She nodded her head slowly, but didn’t say anything otherwise.
“You knew,” I said.
“Yes.”
“What did you do? Did you read that book before you put it in my bag?”
“Is that what you think?”
“Give me another explanation Cali!”
“Listen, Your Highness,” she sneered, “I didn’t read that book.”
“What the hell is wrong with you? Why are you always trying to start an argument with me?”
“Jasmine, you tell me everything after the fact. I’m an afterthought. I know that you’re Queen and what you say goes, but don’t you think I have anything of value to say?”
“Of course I do!”
“Really? Have you even noticed how much talking I’ve done in meetings? You act like you don’t need me, and maybe you think you don’t. If that’s the case, I’ll just sit back and watch you make mistakes, but I can do that as a Reader and not as your assistant.”
“Alright, that’s enough! That’s the second time in a week that you’ve mentioned not being my assistant. If that’s what you want go ahead and resign. You think long and hard about it though. Let me know what you decide.”
Chapter 10
Tyran’s Request
I left her room in a fury, Sebastian was close behind me as I went up to my room. I didn’t say anything to him as I entered, but as I turned around to shut the door, he was standing in front of me. “Sebastian, whatever it is, I just need to be alone right now.”
He closed the door and took another step in and pulled me into a hug. I was more than surprised but still responded in kind. I had to admit that his arms around me were very comforting. Somehow Sebastian was always able to know what I needed to make me feel better.
“I’m sorry,” he said releasing me. “I’ll go now. I just thought you looked like you might need a hug.”
I stood there in shock as he turned around to open the door. Before he turned the knob, I grabbed his hand and he turned back around. “Don’t go,” I whispered.
Sebastian looked into my eyes and leaned closer to me. Just before our lips met, he turned his head and whispered in my ear, “Let’s go for a walk.”
I nodded and followed him down the incline and out the door. I wasn’t sure what I was feeling, but part of me was disappointed that Sebastian didn’t kiss me. I wondered what made him change his mind. It was probably best that nothing happened, as I had enough on my mind to begin with.
As Sebastian and I walked around the grounds, I started thinking of all the work to be done to clean up the palace. The kingdom was depressing with all the broken limbs and fried farmland.
“What’s wrong?” he asked.
“I think we need to clean this place up. It just looks so depressing. It can’t be helping the morale at all.”
“I think you’re right.”
“Maybe we could make it a project for the whole kingdom. Even the kids could help pick up the sticks. Maybe if everyone helps, it would serve as closure for all of us.” I was suddenly energized by the idea. Although we lost so many people we didn’t have to continue to stay in a place that looked like a war zone. Aella seemed pretty tame at the moment, it might be the perfect time to do this.
“I’m glad you’re excited about this, and I think the rest of the kingdom will be too. I just have one question for you. I don’t mean to bring you down by asking this but, what about Jarnay?”
Sebastian was right, I hadn’t thought of the people who came from Jarnay. “Jarnay was hit probably the hardest. We can’t just leave it like that and it’s our territory now. Maybe we should go there after Tamporlea is all fixed up.”
“Do we know what to expect to find there?”
“Total devastation I would imagine. Even so, we can’t just ignore it.”
“You’re right, and I think the rest of the kingdom would agree.”
“Well, I will pass the idea by the Heads tonight. Oh! What time is it? I think I’m late for the meeting!” I said rushing back to the palace doors.
“Slow down! They can’t start without you.”
“That doesn’t mean I want to set a precedence that it’s okay to show up late.”
I ran up the incline to the platinum room; just as expected I was about five minutes late. I apologized as I closed the door and took my seat. “Okay, so you’ve all called this meeting with me. What would you like to discuss?” I asked.
Cali spoke up and said, “The Heads and I have determined a need and we are asking that you meet the need.”
“What need?”
“Jasmine, you’ve been through a lot in your first month as Queen. The fact that you have been able to handle it at all is actually pretty amazing. Queen Aella seems to be keeping her word about declaring peace. We all think it would be a good idea for you to take a couple days off.”
I laughed and said, “Queens don’t get days off. That’s ridiculous.”
“It’s not ridiculous,” Mykel argued. “You need a couple days to grieve Your Highness.”
“I suppose I don’t have a say, just like Sebastian being my Guard.”
“You have a say, but we are hoping you’ll take just a couple days.”
I thought about it for a minute and maybe they were right. “I will take tomorrow off I guess.”
“We’re hoping you’ll take more,” Cali said.
“After tomorrow, I am planning to start cleaning up the grounds of the kingdom. I would really like to be a part of that.”
“What do you mean by cleaning up the grounds?”
“I think this war has taken a lot out of all our citizens, not just because of the number of people who were killed or who abandoned Tamporlea, but because of the fact that we are still stuck inside the palace as though there is still a war going on. I think we need to try to get back on our feet again, and the best way to start is by making the kingdom like it was before.”
