by Cheryl Oblon
“I’m so sorry I was wrong about Ballan. I never should’ve trusted him. Obviously, I’m not really ready to be the Royal Seer,” I said.
She held up a hand. “That’s not what I meant. Everyone can misjudge someone. Your powers haven’t been exercised enough. I spoke with your great aunt. I know your mother tried to keep you from flaunting or overusing your powers, but now you are free to use them. To trust them. Normally, it’s a gradual shift during a mentoring time, but you’ve missed out on that.”
“My aunt offered to help me,” I said.
“That’s wonderful. Don’t be afraid to do what is necessary. Practice with her. You protected yourself; that’s very good. We need you alive. So, just trust yourself. I do, and I know you’ll make mistakes. We all do. Minn will when she comes to power. That’s the way you learn. You’ll help her,” she said.
“I feel bad about Marel. She was dating him,” I said.
“You probably saved her life. You’re her friend, so he probably would have killed her after you. One thing you will learn; power means much is expected of you. However, don’t expect much sympathy. The job isn’t easy, but it’s important. We need to get the rebels under control. Protests and discussions are one thing. Attempting to kill people and infiltrating the castle isn’t trying to change the government.” She sat back.
“No, they’re trying to overthrow it. He knows about the vision my aunt had. The rebels believe it. If I die, they think we’ll lose a war. They’re betting that whoever wins will be better for them.” I shrugged. “It’s insane.”
“I agree. We don’t even know if the vision has anything to do with the departing guests.” She sighed.
“It’ll be nice to have things back to normal, I suppose,” I replied.
She eyed the room. “Very much.”
The dancing continued, and I spotted Marel in the corner. She was hiding and eating, but in her shoes, who wouldn’t? Her mother went about her business with an extra eye on her daughter. I resisted going over to talk to Marel. I’d only make it worse. Time would help.
I watched the room, and no one seemed to be having a good time. Nemal made the rounds and talked to his fellow men. I eavesdropped on his thoughts. This wasn’t the time for interrogation, but I’d catch them off guard.
Wine proved to be Remmy’s best friend. He’d had four glasses that I’d counted, and he wasn’t talking to anyone. Occasionally, he stared at Faldar but never for too long. I glanced at Minnette. I knew she knew Remmy was attracted to men but not if he’d shared his personal relationship with the other prince. I had to be careful with so many secrets rattling around in my brain.
Faldar stuck close to his father, as if trying to reestablish his loyalty. I watched discreetly, and his father finally said something that made Faldar leave. I dipped into their feelings, and it was tense.
The prince approached the main table and bowed. “Would you like to dance, Lady Kimess?”
The queen nodded.
“Thank you,” I said.
He led me onto the dance floor.
“Is everything ready for your departure?” I asked.
“We received your wine,” he said.
“Not exactly what I meant. Did you say goodbye to everyone you need to?” I shot a look at Remmy.
“I tried. We fought. He has the title but not the pressures.”
“It’s a different culture. Spending a little time together won’t make us fully appreciate what the other deals with. If you and your father could use some time apart, this might be a good time. A good excuse,” I said.
“A good excuse? Asylum? My father would start a war to get me back and reprogram me or kill me,” he said.
“That’s the truth you tell to the queen. Your troops here are a good excuse to want to stay. You and the queen can work it out once you’ve chosen your path.” I shrugged as I caught Nemal’s eye from across the room.
“She might not help me,” he said.
“There is only one way to find out. If you don’t love Remmy. If you don’t want to stay here…it’s okay. I’ll help Remmy as much as I can. But, if you’re both going to be miserable apart, that’s just stupid. The queen is clever.”
“I couldn’t go to her now. He’d see. He’s eager to go,” Faldar said.
“Not now.” I nodded. The dance ended, and we applauded.
Another song began, and I grabbed Zoma from another man. “My friend Zoma, the crowned Prince Faldar. Please dance. I need some water.”
I couldn’t make it any easier for him. He had to make the choice.
