Tiara- Part Two

by Robin Roseau

  She began laughing.

  “You understand, some of them may be exceedingly determined. I imagine, knowing Grandmother, that they’re all lovely, with connections. They’re charming, and they’ve been taught to operate a household. Beside them, you might feel inadequate, although you shouldn’t. I don’t know what’s going to happen, but Grandmother is going to vow her support. I’m going to scare away at least some of the women she’s bringing, but I probably won’t be able to scare away all of them. Furthermore, I won’t say Grandmother is smarter than I am, but she’s smarter than I am.” Shalendra laughed again.

  “If I’m dishonest, she’ll figure that out.”

  “You have to give them an honest opportunity.”

  “Yes. The reality is simple. Some of them I flat out won’t like. Some won’t like me and will be sufficiently honest about that. Some will be horrified at the requirements. But that’s going to leave one or two, or else Grandmother has lost her edge. Shalendra, she’s the woman who put Mother in Father’s path and then managed to keep her there.”

  She nodded. “It took me time to understand a few things, Darfelsa. It didn’t take all that long to realize that I wanted to win you, if that’s the way I should put this.”

  “It’s not a bad way. I’m sorry. This isn’t how I wanted to do any of this.”

  “If you had your way, you would have married that woman from Charth.”

  “True.”

  “So, if I want to win you, I need to fully support you. That wasn’t too hard to figure out. But there’s another point. I have to be honest about it, or we’re both going to be miserable. If we were to get married, and I’ve only supported you to win, and then that changes, we’re both going to be miserable. At times, I may need you to help me remember this conversation, or to walk me through, like you have done here. I hate this part, but I understand, and I’m not going to make this difficult for you. What do you want me to do?”

  “I want you to go home. Reconnect with your family. See to your old duties. At least until Grandmother gets here, we’ll spend time. Even after she’s here, we’ll spend time, but not as often.”

  “I want to see you no less often than weekly,” she replied. “Is that a fair request?”

  “Entirely fair, and I’m going to try for far more often than that. I don’t know if sharing my bed is going to be possible.”

  “While I’m not necessarily happy about that, either, I think we’ve determined we’re more than compatible there.”

  I grinned. “Agreed.”

  “Darfelsa, you need to do what is best for you and for your sister. I understand that. If you choose someone else instead of me, I’ll be devastated, but I will support you, and I’ll understand. I’ll have had adventures no one else could have had, and they were really, really good adventures. I don’t regret any of it, and I won’t suddenly change my mind. I’ve had a fabulous time together.”

  “This isn’t goodbye.”

  “No, but if you come to me and tell me you’re picking someone else, I probably won’t be in any shape to say this then.”

  I felt like shit, and I turned away, staring at the wall. “I asked for permission to marry you.”

  “What?!”

  “The day we got back.” I turned to face her again. “Father said I had his permission only if Mother and Ahlianna both support you.”

  “He did?”

  “That was when they said they’ll need to spend time with you. But it’s also when Mother told me about Grandmother.”

  “Darfelsa!” She crushed me to her. “Darling.”

  “I didn’t want to talk to you about any of this while you were still enslaved, or during recovery. I was waiting. The tickle fight this morning was the signal.”

  She laughed. “I’ll keep that in mind in the future. You cheated, by the way.”

  “Not once did I head butt you.” She laughed again, then crushed me more tightly for a moment. “I’m sorry,” I whispered.

  “You have to give them a real opportunity, and you fall in love far too easily for my good, right about now. Darfelsa, do what you need to do.”

  I nodded and clung to her for a while.

  She left a half hour later, and I felt like shit.

  * * * *

  We wouldn’t handle things quite like I had planned, but I’ll get to that shortly. Grandmother arrived. She brought people with her, but I didn’t ask names or even how many. There was a family dinner, with everyone trying to be civil. My suitors didn’t come up. I certainly wasn’t going to bring it up, and no one else did.

  Grandmother was actually on her version of her best behavior. She didn’t snipe at Father or Mother, and she even expressed approval of some of the things Father had been doing. That actually turned into an interesting conversation, and I realized that Grandmother knew everything that was going on, or appeared to.

  She asked Ahlianna about the things she’d been working on. And then she asked, “How was your mission to Ressaline?”

  “It had rocky moments, but overall, I think it went as well as could be hoped.”

  “You’re getting some interesting experience,” she observed.

  She made not a single cutting remark, and she appeared to honestly be interested. We reached the end of the meal with a few astute comments, but none I felt were spiteful.

  “Grandmother,” I said. “Ahlianna and I would like a conversation with you, just the three of us.”

  “What an excellent idea,” Father said before Mother could explain. “Will this be a long conversation?”

  “Not too long.”

  “Perhaps the three of you will find Ralifta and me, and we can engage in a friendly game for an hour or so.”

  “We’ll find you,” I said. “My office, Sister?”

  “Sure,” she agreed.

  Grandmother lifted an eyebrow, but she didn’t argue with us. We made our way to my office, and then I indicated seats. There was already a fresh pot of hot tea waiting. Grandmother lifted an eyebrow at that as well, but she accepted her cup. Then, before I could say a word, she said, “I want to thank both of you for our previous conversation.”

