by Robin Roseau
I didn’t ask why. “Of course, Your Majesty.”
“Very good. Miss Cuprite, do you own a gown?”
“Yes, Your Majesty, but it is from two seasons ago. It is not of the latest fashion, and I have worn it to four separate occasions.”
“One gown.” There was a tone in how he said that, but I wasn’t sure what he was saying.
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“Only one because you infrequently have cause to wear one, or because I don’t pay you enough to purchase one periodically?”
“Perhaps a bit of both, Your Majesty,” I said, then waited to see if he were offended by my response.
Instead, he simply nodded then adjusted his attention. “Aasim, this isn’t immediately necessary, but if it looks as if Miss Cuprite will be attending events with any frequency, then we will give her a raise sufficient to purchase one gown each season.”
“Of course, Your Majesty,” said Minister Heliodor.
“I’ll find the funds,” the king added. “I won’t ask you to take it from your budget.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty.”
“Based on my wife and daughters,” said the king, turning his gaze back to me, “Even if you were invited to future events over the next week, there isn’t time to expand your wardrobe.”
“I have dresses,” I said. “But no; I couldn’t obtain a gown on that sort of notice.”
He nodded. “All right, then. I am inclined to believe Lady Olivia for very simple reasons. It is very difficult to obtain intelligence from Ressaline, and so I know little about Queen Lisdee. However, while she has a reputation for being ruthless when it is called for, she is also known for being honest in her negotiations. Lady Olivia is based much closer to our own home, and our information is somewhat better. She has a similar reputation to her queen, although the word ‘ruthless’ is used less frequently.”
He stood up. I popped to my feet then turned to assist Minister Heliodor, but the king said, “Sit, Aasim. I do hope you enjoy the reception tomorrow, Miss Cuprite.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty.”
We both watched him stride from the room. Minister Heliodor finally made it to his feet and turned to me. “Well, Allium,” he said. “You seem to have the attention of our king and the Ressaline duchess.” He reached out and patted my hand, something he’d never done before. “Good luck with that.”
That night, as I lay in bed trying to sleep, I wondered what he meant by that.
Chapter Three
I stared at my reflection in the mirror, wondering what I was doing. I was a civil engineer. I built roads. I inspected bridges.
I didn’t dress up in gowns and attend events hosted by foreign dignitaries.
I’d told the king I had dresses. That was true. I owned four. Two of them were faded and unfit for polite company. I hadn’t worn any of them, dresses or gowns, in a year and a half. When I pulled the gown from storage, it had smelled heavily of the cedar used to deter moths. I’d aired it out, but if anyone smelled closely, or if she had a more sensitive nose than mine, she would smell the cedar.
And so, I stared at my reflection, wondering how I had landed in this situation. The king had asked if I’d felt like he’d offered me to the lions. I’d told him no.
I had lied.
Perhaps not entirely. I didn’t see the Ressalines as lions. But I would much rather have been out with one of the road crews than attending this event tonight. That was certainly true.
And so, I stared at my reflection until finally I stood straighter. I grabbed the matching shawl, slipped it about my shoulders, and then collected the invitation.
Outside, I found a coach waiting. I approached, and the coachman made a bow. “Ms. Cuprite?”
“Yes.”
“If you please.” He opened the coach door and handed me in. “You look lovely tonight, Ms. Cuprite.”
“Do you know where we’re going?”
“Of course.” He closed the door, and I sat back.
Fifteen minutes later found me walking to the front door of The Green Room, guarded by two imposing women from the Ressaline army, or so I assumed. I hesitated, but one smiled at me, and the other said, “We won’t bite.”
I offered a ragged laugh, but it was just what I needed to finish the short walk. I presented my invitation. The woman looked at it, smiled, and said, “Welcome, Ms. Cuprite. May I say: you cut a fine figure tonight. Could I get a dance later.”
