Tiara- Part Two

by Robin Roseau

  “If this is your biggest fault, you’re doing quite well,” Grandmother added. Then she shifted her gaze to my wife. “You are too anxious to prove yourself. Calm down. Your wife couldn’t be more in love, and you have the respect of your in-laws. Focus on handling all your responsibilities with distinction, and only add new responsibilities at a rate that allows the highest of quality.”

  Shalendra looked at me. I shrugged. “When Grandmother offers advice, it’s nearly always worth at least hearing, even if you decide you don’t know how to take it to heart.”

  “Thank you, Malthria,” Shalendra said. “I’ll consider your words.” She paused. “I just-”

  “You have a confidence problem,” Grandmother said, cutting her off. “You feel the need to prove your worth, not only to your wife and the others around her, and to me and presumably your wife’s immediate family, but I think also to yourself. You’re concerned your duties are primarily as a bed playmate.”

  “Hey!” I complained.

  “Do you think I’m wrong?” Grandmother asked without taking her gaze from Shalendra.

  “She’s more than a bedmate.”

  “I know that, but does she?”

  “She should,” I said, looking at my wife.

  “You rely on Renishta more than you do Shalendra,” Grandmother pointed out. “Which you should. But Shalendra sees that and is frustrated. She shouldn’t be, but she is.”

  “Renishta has been with Darfelsa for years,” Shalendra said. “And she’s exceedingly good besides.”

  “She is,” Grandmother agreed. “Speaking of that, what are you doing to advance your aide’s career?”

  “Excuse me?”

  “She’s too good to remain your aide for her entire life. With a little care, she could be running a ministry long before she’s my age.”

  I turned to the woman in question, who put on a determined expression. “I don’t care,” she said. “Princess, I don’t care about promotions.” I studied her, and she asked, “Do you think I vowed myself to you casually?”

  “Of course not.”

  “This position isn’t a stepping stone for me. I can’t imagine a more interesting life. I can’t imagine better friends. I can’t imagine anyone offering more respect than I get now.”

  I turned to Grandmother. “What do you say to that?”

  Grandmother was watching Renishta. “What works at her age isn’t going to work so well at twice that age. Are you going to let her look back, twenty years from now, and wonder what happened? No husband? No children? No real home of her own? Forever bound to follow you around, and now it may be too late to build the other things in life she never admitted she wanted?”

  “Maybe I don’t want a husband,” Renishta said to her. “Maybe I want a wife.”

  “Do you?”

  “Right now, I want my life exactly the way it is.”

  “Darfelsa,” Grandmother said. “It is your responsibility to periodically hold this kind of conversation with your staff. The frequency is probably tied to your own schedule. Crisis or while you’re on the road isn’t necessarily the right time.”

  “You’re right,” I replied.

  “Then I’ve made the important point,” Grandmother said. “Far be it from me to tell someone else how to live her life.” I didn’t say a word to that. “Now, I will be frustrated if it’s five years before you visit me again.”

  “You may need to come to Barrish,” I said.

  “You don’t need to stay as long as you did this time,” she countered. “There’s no reason you and your sister can’t come this way during your summer visit to the coast. We have a perfectly nice coast right here.” Then she grinned. “Or convince your mother to invite me to join you.”

  “I think I’ll leave that between you and Mother.”

  “We were just discussing how she and I struggle to communicate, Granddaughter.”

  “You’re not that incompetent,” I replied. “You can write her a note, including your own availability, and see what happens. Stop browbeating her. If you need something, talk to me. If your visits were less contentious, don’t you think everyone would enjoy them more?”

  “But your father enjoys sparring with me.”

  “You know, that might actually be true. I’ve never asked him. But Mother hates it. To her, it feels like you’re fighting, and it makes her decidedly uncomfortable.”

  She stared at me. “She has to understand-”

  “No, Grandmother, she doesn’t. And neither did Ahlianna or I in our younger years. It still feels like fighting, but at least I’ve grown to understand that at least some of it is simply sparring, not distinctly different than my morning time with Mariya. But Mother only sees the bruises.”

