by Cheryl Oblon
The princess was the twin of the younger boy. They were both beautiful, with such similar features only their clothing betrayed their gender. The girl’s name was Evangel. The ambassador, Cliter, was a fussy-looking old man. All my studying had stuck, thankfully.
Two more men walked forward before the king and his family. They weren’t dressed like the guards. One was armed to the teeth and looked protective. A personal bodyguard, perhaps. I tried to dip into their minds, but with so many new ones, I’d need to go at them one by one.
“That girl is pretty,” the queen said.
Was she thinking of a match between the girl and Nemal? An alliance? That’s the sense I got, but before I could ask, the queen and Minnette walked toward the guests with Remmy, LeFawn, and Nemal in tow.
“Welcome,” the queen said.
The king nodded. “My brother, Savan and my personal guard, Lyntor. I hope you don’t mind a couple of additions. With my children here, as well, I feel safer.”
“I understand completely. I hope you enjoy the feast we have planned. We have rooms prepared whenever you want to retire.” The queen walked next to the king toward the head table, where they all fell into place. The seats were assigned, and I had no idea where mine was.
I locked eyes with Nemal, and he nodded. I was across from him, sort of at an angle, next to the king’s brother. Lovely.
I sat and nodded. Savan was a warrior and talked of his hunting conquests and feats of strength. I traded looks with Nemal off and on. As expected, Nemal chatted with the Bachal princess plenty.
“Is that your husband, Lady Kimess?” Savan asked, and he pointed to Nemal.
“No, sir. I’m not quite old enough for marriage to anyone.” My cheeks burned.
“Oh. Our people marry younger. More children.” He stabbed his meat with enough force to kill the bird if it weren’t already dead.
“I’m sure you know Lazrel culture takes a moderate view to reproduction. Too many can drain the family’s or even the country’s resources.” I tried to be insightful, but a hush fell over the table.
“We think the more children, the better. More hunters. More mothers. More people to fight and live in Bachal!” the king declared.
I tried to sidestep any confrontation. “Isn’t it nice we can meet and exchange views?”
Food kept us busy for a while, and then it was time for talk. Pleasant, relaxing chat, nothing controversial in my conversation. Remmy and the elder prince were having an animated discussion while LeFawn entertained Evangel. I strolled by them all to get a sense. None of the children were dangerous. They all wanted peace and harmony.
Savan wanted to conquer our country, but he wanted to conquer every woman at the party, as well. His nature was no help. The king was hiding his needs. All that was left was to chat with the Bachal queen.
As I headed over, Marel walked up.
“Do you need anything, Lady?” she asked.
“I’m fine. Are you having fun?”
She fidgeted. “Very much. The food and the people. I should’ve dressed better, and my hair is not done properly.”
“Don’t worry about it. With so many people here, I could’ve worn the blue gown, and no one would’ve noticed,” I said.
“The queen would’ve,” she replied.
“You’ve got me there.” I nodded.
The Bachal queen strode up, and I felt Marel ready to bolt. I grabbed her arm. “Your Majesty. Are you enjoying the reception?”
“It’s very nice. I hope it all goes smoothly.” The queen looked uncomfortable speaking to us alone.
“Is something wrong?” I asked.
“You weren’t the seer last time. I don’t know why the change.” The queen’s defenses were up.
“I understand. My mother was that seer, and she fell gravely ill. It’s not a trick or anything that would gain an advantage,” I said plainly.
The queen seemed relieved and hesitant. “I’m sorry to hear about your mother. It’s good to know why. Changes can be dangerous. They lead to suspicions. I prefer to ask than let my husband wonder.” She glanced at her husband and his brother.
“So, Savan is new to the negotiation party?” I asked.
She shrugged. “He wanted to protect his brother.”
It’d make more sense to me if he or one of the male heirs stayed home, since they inherited along the male line. But I kept that to myself. Perhaps they wanted to show no fear. Men could be reckless to impress others.
