The Delegation

by Robin Roseau

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

  He nodded. “For a variety of reasons, many of which will become apparent when you learn the details of this custom, you are probably the highest-ranking member of my government likely to undergo this experience. That isn’t to say the situation couldn't change. I could appoint an ambassador to Ressaline, and there may be one or two other women of a similar rank to yours who could find herself in Charth, but none I expect.”

  “I will serve however you require, Your Majesty, provided I am qualified.”

  “I know you will. But in this case, I’m about to tell you that you will not serve.”

  “I do not understand.”

  “Lady Olivia’s stated reason for inviting you to Charth is, frankly, hogwash. Oh, certainly, there will be occasional opportunities for us to collaborate on projects spanning the border, but if they will not accept my minister in Charth, they can come here, or the meetings can be held somewhere near the border.”

  “Lady Olivia told me something similar,” I said. “Although she didn’t say hogwash. She said her larger reason is because she’s attempting to make friends with a neighbor and mentioned one person at a time.”

  “Now that, I’m willing to believe,” he said. “She’s also playing politics with you.”

  “I don’t do politics.”

  “Which is why you’re a pawn,” said the queen. “But perhaps one that should receive a promotion upon advancing to the far rank.”

  I looked into her eyes again. “Are you angry with me, Your Majesty.”

  “You’re not the one I’m angry at.”

  “I’m not making any of my decisions based on promotions or personal advantages,” I said. “The king indicated there were advantages for him if I were to go, which meant it wouldn’t disadvantage me, and I could take that much time from my duties here. But otherwise, I’m going because I like them. I like Lady Olivia and some of her friends. I really like her slaves. They are very sweet.”

  “A disgusting practice,” she said.

  “I tried to free them.”

  “You did?”

  “Lady Olivia allowed me to take them outside and talk to them. They told me in no uncertain terms my offer was refused. After watching her with them, I think I understand. While I wouldn’t trade places with them, if I found myself in the situation they were in, I can’t imagine coming out of it better than they have.”

  She pursed her lips but nodded.

  “So, as I was saying,” said the king. “She’s playing politics with you. She is setting you up as my only choice for an envoy.”

  “Give her the job, Leander,” said the queen. “And pay her accordingly!”

  “I can’t,” he said.

  “Do I want to know?” I asked, barely a whisper.

  “Official Ambassador to Ressaline,” said King Leander. “And I can’t.”

  “I’m no diplomat!”

  “You’re better than you think,” said the queen. “Why can’t you?” she asked Leander.

  “Three reasons. The biggest: because then she’s going to feel obligated to undergo the custom.”

  “Damn you!” yelled the queen.

  “Well, she is,” said King Leander. “Right now, she’s going because it’s her choice, and if she accepts, that is also her choice, taken for her own reasons, and with no coercion from me. If she declines, she doesn’t have to come back and resign from a position, with all the political problems that causes.”

  “Fine. So unofficially tell her when she returns, it will be to collect a new title.”

  “So you want me to bribe her?”

  The queen shut her mouth, but she glared at Leander.

  “Furthermore,” said the king. “I have no intention of appointing an ambassador to Ressaline for a few simple reasons. The biggest: an ambassador to Ressaline would need to be an ambassador to Queen Lisdee in Ressaline City, which is a whole lot further than an envoy to Lady Olivia in Charth. And next, we don’t need them; they need us. And if they need a diplomatic mission sent into their country, it will be to Charth, not to Ressaline City, but it is more likely they will send their mission here.”

  “Except Queen Lisdee has also said she has no intention of leaving her borders.”

  “I don’t care,” Leander said. “I don’t need one damned thing from her beyond a promise to stay north of our border. I’m perfectly happy with the current arrangement. I didn’t exactly appreciate being inundated with half of Charthan eight years ago, and her compensation and concessions to us haven’t remotely paid us for the turmoil she shipped to us.”

  Then he smiled. “Although in the long run, we’re coming out ahead. Charthan used to be the center of trade. That has shifted south, and our farmers and merchants are quite happy with trade to the north.”

  He turned back to me. “Ms. Cuprite, all of this is to say quite simply: I cannot reward you for your efforts. If it should come to pass that you do become a frequent envoy, you will be compensated for the expense and disruption, but frankly, I don’t think it’s going to happen.”

  “In other words, there may be vague professional reasons for this trip,” I said. “But my primary motivation should be personal.”

  “Just so,” he agreed.

  “At the same time, you are encouraging me to go with your blessing.”

  “Yes, with no disruption to your pay or professional standing.”

  “Is there anything in particular you need me to do, Your Majesty?”

  “Make good choices,” he said. “Then come home and tell me about them.”

  “Are you asking me to be a spy?”

  “Absolutely not,” he replied. “No spying. If you happen to see them amassing troops on our border, you may want to turn tail and get back here as quickly as you can.”

  “I imagine that would be my natural reaction,” I said with a smile.

  “They’re not going to show you anything they aren’t willing to let me know,” he said. “No spying.”

  “No spying, Your Majesty.”

  “Good.”

  “Give her something,” said the queen.