  “This time it is my turn to suggest you may be right,” she replied. “Then do this, Granddaughter. Tell your mother you had a pleasant visit, and we didn’t fight, not once. We didn’t fight, did we?”

  “No, Grandmother, we didn’t.”

  “We discussed differences like two sane adults.”

  “We did,” I agreed. “It was decidedly refreshing.”

  “And you’ll tell her that.”

  “I will,” I said.

  She nodded. “Thank you.” She paused. “I would have liked to attend Ahlianna’s birthday celebration.”

  “I think she and I are both growing a little too old for those,” I said. “We’re using them as an excuse for Gionna and Olivia to visit.”

  “If it weren’t so far, and if I weren’t so old, I’d ask for an invitation north with you,” Grandmother replied. She sighed. She actually sighed. “All you girls are so young. Enjoy life while you can. I’m sending a present for your sister.”

  “I’ll make sure she gets it.”

  “I think I’m turning maudlin, which looks decidedly unpleasant on me, and so I am going to retire. I will see you off in the morning.”

  In the morning, she looked far more like normal, if one discounts the hugs she asked for.

  Olivia

  I couldn’t tell you who was happier.

  It was a significant group that rode through the palace gates. Olivia had reserved The Green Room, but they had come here first, and it was significant.

  Ahlianna had tried to hide it, but I knew she was excited to see Gionna. Mother hadn’t tried to hide it at all and had spent weeks planning no end of events.

  Olivia, Gionna, and Allium arrived wearing large, large smiles. Somewhere along the way, Olivia and Gionna had changed out of their leather and were dressed in Barrish fashions. They looked stunning.

  Valsine was there, of course, and it appeared most of Allium’s staff from the embassy, most of them women I considered friends. I saw red-resin gloves on several, which amused me.

  Bee and Dee were there, and Ahm as well.

  Greetings were exchanged, long, long greetings. Mother and Allium hugged for a long time, as did Gionna and Ahlianna. I got my own hugs, several of them lengthy. Father offered a few formal words of greeting. Mother said, “I imagine you would like to settle in, but anyone who doesn’t have other plans is welcome to informal dinner tonight. Olivia, I do hope you will bring the very delightful Bee and Dee. And Ahm is entirely welcome as well.”

  “I will,” Olivia agreed.

  “When Mother said ‘everyone’, she is being quite expansive,” Ahlianna added. “But perhaps some of you will arrive early, and we can coordinate plans for your visit.”

  * * * *

  It was perhaps an hour later that found several of us gathered in the library. “All right,” Mother said. “We have a few formal events planned. What I would like to know is what else you would like to do.”

  “Other than spending time with our friends,” Olivia answered, “We would like to experience those things Barrish offers we don’t get to see at home. We are also engaged in cultural outreach.”

  “So restaurants,” Mother said. “Theater. Museums. Shopping.”

  “Not just museums,” I said.
“But art galleries, too.”

  “Exactly,” Gionna agreed. “And we want to meet people, not only the women of society, but their daughters, too.”

  “And the daughters of crafters,” Olivia added.

  “Women who might like to come for a visit,” I supplied, “And others who may look for opportunity.”

  “Yes. On our return trip, we would like to take a somewhat meandering route.”

  “Meandering, how?” Ralifta asked.

  “We thought we would return to Tebradine, and then briefly cross the border to refresh a few pleasure slaves. But then we’d like to roam eastward through northern Flarvor.”

  “Visiting farming communities,” I supplied.

  “Exactly.”

  “Assuming Father won’t mind, Shalendra and I will go with you. For that matter, I am assigned to you for the duration of your visit.”

  “Mother and I also want to enjoy your time while you’re here,” Ahlianna added.

  “We anticipated some of this,” Mother said. “Darfelsa and Ahlianna have described a dance event you do. I have a question. If I were to partake, am I obligated to allow a kiss?”

