by Robin Roseau
“Easy dinner here tonight,” Allium declared. “Gionna and Olivia, will you come?”
“We wouldn’t miss it,” Olivia replied. Bee and Dee made pleading gestures. Allium saw it and stepped between the two of them to duplicate the gesture. Olivia laughed and said, “Yes, yes, of course we’ll bring them, too.”
“And Va, too,” Gionna said.
Hugs were passed around, and then the five of them turned away. Allium herded all of us inside but then gathered us in the foyer. “Welcome to our embassy here in Charth,” she said. “We’ve had a long journey, and I bet everyone wants to bathe. We’ll give you a tour and arrange baths in a moment.” She turned to me. “These are your staff, Princess Darfelsa.”
“Allium, it’s your embassy, and things are muddled besides. You are the ambassador, and I am here to offer assistance, but at the same time, we’re here on my idea.”
“Well, you and I should discuss that in the next few days, but when it comes to managing the embassy and our events, if you accept my authority…”
“I do. It’s only muddled when discussing the mission.”
She nodded. “Your old quarters are waiting for you.”
“I just have to clean up the glass I left behind?”
She laughed. “We took care of that. This next part is temporary. My permanent staff has tripled up, opening sufficient rooms for everyone, if we do some sharing. Once you go off on your Firsts, it will be quiet again, and we have a different plan for when that is over. Sergeant Felist, I know it will be a little cramped, but would your squad mind four to a room, with two beds per room. They’re big beds, and quite comfortable. The alternative is to take some to The Baby Blanket.”
“A soft, quiet bed is all we need,” Mariya responded.
“I will show you the rooms we have,” Allium said, “And you may dispatch your squad as you feel best.”
“Thank you, Ambassador.”
“Darfelsa, your staff will also need to double up.”
“We don’t mind,” Terla said. “That’s what we did in Gandeet. It was nice.”
“Excellent. There are eight of you, and one of the rooms has two beds.”
“Seven,” Renishta said. She counted them out.
And then Allium pointed to Shalendra and said, “Eight. If Princess Darfelsa invites Ms. Robella to her bed, that is not my concern, but moving in with her is not how courting works, is it? Pair up, the seven of you.”
“Rosaniya and Lyeneru,” I said. “You may, if you wish, share together, but I think it’s actually better if you integrate with my staff.”
“Of course, Princess,” Rosaniya said.
“And that doesn’t mean your sister,” I added.
“Are you kidding?” Tess asked. “She snores.”
“I do not snore.”
“Halfar said you do.”
“I only snore when I’m sick, and that doesn’t count.”
“Or if you’ve been drinking,” Tess said. “Admit it.”
“I have to be tipsy, or worse,” Rosaniya said. “And then he also said it’s cute snoring.”
“Not like the bear in the woods snoring you do when you’re sick,” Tess replied.
“But I’m not sick, so no one needs to worry.”
“Well, no one has ever complained that I snore,” Lyeneru said.
“As I already know my sister, of course,” Tess said, “And Lyeneru, but not as well, maybe I should be part of the three, unless Shalendra wants to share with me.”
“I think I should be part of the three as well,” Shalendra replied.
Lyeneru then said, “And I can be the third.”
Selzen stepped to Rosaniya’s side. “Unless one of you really want her, or the two of you don’t want to share.”
“We can share,” Terla said. “If that’s okay with you, Renishta.”
“Sure,” Renishta replied.
* * * *
“Oh, Ta-lee,” I said. “That feels nice.”
Allium had shown us the rooms then explained about the baths. Then, with a nod from their owners, she assigned the pleasure slaves to see to our baths. We had to cycle through the baths, so we couldn’t be entirely indulgent, but what Ta-lee was doing felt really nice.
Allium gave her own moan, accepting attention from Em, who belonged to Penelody for one more night. Mariya and Terla were the other two in the first round of baths, and they both had their eyes closed. I’d never seen Mariya so relaxed.
“I wish we could stay here for an hour,” Allium said. “One more minute. Em, would you do my feet again?”
“Of course, Allium,” Em said.
I closed my eyes and let Ta-lee do what she wanted, and I heard a few happier moans, including at least one from Mariya. Then the remaining slaves stepped forward with towels and helped us from the sunken tub, one at a time. I opened my eyes and looked at the sergeant of my guard. “It’s good to see you like this,” I told her.
“I know how to relax, and when it’s safe,” she replied. “I can understand why someone would want to be based here.”
“We don’t normally have half my staff in red,” Allium said.
“The streets are safe,” Mariya replied.
“That they are,” Allium agreed.
“The people are nice.”
“Also true.”
“And there’s not one thing wrong with a little debauchery.”
“As I’ve said before,” I replied. “There’s no little about it.”
Mariya laughed, a sound I rarely heard. “Nothing wrong with that, either. Ambassador, you didn’t have to give me a room of my own.”
“You are currently the ranking Flarvorian military leader in the entire country,” Allium said. “And you will accept the privileges your rank affords you.”
Mariya smiled.