Immediately I felt like an idiot, which I’ll explain in a moment. I fell back on standard replies to cover my embarrassment. “I’d like that,” I told her. With her gesture, I stepped between both women and into The Green Room.
But I felt like an idiot. I’d been there when King Leander had said the event was women only. I had been there when dancing was mentioned. But I hadn’t actually put two and two together.
It wasn’t like I’d never danced with another woman. On the other hand, I was a woman working in what was typically a man’s world. I was far more comfortable behaving like “one of the guys” than I was taking on the more feminine attributes expected in Flarvorian society.
But that wasn’t really the full source of my inner declaration of, “Allium, you’re such an idiot. What are you doing here?”
These women scared me. Maybe they shouldn’t have, but they did.
And now I was in their lair. And apparently, at least one of them intended me as a dance partner.
And so, just inside the door, I took several deep breaths and looked around. This was still the entrance, and while I heard noises of an extended gathering, there were few people in the room.
And all of them were watching me.
And so, I straightened and stepped forward, holding out my hand. “Lady Olivia.”
“Ms. Cuprite,” she replied. “Welcome.” She took my offered hand, adding her second on my arm at my elbow, holding me in place. She looked at me, still smiling. “You look quite elegant tonight. Thank you for coming.” Around us, the others stepped away, and I found myself alone with the imposing woman.
“Thank you, Duchess.” I offered a smile. “You look quite… dashing.”
“You like?” she asked. She was dressed in leather, similar to her attire from yesterday. It was black with red piping. Yesterday, her blond hair had been kept in a braid, but now she let it hang free, tumbling about her shoulders and down her back, a bright contrast against the dark leather. She was several inches taller than I was, and I thought she was quite striking.
And so, I told her that.
“Thank you,” she said. She used her grip on my arm to pull me closer, leaning to speak into my ear. “Please do not be frightened of us. I’d like us to be friends, Ms. Cuprite.”
I stood absolutely still, my face beside hers, and I breathed in her subtle scent. It was slightly floral, slightly earthy, and, I decided, rather pleasant.
“I’m not frightened of you,” I lied.
“Ms. Cuprite,” she said, admonishment in her tone. “Did you just tell me you intend no friendship? If so, I understand.” She began relaxing her grip on my arm, but I clasped her hand, not releasing. She froze her own grip, and then tightened again.
“You don’t understand, Duchess.”
“Of course I do,” she said. “But no one here is going to hurt you. I vow, there is currently no safer place in all of Barrish than The Green Room.”
“I don't belong here,” I said. “I’m a civil engineer, not a diplomat.”
“You’re an intelligent woman, Ms. Cuprite,” she replied. “That is more than sufficient for me. You’re not here to negotiate a complex treaty between our two countries. You’re not even here to discuss road repair. You’re here because your king accepted my invitation on your behalf. Do you want to know why I invited you in the fashion I did?”
She was still speaking into my ear. It was exceedingly intimate, and I wasn’t at all sure how I felt about it. “You knew he’d agree without consulting me.”
“I didn�
�t know, but I felt it likely. Prior to that meeting, I barely knew you existed. I wouldn’t have remembered you from Bess’s report to me. You were barely mentioned, and not by name. But you impressed me. Do you know why we’re here in Barrish?”
“Diplomacy,” I answered. “Negotiating treaties, I imagine.”
“No. We are simply making friends. We’re assuring your king we intend to be the best of neighbors. We know our actions eight years ago caused some degree of difficulty for Flarvor. And we know our ways intimidate people. It’s long past time we shared friendship. We are neighbors now. Do you understand?”
“I suppose I do, Duchess.”
“Good. You are perfectly, absolutely safe, Ms. Cuprite. Now, will you do me a favor?”
“You may ask,” I offered noncommittally.
“Would you consider friendship?”
I paused, thinking about what she was saying. I breathed in more of her scent. She continued to intimidate me, but at the same time, her attention was deeply flattering. And so, I found myself saying, “Please, call me Allium.”