  “I did,” he said. “I gave her a very nice compliment when we began these discussions.”

  “You told her you heard she’s sexy!”

  “Your words, not mine,” said the king quickly. “What exactly do you want me to give her?”

  “The Ministry of Transportation!”

  “Darling,” he said reprovingly.

  “Fine. Ministry of something else.”

  “I build roads,” I said, half under my breath.

  “Which ministry?” the king asked.

  I said nothing, waiting to see what the queen would say. She glared at her husband. When she said nothing, the king said, “You give her something.”

  “What am I supposed to give her?”

  “Social standing.”

  The queen froze, and then she began smiling broadly. “Ms. Cuprite, do you mind if I call you Allium?”

  “Not at all, Your Majesty.”

  “And would you call me Ralifta?”

  I froze. “Your Majesty,” I said slowly.

  “I’m serious, Allium. I am attending an event this evening. I know you must be preparing for your trip, but could you spare a few hours for me? But I don’t want to spend the entire evening listening to you calling me ‘Your Majesty.’ Allium, he’s right. He has nothing to offer you, and all I have to offer is friendship.”

  “Does it come with hugs?” I asked daringly.

  “Only after I hear my name from your lips.”

  “I’d love to attend your event, Ralifta.”

  She opened her arms, and so I went to her. We hugged for a minute, and then she relaxed. I stepped back.

  “What are you wearing tonight?” the king asked her.

  “A…” she paused.

  “I own two gowns,” I said. “One is new.”

  “You bought it for your trip?”

  “Yes, Your… Um. Ralifta.”

&nbs
p; “Is the other one serviceable?”

  “It’s been seen.”

  “So has mine,” she said. “Wear that one. Is this a hardship, Allium? We can wear dresses.”

  “It isn’t at all a hardship, Ralifta,” I said.

  She looked at her husband. “Feeling relieved?”

  “You have no idea,” he said.

  I laughed. “Am I saving you from a horrible fate?”

  “Yes,” he said. “Now I really do owe you.”

  “Ignore him,” Ralifta said. “I’ve been looking forward to this event for weeks, and he’s done nothing but complain, complain, complain.” But she smiled at him and then leaned up and kissed his cheek. “I’m sorry I’ve been giving you a hard time about this.”

  “I’m not,” he said. “You don’t get involved in these things very often, but when you do, we achieve a better answer. This is perfect.”

  “It’s perfect for now, but this conversation isn’t over.”

  “I’m not making her an ambassador.” He turned back to look at me. “You may have a very good relationship with Lady Olivia, but I am not at all convinced you would feel remotely as comfortable with their queen, and that’s what an ambassador does.”

  “I like building roads,” I said. “May I ask what we’re doing tonight, Ralifta?”

  “We’re attending a concert,” she explained. “I will send a coach to collect you. I want us to leave together from here. Half six.”

  “I’ll be ready.”

  * * * *

  I curtsied to the queen. “Get up,” she ordered. “If I hear a single ‘your majesty’ from you tonight, I will be vexed.”

  “I’ll do my best, Ralifta,” I said. “Please forgive me if I slip.”

  “Of course I will, but I wanted you to know I am serious.” She stepped forward and collected my hands, holding them wide. “You look lovely.”

  “You’re the beauty, Ralifta.”

  “I know what everyone thinks of me, that Leander married me for my looks.”

  “Do you know that everyone also knows you’ve been a good mother?”

  She paused, then said, “They do?”

  “They do,” I said. “They also know the king is besotted.”

  She laughed at that. “He better be.” She collected my arm in hers. “It’s a ten minute ride.” She tugged me back towards the door, our arms linked, and that was how we strode to the queen’s coach. The footman handed us both in, and then we were rolling forward.

  “Do you know what to expect?”

  “Probably not,” I admitted.

  “I want you to feel free to use my name,” she said. “I will introduce you as my friend. Our box will have others. Some are nice people. Some are snarling…” She didn’t quite finish her sentence.

  “I understand.”

  “I would rather we not make a scene, even if someone is rude,” she continued. “I want to point out you are on my arm, and they aren’t.”

  “Jealousy is an ugly thing,” I said.

  “Yes, it is,” she agreed. “Do you understand what I am saying?”

  “Yes, and for this, I think I will call you Your Majesty.”

  She nodded. “Good. Well, good that you understand. No more of that, though.”

  “I’ll do my best.”

  “Thank you. I’m sorry, I don’t have a clue what sort of music we’re going to hear. It may be wonderful, but it could easily be atrocious. The composer is the son of a friend of my mother’s. I’ve never heard anything else he’s done.”

  “Then we’ll discover it together, and I can be polite even if it’s terrible or not to my taste.”

  “Thank you,” she said. “Leander hates these events. He has a much lower tolerance for listening to a range of music, and he spends the entire time muttering about more important things he could be doing. Unless it’s something I absolutely know he’ll love, I really don’t like bringing him.”

  “If it’s very good,” I replied, “then it’s his loss.”

  “I believe you’re right. I'm not being fair to him. He doesn’t mutter. But after our years together, I can tell when he’s doing something because he enjoys it and when he’s doing it to please me.”