* * * *
I headed to my room and dressed casually and then went to find Allium. I’d dressed more quickly than she had, but she bade me to enter when I knocked. She smiled at me, doing the last button on her tunic. I stepped over to her dressing table, picked up her brush, and suggested she sit.
“You haven’t been my personal maid for a long time, Darfelsa.”
In response, I simply tapped the chair and waited. She smiled and took her seat, and I set myself to her hair. She’d already brushed and dried it as best she could, but I was only doing it to continue to relax both of us. I focused on that task for a minute. “Allium.”
“I’m so glad you’re here, Darfelsa.”
“I am, too.”
“Are you upset about something?”
“No. We just haven’t had any time alone since I arrived, and I don’t know when we’re going to get any.”
“There are multiple reasons you have your own room,” she replied. “But I don’t mind you came to find me.”
“I feel weird about something, Allium?”
“What’s that?”
“I have responsibility for everyone I brought with me, but I’m not qualified to see to what happens next.”
“We both know the best plan is to trust Olivia.”
“I can’t believe half the staff offered themselves.”
“It was Valsine’s idea, the first night at the border. Olivia was right there and didn’t say a word. She didn’t really react until it looked like Gionna was going to lose her challenge.”
“It seems to have helped. I think everyone was shocked at first, but sharing them around really helped.”
“Valsine’s original idea was for all of them,” she said. “The thing is, I think she planned it. We hadn’t planned on bringing so many with us.” Allium cocked her head. “I don’t know how that started, but I bet it was her. It was presented as an opportunity for those who normally are stuck here to get out and see the countryside. And now I have to wonder whose idea that was.”
“It worked,” I said. “Everyone was nervous. And I was nervous for them. Olivia could show up for dinner and announce we were doing it tonight, and I th
ink they’d all just say, ‘Me, first’.”
“Probably not literally, but I think you’re largely right.”
“It’s a lot of people, all at once.”
“It may not all happen in one night.”
“That’s a lot of hosts to find.”
“Olivia probably won’t match people up as carefully as she prefers, but there’s an entire town here.”
“Half a town,” I muttered.
“Fine, but half of a fairly large town, and there must be three hundred women here who have hosted a First, and even more who have helped with initial practice challenges.”
“I don’t want Holliahta involved.”
“Don’t worry about that,” Allium said.
“I didn’t want it left unsaid, and I want you to make sure Olivia knows.”
“We already discussed it, long enough for her to simply assure me she anticipated your feelings.”
“Thank you. Allium, are you going to be able to improve their transportation issues?”
“The Ressaline road crews are very good,” she replied.
“You’re better.”
“I don’t know. I’ve never seen a real mountain.”
“We have mountains?” I asked.
“Not compared to the ones between us and Ressaline City,” she replied. “And we don’t build major roads through ours. I’ve worked on a few minor roads, early in my career, with some small bridges. But I wasn’t the crew leader or head engineer back then. I’ve actually been back to my old books, brushing up.”
“I’m asking you to improve hundreds of miles of road.”
“No. You’re asking me to resolve a few significant choke points.”
“I don’t understand.”
“The problem isn’t the entire route. It’s a handful of difficult places. It may be we only need to fix one or two, and that might open up the rest, at least enough.”
“I’m authorized to give you anything you ask for.”
“I’m not sure you should tell me that.” She smiled at me.
“I know you’ll ask responsibly. What do you think of Shalendra?”
“Is that why you’re here, brushing my hair?”
“No. I wanted to talk. I wasn’t quite sure about what.”
She smiled again. “I think Gretchena was good for you when you were here, but she wouldn’t have fit your life in Barrish.”
“You’re probably right.”
“Shalendra is definitely better for you in those ways.” She paused. “I met Flame.”
“I wondered. She told you about me?”
“No. I was in Barrish for a few weeks while you were in Gandeet, and Ahlianna caught me up on your life. I was under the impression she was committed to you.”
“I was, too, but she missed her family too much and just wasn’t willing to leave Gandeet.”
“Ah. She would have been better, I think, than Shalendra.” I didn’t say anything to that, but I realized I was still raw about it. “I’m sorry.”
“It’s fine.” And it was, mostly. “So, Shalendra is better than Gretchena and not as good as Flame.”
“Well. That’s probably not a fair way of putting it, and I’ve only seen her when she’s been off balance. I’m only judging based on how she arrived here, I guess. She rather took the city by storm.”
“I’m not surprised. That sounds like Flame. She lives up to her name.”
“I’m sorry,” Allium said again. “Darfelsa, she hasn’t flat out said it to me, but I think Olivia intends to give Shalendra to someone who will shake her up a bit. Do you want to interfere?”
I thought about it. “No. But I want her to have a positive experience.”
“I’ve never heard of anyone’s First being anything but a positive experience. I want to ask you something else.”
“Sure.”
“You haven’t said it, but from little hints, I’ve gotten the impression you don’t intend practice challenges.”
“No.”
“You were looking forward to them.”
“Shalendra…”
“Ah. She is just a touch territorial.”
