Pawn of the Crown

by Cheryl Oblon

  “So, what am I thinking now?” he asked.

  “A test.” I slipped into his brain. I stopped in my tracks. “You don’t believe Faldar is in love with LeFawn.”

  “Very good,” Tantil said.

  “Why?”

  “Not his type,” he replied.

  Tantil’s features were fine, pointed, and almost delicate. He was toned and muscled, but not bulky, like most of the warriors I’d seen. Faldar had broader shoulders and was much taller. Of course, men varied physically. Something about Tantil was in conflict, and it felt internal. Was he gay, as well? I couldn’t get a read on if he was attracted to men or women. His thoughts were consumed with his brother.

  “Is Princess Minnette more his type? She’s bold and direct,” I said.

  “No, he doesn’t like competition. He prefers shy, but scholarly. Neither of your princesses fits the bill, truly. Or you.”

  “You don’t think I’m a scholar? I had extensive private tutoring on the horrid wars with authentic footage not permitted in our schools.” My grandmother had seen to it that I was educated in all subjects that I might need as well as other topics to round out my mind.

  “Impressive. It’s not the scholar part, but the shy part that you lack. You were born to one day rule a family. Even if you’re quiet, there is a confidence in you. LeFawn is shy, but not studious. But I suppose my brother may be making a diplomatic match. He’d rather have an ally in Lazrel than an enemy.” Tantil resumed the walk.

  “We certainly don’t want enemies. I’m hoping he learns some things that might useful.” I’d laid the foundation of a broken engagement with the queen. Should I do it with the brother, as well? “LeFawn is a bit young to be engaged. With a bit of reality, they both might rethink things. But I don’t believe there would be any hard feelings.”

  “LeFawn loves someone else?” he asked.

  “No, not all. I’ve been her best friend since we were little. I’d know if she loved anyone else. It’s more like marriage is forever and so serious—even more so with royal families. She’s the youngest and has always had the least pressure put on her. I may not be a princess, but as you said, I knew one day I’d have to be a leader. That day came far too soon, so I’m not in a rush to marry, either. Is your brother eager to marry?”

  Sliding into Tantil’s brain, I felt his unease. I dug deeper into his memories. People thought mind reading was like looking up information on a computer, but it was more complex than that. It took time to learn someone and their patterns. Now, I could tell more about Tantil’s family. He knew his brother preferred men, but wouldn’t admit it.

  “I didn’t expect him to become engaged soon, no. But there is some pressure from our parents for securing the line. Male heirs. Like your queen must want female ones,” he said.

  “She wants the crowned princess married to the right man first. Stability in the families helps create stability in the country. And if there were no heiress, no daughters, the crown would go to another of the rulers of the families. Experienced and consistent rule is assured. Just like if something happened to Faldar, you’d be there.” I felt secure in our way, and they used the monarchy as well.

  He smiled. “I’m very glad I have an older brother. I’m not jealous.”

  We walked around to a viewing platform, and I gazed down at the moat. Greens, blues, and browns swirled. The dirt from the shore was mixing with the water

  “I’m glad you’re not jealous. Some people joke that, if so many people died, I’d be queen. I find it morbid. My position comes with enough pressure and challenges. I’m sure yours does, as well.” I saw something move. “What lives in there?”

  “Water dragons. We have aquatic shifters, as well. More in the ocean, but some adapted to fresh water. It helps when we make a sea attack.” He bit his lip. “If we were to do so.”

  “You’re really going to lie and hedge with me?” I asked. “Rumor is you’re taking over smaller places.”

  “Faldar.” Tantil sighed.

  “I may have read it in his mind. He’s not one to share secrets,” I said.

  “Do you know all of his secrets?”

  I grinned. “He trusts me. Then the guard goes down more and more. Your mind is harder to unravel because you don’t quite trust me yet. You block and dodge. If I wanted to push through, I could. I don’t like doing that.”

  “You’re very honest,” he said.