  “I think, Ralifta,” Olivia said, “That no one is obligated to offer any more affection than she finds comfortable. Perhaps that is a hug and a kiss upon your cheek.”

  “That rule is defined for our society,” Gionna said. “And the rules are different.” She turned to Olivia. “We should adjust the rule, but I do not wish to be too lenient.” She grinned.

  “Oh, we mustn’t be too lenient,” Olivia agreed. “Only sufficiently lenient that no one avoids our event because she is afraid of a kiss.”

  “Good,” Mother said. “Because I’ve arranged musicians this evening.” She offered a little laugh. “I told Leander he may dance only as long as he is invited, and once the invitations stop, or your game begins, he may excuse himself.”

  I hadn’t known that and grinned. “What was his response, Mother?”

  “Remarkably calm,” she replied. “No one is obligated to invite him to dance, but I know he hopes for invitations from many of the people in this room.”

  “Does that mean us, too?” Dee asked.

  “Only after you have danced with me,” Mother replied easily. “Olivia, I do not wish to take liberties with your slaves.”

  “Ralifta, is there any reason I can’t bring them to every event at the palace? That’s an honest question. Allium couldn’t answer me.”

  “We would love to have them,” Mother replied.

  “Mother,” Ahlianna said. “We should make sure the Guard knows that none of the slaves may be taken away against her will. Olivia, I’m not sure that’s sufficient.”

  “None of the slaves should be taken from the common room, whichever that is at the time, unless she is either with her owner or escorted by someone currently in this room. Bee and Dee know how to keep themselves safe, but some of the others might not.”

  “Is that a problem?” Mother asked.

  “During their first visit, I tried to free them,” Allium said. “We talked about it, if you remember. Others might try more forcibly. And some slaves are very poor at saying ‘no’ to someone who isn’t authorized to issue them orders. I’m not sure how well Ahm has been tested in that fashion.”

  “She hasn’t been,” Gionna said. “And I don’t want to teach her to distrust someone I want her to trust.”

  “It’s a pity Grandmother isn’t here,” I suggested. “If you want us to test her, the Minister of Culture would be a good choice.”

  “You know?” Gionna replied. “No. But thank you.”

  I nodded. “The biggest danger tonight, then, is one of the staff being a little too curious.”

  “I’ll ensure they aren’t,” Ahlianna offered.

  “You know,” Olivia said, speaking slowly. “I wouldn’t mind if some of the palace staff danced with us.”

  “I forbid you from luring palace staff away, Olivia!” Mother said a little indignantly. I wasn’t sure if it was an act.

  Olivia smiled. “Staff generally come with families, and those family members may be available for opportunity.”

  “Oh, that’s certainly true,” Mother agreed. “But we’re agreed there will be no stealing of my staff.”

  “Absolutely no stealing.”

  “I will spread the word that the women would be welcome to join once the dancing begins,” Ahlianna offered.

  From there, we made more plans.

  * * * *

  I danced. Oh, did I dance. Father was popular, and it amused me to see him graciously accept requests to dance. I never saw him decline, and he ended up dancing with people he may not have otherwise. I thought it was sweet. Eventually, Mother evicted him when it came time for Hunters and Prey.

  Only a few members of the staff danced, but they became equally popular. I saw Major Bess with one of mother’s maids. The woman had her eyes closed and the biggest smile on her face I’d ever seen from her. Two of the kitchen staff carried similar expressions, and one young page looked like she’d never been happier.

  Once Father was gone, Gionna explained Hunters and Prey. But then she knelt down and gestured to the page. The girl stepped forward. Gionna said, “I hope you’ll stay. You’ll have a lot of fun. Someone will catch you.”

  “She’ll want to kiss me.”

  “She’ll kiss your cheek,” she said. “And perhaps ask for a hug. Would that be okay?” The girl nodded. “I want you to look around. I’m going to ask you a question, but then you’re going to whisper the answer to me. Is there anyone here who it would upset you if she catches you?”

