Bishop (The Pawn Series Book 2)

by Robin Roseau

  "But they aren't there just for me."

  "Your maid was," said Tradódid. "And now your two maids. But households take people to help run them, and now you are establishing a household. This is why the queen gave you lands, and it is why we did. If you turn extravagant, we'll say something to you. But one well-behaved artist is within the keeping of a duchess, and you are a duchess twice over."

  "I suppose normally a duchess has a manor home here and an estate there, and people who run each of them. I don't have any of that."

  "That is correct," said the queen. "You are a hanger on at this palace and that one." But she grinned when she said it.

  "Right," I said. "And a demanding guest at that." I smiled. "Thank you. I'm going to think about it, and maybe the Goddess will have something to say about it." I sighed. "I suppose I shouldn't trouble her with such small things when there are so much greater concerns."

  "I believe asking her advice on such a thing is well within the realm of reasonable questions," said the queen. "You wouldn't believe the questions I once asked her, through your grandmother and mother, and she was always very patient to answer."

  I smiled at that. "Thank you."

  * * * *

  Conversation shifted after that, and I relaxed, feeling comfortable with everyone. Such a change in just a short time. It was quite remarkable, really.

  We moved to the dining room. Dinner was lovely. Under the table, Alta flirted, her foot, now missing a shoe, slipping over to tease my foot and leg. I said nothing and let her tease.

  She was so playful, and it was refreshing.

  But the meal came to an end, and her foot withdrew, and the tone became more solemn. "Perhaps we can move somewhere more comfortable."

  We didn't return to the library. I wasn't sure what room this was, and they didn't call it by a name. It was some sort of sitting room. The king himself took my arm, leading me to a chair and getting me settled.

  And on a low table immediately before me, there was a rolled parchment.

  The presentation made me nervous. This wasn't casually done. This wasn't simply a request for guidance, a request I talk to the Goddess about an issue. This was more than that, but I didn't understand.

  They kept me waiting as I stared at the parchment. Alta and Tradódid passed out drinks. Terél and Larien took seats to either side of me, but not so close I could easily touch either of them. Naddí and Féla stood together, looking out the windows, but I knew they were listening.

  It was Alta that took the seat most opposite me, with the king to one side and the queen to the other.

  "This seems very formal," I said.

  "Lady Yallameenara," said the queen very carefully. "We wish you to let us say all of this without interruption, and without coming to any conclusion before we finish."

  "I'll try."

  "In a way, this is a personal issue," said the king. "But because of who you are, it is not entirely personal. However, it is certainly very personal, and so if you absolutely cannot accept this petition, we will understand."

  "But we have an agreement, forged today," Mesenorié said. "You promised you would listen, that you would receive this petition, which isn't the same as accepting it, and then would discuss the issue with the Goddess."

  I nodded, but I didn't interrupt.

  "Now comes the first point that may upset you," said Tradódid. "It is not intended that way. It is not criticism. It is nothing negative. It is a simple fact."

  "Several facts," Mesenorié clarified.

  "Quite so. Several facts. First, you are the High Priestess."

  "I am," I agreed. Then I covered my mouth.

  "We don't mind if you make sounds of agreement," said Mesenorié with a smile. "You have accepted your responsibilities."

  "I have," I said.

  "Your divided responsibilities," clarified Tradódid. "And while we would prefer your attention was undivided, it is quite divided, and it appears it will remain so. Well, unless Lady Margaletta declines to become slightly more reasonable."

  I laughed nervously at that.

  "We feel that rightfully you belong here, in Alteara," Mesenorié declared.

  "I know," I said quietly. "I'm sorry."

  "We are not casting blame. We are seeking only to improve one particular imbalance."

  "You give Framara more attention than you give Alteara, although we believe our need is greater and far more unique." I didn't respond to that. "And you also give more of your heart to Framara, although you are the High Priestess in Alteara."