  “Lying is silly. People know what my powers are. I don’t use them for my amusement or blackmail.”

  He lifted an eyebrow.

  “Well, blackmailing a bad person is different. If they’re trying to hurt me or my family or friends. I’ll use whatever I have, as would you.” I skimmed his mind and found confusion and frustration again.

  “My brother won’t marry your friend. If you let them go through with it, she’ll be miserable,” he said.

  I smiled. “I understand. Thank you.”

  “You shouldn’t show off your powers as much here, either.” He stared down into the swirling water.

  “Why? Women with powers are so dangerous? Your women are shifters, too.”

  “It’s more envy than threat. My father likes to acquire things. Add on to our country. He thinks it makes us stronger. You heard right. He’s conquered a few smaller countries. Nothing like Lazrel. Nothing large. But the food and the resources boost the royal family. He just never seems to learn anything from the countries he’s conquered. Simply because he won a war, he believes he’s smarter and better at everything.” Tantil frowned.

  “You are his son. You could make suggestions. Show him another way,” I suggested.

  “I believe Faldar is doing that now. At least, I hope he is going to. I don’t want to push too hard or step on my brother’s work. My father will only change so much,” he replied. “I am not the favorite.”

  “But you’re a man, which makes your lot better here than your twin sister,” I reminded him.

  He shook his head, but said nothing.

  “I’m sorry. Did I say something wrong?”

  Tantil puffed his chest and stood taller. “Not at all. We just have fixed gender roles. It’s not easier or harder. It’s different. Both are equally important, but the Lazrel don’t see it that way.”

  “I’m trying to. But there are men who like caring for children or other anciently traditional women’s roles. There are some women who love being in the Queen’s Guard. They have a right to pick careers they’ll be good at and enjoy. Gender lines aren’t considered an obstacle, and it works out. We have enough children, and they are cared for. I guess, I wouldn’t like to be forced into a different role because of my gender. There’s nothing wrong with being a mother, I’ll need a daughter or two someday. I have a little cousin who I’ve helped with since she was born, but it’s not all I’m good at.”

  “Choices. I like choices,” he said.

  “Me, too. I’m guessing Faldar won’t have as many?” I looked at Tantil.

  “Don’t mention it, please. Don’t even hint at it. Not to my mother or father. Please,” he said.

  I nodded. “I won’t, I promise. Just please make sure if the engagement breaks up when it does, that your parents don’t think LeFawn used him in any way. It wasn’t some Lazrel conspiracy to keep him there.”

  “He wanted a taste of freedom. Exploration. What he could never have here,” Tantil said.

  “Never?” I exhaled. That scared me. Faldar was emotional and so happy where he was.

  “Never. Servants or someone would betray him. That would mean correction. Medical or mental correction.”

  I shuddered. “Sounds cruel.”

  “Pain relief is available for cooperative people. There isn’t much choice but to cooperate in the end. Anyone not following the standard is considered unnatural. Everyone wants children. Natural children. Medical problems are corrected to help couples have children, but anyone found going against the norm…” He shook his head
slowly.

  “Faldar will have to return at some point, I’m sure. I’m sorry,” I said.

  “He’s good at hiding.” Tantil started walking again back around the other side of the castle.

  “What are you hiding?”

  Tantil smiled. “Nothing that interesting. I’m dull and normal.”

  I didn’t believe him at all, but I chose to walk and talk about random things than try to pry too much. He trusted me enough to talk about his brother. That was a substantial start, and I didn’t want to mess it up.

  Two days of dull routine, and I couldn’t imagine another few weeks of this. Even adding candles, reading was harder with the dim lighting Bachal offered. We’d discovered they still burned wood and coal for much of their energy. Talk about a step backward! No wonder the Bachal wanted to visit us for negotiations.

  Our group had more or less settled in. Marel’s stomach was better, but Zoma was going nuts without more technology to entertain her. I had trouble sleeping at night sometimes. I worried about the friends I’d brought along and the ones I’d left home. Anela, as well. I had to protect and help her without upsetting the norm.