Sitting next to Remmy, I poured him water instead of wine. “Ballan nearly murdered me today.”
He frowned. “I heard. Why are you smiling?”
“I’m not dead. It’s odd how much of a relief that is. Being alive is not to be taken for granted. A traitor is in the dungeon. Marel is sad, but she’s safe. I need to work on my powers. Use them more.” I sighed. “I thought I was doing well, but I have so much more to learn.”
“I’m glad you’re okay. I know you talked to Faldar. Asylum?” he asked.
“It’s the best I could think of. I could hold him back by force. My powers could do that.” I smiled.
He chuckled. “Show-off.”
“But it wouldn’t help. It wouldn’t solve the problem. Love sucks because you both have to choose, risk, and trust each other so much. Throwing in titles and crowns and arranged marriages might be better,” I lied.
He laughed. “Your parents worked out so well.”
“That wasn’t really arranged. Well, I guess it was for spying from two different sides. It’s a miracle I exist.” I sipped my water.
“They had to provide an heir to look legitimate. It had to look real.” Remmy drummed his fingers on the table. “I told LeFawn I like men.”
“Not which one?” I asked.
“There’s no point to that. If I ever find another guy, maybe I’ll tell Mother.”
I smiled. “You realize she told me to find you the right woman and Minnette the right man? Since I’m stuck in the castle for a while, and the treaty is signed…not much else to do.”
“He better be brave,” he said.
“Minnette’s man? Oh, he will be. Calm, smart, and brave,” I said.
“Not hers,” Remmy said.
“I know. Yours. But don’t give up, yet. There is one last chance for Faldar to redeem himself.” I winked at Remmy.
“What did you do?” he asked.
“Maybe nothing. We’ll see. Dance with me,” I said.
He groaned but stood.
The ball ended, and the formal lines resumed. I stood at the queen’s left, Minnette at her right. As the Bachal group assembled on the relocator pad, there were pleasantries and dull remarks about friendship. All of it rang so false I resisted rolling my eyes.
I studied Faldar as he fidgeted. The ship was already in orbit over the opened dome. As the relocator engaged, one man didn’t disappear.
“What happened?” the queen asked.
Prince Faldar darted off the pad and knelt before the queen. “Your Majesty, I request asylum.”
“Close the dome. Shields and defenses at full,” Nemal said to the head of the guard.
Troops filled the room.
The queen frowned. “Asylum from your family? Your country?”
“May we speak in private? Lady Kimess knows about this,” Faldar said.
“She does?” the queen asked.
I bowed. “Privacy would be a very good idea, Your Majesty.”
As we headed to her private office, I grabbed Remmy’s hand and dragged him along. Minnette joined, of course, as did Nemal and LeFawn. Armed troops stood outside the door.
“Asylum?” the queen asked.
“It was the only thing I could think of. And my friend, Zoma, blocked his relocator signal because he asked for help. It’s all my fault; I set it up.” I stood before her.
; “Asylum from what?” she asked.
Faldar looked at me, and I nodded. She knew about his sexuality, but he had to ask for help. He had to make the plea for himself.
“Gays in my country live in secret, or they are reprogrammed. Medically corrected. I’ve hidden my sexuality all my life. The Bachal want more children. More warriors and mothers. I didn’t mean to do this to you. I didn’t mean to fall in love…” he said.
“In love? With whom?” she asked.
Faldar shook his head. “If we tell my father that I want asylum or why, he’ll never agree. It’ll be war. I probably won’t make it back alive, anyway.”
She held up her hand. “Who are you in love with? If you’re not honest, I won’t play any of these games or listen to anyone. You’ll be handed over to your family immediately.”
“It’s not a game,” I said.
“Politics is always a game. Diplomacy is an act. To put on the right show, we must know the players and the facts to create the right masks.” The queen smacked her desk. “Who?”