  Then he paused, and that was when Alta said, "Open it, read it, but please do not respond until after we are done."

  I nodded, leaned forward, and collected the scroll. I removed the ribbon slowly and then opened it.

  It was written in Altearan, but I had once received a number of these, on my ten and eighth birthday.

  It was a request to allow Princess Lásenalta to court me.

  Petitions

  I read it twice, saying nothing, and then rolled it back up and tied it with the ribbon.

  "You offer your heart to Framara," Alta said. "But that is a process that began long before you knew of your Altearan heritage and your role here."

  Then she stood and moved around the table, standing before me. I looked up at her, not knowing what to say. She took the scroll from my hands and held it aside. Someone took it from her, but I lost track of anyone else in the room. Then, slowly and deliberately, she climbed into my lap, straddling me, and looming over me.

  "You allow the princess of Framara to court you," Alta said, looking down into my wide eyes. "We believe, for balance, if you allow one princess to court you, that it is only fair to our country if you allow a princess of Alteara to also court you."

  And then, slowly, she leaned down, cupped my cheek, and brought our lips together.

  I closed my eyes, and I let her kiss me. I let her kiss me for a very, very long time. And I kissed back.

  And then she withdrew, and she climbed from my lap. And by the time my eyes were open, she was leaving the room.

  "Where is she going?" I managed to say.

  "She couldn't bear to feel the sting of rejection," said Alta's mother. "Yalla. May I call you Yalla for this?" Slowly, I nodded, watching the door. "We believe you care for our daughter. Our daughter certainly cares for you. She is somewhat older, but not so much older. She can help you. We give her little opportunity, but she has been taught everything her older brother has been taught. She knows the keeping of lands, and of a household. She knows politics and this country. Juleena has duties, and you know those duties are not compatible with your own responsibilities."

  "I made promises," I whispered. "And I love her."

  "We know," said Tradódid.

  "I couldn't do this without Queen Ralalta's permission."

  "We know," said Mesenorié.

  "I would hurt Juleena. I can't do that."

  "Juleena began to desire you years ago," replied the queen. "When you were nothing more than Yalla, a young women she took from the horse people. Oh she saw your promise, but her desires were born from certain assumptions."

  "And none of them were based upon divided attention," said the king. "She is troubled. She looks at you with pain. She worries that you are going to break each other's hearts."

  "And you're trying to hurry that process."

  "No," said Mesenorié. "We are now going to give you the best advice we are able. We believe you should invite Alta to join you when you travel to the Heart of the Goddess. Invite her as a companion. Do not tell Juleena what we asked. We have a second petition for you, a real issue to ask the Goddess, and you can tell her that is what we wanted. And then, in the Heart of the Goddess, ask for her wisdom and guidance. She can look into your heart, and perhaps Juleena's, and perhaps Alta's."

  "She told me to give my heart to Juleena."

  "Is that what she said? Or did she tell you she thought you would?"

  I thought about it, and I c
ouldn't quite remember the exact words. "She assumed, but she said it was my business. I accepted an exclusive courting. I can't ask Juleena to change the terms. It would destroy her."

  "Yalla," said Tradódid. "Not once have you said what you want. Not once have you said you do not want Alta. You haven't even said we are wrong about Juleena, and how she sees you."

  "We want you to ask the Goddess for guidance, Yalla, and then decide. And whatever you decide, we will support you. But we want you to ask for her guidance."

  "We have drafted our agreement," added the king. "If you promise us tonight you will seek guidance from the Goddess, we will present it tomorrow."

  "That's not fair," I said. "You need Margaletta to relent far more than I do. It isn't fair to hold my heart hostage to an agreement between countries."

  "Yalla, we consider this part of the agreement between countries. Framara holds our High Priestess hostage. All we ask is that you give Alteara a chance, and Alta a chance. But we know if Juleena learns of it now, it will be catastrophic to our peace."

