Tiara- Part Two

by Robin Roseau

  The man paused but then said, “Yes, Your Highness, but-”

  “And was he aware that men were unwelcome?”

  “Yes, but-”

  “I want to understand. He was aware it was illegal for a man to travel north of our shared border, but he went anyway.”

  “Yes, but-”

  “Once north of the border, I imagine the Ressaline army gathered him up, reminded him of their laws, and returned him south. Was he abused? Were his goods confiscated?”

  “Not the first time,” he said. “But-”

  “And the second time?”

  “No, but- “

  “So it is the third time that most offends you.”

  “Yes, Your Highness. That time, they did mistreat him, and confiscated the wagon and the goods it carried.”

  “Was it your son’s idea to continue to break Ressaline laws after receiving two warnings, or yours?”

  “They shouldn’t even be there, Your Highness!”

  “Well, that particular issue is between Queen Lisdee and the council of Charthan,” I replied. “But my father has an embassy in Charth, and we have officially recognized Ressaline authority over the region. Do you wish to direct my father’s foreign policies, Sir?”

  “That isn’t why I’m here, Your Highness.”

  “All right. So we’ll agree that the Ressalines do govern the territory once known as Charthan, and their laws apply. So I again ask, whose idea was it to repeatedly attempt to violate the laws of their country? Did your son take it upon himself, or did you guide him?”

  “I fail to see why that should matter.”

  “Well, you actually have two complaints, Sir. You have a complaint against your confiscated goods, and you have a complaint for how your son was treated. I am splitting them into two and then determining a course of action. Whose idea was it, Mr. Norvaris?”

  He paused. “Mine, Your Highness.”

  “Thank you,” I said. “It doesn’t help your case when I need to ask the same question more than once.” I turned to Father. “But perhaps His Majesty would prefer to handle this issue.”

  “I have faith in my daughter,” Father said. “Please continue, Darfelsa.”

  I inclined my head. “Mr. Norvaris, you hope my father will intercede for you. I presume you would like three things. You would like your goods returned; you would like an apology to your son, perhaps with some sort of compensation; and you would prefer us to facilitate your return to business inside Ressaline borders. Is that a good summary?”

  He smiled. “An excellent summary, Your Highness.”

  “What if I can only get you one of those, or possibly two. How would you feel about that?”

  “I’m not sure, Your Highness.”

  “Let us address the one I am fairly certain I cannot get you. Your son repeatedly violated the law in Ressaline, laws he knew, and he did so at your direction. You now expect the Ressalines to apologize for enforcing their laws, and expect compensation in spite of being in the wrong.”

  The man sputtered then declared, “It’s a stupid law!”

  “Well, that’s all we need to know,” I said. “Father, Mr. Norvaris has declared Queen Lisdee’s law as ‘stupid’. I wonder how you would feel if a representative of Queen Lisdee stood here and said the same about some of our laws. Would you be well-inclined to listen?”

  That question brought muttering in the court. Father let it continue for a moment and then said, “I am not infallible, but I do not imagine that particular approach would be warmly welcomed.”

  “That particular law would not be well-suited south of the border,” I said. “But it works quite well for the citizens of Ressaline. I imagine it would be very, very difficult to find a single citizen of Ressaline who would agree with you, Mr. Norvaris. Barring an order from the Flarvorian monarch, I am entirely unwilling to tell Queen Lisdee that particular law is, as you have declared it, ‘stupid’.”

  The audience reacted in hushed whispers. I couldn’t read their reaction. Mr. Norvaris was glaring at me. I thought he was an idiot, but I wasn’t going to call him that more pointedly than I already had.

  “I find it exceedingly unlikely your son will receive an apology for his treatment. I am familiar with the Ressaline handling of Flarvorians who cross their border. I would strongly discourage you from sending your son a fourth time.”

  “Princess Darfelsa,” Ahlianna said. “What of the other issues?”

  “The easiest is establishing a business in Charth,” I said. “That is easily done.”