Remmy stepped forward. “It’s me, Mother. I’m sorry, I should’ve told you. We didn’t plan it or mean for it to happen. If it were safe, I’d go with him but…”
“You’ll do no such thing! Neither of you are going anywhere. Faldar, we’ll tell your father that Kimess has been pestering me about an exchange, and I never got to bring it up. She pulled you back for one last chance. It was a childish prank.” She glared at me.
“You can’t blame her, Mother,” Nemal said.
“She arranged this without talking to me first. I can throw a little blame her way. A pretty teenage girl’s folly is easier to forgive than the truth, especially to that man who calls himself a king.” She shook her head.
“It’s my fault, Mother. Kimess told me to tell you the truth and ask for your help. She said you’d be on my side, but I was afraid.” Remmy moved next to Faldar and held his hand.
“Afraid?” she asked.
Faldar nodded. “He was afraid I wouldn’t stay. I was too scared, and there is a strong obligation to my people. I can’t deny who I am anymore. Until I had a chance to talk to you without my father here, I felt like the noose was around my neck. His eyes are always on me. I’ve never felt free the way I do here. This isn’t a trick or a spy game. I know you’ve had issues, but I love your son. I will go along with any game you choose.”
“Good. Then you’ll both be safe here. We’ll be watching you, of course. Checking any correspondence. If you’re sure, we’ll come up with a plan. You’ll have to speak to your father and convince him. I’m sure he’ll want contact with you,” she said.
“Anything.” He nodded. “I do want to learn from you. I want peace, not battles.”
“Good. If you prove untrustworthy, I’ll have Kimess kill you herself.” The queen folded her arms.
For a second, I froze at the lack of humor in her tone. “You asked me to find Remmy the right woman. It’s not a woman, but it’s the right person. I’m sure of it. But, after my recent mistakes, I understand your concern. If I have to kill him, I will. Everyone wants peace until they’re attacked.”
Remmy leaned in and kissed his boyfriend. I grinned. From such despair to intense joy, yet so much was still at stake. Nemal was across the room, and I felt his gaze. He was jealous. I envied them, too, but they were older. I had a lot to learn in a lot of areas…men especially.
“I hope you’re going to find me a good husband, too,” Minnette said.
I chuckled. “Of course. It’s not a rush but definitely top of my list of projects while I’m stuck in the castle.”
“Stuck? LeFawn needs a husband, too. Nemal needs a wife.” The queen pointed to her other son. “You have plenty to do on top of school and helping me.”
“LeFawn is my age. If I’m not ready for marriage, why is she?” I demanded.
“She’s not, but Minn is first. Then Nemal. You’ll have to help with these two princes in love and the diplomatic fallout. You’ll be very busy until LeFawn is ready. By then, you might have found the right man as well.” She crossed her arms.
Minnette cleared her throat. I looked over, and the princes were still kissing.
Nemal tapped his brother on the shoulder. “That’s enough of that in the queen’s study.”
The duo ignored the comments.
“They might need some privacy,” Minnette suggested.
“After we’ve pacified the Bachal king.” The queen nodded at me. “Please.”
I didn’t want to nudge them apart, but they had to do a little more work before they had all the fun. With a wave of my hand, I separated them. Luckily, I got it right this time. Moved them both. It would be a very short interruption then they could safely explore their relationship.
A view screen popped up from her desk, and a communication expert appeared. “Your Majesty, the Bachal king is demanding to speak to you.”
“Good. Make him wait.” She hit a button on her control panel of the desk. “Nemal, you will act as though you’re taking Kimess to the dungeon. Hold her so it looks like she’s in custody.” The queen pointed to me. “I want the king to think I’m punishing her.”
“What is Faldar to say?” Remmy asked.
The queen paced. “First, Remmy, Minn, and LeFawn—silence. Kimess, you may apologize for your prank and ask forgiveness. You were trying to help. You saw an exchange in a vision.”
“You want me to lie about a vision?” I asked.
She smiled. “Sometimes lies are necessary.”