  “That sounded like sarcasm, Darfelsa,” Ahlianna said.

  “Well, it’s not,” Grandmother said. “I don’t see either of you anywhere near often enough, and I don’t know you as well as I would prefer. I got a good taste of your mettle. Furthermore, it is so much easier for me to get what I want when I learn that my existing methods are failing.”

  “You say that openly?” Ahlianna asked.

  “Why not?” she replied. “I am not your enemy, girls. I know it seems that way at times, but I am not.”

  She was taking control of the conversation, which I hadn’t anticipated, and while I realized that was what she was doing, I wasn’t at all sure how to yank it back from her.

  “It wasn’t a pleasant experience, and while you may have gone away with some satisfaction at having confronted me, I’m not sure either of you would say you enjoyed it, either.”

  “You’re probably right,” Ahlianna agreed.

  “I’m not too old to learn new tricks,” she said. “Or to simply switch between old tricks.” Then she surprised me again. She had control of the conversation, and she handed it back to me. “I wanted to say that when I had the chance. Thank you for the opportunity. I’m sure that’s not why you arranged this meeting. What did you want to say, Darfelsa?”

  I sipped at my tea, trying to recover. Ahlianna and I had already discussed this, and she was going to let me manage the conversation. I set my tea aside and then said, “I want to point out a few things that you know, but I want to point them out anyway.”

  “Reviewing facts can be useful to focus a conversation,” Grandmother replied.

  “Not quite 30 years ago, you achieved a phenomenal success. You married your daughter to the future king. And a few years later, he proclaimed her not consort, but queen.”

  “Your mother had more to do with that than
I did.”

  “False modesty?” I asked. “Let’s not play that game.”

  “Well, she did.”

  I shook my head. “You prepared her. You got her there. You kept her there.”

  “But she was the one who charmed him,” Grandmother replied. “And do you really think she learned to be charming from me?”

  I couldn’t help it. I laughed. So did Ahlianna. Finally I asked, “How did that happen?”

  “My sister.”

  “Valsine’s grandmother?”

  “The very one,” she confirmed. “My sister could charm anyone, and your mother adored her.”

  “I wish I could have met her,” Ahlianna said.

  “Well,” I said. “Nevertheless, your daughter is the Queen of Flarvor.” Grandmother inclined her head. “You could not possibly have achieved more.”

  “That isn’t entirely true,” Ahlianna said. “I could have been a boy.”

  “Yes, well, that part is next,” I said. “Grandmother, Ahlianna, my sister, your granddaughter, is our future queen and ruling monarch. You didn’t seem to accept that idea the last time we talked about it.”

  “Of course, I am pleased. I couldn’t possibly be more pleased.”

  “Yes, well… I need you to publicly support her.”

  “I have been.”

  “I need you to begin speaking of her as our future ruling monarch.”

  “Darfelsa,” she said intently. “I have been.”

  I stared. “You have?”

  “Of course, I have. Oh, I was carefully not the first, but I’ve been laying groundwork for a decade. Do you really think I let myself stand behind the times?”

  I stared, not sure what to say, but then I blurted, “I need to see it.”

  “If you would come for friendly visits, you would have by now. I’ll be here in Barrish, and one presumes there will be events, and so you’ll have your opportunity.”

  I turned to Ahlianna. “Did you know this?”

  “No. Grandmother can seem like a very large, blunt hammer, but she usually works behind the scenes.”

  “Was that everything you wanted to say, Darfelsa?”

  “No. Ahlianna is our future queen, and I will be her right hand. She calls me her problem solver. Father is giving me opportunities.”

  “And so far, you have done well with them.”

  “Thank you. They weren’t that difficult.”

  “Who told you the agreements in Gandeet were lopsided?”

  “That was obvious.”

  “Who told you?”

  “No one had to tell me.”

  “Who pointed out they need us more than we need them? Who told you the solution was to our north? Who taught you to have a backup plan when you’re bluffing.”

  I smiled. “I wasn’t bluffing.”

  “Your father sent you to deal with a minor issue regarding the licensing of transportation companies. Instead, you shook things up and set the stage to readdress every inequity generated over the last decade and a half.”

  “All that because I successfully portrayed a spoiled princess throwing a tantrum.”

  “I don’t care how you did it; I care that you did it. And I think Leander agrees with that. I wasn’t there, so I can’t comment on whether that’s an accurate portrayal.”

  “It’s only accurate because she is a princess,” Ahlianna said. “And so, everyone forgets that one can be a strong-willed man, but on a woman, it’s seen as throwing a tantrum.”

  “Well, I think we’re off the path of the conversation Darfelsa intended. Do go on.”

  “I’m to be her problem-solver. I’m not going to stay home and be pretty.”

  “That’s good, then.”

  “Are we both having the same conversation?”