“That’s very kind, but you and your husband are no danger. Good neighbors are important.” I looked at Marel, who seemed ready to faint.
“I suppose,” the queen said.
“Well, we were on our way to fetch some wine, if you’d like to join us.” I couldn’t walk away rudely.
“No, I’m going to check on my daughter. Thank you.” She walked off.
Marel and I headed for a quiet corner and found a servant with wine on the way.
“She was scary. Strong women are one thing, but she wasn’t well-mannered,” Marel said.
I shook my head. “Their manners are very different from ours. But at least we answered one question I’m sure they all had. Some are paranoid.”
“And desperate. Their winter was harsh. Short of supplies. I don’t think it’ll be an easy treaty this time. But you’ll help.” Marel sipped her wine.
Minnette strolled by on the arm of her fiancé, and I nodded politely. Her glare was cold as ice, but I smiled on. I hadn’t seen Julianne here. I needed to check on her at some point soon.
But it was another relative’s presence that made me stand and take notice. I looked for escape as I felt her anger and rage all directed at me. Without seeing her, I knew this was trouble. My aunt loved to make a scene.
Chapter 8
Aunt Elani was my father’s sister. Tall and curvy, she intimidated with a look. She’d married well but lived on the other side of the country, so I’d never met her husband. My mother never wanted to me to visit my aunt alone because the friends she had were a bit on the wild side so, at times, she came to see us.
Wearing a red dress, she calmly headed toward me. She wasn’t making a scene, yet, but people took notice. Had she even been invited?
She towered over me. “I’m sorry to hear about your mother, Kimess.”
“Thank you,” I replied. “This is my attendant, Marel.”
My aunt smirked at Marel. “The social structure here is ridiculous. With droids, why would anyone need a living servant? The monarchy loves to flaunt its power.”
“You’re going to talk like that here?” I asked.
Instead of a hug or an apology, she leaned in with a harsh whisper. “Have you even seen your father?”
“He’s in the dungeon,” I replied. “I’m not exactly free to roam about the castle. I’m under guard, as well, Aunt.”
She waved at me dismissively. Mother always said Elani thought she should be the queen. She’d normally been nice to me, but things were different, now. My entire life would be very different. I couldn’t do a damn thing about it.
“You’re locked up, too? You can exert your power when you like and play the victim when it suits you. You’re clearly in much better comfort than my brother, I see.” She glared at the room. “I should speak to the queen.”
“I don’t think that’ll help. Not now. This is a sensitive diplomatic reception. Can we get you some wine?” I nodded to Marel.
“No, I don’t want wine.” She pulled me into a corner.
Luckily, Marel had already dashed off and, if she had any common sense, would probably be pulling Nemal into the drama soon.
“Were you even invited?” I asked.
“Don’t you speak to me that way because you’re the ruler now. You’re not my ruler, and you’re still a child. Your father is in the dungeon, and you haven’t even been trying to help him.” She moved in closer.
The fear rolled off her like bad perfume.
I understood the fear, but instead of trying to help me, she threw it all on my shoulders? How sweet.
“Help him? He left me and my mother. I haven’t seen him in at least six months. He ran when the guards tried to talk to him. Did he care about me and what happened? Did he ask the guards if I was okay?” Two could play the accusation game.
“Of course he cares. We all care.” Her flip to caring aunt meant she knew her aggressive approach had failed. I didn’t even need my magical powers to detect her retreat. Adults weren’t half as clever as they thought.
“But he ran. They have some reason they are keeping him the dungeon. What is it?” I asked.
She shrugged casually. “I have no idea. The monarch must protect herself. Her seer. So it can’t be your mother’s fault. She might blame it all on your father, and you’ll be an orphan.”
I took two steps forward, and she backed up. “I already am. I am the ruler of the fifth family. I am the Royal Seer, and you’d better learn to show respect for me.”