We all discussed the clean-up and decided that the land of Jarnay would be left until after Tamporlea was taken care of. Everyone thought it was a good idea to get started and together we planned have the whole kingdom take a few days off after the clean-up was completed. I was excited about getting the kingdom back to normal again. I knew it was going to take a while, but this was definitely a step in the right direction.
Cali didn’t say much in the meeting at all. Even when we discussed her taking over my responsibilities for tomorrow, she mostly nodded her head. I wondered if she had made a decision about continuing as my assistant. I didn’t want to ask her, even after the meeting because I didn’t want her to think that I was pushing her to make up her mind.
As I made my way to my quarters, I said goodnight to Sebastian. I made myself some stew after I realized that I hadn’t eaten much at all during the day. I wondered what I would do tomorrow without having to handle any kingdom responsibilities. After thinking about it, I was really grateful that the Heads decided to have me take a day to myself. I wasn’t going to take it for granted.
The next day absolutely no one bothered me. I spent the day in bed, just thinking about everything. I wasn’t really dwelling on anything, I was just trying to sort things out. I used to be so good at compartmentalizing things but everything had been happening so fast lately that it had all become a jumbled mess inside my head.
After staying in bed lost its novelty, I decided to take an extremely long bubble bath. I washed my hair with the shampoo and conditioner that smelled like green apples and spent an extraordinary amount of time brushing and drying my waist-length hair. I even managed to find the small bottle of Shimmer Ice blue nail polish that has always been my favorite.
I did go down for dinner with the rest of the kingdom. We had vegetable lasagna which was surprising, but after the first bite I realized that the vegetables were not fresh and had been re-hydrated. Despite that small fact, it tasted much better than the repeat occurrence of vegetable soup. The conversation was light and even the people from Jarnay seeme
d to be enjoying themselves. The news had spread about the clean-up plan and it seemed to be the buzz of conversation at the dinner table. It was nice to see people acting as they had before the war began. Of course, no one had forgotten about the tremendous loss we had suffered but no one seemed to be dwelling on that tonight. I think everyone needed a break from it all. When dinner was over, I said goodnight to everyone and started to go back up to my room when I heard Cali arguing with someone.
“Tyran, you are not going to bother her with that question right now. That can wait.”
“But she is the only one who can give me permission.”
I went back down the incline to join them. When they saw me approaching they both looked ashamed at their argument. “What is going on?” I asked.
“Your Highness can I please have just five minutes of your time?” Tyran asked urgently.
“I am sorry Jasmine. I tried telling him now was not the time.”
“It's fine Cali, I will see you later. Come with me Tyran.”
He followed me into the open bronze meeting room. We sat at the table and I told him to go ahead and discuss whatever he needed.
“Jasmine I know that you are to not be bothered with anything right now but I must ask your permission for something. The Commoners and the Runners have been discussing leaving to pick up some much needed supplies. Apparently we are running low on food, especially with new arrivals from Jarnay. I would really like to go along with them.”
“I just finished telling you yesterday that you were not to leave this kingdom. Am I supposed to go back on the punishment so soon?”
“I know. I wouldn't even ask but there is something that I really want to do.”
“There is a lot I would like to do as well. I would love to leave here for just a day and go visit my mom. Do you see me asking to do that?”
“I'm sorry Jasmine.”
“What is it that is so important for you to do?”
He thought for a few seconds before answering, “I know that this is not going to help my plea, but I cannot tell you what I would like to do with the Runners.”
“Oh come on. You cannot be serious. Why would you think I would let you go without any information?”
“Because you know just as well as I do that I would not dream of doing something like I have done in the past. Everything I do from here on out will always be for the benefit of the kingdom. Besides don't you think the Runners should have some protection along the way?”
He did have a point there. If people were going to be leaving the kingdom they definitely needed some protection with them. “Fine. You may go. However I want Mykel to go along with you.”
“He won't agree to go. Angel is due to have their baby any day now, she’s a week overdue already.”
“Well then I think that Kelly would be the next best choice.”
“Okay, thank you, I will ask her now. We would be leaving in the morning and would be back later that evening.”
“That sounds just fine. I am telling you this Tyran. If you do anything to make me regret this decision it will be the end of you. Do you understand?”
He looked hurt at my accusations but recovered quickly and said, “I understand perfectly Jasmine. I thank you again.”
In the morning, I went to find Cali. I really needed to tell her that Tyran wasn’t going to be in the palace today. When I told her what Tyran wanted, she was amazed that I actually agreed to it.
“He has got Kelly there, she won’t put up with any nonsense.”
“But he didn’t even tell you what he was up to. Aren't you nervous?”
“To be honest, no. I do trust him. I really don't think he will do something against this kingdom again.”
“You just told me two days ago that you didn't trust him. Why has that suddenly changed?”