  Then the king said, "It may be that you will decline Alta's petition at this time, telling us you wish to give Juleena her fair chance. And if so, we will certainly honor that. If you and Juleena share a life together, we will be pleased for you. If you decide it can't work, maybe Alta will not have given her heart elsewhere, and you would be receptive of her then."

  "You're asking me to deceive Juleena."

  "You have divided responsibilities. We are asking you to seek the guidance of the Goddess, and that is between you, us, and the Goddess."

  I stood up and moved to the windows, staring out into the dark night. "This is not a good omen for peace."

  I heard movement, and then I felt Larien at my back. She set her hand on my shoulder and stepped to my side, facing me. "Tell Juleena they have asked you for something that bothers you, and that you must talk to the Goddess before you can talk to her. She'll understand that. You would not be lying." She looked over her shoulder, and then her voice grew quieter. "I am disappointed in them. I do not blame them for this petition, but this is another mistake, to deceive Juleena. They are making mistakes, and it is because you are not here to help them. That is not your fault, but it's going to get worse before it gets better. They are good people, but they are not any more perfect than the rest of us."

  I turned to her then pulled her into a hug. "Thank you," I whispered. "I'm glad you're here."

  We hugged for a minute or so, and then I pulled away and turned to the waiting king and queen. "I will take Larien's advice. If Alta cares to join our journey, she is welcome, but it will be as a friend. Until I have spoken with the Goddess, I wish her to stop flirting with me, and she should certainly stop kissing me. We will be friends. And afterwards, if I deny her petition, I hope we can remain friends, but I understand that may be difficult."

  "There will be no difficulty," Alta said. I turned, and she was standing in the doorway.

  "Alta."

  "I couldn't stay away. I had to know."

  I nodded. "Friends," I said.

  "At least for now," she agreed. "Friends."

  And so I nodded.

  * * * *

  Juleena was waiting for us when we returned to the townhome. She took one look at me, grabbed my arm and pulled me to the library.

  "What did they want?"

  "They gave me two petitions," I said. "One is simply to ask the Goddess about some issue. My duty."

  "Right."

  "The other is somewhat more disturbing. You're going to be upset with me, but I don't want to talk to you about it yet. I need to speak to the Goddess. I promised I would. And then maybe I can tell you."

  "Maybe?"

  "I have to see what the Goddess says. I'm sorry. Please understand.

  She nodded. "Should I be worried?"

  "They aren't trying to force me to stay here or anything like that," I said. "But I promised I'd talk to her before I talk to you."

  "I understand," she said. "You're pulled in too many directions."

  "I know. I have one more thing to tell you, and then we're going to go upstairs and cuddle until our chaperones kick you out."

  She laughed. "What?"

  "Alta is coming with us tomorrow."

  "I thought she might," Juleena said. "It's fine. I like her, and she's good for you."

  "She's not Muranna."

  "No, she's not."

  "Juleena, do you really think we can make this work? You and I?"

  "I think there are challenges, but I think you're worth it. But am I worth it? We'll be apart. I won't be able to come every time. I may almost never be able to come."

  "And I'll be a poor wife to you, with my own duties."

  "Don't think of it that way."

  "You decided you wanted me when I was one thing. Now I'm something completely different."

  "I love you, Yalla, and I am very, very proud of you."

  "I won't always be there for you."

  "How many queens of Framara can say they are able to talk to a Goddess, even if it's one step removed?"

  "Well, there's that," I said. "I suppose that offers balance. Please kiss me."

  And she did.

  * * * *

  We dressed in vestments and traveled together. But as soon as we entered the meeting room, we divided, Juleena and Margaletta moving to their places, Terél, Larien and I to ours, where three chairs waited for us. The Altearan royal family was already present, and so we moved to our seats, and then they waited for me to sit before they all sat.

  "Agreements were made in this room yesterday," I said. "Before I ask about them, does anyone have anything to say?"

