The Queer Principles of Kit Webb

by Cat Sebastian

Unchecked power gave a man a certain look; it set him apart from normal people. Something terrible was unleashed when a person knew that not only could he tear down homes, take away a family’s livelihood, and send people to the far corners of the earth, but he would be praised for it. There were rich men who didn’t use their money and power as cudgels, but they still always knew that they had a cudgel ready at hand. They got so used to it, they probably thought they were doing a grand thing by not wielding it. And Kit hated them all for it. People might say that what he really hated was the system that put too much power in too few hands. But Kit knew he also hated the men.

But he also knew that the moral of Scarlett’s story wasn’t that rich men abandon their conquests; it was that when you’re treated badly, you start to believe you don’t deserve any better.

Percy realized he had had it all wrong when he told Kit that honor is just spite dressed up; spite was honor when it was the only weapon you had against someone more powerful.

“One of her earliest lessons was never to act like one needed the approval, company, or affection of any earthly being,” Percy said. Kit hadn’t been expecting that. “Everybody needs those things,” he said. “Yes, but one isn’t supposed to let on. That’s what’s dangerous. And she was right, you know.”

“And associating with hardened criminals?” “What hardened criminals do I— Oh, I suppose you’re referring to yourself.” “Yes,” Kit said, laughing. “Had you forgotten?” “Hardened criminal sounds like someone who goes around frightening old ladies, when really you’re just a darling.” “I’ve frightened scores of old ladies,” Kit protested. “No, you didn’t. You charmed them. I’ve heard the ballad, you remember.”