“She’s very Flarvorian. Flame would have simply said, ‘I want to watch,’ followed by, ‘how long do I have to wait before I can challenge Darfelsa?’”
Allium smiled. “That was my impression of her, too.”
“On the other hand, Shalendra is the only one who hasn’t run away from me.” I looked down at Allium’s hair and wondered if I should do more than brush it straight.
“Darfelsa,” Allium said gently.
“They’ve all left me,” I whispered.
“So you’re picking based on staying power?”
“I have repeatedly offered my heart, and she’s the first one who wants to keep it.”
“That’s not a fair way to put it.”
“Fine. She’s the only one who was willing to accept the requirements of a life with me.”
“Most of which isn’t at all about you and is entirely about your position,” Allium replied. “I am quite positive Gretchena would have been happy to keep you if you stayed here, and she eventually came to her senses.”
“Too late, and you’re right. She wouldn’t have been the right one. She wouldn’t have lasted any of Mother’s tests.”
“Flame would have kept you if you could stay in Gandeet.”
“There was one more, at home, but the travel was too much, especially here, but I think it was more than just Ressaline.”
Allium reached up and took the brush from me, setting it aside, and then she captured both my hands and wrapped my arms around her. I leaned over and laid my head on her shoulder.
“Was Ralifta joking?”
I knew immediately what she was talking about. “I don’t know, but Ahlianna and I treated it that way. And Ahlianna forbade it. You belong here. I agree with her.”
“You’re very young,” she said. “Darfelsa, don’t rush this decision. If Shalendra is the wrong choice, there will be others.”
“I love her.”
“You love easily.”
“That’s what everyone keeps saying.”
“That’s because it’s true. Darfelsa, it’s important you make the right choice.”
“I know. I don’t think Shalendra is going to give up easily.”
“Neither do I, but Gionna’s anger wasn’t misplaced.”
“I know.”
“Ressaline isn’t the only country with unexpected customs.”
“I know.”
“She made several mistakes, none of which I’d have made, or you.”
“Or Flame.”
“Or Flame,” Allium said. “And I know Ahlianna would disagree, but we can add Valsine to that list.”
“I can’t marry my second cousin.”
“No. I’m only saying: people mature.”
“This place does that.”
“Yes. And if we can so readily form a list, there are others.”
“You’re right.” I lifted my head from her shoulder. “I love you, Allium.”
“I love you, too, Darfelsa. I’m so happy you’re here, but I’m disappointed I won’t see you in red.”
I laughed. “I bet. Were you thinking of challenging me?”
“Maybe I was, now that I know Ralifta wouldn’t mind.” We both laughed. “I could put you in blue.”
“No way. It’s red or nothing.”
“Slaves usually wear resin. Maybe Claary can turn it transparent, like glass, but I don’t think I can.”
“I’m fairly sure that’s not what I meant.” I grinned at her in the mirror. “There’s still a chance you can see me in red.”
“Oh?”
“It all depends on how quickly Shalendra is ready for her first practice challenge, doesn’t it?”
Allium smiled. “Which means I could see her in red twice, because there’s no way she’s going to beat you unless you let her, and I don’t think that’s your style.”
“I wouldn’t mind losing.”
“No, and you would be as gracious about it as anyone.”
“Not like my trash-talking cousin.”
“She only does that to get people riled up.”
“I know,” I replied.
She turned around, actually throwing her legs over her chair to face backwards at me. “If you were going to do a practice challenge, do you have someone picked?”
“I haven’t thought about it in a long time. I always assumed…”
“Gretchena.”
“Yeah.”
“I bet you’ve wondered about others.”
“Of course, I have. But I bet if I ask you about this, you aren’t any more forthcoming than I’m being.”
“You don’t have to wonder; you’ve seen me take challenges.”
“Perhaps, but answer this: have you thought about princesses other than Gionna?”
“Darfelsa…”
“Have you?”
“I’ve thought about just about everyone,” she admitted.
“Me?”
“I am fairly sure some of my staff were waiting for you to turn 18.”
“I’m not asking about them. I’m pretty sure there’s not a one that would turn down a practice with me, especially as it’s nearly a guarantee she’ll win. I’m asking about you.”
“When I knew you were coming, I wondered if we’d end up with a conversation like this, and I wondered what I’d say.”
“And?”
“And I think it’s a mistake.”
“You’re saying having me would be a mistake?”
“I’m saying, Darfelsa, that you fall in love easily, and I’m twice your age.”
“Oh.”
“And you already love me one way,” she continued. “I don’t think adding that element to the mix would be good. I think it would confuse you.”
“And it wouldn’t confuse you?”
“It would, but not remotely as much, especially because I have my pick from around town. The best way to mend lust for one woman is to find lust for another.”
I laughed. “I can’t believe you just said that to me.”
“I will point out I am not the one who started the teasing.”
“I suppose. So. Had Gionna lately?”
“She didn’t have much more to do all winter but challenge people.”
“That’s only half an answer.”
“I’ve had her; she’s had me. She’s had half the staff here.”