  “I think it’s wonderful that, after your years together, he still does things simply because it pleases you.”

  “I agree with you. We barely knew each other when we were married. I thought it would be a loveless marriage. I can’t tell you how wrong I was.”

  “I’m glad for you, Ralifta.”

  “And what about you, Allium? How are your prospects?”

  I thought for a moment then said, “From the conversation this morning, I believe you know at least a thing or two of my activities while the Ressalines visited.”

  “A thing or two,” she confirmed.

  “I don’t have prospects,” I said, “or I wouldn’t have been openly flirting with half the Ressaline delegation.”

  She smiled. “It wasn’t remotely half. Did you let them seduce you?”

  “Is that what your reports say?”

  “I know you spent nights, and there is an implication, but nothing confirmed.”

  “And now you want the salacious details?”

  “Not if you’re going to put it that way!”

  I laughed. “I would have, except the people I would have let seduce me are the potential guides for this custom, and I didn’t think I should go down that path. I don’t know. It felt weird. They were slumber parties; that is all. Very unusual slumber parties.”

  “That is all?”

  “You do want salacious details,” I said with a grin. “There may have been some kisses exchanged, and they are far more openly affectionate than we tend to be on this side of the border. But the only person who has seen me naked in quite some time is Yearly Chrome.”

  “Ms. Chrome, hmm? And so we finally reach something truly salacious?”

  “She watched me change into my prison attire.”

  The queen laughed then told me she expected more salaciousness next time.

  “I’ll keep that in mind,” I said with a smile. “Ralifta, did I do terrible damage to my reputation? I’ve never really paid attention to these kinds of things.”

  “No,” she said. “Frankly, no one knows who you are.”

  “And if they did?”

  “Then you suddenly would have become far more colorful. You must have wondered about this at the start of your adventures. How much do you care?”

  “I don’t know. I guess.” I thought about it. “I’ve never met a man I wanted to marry, and I’ve really never met a man who wanted me, but was the sort of man I’d let have me.”

  “There are implications in what you just said.”

  “I’m not entirely without experience,” I said. “But I’ve long resigned myself to my life, and a husband and children hasn’t been my expectation for at least a half decade.”

  “Because you would prefer a woman?”

  “I’d never even thought about that, until very, very recently,” I said. “Men don’t want… women like me.”

  “Ridiculous.”

  “If you say so.”

  “Oh, no!” she said. “Do not play that game with me. If you disagree with me, have the guts to stand by your position, on this or any other topic.”

  “Ralifta, your public image is inaccurate.”

  “I know, but it wasn’t when I first married. I was never stupid, but I was a well-trained airhead. My duty was to look pretty.”

  “Well, that’s what the men of Barrish want,” I said.

  “Not all of them.”

  “No, you’re right about that. But think about my choices. I like my job. I may have risen as high as I’m going to, but it’s sufficiently high that I’m about to listen to a concert with the queen of the country. And the men of Barrish are most certainly not interested in someone with a job like mine who the queen calls ‘my friend’.”

  “That’s not true, either.”

&
nbsp; “Fine. There are some who would hope to prey upon this sudden new friendship. You can imagine how I feel about that.”

  “Perhaps I can,” she said.

  “On one hand, I have a job I love and that I’m good at, and I have the respect of a governmental minister, and it appears the respect of the king himself, plus friendship with the queen. On the other hand, I have a possible husband and possible children. Which one do you think I’m going to pick?”

  “There must be a middle ground.”

  “Perhaps,” I said. “And before I met Lady Olivia, perhaps I could have been more motivated to pursue those choices. But do you know what I enjoyed the most about their visit?”

  “I bet if I guessed, I would guess wrong.”

  “I liked how totally I could be myself, and they liked me that way.”

  “I definitely would have guessed wrong, but now that you’ve said it, I understand completely.”

  “I’d like to ask you something.”

  “Of course.”

  “Are you really offering a friendship?”

  “You want to know if this is a one-time event.”

  “I just want to set my expectations properly.”

  “This is most decidedly not a one-time event,” she said. “Being the queen is great. Of course it is. But it’s not perfect. Do you want to know, well, maybe not the worst part, but one of the bad parts?”

  “Sure.”

  “I can’t trust anyone.”

  I stared then asked in a subdued tone, “Did you just imply something?”

  “Yes.”

  “Why?”

  “Because you aren’t here with me because you want something from me. And because while I had to goad you into it a little, you most decidedly were not a sycophant.”

  “I’ll make a promise if you will, Ralifta,” I said.

  “Let’s hear it.”

  “I promise to never be a sycophant if you promise to never ask me a question when you can’t handle a truthful answer.”

  “Agreed,” she said immediately. “If I need you to be carefully polite, I’ll find a way to warn you.”

  “Perfect,” I said.

  “So,” she said, trying to sound casual about it. “Did you keep it?”

  “I don’t know what it we’re talking about.”

  “The prison attire.”

  I laughed. “No. I don’t know what Lady Olivia did with it when she unlocked me from it.”