by Janeal Falor
Her words touch something deep inside that I’ve never quite felt before. “Apology accepted, though I don’t want you to think it’s your fault. He fooled me too.”
“Yes, but I lived with him for years. I should have realized how dark his heart was when it came to gambling.”
“No more of that. We’ve both learned a lot. Let us remember but move on to something better.” Like perhaps having a real mother-daughter relationship.
“You’re right.” She lets out a loud exhale. “It will take a while for me to get accustomed to forgive myself, but I’ll try.”
“That’s all I ask,” I say. “I’ve learned something too. It’s all right to have help sometimes. If you hadn’t helped me get the Mortum Tura, everything would be different now.”
“It was nothing. I saw you needed something, and I gave it to you. That was an important lesson, though. We all need it.”
It wasn’t nothing, but I’m not about to argue. Not now, when I know how much she means to me. We talk for a while longer. It’s nice, getting to know her without the constant worry she’s not who she says.
There’s still much to deal with, though. As I think of the coming days, my heart is laden with sorrow, pain, and worry. I will take care of what I can, but some things can never be replaced.
Chapter 41
I stare at Jaku’s lifeless form, the black death-paint covering him and lots of metal studs decorating his face. It’s not how I want to think of him, so still in death. I want to remember him full of life, at my side, being stern with me because I’m not taking my safety seriously.
His wife and children are next to me, in the place of honor. I spent several hours talking to them and listening to stories about their father and husband. He was truly loved and cherished. They aren’t angry at me for him losing his life, though I wonder if they should be. If I had figured out how to defeat Androlla from the beginning, none of this would have happened. Lives would have been saved and torment avoided.
Doesn’t matter. I can’t change the past.
As we get ready to follow the funeral procession into the tombs, Nash steps behind my new chair. He had help making this one, but it works about the same as the last, rolling me where I need to go when someone pushes it.
Nash’s presence is soothing, a reminder that not all is lost, even if we can never have each other. I’m grateful for the opportunity to be with him. Changes are coming, but without the council’s approval—which will be hard to gain when they’ve been steeped in tradition for so long—the changes may not be what I want.
Julina, Venda, Inkga, and Afet are here. Eldim’s funeral was yesterday. It was a good service, honoring him properly. He was a good personal guard. After everything we went through together, he saved my life, Nash’s life, Puneah’s life, and who knows how many countless others’. He deserved better than what he got. All those who passed away did.
We line up and follow Jaku’s body into the tomb for guards. I made sure he has a good place in here that his family can come and leave him presents whenever they want, without having to travel far.
The ceremony continues on while I think of what’s happened the last few days. Funerals have been mostly for guards who fought Androlla. The natural disasters that hit seem to have spread across the country from the reports I’ve gotten, but spared most lives.
The country is being rebuilt with help from the treasury. I’m grateful there’s enough money for something so important. The people seem happy, despite the losses. Will they stay that way when they realize the Mortum Tura is gone?
No one has asked me about it yet. Do they even know it’s missing?
As we reach the tomb, I turn my thoughts back to where they should be—on Jaku. His funeral is hugely attended. I didn’t realize he knew so many people and had such a great relationship with them. I shouldn’t be surprised, but I am. I selfishly thought his faith and trust were in me only, but I’m learning he believed in a lot of people.
The ceremony winds to an end, and Jaku’s wife says, “You meant a lot to him. He talked about you often. I believe you were like the daughter he never had.”
The memory of him saying so brings unexpected tears to my eyes. “He was like the father I never had. A very overprotective father.”
She gives a somber laugh. “That sounds like him, especially where you were concerned. Thank you again for honoring him.”
“I only wish I could bring him back.”
“We all do.” She gives me a small smile before leaving with her sons.
“You ready?” Nash asks.
Ready to be done with funerals for the rest of my life. “Yes. There’s much that needs to be taken care of.”
He wheels me away from the crowd, only Julina with us. When we’re far enough, he asks, “Do you have any idea what to do about succession?”
“As a matter of fact, I do. I’d like a council meeting as quickly as possible.”
“That can be arranged,” he says.
I sigh. I’d much rather give into a period of mourning, but the country needs to keep running. “How soon, do you think?”
“Not long. Few minutes, perhaps.”
“All right. I need to speak with Inkga before the meeting starts.”
“I’ll make sure you get to.”
“Have I mentioned you’re the best?” Because he is. Maybe even better than the best. “Jem and Kapeni can help with the tasks, I’m sure.”
“I’ll get them on it, but you need to eat something.”
“You know me too well.”
We go in to a side room where a luncheon is being served. Inkga is already here, ready to help me. Nash trades guard duty with Afet and goes to find a servant, Jem, or Kapeni to get things settled. I try to feed myself but find it’s easier to let Inkga help, especially after the type of day it’s been.
“I wanted to talk to you about something,” I say.
“What’s that?” she asks, cleaning up the last bits of lunch I didn’t want.