  The girl looked around and then whispered for a moment. Gionna smiled and said, “All right then. So, you’ll stay?” The girl nodded. “Excellent.”

  I decided not to worry about it. She was safe here tonight, and I think that conversation was more for everyone else than the girl in question.

  Shalendra stepped to my side. “I’m going to catch you.”

  “Oh, please,” I replied. “Half the people in this room have their eye on you.”

  She laughed. “Only as long as I’m beside you. Are you going to be a hunter?”

  “No. Do I need to offer a cheek?”

  “If you want, but I’m not going to.” She grinned at me. Then she handed a blindfold to me. I laughed and asked her to tie it over my eyes.

  She kept me for about thirty seconds. It was my own sister who stole me from her, but then I heard a cry of outrage, and Gionna’s name. I decided the Princess of Ressaline had just converted my wife to prey.

  I was passed around, which was the entire point of the game, until I ended up in Lisolte’s arms. I melted against her.

  She’d been my First, after all.

  “How are you, Princess?” she whispered into my ear. “Congratulations on your marriage.”

  “Thank you.”

  “Someone is coming up behind you,” she said. “She’s currently mine.”

  I felt resin hands on my arms, and then Viella said, “Hello, Princess.”

  “Have you decided to keep me, Lisolte?”

  “Yes. I want the three of us to capture your wife as well,” she said. “When it’s time, cooperate with Vi.”

  It was another minute later, and then there was a spin. I lost Lisolte, but Vi guided my hands, and I found someone’s arm. I clasped and gave a little tug, finding a warm woman in my arms. There was a good-natured complaint, and then Vi guided us away. A moment later, Vi said, “Lisolte.” And I felt as someone stepped up behind Shalendra.

  “How many people am I dancing with?” Shalendra asked.

  “Only three others,” I said with a giggle.

  “I thought you were blindfolded.”

  “I am. Lisolte wanted both of us.”

  “Oh. Well, that’s okay, then.”

  The four of us danced as a unit, and then the song ended. “Do either of you have additional duties?” Lisolte asked.

  “No.”

>   “Take us to your quarters.” She claimed Shalendra, and Vi took my arm. I gave verbal directions, but once we were in the right corridor, Lisolte asked one of the ubiquitous pages, “Is this the princess’s room?”

  Once inside, with the door closed, sweet kisses were exchanged in several combinations, and then we collapsed together on the bed, giggling.

  It didn’t turn into some sort of sex party, although eventually we all got ready for bed, loaning Lisolte some night clothes, and we cuddled together.

  It was nice, really quite nice.

  * * * *

  We did, indeed, show the Ressalines about town, not normally all at once. And we provided introductions, again in small, shifting groups. From those introductions, we lured daughters to attend additional events, which turned into dances, and touches, and invitations to travel to Charth when we left.

  Most of those offers were declined, but not all. And some of those people who originally declined came back, asking whether the opportunities remained open.

  When we left Barrish, it was with an additional eight women who would experience their Firsts.

  * * * *

  We made our way to Tebradine, and then we crossed the river. The temporary slaves had all returned to normal, but they made more. My staff approached me, Renishta serving as spokeswoman. “We would like to know what you need from us, Princess.”

  “You’re asking if I want you to accept challenges, aren’t you?”

  “Not exactly,” she replied. “We want to know if you mind if we do.”

  I laughed. “We have no official duties, except to provide good will.”

  “We don’t know if we’ll be very good.”

  “Did you come with a plan?”

  “Probably not a very good plan.”

  “Well, maybe we should make this a wider audience.” And so we collected Olivia, Gionna, Allium, Valsine, and Shalendra. As soon as Shalendra realized what was going on, she said, “Wife, I want a practice challenge with you.”

  I laughed. “Sure. Duration?”

  “Until the next time we set foot in Ressaline.”

  “I could take you south and keep you forever,” I told her.

  “Not if you want children.”

  “As much fun as this sounds, I don’t think I should traipse around Flarvor as your slave, and while I think I have an edge, it’s not guaranteed.”