Chapter 12. New Rules

Hermione

"Go on," Came his curt command.

I fixed my gaze at him, hoping that he wouldn't remove his attention from his work until I was done talking.

"I know that it isn't in my place to make requests from you concerning my people, but I can't help it. They are starving, and they could die if nothing is done about their feeding." I paused as I thought of how to pitch my next request.

"Is that all?" He growled, dropping his pen and swinging his gaze to me.

I shook my head vehemently, wondering where my courage had flown to as I'd always taken pride in how brave I was. How could I forget that the man sitting in front of me looked like he had the world on his shoulders and could make anyone cower at his feet?

"If it were possible, I'll ask that you reduce the workload given to them. They don't deserve the punishment given to them." I pleaded, gauging his reaction, but his face gave