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Queen Moon Shadow sat alone on her golden throne. Her husband, King Toothless, was occupied elsewhere, leaving her to preside over a rare, private assembly of Draco Beings and Humans.
Normally, a discussion of this magnitude would’ve taken place before the full council. But today, the guests before her had requested a private audience—with her and her alone.
So she arranged a private gathering. She was especially grateful that Princess Una Haddock had crossed over to join the conversation—since this very issue had become a major conflict in Una’s own world.
To Queen Moon Shadow’s right stood Deadly Siren, Honor Guard Astrid, and Princess Una. To her left were three individuals she didn’t know as well—one Draco Being and two humans.
Everyone in the chamber was female. And today’s summit had been called to debate a woman’s right to choose. In short, they were here to discuss whether the Dragon Kingdom should prohibit abortion, following the example recently set by SCOTUS in Una’s world.
“I’m willing to listen to both sides of this controversy,” Queen Moon Shadow began, her voice calm but resolute. “Everyone will get a chance to speak. You will respect each other as we examine these issues.”
She turned her attention to the opposing group. “Drakaina and your party—you may proceed.”
Drakaina and her companions immediately declared abortion to be unethical—a deliberate, premeditated act of murder that was immoral and unfit for their kingdom. They insisted it should be outlawed entirely. Queen Moon Shadow listened attentively as they made their case, noting their repeated use of Silver Queen’s name and their claim that abortion defied her will.
When they finished, the Queen turned toward Deadly Siren and her allies.
Deadly Siren, Astrid, and Una took turns explaining their position. They emphasized that every person had free will—and no one had the right to impose their beliefs on others. There were many valid reasons someone might choose abortion, they said, and none of them were for others to judge.
Una stepped forward, her voice steady. “What about a rape victim? Do you believe she should be forced to carry her rapist’s child—a living reminder of her trauma? For some people, that could push them to suicide.”
Astrid added her voice, pointing out the many medical and financial factors that often shape such decisions. “It’s not just about beliefs—it’s about real lives, real risks, and real pain. You can’t force someone to follow your path.”
Deadly Siren concluded firmly, “No one has the right to tell a woman what to do with her body—especially not if they aren’t living her reality.”
Una added, “Even if your beliefs are rooted in religion, that doesn’t give you the right to force them on anyone else. Taking away a woman’s right to choose means taking away a fundamental right.”
Queen Moon Shadow sat in silence for a moment, allowing the words to settle before she finally rose from her throne.
“I understand why this topic stirs so much emotion,” she said thoughtfully. “But Deadly Siren’s party raises an essential truth—you are not the individual in question. You don’t know their circumstances. You don’t know how they became pregnant. And you have no right to decide their future for them.”
Her gaze swept across the room. “As for the Silver Queen—yes, she is our mother. And Prince Aaron Morningstar is our kin. But Silver Queen is also wise. I do not believe she would ever want her name used as justification for taking away a woman’s right to choose.”
Queen Moon Shadow lifted her chin, her voice growing stronger. “She and the White King gifted us free will for a reason. We all know people will live as they see fit. But more than that, we cannot force anyone to do what they don’t wish to do.”
She paused, letting the weight of her words land.
“I am pro-choice. I will not outlaw abortion. It is not my place to do so. I rule with compassion, not coercion. I will not strip away someone’s right to decide what’s best for their own body and future.”
“However, I will ensure that those who seek abortions are given support—counseling, alternative options if available, and safety above all else. But I refuse to prohibit it altogether.”
Her gaze turned stern. “That is my final decision. If you disagree, that is your right. But you will not use violence or cruelty to get your way. Accept my ruling for what it is—not what you wish it were. This meeting is concluded.”
Drakaina’s party looked deeply dissatisfied, but they bowed their heads in reluctant acceptance of their Queen’s will.
Princess Una only wished Queen Moon Shadow could talk the same sense into the SCOTUS. But that was beyond her power. Still, she took comfort in knowing that, at least in this realm, no woman would be forced to surrender her will.