  “That has not been my experience,” Mr. Norvaris declared. “Do you overstate the ease?”

  “I can’t promise the women of Ressaline will purchase your goods or that you will find goods to bring back, but it is quite simple to establish a business presence. Send your daughter, Good Sir. Or a niece. Your wife could go, if you like. She would need to remain for a period, to establish herself, but once established, she would be free to come and go, engaging in whatever trade she can find.”

  “And the other issue?” Ahlianna prompted.

  “That may also be equally easy,” I said. “Once she is established, she can petition Lady Olivia for the return of her goods. I cannot say what the response would be. I imagine your son was being treated as a smuggler, and I believe if someone were smuggling goods into Flarvor, we would happily confiscate them. Perhaps the Ressalines would be somewhat kinder. I cannot say.”

  The man stared. He wasn’t going to get anything he wanted. I could tell, just from his expression, that he was deeply displeased with my response.

  I made an obvious sigh. “You are not satisfied with my answer.” I turned to look at Father. “Would you answer him differently?”

  “You’re doing well, Darfelsa,” he replied.

  I nodded. “Mr. Norvaris, you may not be aware, but when food goods arrive in our ports, we require certain paperwork.”

  “I am aware.”

  “There are related fees,” I continued. “They are not excessive, but help to pay the cost of ensuring the food is not tainted. This helps to ensure the safety of our citizens.”

  “What does this have to do with anything, Your Highness?”

  “I am coming to a point. At times, people attempt to bypass these regulations, and they are then referred to as smugglers. They aren’t necessary bad people. They aren’t necessarily hurting anyone. And while I have some sympathy for their desire to avoid the cost of certification, there are good reasons for those laws. Would you agree?”

  “Yes,” he admitted. “But-”

  “Your son, while attempting to engage in trade inside Ressaline, broke laws he knew about, laws designed to, amongst other things, ensure the safety and customs of the citizens of Ressaline. He was caught not once, but three times. Rather than being convicted to a year or two of labor for his crimes, he was returned, only slightly worse for wear. And unlike a smuggler in Flarvor, the first two times, your goods were returned with him. It was only after your inability to learn from the first two times that they became firm with your son. But it was, quite simply, a form of smuggling. You cannot possibly expect us to countenance that for you.”

  “Your Highness,” he said.

  “Daughter,” Father said. I turned to him. “We could discuss this all afternoon, which would be decidedly unfair to those waiting.”

  “Agreed,” I said.

  “I have an assignment for you,” he said. “I want you to establish a new office.”

  “Your Majesty?”

  “The Office of Ressaline Trade,” he said. “If anyone wishes to discuss northbound trade, they will come to you.”

  “Do you wish me to manage the office directly?”

  “No, but I want you to oversee the creation. Work with Minister Roddish. Mr. Norvaris, if you wish to pursue this issue further, you may petition my daughter’s office. Who is next, Mr. Marshdown?”

  * * * *

  Perhaps it wasn’t a minor task. Mr. Norvaris did pursue the iss
ue with me, and thus I used his needs as guidance for establishing the office.

  I gave Terla and Selzen the option of leading the new office, but they both said, “We’d prefer to stay more directly attached to you, Your Highness.”

  And so we met with Minister Roddish. He simply asked me what I needed from him.

  “Guidance. What do you think?”

  “I think it’s a fabulous idea.”

  “It’s going to have to be all women,” I said. And so we assigned Terla and Selzen to interview staff members.

  Who would be joining my trip to Charth in the spring.

  * * * *

  But for now, I need to talk a little further about Open Court. “I believe we have time for one more, Mr. Marshdown.”

  “Just so, Your Majesty. Mr. Engella.”

  I was surprised, but indeed, Mr. Engella stepped forward. He offered a bow. “What can we do for you?” Father prompted.

  “Nothing, Your Majesty,” he replied. “I don’t come with a petition; I come with a proposal for you.”

  “Very good. Please continue.”