  Prince Johey hadn’t found any sign of my father yet, but he had exchanged a few pieces of random jewelry for local currency. I gave it to Anela in small bits so she didn’t object or get overwhelmed. She was proud, and I respected that, but she needed help and so did her mother. Help this monarchy didn’t seem interested in providing.

  I glanced at the clock and noticed it was late. I should be asleep, but something nagged at me. Nemal? No, he was asleep. Uncle Johey roamed at night a great deal, but as I checked again, I felt nothing of my father.

  The whole trip left me frustrated. Nemal and I annoyed each other and had little time truly alone. The Bachal queen and prince were my main escorts, but I had to be on my guard. But the overly forward men had learned their lesson and stayed away at least.

  When I closed my eyes, a blaze of pain flashed behind my eyes. I smelled smoke. Sitting up in bed, I checked the candle on the bedside table. It was out. I shoved my feet into a pair of shoes then dashed into the main area, and all the candles were out. I snuck into Marel and Zoma’s rooms, but the candles were all out, too. They were asleep.

  Back in the living area, Anela sat up from the sofa. “Is something wrong?”

  I closed my eyes. Going into the vision, I focused on where the fire was. It was big enough for me to sense. I grabbed the dagger and a shawl.

  “Come with me,” I said as I headed out the door.

  She grabbed the shawl I’d given her and followed me. “Where are we going?”

  “There’s a fire. Where is the princess’ chamber?” I asked.

  She took off in a sprint, knowing the blocks, guards, and shortcuts better than I. Running to keep up, I found myself coughing. Was it the poor air or added smoke from the fire? It didn’t matter. I kept going.

  Anela found the guard outside the princess’ room unconscious. We pushed open the door and found the princess in bed, but the fire consumed the carpet and the side of the bed that faced the door.

  “The smoke got her in her sleep. You have no warning system?” I asked.

  She shook her head and ran into the hall. “Fire! Help! Fire!”

  I beat the flames back with my shawl as men came running in with a hose. As they sprayed the room, Anela and I pulled Evangel from the bed and dragged her to the hallway.

  The queen kneeled next to her, and men who appeared to be medics shoved me and Anela out of the way. They administered oxygen—at least they had some technology. Then they injected her with something. It seemed the medical side of the Bachal was better than their normal lives. If one had to focus resources, I couldn’t argue with that choice.

  Nemal and Johey charged up the hall. “What happened?”

  “A fire. My visions are good for something,” I said.

  Nemal hugged me to him. “You should’ve woken us.”

  “Anela knew the way better,” I said.

  “Thank you, everyone. Go back to bed. We have it under control,” announced the king.

  “But how did it start?” Johey asked.

  The king patted me on the shoulder. “Thank you for your help.”

  The touch triggered a vision. He’d set the fire after giving his daughter a sleeping pill in her final drink at dinner. It was all a test of my powers.

  I frowned at him. “She could’ve died.”

  “Nonsense. My daughter is a great reader. She falls asleep with the candle too close all the time. This time, I think she’ll have learned her lesson. Thank you, Lady Kimess. Now, everyone, let’s clear the hall so things can be cleaned up and the medics can do their jobs.” The king waved at us all to depart.

  I gestured for Anela to join me, and she did, but looked guilty. Nemal and Johey flanked us as if security.

  “I should’ve stayed to assist with the clean-up,” Anela said.

  I refused to let them treat her like a slave. “No, you’re supposed to be helping me. We need our sleep.”

  “That was odd,” Johey said.

  When we got back into the guest hall, I pulled Nemal and Johey into my room. “It was deliberate.”

  Anela fussed about picking up the room and kept quiet.

  “You’re sure?” Nemal asked.

  “The king touched me. He had it done to see if I really have the powers I claim. What a complete ass.”