“I trust him as far as the kingdom goes. However I do not trust him in a way that would allow me to truly be with him again. No matter how much I love him, I cannot forget what he has done. Why are you suddenly against Tyran? It was you who put the idea in my head to seriously consider letting him go!”
“To not have him locked up as a prisoner, yes, but not to have him go running off!”
“Dammit Cali, why am I defending my decisions to you? If you don’t like what I do, maybe you should reach your decision sooner rather than later,” I said before slamming her door behind me.
“Are you okay?” Sebastian asked as soon as he saw me.
“I think I need another walk and talk. Do you mind?”
“Not at all,” he said leading the way to the grounds.
I don’t know what it is about talking with Sebastian. Although we never discussed what was going on, I always felt better by the time we went back inside. He had a very comforting quality about him that made me want to be around him whenever I was feeling down. He somehow made it possible to temporarily forget what was going on with Cali, but when we were headed back in, I realized that I did need to talk to her. I needed to apologize.
When I went to find Cali she was already running down the incline toward me and she was dressed in a beautiful gown. She had a look on her face that displayed no emotion. It was unlike her to ever look like that. Usually I could tell exactly what kind of mood she was in just by her eyes. Sebastian said goodbye and Cali and I went to the platinum room to talk.
“I have been looking for you for the last half hour. Where have you been?”
“I was with Sebastian, just going for a walk.”
“I should have guessed you would be with one of your boyfriends,” she said sarcastically.
“Cali!”
“Sorry, that was a cheap shot. What I am really angry with you for is that you did not have your pager on you.” My hand automatically went to my waistband and I realized she was right. I had neglected to put it on this morning. “If you had your pager you would have known that Queen Aella wants a meeting immediately.”
“Okay what do we do? Did she say what she wanted?”
“No, she gave no information, but it sounded urgent and we cannot refuse her.”
“Okay. But I don't even know where these meetings are held.”
“The meeting room is in the tunnels very close to the center where all the trading takes place. I have already sent a message back saying we would be there in two hours. That means we only have about an hour left to get ready. You need to be dressed in official attire with your crown.”
“Okay, well let's get going then.”
Cali and I ran up to my chambers and once we were inside, I got dressed in a beautiful gown that I could only picture being worn at a television awards show. As I did my makeup, she put my hair into curlers. I went and brought the crown out of the safe and I placed it on my head for the first time since the crowning ceremony.
Cali did not bring up our argument. I decided not to push her; besides, right now was not the time to discuss such things. We went into my bedroom where I found some earrings to put in. Cali noticed that I still had not removed Casper’s dog bed and toys.
“Jasmine, I know that we are not on the best terms right now, and I don’t want to come off insensitive, but I can remove Casper’s things if you would like me too.”
“No thank you. I will eventually put them in the back of my closet. Maybe someday I will be able to get another dog.”
“You want another one?”
“Absolutely. I know that there will never be another Casper but he has shown me that a bond between animal and owner can be a wonderful thing. I would love another one, but now is not the time to think about that.”
“You are right,” she said and then she reached out and started taking the curlers out of my hair.
Cali and I went down the incline to where Mykel was already waiting for us. Mykel opened the door for us and we all raced to the meeting room. Surprisingly, we were the first ones to arrive, and it appeared as though we were about ten minutes early. Mykel waited outside for us.
This room was much
larger than even the platinum room. It was brightly lit and there were maps, photos and other things plastering the walls of the room. Cali told me that the room was for the king and Queens to meet with their assistants. There were special Enchantments that prevented anyone from being able to listen in to the conversations that took place.
We sat in silence waiting for the Queen to arrive and when she arrived she was dressed just as formally as I. Her crown was made of gold and had rubies in it. The crown was rather plain compared to mine and I wondered where it came from.
“So, what are we doing here?” I asked when the Aella and her assistant were seated.
“I think you know the answer to that,” she said angrily. “When were you planning on telling me about Lilliana's death?”
“Is that what we are here about?”
“Among other things, but you need to answer that first.”
“I wasn't planning on telling you ever. It's really none of your business. How did you find out about it anyway?”
“How do you think I found out? One of your people told me of course.”
Obviously my thoughts went directly to Tyran. Cali was obviously thinking the same thing because she was now glaring at me. I wondered if he would really do something so underhanded. Of course he would, his track record showed that. I held in my anger and asked, “What else are we doing here?”
“I want a treaty immediately.”
“I want the thirty-seven people who died because of your attack on us. Looks like we aren’t getting either.”
“You won’t agree to a treaty?”
“Why? Just for you and your people to put in more loopholes?”
“You were the one to mention a peace treaty to begin with. Don't you remember?”
“Yes,I do; however I see now that no peace treaty is going to keep you from doing what you want. I have seen how badly you want to take over Tamporlea. I don't think that is going to go away just because you lost some of your troops.”
“Are we going to try to work together to rebuild our two kingdoms?”
“No, I don't think that is the right thing to do.”
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