  “Your Majesty, we have seen you delegate authority both to Crown Princess Ahlianna and Princess Darfelsa.”

  “So you have.”

  “And from what I have seen so far, they have both accepted their responsibilities with significant capability.”

  “We are heartened to hear you agree with us,” Father replied.

  “This may be a particularly poor idea,” Mr. Engella said. He made a gesture. “The queue seems lengthy and not fully satisfied. I imagine many people who would wish to present their cases give up after not seeing you several months running. Others are deterred simply by knowing the size of the queue.”

  “And you have a solution?”

  “Possibly. Perhaps Crown Princess Ahlianna and Princess Darfelsa should both hold their own Open Court sessions.”

  The room began to buzz. Mr. Engella said nothing further. I looked over at Father, who was studying the man, then he leaned back and smiled. “Keep going.”

  “Well… I don’t know how many would find either princess suitable for their cases, but I imagine some might.”

  There were things unsaid. I thought perhaps Mr. Engella was aware of those, but he didn’t try to sell the idea. He simply presented it to Father.

  I actually… liked the idea. I liked it a lot, and I found myself sitting upright, particularly straight and quite pleased with the conversation. Father glanced over at me then turned to Ahlianna. “What do you think of the proposal, Ahlianna?”

  “I find it an intriguing idea, Your Majesty,” she replied. “I am especially intrigued at the idea of my younger sister engaging in this new custom.”

  “As am I,” Father said. “Princess Darfelsa, do you agree with your sister?”

  “Yes, Your Majesty,” I replied. “Although I am scheduled to be gone for several months this summer.”

  Father nodded. “I like your suggestion, Mr. Engella. My Dear, do you wish to comment?”

  “Only to say I fully support your decision, Leander.”

  Father nodded. “Ahlianna? Darfelsa?”

  Ahlianna answered for us. “We support your decision, Father.”

  “So be it. Ahlianna, you will begin two weeks from today, and Darfelsa will be the week after. Your decisions are binding, and I will not accept anyone who wishes a different answer from the one they receive from either of you. If you receive any petitions you feel you cannot answer, you may forward them to me.”

  “Yes, Father,” Ahlianna said.

  “Or between each other, when appropriate,” Father added. “Thank you for the excellent suggestion, Mr. Engella.”

  “Your Majesty, I would like to make a suggestion on top of my suggestion.”

  “You would, would you?” Father said. I could hear the playfulness in his voice. “Please do.”

  “Both Crown Princess Ahlianna and Princess Darfelsa have been actively accepting suitors. Some of those suitors have not lasted very long, but some seem to have more durability in their suits.”

  “Yes,” Father agreed. “A wise father leaves these things to his wise wife.”

  There were laughs, and Mr. Engella offered a bow to Mother. “My suggestion is simple: perhaps those suitors who are showing some level of staying power should sit beside the princess, just as Queen Ralifta sits beside her king. I’m sorry, but my suggestion may be flawed, as there may be multiple suitors, and it might be awkward to have six or eight of them seated here.”

  That brought a few chuckles, and a fresh smile from Father. “I rather like that idea,” he declared. “But I shall leave this to my wife to decide.”

  “I will think on it,” Mother declared. “Thank you, Mr. Engella.”

  “Then I believe we are adjourned!” Father boomed. We stood, and then we exited the room in the reverse fashion from our entrance. I waved before leaving, and couldn’t stop smiling.

  * * * *

  We discussed the proposal over dinner that night. Father confirmed Ahlianna and I felt comfortable.

  “It’s an excellent opportunity for the people to grow accustomed to both of you,” Father said. “It’s a particularly brilliant idea, and I’m surprised none of us suggested it.”

  “Then we’re doing it?” I confirmed.

  “Unless someone wishes to suggest otherwise.”

  “Then we’re doing it,” I said. “Sister?”

  “We’re definitely doing it,” she agreed. “Mother?”

  “It’s not only an opportunity for each of you,” she said. “It’s an opportunity for your suitors, and for our people to meet them. Leander, I think we should take the entire suggestion.”