“I respect your powers, niece. But you aren’t old enough to run an estate. To handle this pressure. It’s unfair of the queen to ask this of you.” She pointed to the throne.
“Queens don’t ask; they command. I want to know what happened to my mother. I will do my duty to the crown, whatever it is. I don’t know what you want from me, but I doubt you were invited to this reception.” I spotted Nemal and two uniformed guards headed our way.
“I want you to help the family you have left. If you’re the ruler, that’s your job to protect and care for the family. That includes your father’s side.” She looked around and spotted the guards.
“I understand that, but my movements and communication have been very limited. Father has never made it any secret he’s not in favor of a strictly female monarchy.” I nodded to Nemal to move in.
“We do have freedom of speech. An opinion isn’t illegal. You’re closer in line to the throne, now, of course you’d side with them.” Her voice grew louder in protest as the guards took hold of her arms.
Nemal stood next to me. “We have to take her to the dungeon,” he said.
I nodded, and the guards dragged her away. “She thinks I’m against my father and his family because I’m tenth in line for the throne. Like my mother means nothing. As though my own mother is just another person out of the way. Can she be that horrible?”
“Even people who say they want free elections and democracy want their side to have the power when it comes down to it,” he said. “As long as their side wins, freedom is great. If you’re raised royal, you’re trained to think about everyone. What’s best for the people, not yourself. Because that’s your life—serving your people. There’s no end to the term.”
“Others don’t see the hardship and sacrifice.” Marel handed me a glass of water.
“Thank you,” I said.
“Any special requests?” Nemal asked.
I sipped my water and nodded. “Don’t put her too close to my father. They’ll be plotting something if you do.”
“It’s not my first day, Kimess.” He winked at me.
“Sorry, it is mine. I’m failing miserably.” I sighed.
“You’re wonderful, Lady Kimess,” Marel insisted.
“Thank you, but getting a lecture from my aunt is a great way to destroy my focus. Julianne said she’d make an appearance, and I don’t see her. But I should be working, not stressing about my family.” I rubbed my neck as the tension seemed to land there like a knot.
“You’re doing your best, and you absolutely should be checking on your family.” Nemal put a strong hand on my shoulder. “Tonight is just ceremony. There is a lot of that with the Bachal. They like to feel they are important and worth lavish dinners and dances. You’ll have plenty of time.”
It helped me to relax, for some reason.
“Remmy is doing quite well charming their crowned prince. I think he’ll be an excellent diplomat,” Marel added.
I glanced over. Diplomat yes. Right now, he was being a better flirt, but no one else seemed to notice.
“It’ll be okay. I’ll deal with your aunt. I think I see Julianne over there with LeFawn.” Nemal pointed.
“Thank you.” I headed over, walking as ladylike as possible.
“Is everything okay?” I asked.
“I’m sorry I’m late. Ember wasn’t feeling up to a huge group of people, and I had to find someone to sit with her. Everyone was so busy with the guests, and I prefer droids we program ourselves.” Julianne hugged me.
“I’d have done it,” Marel offered.
“That’s sweet, but I needed you here,” I said.
As I explained and introduced Marel and Julianne, an icy gaze made my skin tingle. I glanced and saw it was Minnette. LeFawn darted off as the guests headed up to their rooms.
“I’m sorry I didn’t come sooner,” Julianne said.
“Me, too. You missed the fireworks, but it’s probably for the best. Aunt Elani was in rare form.” I sat next to my cousin.
Julianne shook her head. “She was here? The nerve of that woman. I bet she bought herself a tiara to pretend she’s the queen.”
“Now, she’s in the dungeon,” Marel said.
I chuckled. It was wrong, but I did it, anyway. My father and aunt were adults, and they’d landed themselves in a dungeon. I’d managed to avoid it thus far. “I won’t end up there,” I said.
“Of course not,” Marel said soothingly.