  "I wish to thank the Altearans for their hospitality and understanding this week," Juleena said. "While at times, things were tense, relations are better than they were, not worse."

  "Thank you," said Queen Mesenorié. "And we thank you for helping move forward in resolving the differences between our countries."

  "I wish to thank High Priestess Lady Yallameenara," said Margaletta. "I believe her indomitable spirit helped to move things in the right direction."

  "We agree," King Tradódid said. "Thank you, High Priestess."

  I inclined my head.

  "Who is going first?" I asked.

  "Mine is easier," Margaletta said. And so Tradódid and Mesenorié inclined their heads to her. She turned to me. "I do not have the full draft you requested, but I vow, if we do not otherwise reach an agreement by the time of your return, I will have a narrowed agreement I feel I can defend at least to you."

  "And the issue of prosecution."

  "I cannot offer pardons, but I can agree to delay those discussions for the future, perhaps after you have beseeched Queen Ralalta."

  "Thank you, Lady Margaletta."

  She nodded, and we all turned to the Altearan king and queen. "You made promises to me as well."

  The queen gestured, and an attendant stepped forward, handing her a sheet of paper. She glanced at it, nodded, and handed it back. "Give this to Lady Yallameenara."

  And so the attendant stepped down to me and set the paper before me.

  "Do you mind if the three of us read this?"

  "No," said the king simply.

  And so we bent our heads.

  It was a good offer, or so I thought. I read through it, although both Terél and Larien finished long before I did. I glanced through it a second time, and then I said, "May I have a copy of Lady Margaletta's most recent offer?"

  An attendant provided that, and then I began comparing points, Larien and Terél quietly helping me.

  The king and queen were not offering any of the points I thought were egregious. They agreed to a few I didn't understand. They offered to pay for the border security for "bandit management", but at the rate a similar force would cost them, with details to be decided. But they asked for compensation if funds or property were seized by the forces they were, in effect, paying for. I thought that was quite fair.
<
br />   They offered reparations of five million crowns, one tenth of Margaletta's demand.

  They demanded -- their word -- assurances that no Altearan citizens would be detained or charged with any crimes for my "displacement" -- also their word -- at least until such time as the issue could be resolved diplomatically. I was also okay with that clause, but I didn't think Juleena could guarantee it.

  There were a few other demands, and a few outright refusals. In all, I couldn't judge the quality of their offer, but there wasn't a single item I found egregious about it.

  I looked up.

  "You have not addressed every one of Margaletta's demands."

  "No," agreed the king. "We have made a good offer. We have chosen to ignore the most ridiculous of her demands and hope she will quietly withdraw them. There were some that might be considered less obviously ridiculous that we have denied, and the others we leave for possible discussion."

  "Do I give this to Margaletta or return it to you?"

  "We would like your impression," said the queen.

  "I cannot judge the quality of this offer. But in my opinion, it certainly satisfies the agreement made yesterday. I believe this represents a significant step forward in negotiations."

  "Very good," said Tradódid. "Please pass that page to Lady Margaletta."

  I slid it to Larien, who was closest, but before she could climb from her chair, one of Lady Margaletta's attendants was there to ferry the paper five feet down the table. She placed it on the table, and then Margaletta and Juleena read it.

  I thought perhaps Juleena wasn't having an easy time with it, but she and Margaletta whispered quietly for a minute or two. Then she looked up, glanced across the table, and then turned to me. "This is not adequate, but I agree with you, High Priestess. It is a good start, and better than I expected. I wonder if you could delay your departure somewhat longer?"

  I inclined my head. She held up her hand, and another attendant scurried forth to deliver several sheets of paper. Then she took a simple pencil and began crossing out portions of the Altearan offer, making a few notes.

  "I am being informal," she said quietly. "We would still negotiate specific words in both languages." She finished and looked up, then she collected a little stack together, passed it to the attendant, and gestured to me. Soon I found the stack before me.