“I don’t think my father will be agreeable to an exchange. Not me. Maybe my younger brother for Nemal for a period, but not me.” Faldar stared at me, groping for an answer.
“The best lies are rooted in truth. You have to tell him something that will convince him.” The queen stood toe-to-toe with the foreign prince. “If you love my son, you’ll think of something. No one knows the king better.”
Faldar frowned and nodded. “I can do it.”
The view screen beeped again. “The Bachal king is making threats.”
“Fine. On screen,” the queen ordered.
“What the hell are you doing? Kidnapping my son! I demand his return!” the king bellowed, red faced and surrounded by armed guards.
“Calm yourself, please. I’m sorry to say this was a foolish prank by my underage seer.” She shot me a look.
Nemal’s hands were on my arms, and his body’s warmth teased my back. I acted contrite. “I’m very sorry, Your Majesty. I pulled your son back from the relocation. We’d discussed an exchange to further the closeness and understanding of our two countries. He seemed in favor of it. We hadn’t been able to convince the queen.”
“What a lie.” The king glared at me.
“She’s going to the dungeon. I know how to get the truth from my people. It was well intentioned but a foolish move. You won’t give me your prince; I won’t give you one of mine. Even for a short time for them to learn our respective ways and help us to a better understanding.” The queen shrugged.
“That’s not why she did it. That seer has been fawning over my son since we arrived. Dancing with him. Talking with him. Young women always fall in love with him. She is gifted, but you won’t part with her, so it’s not worth discussing.”
The queen turned her back to the screen, met my gaze and smiled briefly. “No, no, I won’t part with her. She’s been through too much and is too young to marry, anyway. I don’t believe there is any affection between those two. Kimess serves my family. She’s not what you’d want for a future queen of the Bachal.”
“Certainly not. I’m glad you have a handle on her. I’ll take my son back,” the king said.
“I’m sorry; I didn’t mean to cause all of this. I only wanted an open exchange of experiences and for Faldar to be happy.” I tugged on Nemal’s grip, and he held me.
The king actually grinned. “Girls always fall for Faldar. I’m sure he left a few broken hearts
. Too bad there isn’t a worthy match for him.”
A worthy match! I looked at LeFawn. She fidgeted, worried for war. Worried for her brother. It was a crazy idea, but LeFawn and I were both thinking it. I looked at Faldar.
“I would like to consider an exchange, Father. I’d like to learn more about life here. Command our troops and spend more time,” Faldar said.
“Who is she?” the king asked. “Not that seer.”
“No!” Faldar and I said at the same time.
Nemal’s fingers tightened on my upper arms. That was for show; he didn’t need to be so firm about it.
“Me!” LeFawn stepped forward.
The queen hid her surprise, but shot me a look.
“A princess. Better. But too young to marry now.” The king sat in his oversized command chair. “No wonder you don’t want to leave.”
“I should’ve been honest, but I’ve known her a very short time. Anything formal is premature.” Faldar kept calm, despite the shock.
Remmy moved to stand by Minnette and stared at the floor. He wanted this to work so badly. I felt his shame and appreciation for what his family was doing.
“Agreed. I don’t want you rushing into marriage. She’s young, but it could be the beginning of a wonderful alliance. A more formal union.” The king sighed.
“We can come to some exchange agreement. Send over some people to learn your ways, understand the world LeFawn would be moving to one day.” I could tell the queen hated this lie, but there was nowhere else to go now.
“She is your youngest. You don’t want to part from her. Women.” The king shook his head. “When she is older, she can stay here for a year or so before we announce the engagement, so that she fully knows the life she is choosing. But you must promise me one thing.”
“What is that?” the queen asked.
“Don’t let him get lazy and romantic. Make him work those troops. Go out and scout. Protect the borders. I don’t want him sitting around spoiled and pampered. That son I won’t take back,” the king said.
“No, Father. I will learn, work, and prove myself worthy of the faith and trust of both countries. LeFawn’s and mine.” Faldar took LeFawn’s hand.