  “Relax. You proved yourself.” Johey scowled and paced. His mind screamed that he’d failed me. He was mad and taking it personally.

  Nemal hugged me. “I don’t like these games.”

  “He’s afraid,” Anela said.

  Johey and Nemal both looked at her.

  She bowed and headed back toward the hall.

  “No, don’t run from them. It’s okay. Come back, Anela,” I said.

  She walked back. “I’m sorry. I know the royals are so impressed by your world. He is looking for something where we are better. Superiority is part of being a king. He’s afraid your country is humoring him. You don’t need him, and he can’t quite take you over yet.”

  “She’s very on top of things for a slave,” Nemal said.

  “I’m a woman without sons or brothers, and my father is dead. I’m not stupid, but my options are limited.” She bowed and took my shawl, now all smoky. “I’ll have these laundered by morning.”

  “No, go to bed, Anela. Our conversation is done here.”

  “We’ll talk more in the morning. Breakfast in private, in my room tomorrow morning,” Johey said.

  I smiled. “Thanks for checking on me. Good night.”

  The men were gone, and Anela seemed to breathe easier.

  “They aren’t the enemy, Anela. I know they can be grumpy and male, but they don’t think they’re better than women. I promise,” I said.

  “I’m sorry. I’m so tired of being nothing.” She sat on the sofa.

  “Is your mother well enough to travel?”

  She sighed. “I suppose. There is nowhere to go.”

  “Lazrel isn’t that far. Maybe if you learn to trust me and Johey enough, he can relocate your mother. Would anyone notice? Anyone miss her?”

  “She doesn’t really leave the house. Her health isn’t great. No.” Anela’s forehead scrunched.

  “Don’t say anything now. Just think about it.”

  She shook her head. “We don’t have any money or right to live there.”

  I tilted my head. “I’m the ruler of the fifth family. I have a lot of property, and there are empty houses on that land. You don’t need anything. We can give you medical care and an education with job prospects. You can start over.”

  “If I can get out. No one would notice mother, but if I disappear, they’ll evict her from her space. Then they’d notice.” She pulled the blanket over her and settled in for sleep.

  “Let me worry about the timing. If we’re all gone when th
ey find out, will they really care?” I asked. It sounded cold, but I suspected she’d agree with me when she thought about it. A chance at education for her and health care for her mother had to be worth some risk.

  Chapter 11

  That morning, I slept later than planned, then bathed. Anela was focused on laundry when I slipped out across the hall. I knocked, and the attendants admitted me to Prince Johey’s room. Nemal was already there.

  There were cake slices from home.

  “Which of you can cook?” I asked.

  Johey laughed. “None of us can cook. Neither can you. But I can send requests home and have stuff sent over on the relocator.”

  “You’re a genius. I feel so cut off from civilization.” I sat at the small table. Their rooms were about the same as mine.

  Grabbing a slice of cake, I missed home even more. One of the droids poured tea.

  “Is your servant feeling better?” Nemal asked.

  “She is. I hope. She’s used to men ordering her around and treating her like nothing. When you spoke firmly to her, she overreacted out of fear. Last night was stressful.” I sipped my tea.

  The men sat. “You need to be careful who you trust,” Nemal said.

  “She’s not a spy.” I took a bite of cake and wanted to go home immediately.

  “Not her. The prince. He’s spending too much time around you,” Nemal said.

  I looked at Prince Johey who looked at his tablet instead of joining in the conversation.

  “I see you similarly occupied with the princess.” I smiled. “I’m sure the king is playing games, but we can trade if you like.”

  “I don’t like the divide-and-conquer approach,” he said.

  “We can be one big group, then,” I said. “This is fixable. As a group, or individually, I don’t much care for it here. I want to go home. We’re just guests wandering around for show.”

  “It’s a sacrifice of time and attention to make them feel important, “Johey said.

  I sighed. “Fine, but we can’t turn on each other.”

  “I’m sorry. I want to be sure you’re safe,” Nemal said.