“The council is going to be changing. With how I plan on restructuring the government, it’s not going to mean as big a role, but if you’re interested, I’d like you to take up the position of Head of Staff.” Her mother’s position. Now that she’s no longer in it, I need to find someone else. There’s no one I can trust more than Inkga with the position, even if it means other servants will have to take care of me.
She holds still. “I don’t know what to say.”
“You can think about it if you’d like, but I believe you’d be perfect for the position. You can change your mind later, as well. And if you don’t like the new form of government, you’d have your say or you could leave.”
She’s quiet as she finishes putting dishes to the side for other servants to clean before sitting next to me. “I think I’d like that.” She smiles—a real smile that lightens my load a little. “I’d like a chance to undo the harm my mother caused with her dishonesty, and I don’t know a better way than to take her old role.”
“Thank you. I appreciate it.”
“Good. Now that’s settled, I’m going to prepare for a council meeting.”
“Sounds like you’re fitting into the job already, though you don’t have to do the dishes.”
“I want to.” She laughs and gives her goodbyes. I turn my attention onto Julina. “I have the same proposition for you, but for Head of the Guard instead.”
She widens her eyes and points at herself. “You want me to be your Head of the Guard?”
“I can’t think of anyone better for the job. I’ll have Afet and Nash to keep me safe. That’ll be more than enough, the way things are changing. You can decide how much you’d like to help with that and your other duties over the guard.”
She’s quiet, and it’s hard not try and influence her to do what I want. After several minutes, she says, “I’d like to take the position.”
I give her a wide grin. “Thank you. It’s going to be a lot of work, but I respect your opinion and thi
nk you’ll do the job justice.”
“I hope I can do half as good a job as Jaku did.”
That sobers me up. “You can. You’ve all the makings of a great Head of the Guard. Just don’t sneeze at the wrong time.”
She laughs, and I’m grateful we can still be lighthearted despite the heaviness of what’s happened in our lives lately.
Inkga returns several minutes later after Julina and I discuss about what her duties will be.
“I’ve come to get you for the council meeting,” she says.
“Let’s get to it.”
She wheels me out of the room, through the halls, and to the council room.
“Are you ready?” she says.
Am I? This is a big deal. I’m introducing a new form of government to everyone, and I’m not sure how it’s going to work. Will they hate me for it? Will they protest? Or will they agree? Whatever happens, it will take some time for everyone to get used to the new way of life.
“Let’s do this,” I reply.
Before she can wheel me in, Nash comes running up a side hall. “I’m going to stand guard during the meeting, if that’s all right.”
“I’d like you to be there.” Though he doesn’t know my plan for the new government, it’s good to have him here, supporting me. “Thank you.”
He nods.
The doors are opened, and I’m wheeled in. Everyone stands and bows or curtsies. Rumors of magic and the Mortum Tura’s destruction abound. The people are stiff. Hopefully, after this is over, their concerns will ease. If not… well, it’s not up to the council any longer. It’s up to the people.
After everyone is seated, I say, “Let’s get right down to business. First, I’ve asked Julina Hister to be my new Head of the Guard and Inkga Setum to be my new Head of Staff. Please welcome them into this council.”
There are congratulations going around as they both take their seats. Jem looks at me with a smile. “Wise choice.”
“Thank you.” Jem spoke to me about both, but I hadn’t made my final decision when last I saw her. It's nice having someone to keep up to date and bounce thoughts off of. She does a great job of it.
Once things calm back down, I say, “As you all know, the Mortum Tura was destroyed.” Oddly enough, the names of those who perished drinking it are still engraved on the pillar that held the chalice. I’m having it cleaned and will find a special place where people can come remember and honor those who lost their lives because of the First Queen’s ways. “I know this comes as a disappointment for many of you, but it’s time to move on from the Mortum Tura. There’s a better way for things to go forward.
“I am changing the form of government, starting today. Instead of the queen ruling, there will be a new ruling council called the Unkai, meaning united. The Unkai will have one member elected from each city in Valcora, representing them and their voice. The queen will stay in place, and the current council will be there to guide her still, but final decisions on the laws will be left to the Unkai, with the queen advising them, but not ruling over them. In light of this new change, and because the Mortum Tura is no longer, I have created a new drink that will choose the ruler.”
Thanks to Venda’s help. She was most generous with her time and talents, to help me make what I wanted to create. “The new cup, the Vitay Tura containing the Life Drink, can be drunk when it’s time to appoint a new ruler. It can be drunk by men and women alike, picking from the whole populace.”
“And how does this drink choose a new ruler?” Timit asks, sounding very curious.
Does he want to try for it? If he does, he’s more than welcome to it. “It is similar to the Mortum Tura in that it will choose the new ruler, but it will choose those who hearts are pure and who want nothing more than to do the best for our country. Those who fail the test will not die, but will not glow either.” Less sporting way to do it, but also much more humane.