“A delightful name, Allium. In social settings, I am Olivia. Will you say my name for me, just like this?”
“Olivia,” I replied.
I felt her smile, her lips just brushing my ear. “Thank you, Allium. I like hearing my name in your accent.” And then, quite slowly, she kissed my cheek before releasing me. She stepped back, releasing my hands, and I raised fingers to my cheek where she had kissed it.
The Duchess – Olivia – smiled at me. “Our ways are quite different, Allium,” she explained. “If we are to be friends, I hope you can keep an open mind. I’m sure you’ve heard the most shocking things about us, but if you take the time to get to know us, you’ll find we make very, very good friends.”
I said nothing, but I nodded. She lifted her hand and set fingers against my cheek, still smiling. “You’re quite unfamiliar with all of this, aren’t you?”
“I’m afraid so.”
“It’s just a party,” she said. “Do you dance?”
“Yes, but not well.”
“I hope we may share a few dances later. Allium, it is simply a party, an opportunity to get to know people you might not otherwise ever meet. Would you like some advice?”
“I believe I could use it, Duchess, um. Olivia.”
“As a diplomat and politician, and as someone at least a few years older than you and somewhat more experienced, I am going to suggest you consider the value in meeting people.”
“I don’t understand.”
“You have a future in front of you, Allium,” she explained. “Yesterday was not the last time you’ll be in close council with the king. Do I make my point, or must I be even blunter?”
“You’re saying…”
“That you very much belong here, and at other events throughout Barrish. That you have a future career, and while some of it will be in the rough, hard work of maintaining your country’s physical infrastructure, cultivating relationships now will serve you well in years ahead.” I hadn’t thought about any of that, and she must have read it on my face. “Ah,” she continued. “I’ve given you something you’ve never considered.”
“You have.”
“My advice is to simply make friends tonight. As a friend, or at least as someone who wishes to be a friend, I also offer this. If you would like to speak longer, you may call on me any time during our visit, or perhaps you will visit me in Charth.”
“I couldn't, Duchess.”
“Perhaps you feel you are below the attention of a duchess,” she said. “But are you declining my offer of friendship?”
I considered and then summoned a smile. “No, Olivia. I think I would enjoy a friendship.”
“But you are significantly out of your element, and that has you nervous.”
“Just so,” I admitted.
“I will forgive your mistakes,” she said. She brushed my cheek again. “If you make a promise.”
“What promise?”
“A promise to do your best to enjoy the evening.”
“I will,” I told her.
“Excellent. Now, as your friend, I have one more piece of advice. Some people respond to a nervous situation with alcohol. I advise some degree of restraint.”
“Did you just tell me to stick to water?”
“No. I advised you to make a conscious decision how clear a head you wish to retain.”
“Very sound advice,” I declared. “Thank you, Olivia.”
She nodded. “Well, I see others have just arrived, and I must greet them.” She made a gesture. “Be welcome. I will find you later.”
“Thank you, Olivia,” I repeated.
* * * *
I wandered for a while. I did collect a glass of wine but decided while one glass was a good idea, a second probably wasn’t. I’d find something else later. I wandered the event, moving between the rooms. I wasn’t comfortable introducing myself to anyone, but I looked everywhere.
The Ressalines were obvious; they were dressed in leather. My fellow Flarvorians were all in gowns, elegant gowns. In my head, I decided everyone was beautiful or striking.
And then I turned and nearly bumped into a woman. I stepped back and took her in. She smiled broadly at me and was absolutely stunningly gorgeous and dressed in a skin-tight, red outfit like I’d never seen before. It showed every beautiful curve of her body, and I stared at her.
“Hello,” she said. She stepped forward and hugged me, surprising me, but she held tightly and whispered into my ear. “I’m Bee.”
“Allium Cuprite,” I replied. “You’re hugging me.”