“I didn’t mean it like that. I just…I want to help the queen. I’m not perfect, and I’ll make mistakes, but I’m going to find out what happened to my mother and serve the queen like she did. I don’t know what my father did to end up where he is, but I can’t change it now.” No one told me anything.
“He ran,” Marel said.
“That’s it?” Julianne asked.
“And he refused to talk when they caught him. He was headed for the border. Some are calling him a traitor. He’s not cooperating in the dungeon, either.” Marel sat. “I’m sorry the news isn’t better, but I want to help you. Attendants hear things. Guards chat a lot.”
I rolled my shoulders to alleviate the tension. “No—thank you. Someone is telling me the honest truth about what they know. You have no idea how valuable that is. It’s so hard, Marel. I can read people’s thoughts and emotions. Those are so honest, and yet, what comes out of their mouth never is. I can’t read everyone’s mind all the time and delve inside for their motives and alliances.”
“I’ll tell you the truth of whatever I know.” Marel stood as a guard approached.
“I’m to take you and Lady Kimess to your new quarters,” he said.
“New? Nemal didn’t say anything about new quarters.” I thought of my stash of notes.
“Queen’s orders. Your things have been moved to a suite large enough for Marel to have a bedroom and you to receive guests properly. It’s an improvement, my lady.” He waved for me to follow.
I wanted more time with my cousin. “I should thank the queen.”
“She’s gone to bed. In the morning, perhaps. My orders are to take you to your new chambers now,” he said.
“Very well.” I hugged Julianne. “I’ll talk to the queen and see if there is somewhere big enough for you and Ember to join me.”
Julianne smiled. “I’d like that, but no. Not with Ember needing to study and you doing all this diplomatic work. I don’t want her around the Bachal. She’s too little.”
“You’re right. As usual. I jumped in and didn’t think it all the way through. But I do want us to all be together,” I said.
“I know. Now, to bed with you. I’m glad you have a kind keeper.” Julianne nodded to Marel.
Secretly, I hoped that the guard outside my door might leave now that Marel would be around all the time. But I doubted it. As we walked higher in the castle, the room and halls were nicer, as well. Once in the suite, I closed the door and went straight for the
closet in my room. My blue dresses were there. The shoes, very good.
The bag! I yanked it open and pulled out the pages. They were mine, not blank replacements. My pages! I exhaled.
“You were worried?” Marel asked.
“It’s nothing, really. I just made some notes about the day I found my mother. Sort of like a diary since I couldn’t bring anything with me. These have every detail I could need in case they tried to trick me or question me later. I’ve had so much thrown at me, I needed something.” I sat on the huge bed and ordered the pages.
“You didn’t trust the tablet?” she asked.
“Would you?” I returned.
She shook her head. “I’ll get you more paper, and other personal things. Now, put it away and let’s get you out of that corset.”
A beep at the door made me groan. “Minnette,” I said as I sensed.
“It’s probably because of me,” Marel said.
“Maybe. She has enough venom to go around.” I stashed the papers and headed to the common living room.
Marel answered the door. Minnette entered like a queen.
“How dare you?” she asked.
“Forgive me. What did I dare do this time, Princess?” I kept my tone and expression neutral.
“Well, Nemal said your taking on Marel was his idea. I believe him so I’ll forgive you for that. You two belong together. But how dare you let your aunt cut the evening short with her dramatic outburst?” Minnette pointed an accusatory finger at me.
“Let? I didn’t let her do anything. Your guards should’ve stopped her. She wasn’t invited, certainly not by me. I don’t know that she cut the evening short, but I didn’t like her yelling at me any more than I enjoy this. The guards could’ve dragged her away at any moment. I’m sure they were monitoring what was said to get evidence. Are you going to charge me with something?” I asked.
She frowned. “I was supposed to announce my engagement tonight. He said we should delay for a while so I won’t be upstaged.”
“I’m so sorry, Minnette,” Marel said.