“This is a matter I will not be moved from, though the new Unkai will be able to choose a different method of picking a new ruler if they so choose in the future.” Not that it will matter, since the king or queen will have much less influence over the laws of the country. “I trust you will all support me in this matter.”
“I will,” Sidle says. “I think this is the type of change this country needs.”
“As do I,” Mina says.
Nidon strokes his chins. “I agree as well. It will be what’s best for the country.”
“I suppose I’ll have to agree as well,” Timit says, sounding almost put out.
I work to cover a laugh. Maybe it’s better than I thought that I didn’t change my Head of Treasury. He’s good for this council, even if we don’t always agree. “It’s settled, then. We will send a proclamation throughout the land. In two months’ time, those elected to the Unkai will gather in the capitol and form a new government. During those two months, the Vitay Tura will be available for anyone who wants to try it, until a new queen or king is found.”
“You’re stepping down?” Inkga asks, a note of discontent in her voice.
“No. I believe the new government should start with a ruler chosen by the Vitay Tura. I will remain on as queen until a new ruler is chosen, at which time I shall give my position over to the new head of state. Anyone who is with me on this council will both have to choose to stay and be accepted by the new king or queen.” I don’t glance at Nash, though I so want to. What does he think of this news? Of the chance we have at being together when this is all over? I’m guessing it will mean as much to him as it does to me. Though I am sadder than I thought I would be, to no longer rule the country, I need to do what’s best for the country, and not what’s best for me.
Though it could also be what’s good for me. Nash and I will no longer have the excuse that I’m queen to keep him away. Will he still want me, when I become available?
Chapter 42
I’ve gotten so much done in the month since the council meeting that changed the government, but it feels like there’s more to do. It will be nice when someone else handles this and has the Unkai and the council both to help them. Valcora may not be the biggest of countries, but it’s got people with needs that have to be taken care of.
“Mina is here to see you,” Inkga says.
“Wonderful. Show her in.” I glance at Nash. He gives me a small smile but then is back to his serious job of guarding. Despite hundreds—perhaps even thousands—of people trying the new Vitay Tura, no new ruler’s been chosen. I’m certain someone will be picked in time. I need to be patient a little longer.
Mina, my Head of Foreign Relations, enters the room with a curtsy. I motion for her to get up, grateful that I’m getting more of my strength back every day, though I’m still not walking.
“You wished to see me,” she says.
“Yes, Your Majesty.” She takes a seat near mine. “I have news from the border.”
That’s not what I expected. “What is that?”
“It would seem that when the earthquakes hit Valcora, it hit the hardest on the mountain range. To put it bluntly, the mountain pass is gone. There is a wide-open path for people to get in and out of the country.”
Is this good or bad? Have I opened my country up to more trouble?
“Before you say anything, let me finish,” she says. “With this news came a message from the Queen of Faner, delivered by your very own Venda.”
“Venda’s back?” I’m very much looking forward to speaking with her. At Venda’s name, Puneah raises her head. She must be as excited as I am to hear of someone she’s comfortable with. She healed well after the encounter with Androlla, making me think she wasn’t badly injured in the first place, just knocked out.
“She is, and she brings news that Faner would like to open trade routes with Valcora.”
“This is wonderful. When do they want to start? People are going to be so excited. We can try new things and export our precious gems. It will be perfect.”
She smiles. “I agree. There’s still so
me paperwork to be taken care of, but I thought you’d want to know about it as soon as possible.”
“Indeed, thank you.”
She inquires after my health and then takes her leave. As soon as she’s gone, I look to Nash. “What do you think?”
“I agree with you. It will be good to open up this country to the outside world.”
I grin, wishing we could touch now and not have to wait until the next ruler is chosen. If only someone worthy would hurry and drink the Vitay Tura.
Jem looks more serious than I’ve ever seen her before.
“Is something wrong?” I ask.
“Not exactly.” She fidgets in her seat.
I shift my position, grateful I can do so. The two months since the reform announcement are almost up. Soon, the Unkai will be here and taking over, only a new ruler has yet to manifest themselves. Venda assures me we did everything right when creating the Vitay Tura, but I’m starting to have my doubts. At least one good thing is that I can move more than ever. With the help of the healer assisting me with exercising every day, I’m getting better all the time. It’s hard work, but worth it. At this rate, I’ll be walking by next month. Thinking about it makes my insides feel like dancing.
When she still doesn’t say anything, I speak up. “What is it, Jem? You know you can tell me anything.”
“I know.” She sighs. “I’m worried how you’re going to react, is all.”
“I won’t be mad at you.”
“That’s not what I was thinking,” she says. “I’ve come to find out the people are requesting something of you.”
“That’s not a problem. I’m happy to help the people while I still can. What is it?”
“They want you to drink the Vitay Tura.”
Blood drains from my face, my heart feeling as if it stopped. “They want what?”
“They believe the reason the Vitay Tura hasn’t picked a new ruler yet is because you are that ruler.”
I shake my head. “No. I’m not. I’m an assassin who’s stuck in a chair, not a queen.”