  “I am not doddering yet, Granddaughter,” Grandmother replied. “Darfelsa, I am proud of my daughter, and of what she has accomplished. I am personally quite pleased to be Mother to the Queen. I thrive in that role. I love both of you, and I’m proud of both of you. I am Grandmother to the future ruling monarch. The only part about this I don’t like is that to see Ahlianna on the throne, it means a tragedy has occurred. I may be willing to fight with your father, but I’m the first to tell anyone else that he’s been a fabulous king, and we’re living in prosperous times directly due to his leadership. With any luck at all, I won’t actually live to see Ahlianna seated on the throne.”

  “Grandmother Malthria,” Ahlianna whispered.

  Grandmother had taken the conversation back. I didn’t think she was lying. I believed her, and that made me question my own judgment. She waited, and when I sat there, unsure what to say, she smiled. “I don’t think you’re done, Darfelsa. You’ve gotten everything you wanted from this conversation so far. What is next?”

  “Are you really going to support me in my choice?”

  “The agreement with Ralifta is that you will give my recommendations an honest opportunity.”

  “You screwed that up, Grandmother,” Ahlianna said. “You wasted your opportunity by sending men. The writing should have been on the wall, even from your home, a lot sooner than you read it.”

  “Oh, please,” Grandmother replied. She shook her head. “Let’s not hide from the truth. I’m here, with my young ladies, because you know future choices are going to have more success with my support. And that is because I am very, very good at politics, played my way. And, I dare say, the two of you think that’s a dirty word.”

  “A necessary evil,” Ahlianna said.

  “So keep that in mind,” Grandmother continued. She put on a new tone. “I offered Darfelsa several very good boys, but my granddaughter knows her own heart. She is choosing a difficult path of responsibility and duty, and she needs someone to support her, just like my daughter supports her husband. It took me time to realize that, but then I cast my eye about for just the right woman.”

  I stared. “You just came up with that.”

  “Oh, please,” she said again. “All right. I came up with those words, but the writing was quite clear, Darfelsa. Quite clear from the very beginning, and maybe even before the very beginning.”

  “You’re really behind us?”

  “Ahlianna is right and wrong. No, I don’t wish she were born a boy. I am quite happy she is exactly who she is. But it would have been easier.” She laughed. “And boring. This is going to be a whole lot more fun. As for you, I admit: it took me time to accept the writing. But there’s always more than one way to get what I want.”

  “What is it you want?”

  “So many things. First, a strong crown, and a prosperous country. Influence. I want my granddaughters to visit more often. I know; I’m not an easy person to visit. I don’t smell like freshly baked bread and let you sit on my lap, offering you sweets.”

  “I think we’re a little old for that,” Ahlianna said.

  “Still, I’ve made my point.” She pointed a finger back and forth. “I will support both of you in your choices, but I want what I want.”

  “You want me to pick one of your ladies.”

  “I do,” she said. “But the agreement is you will give them an honest opportunity.”

  “You’re aware they’re coming from behind,” Ahlianna pointed out.

  “I am aware,” she replied. “Ahlianna, I will support your eventual rise to the throne. I will see it from the grave, so I’ll do what I can before that happens. I offer that support without condition. I will support your choice of suitor and eventual consort, but you will allow me to present a few choices, and you will come visit me from time to time. You will also arrange for me to have more invitations here. Don’t worry; I don’t intend to live here. I like my home, especially in the summer. But even the winter storms are beautiful.”

  “I hope you’ll come for my birthday,” Ahlianna said.

  “Then I will.” She shifted her gaze. “I will support your choice. I know my offerings are coming in late. I miscalculated. I didn’t expect you to rush off to Res
saline for months. You are not obligated to choose one of them, but you are obligated to give them a chance.”

  I nodded. “I will, but I’m also going to be honest with them.”

  “Good,” she said. “A little subtlety never hurt, but she should know what she’s getting into.”

  “And do they, these ladies you have brought?”

  “Some, but I’m leaving that for you. After all, you need to feel like you pushed back by eliminating a few.”

  “I can’t believe you said that!”

  “This is why Leander finds me frustrating,” she said. “He never knows when I’m going to speak the bald truth, especially when I anticipate something he’s not ready to tell me.”

  “I’ll give them their opportunity.”

  “Good. Is it my turn yet? I have a fresh topic, although it’s related to everything we’ve discussed.”

  “I don’t want to talk specifics about your ladies,” I said.

  “This is something else. Darfelsa, you have been abroad too much. It’s time for you to be seen about the country.”

  “That’s already been discussed,” Ahlianna said.

  “And you need some domestic successes. There are a few in my area for you to solve. You should come solve them.”

  “Are you just leaving them there for me?”

  “They’re real problems, and the people who need nudging are familiar with my tricks.”

  “And yet, you didn’t answer me.”

  “I could probably solve them, but I would probably create new ones,” she said. “So I’ve backed away.”

  “I’m not sure I’m the one who picks where I go next.”

  “Who decided you should go to Ressaline?” She smiled. “But the crown princess is right here. I just didn’t want this conversation behind your back.”

  “She’s right, Sis,” Ahlianna said. “Father was actually talking about sending me, but I think you should go.”

  “Winter on the coast,” I said.