  “Dissent?” Father prompted.

  “I haven’t talked to Shalendra about it.”

  “Frankly,” Mother said. “I’m not sure her opinion matters.”

  “Mother,” I replied.

  “No,” she said. “This would be a portion of her duties, and I don’t have a problem exposing her now. Do you?”

  “Maybe I only have one person to choose from, but who is going to sit beside Ahlianna?”

  “She will rotate through anyone who seems like a serious contender,” Mother replied.

  “That’s fine with me,” Ahlianna replied. “Darfelsa, if she’s serious about you, and you about her, then this represents only one of her duties. Or perhaps you hoped to hide her away from all this, then spring it on her once she can’t get away.”

  “No,” I said. “All right. But I’ll tell her myself.”

  And while I didn’t realize it at the time, a cloud formed.

  * * * *

  I sat down in front of Mother. “Please remove Mr. Maghorn from my suitor list.” I made a pleading gesture.

  “He’s not that bad.”

  “No, you’re right. He’s not. But every time he invites me somewhere, it’s with his parents. His father tries to look down my dress, and his mother spends half the time talking about how whatever we’re doing isn’t good enough.”

  “Of course, Darling,” she said. I immediately grew nervous. She reached into a desk drawer and removed a sheet of paper, then used a pencil to cross out a name. Then she made a point of counting names. “Oh, my. That won’t do.”

  “That will do perfectly well!” I complained.

  She waved the tip of the pencil at me. “We have an agreement.”

  “Mother, you’re wasting their time and mine.”

  “I beg to differ,” she said. “You need to be seen about town, anyway, and making it onto this list is good for their social life.”

  “Mother.” She ignored that. Instead, she wrote down a new name then smiled sweetly. “You know, you could simply let Shalendra and I spend that time together.”

  “Are you ready to propose marriage to her?” I didn’t answer that. It was rhetorical, anyway. “You’re meeting her tomorrow. It’s already on your schedule.”

  “Her?”

  Mother smiled. “Ms
. Lyndis Olarora.”

  “Her?”

  “She is the niece of Lord Bijean, on his wife’s side.”

  “Lord Bijean must be 70 years old.”

  “Thankfully, his niece is not.”

  “Mother!”

  She smiled sweetly again. “I have a proposal.”

  I folded my arms. “This should be good.”

  “If you don’t think Lyndis is attractive, sweet, and reasonably charming, I’ll introduce her to one of your cousins.”

  “Mother, what are you doing?”

  “Why are you fussing?” she asked. “You haven’t fussed about the men.”

  “That’s because…”

  “Because you weren’t taking them seriously,” she finished for me. “And for some reason, you don’t want me to add someone you might actually like? That makes no sense.”

  “It’s not fair to Shalendra.”

  “You’ll give her a fair chance, Daughter,” Mother said firmly.

  “What do I get if I decide she’s attractive, et cetera?”

  “A lovely time with an attractive woman,” Mother replied with a smile.

  “Fine.”

  And thus was formed the second cloud.

  Rain

  Ms. Olarora was already in the library when I entered. It looked like she’d been browsing the books, but she turned to me and dropped into an extended curtsey. Still across the room, I came to a stop, staring at the top of her head.

  And we stayed that way far longer than we should have. Finally, I shook myself. “Rise.”

  She did, smiling as she looked at me. I strode forward, then beckoned her away from the bookcases so I could walk around her. I made two circles, trying to gather my wits about me.

  She was, physically at least, perfect. Her black hair was long, with a shine. She wore it down, most of it loose to hang down her back, but with two thin braids for decoration. She wore a fascinator of feathers over her right ear, offering a dash of color. Her eyes were dark; her lips were full and perfect. And her gown accented a delightful figure.

  I came to a stop, facing her. “Ms. Olarora.” I offered my hand. “My pleasure.”

  “Thank you for agreeing to meet me,” she replied.

  “How old are you, Ms. Olarora?”