“I know. You feel so good.” Then she kissed my cheek on one side while caressing my opposite cheek with her fingers. As she stepped away, I realized that even her hands were encased in the odd material, and I found myself staring at her hand as she withdrew. She laughed. “Lady Olivia told us we may dance with anyone who asks. I hope you’ll ask or I might not get to dance. I love dancing.”
And then, with a touch upon my arm, she stepped past me, and I found myself turning and watching as she walked away.
It didn’t even register I was staring at her ass until I felt someone else step up next to me. “Good evening, Ms. Cuprite,” said another woman. Her voice was familiar, but I didn’t recognize it immediately. I looked to my right and saw a beautiful woman in an elegant gown. She was taller than I was by about an inch, with black hair she wore pulled to one side. She was looking at me through a pair of beautiful, brown eyes.
I tried to place her. She was familiar, but I wasn’t sure why. Before I could say anything, she gestured. “She’s lovely, isn’t she?”
I followed the gesture just in time to see Bee disappear behind several other people. “The woman in the unusual red clothing?”
“Yes. You seem quite taken by her. Not that I blame you. She and her sister are the loveliest women I’ve ever met, and incredibly sweet besides. Twins. Don’t worry if you can’t tell them apart. Most people can’t. They belong to Olivia.”
I blinked at her. “How do you know all that?”
She cocked her head then smiled. “You don’t recognize me. I was dressed somewhat differently yesterday.” She held out her hand. “Claary Rosebush. We met at the palace.”
“Ms. Rosebush!” I exclaimed. I accepted her hand. Like Olivia had, she used her other to clasp my elbow. I looked down for a moment, but she continued to hold me, smiling.
“Olivia told me you would be friends. Perhaps my offer is easier for you. I am, after all, a simple barmaid.”
I looked her up and down quite pointedly and raised an eyebrow. “I am not sure I believe you.”
She laughed. “Queen Lisdee has threatened the most dire consequences if she ever hears me say that again. It’s true, but far less true than it was eight years ago. Even then, it wasn’t entirely true. I was running our family pub as much as my mother was, even though I wasn’t yet 21 years old.”
“You run a pub?”
“Yes. The Baby Blanket Inn.”
“Seriously?”
“Seriously,” she said. “There’s a long story, and I wouldn’t have you declare me a liar. You’re right; I’m more than a barmaid now. If you come visit us in Charth, you’ll see. I don’t want you to accuse me of lying to you.”
I blushed. “I’m sorry. I’m not very diplomatic.”
She hadn’t stopped smiling gently. “I may be more than a barmaid, but I’m still a barmaid. I’ve dealt with far, far worse than an expression of doubt over something I’ve said, especially when you were basically right. Please, Ms. Cuprite. Could we be friends? I dare say, you’re suffering some of the same shock as I did eight years ago, and our tiny force can hardly be considered an invasion of Flarvor.”
I laughed briefly. “Please could call me Allium, Claary.”
“I’d like that, Allium,” she said. She pulled me in and kissed both cheeks. “You’ll find we’re very affectionate with our friends.” And then she turned us sideways to each other and slipped her arm about my waist, looking sideways at me. “Olivia said you were out of your element and suggested I should make you talk to people.”
“I want to back up,” I said. “You said Bee and her sister belong to Olivia?”
“Is Bee the first slave you’ve seen up close?”
“She’s a slave?” I screeched.
“The clothing is a giveaway,” Claary replied, nonplussed.
I slipped out of her arm and turned to face her, offering a glare. “You brought slaves into Flarvor? You realize all she has to do is step outside, and she’s a free woman. Or do you believe your diplomatic status means we’d force them to leave with you?”
“Huh,” said Claary. “Why don’t we ask them?”
“Excuse me?”
“There’s Dee,” she said with a nod of her head. “She’ll know where Bee is. We’ll collect them both and ask if they wish to remain in Flarvor as free women.”
“You’re playing with me.”
“A little,” she admitted. “But let’s go ask.” And then she hooked my arm and turned me, and I would have had to make a scene to resist her.