?” He asks, placing his intertwined hands on the table for me to see.

“The Unowned.” I say, immediately regretting it as his eyes narrow and he slides his hands back down.

“No.”

“But you didn’t hear the entire proposal.”

“I don’t have to. There is a reason for everything I do, and there is a reason we aren’t already doing this.

“And I don’t get to know what this reason is?”

My mother cuts in, taking up his side of the argument as expected. “No you do not. You aren’t ready to learn, and even if you were, you aren’t clearanced for such information.”

I know better than to argue with them, especially when I have no chance of winning. So doing my best to hide my anger, a little bit of panic, and my growing curiosity for what they want to keep from me, I cross my arms and change the subject. “Fine. When will the other leaders get here?”

“Later. But you won’t be here, you’re excused for the day.” He says, flipping through the paper again.

“What? Why not?”

“Because the last thing I need right now is for you to embarrass me by sharing your notion with everyone else. And their answer will be exactly the same as mine, so I’m sparing you in a way too. Now please leave before they arrive.”

“Fine.” I say again, not caring how I sound. I spin on my heels, and walk calmly until the doors close behind me.

End of Chapter One.