Work Text:
James has long had his doubts about monarchy, though not about philosopher-kings. He would have elevated Thomas to the throne of Nassau, had he only survived, through force of will and force of vote, because Thomas believed that men should choose their leaders, with guidance.
Flint guides.
Madi, too, believes that all men have rights, and is perhaps more ecumenical in her view of who constitutes a man who has rights even than Thomas, for all his shining parts, had been. She will be a great and wise philosopher-queen, if he can but secure her the support of the men.
And then -- then, with all the force of the body of wastrels and strongmen who make up Nassau -- they will strike at England, at Spain, at France, at all the African nations who make war and sell their own people for rank, filthy profit, while claiming they are selling them for prophets.
What have so-called holy words ever won them but pain and suffering, and the adage that they will prosper in another life if they obey?
James does not burn books of prayer or law, save when he burns cities to the ground. Those books, he does not mourn.