Pawn (The Pawn Series Book 1)

by Robin Roseau

  Juleena spoke quietly. "Head high," she said. "We'll be engaged in conversation. Don't worry about anyone else. We'll pick up an honor guard at the bottom of the stairs, and they'll take us to the throne room. Don't worry about them, either. At the throne room, you'll wait in the doorway until I finish announcing you. Watch me until I gesture. Then walk in, proceed to the spot next to me, then drop into a curtsey to the queen. Stay down until she tells you to rise. Don't look above her knees until you rise, and then don't look above her chest unless she invites it."

  I gulped and nodded.

  "This is important. Do you understand?"

  "I think so," I said. "Eyes down, curtsey until she says rise. Don't look her in the eye."

  "Good enough."

  She didn't take my arm, but we proceeded down the steps. We were halfway down when she began to talk animatedly about something I didn't even understand. But then she said in Arrlottan, "I'm about to tell a joke. Laugh briefly when I get done. Then tell me a joke." She paused and switched back to Framaran. "... And so I said to my cousin, if that's the best you can do, give it here and I'll show you how." She finished just as we reached the bottom of the stairs.

  I had no idea what the joke was, but I offered a brief, somewhat nervous laugh. Juleena smiled at me, and then four men in armor stepped up to surround us. Juleena ignored them but instead turned to the right and headed towards the branching corridor.

  "That reminds me of a story," I said. Then I told a story about my sister, her horse, and galloping away from a hive of bees. "Of course, none of us knew a thing about the bees," I said. "But she and the horse both went plunging into the river, and when she came up, sputtering, she was screaming, 'Get them off me! Get them off me!'"

  Juleena laughed then sobered. "Was she all right?"

  "She never even got stung," I said. "And none of the rest of us ever saw a bee. I think she made it up as an excuse for why she ran her horse right into the river."

  Juleena laughed again, and that was when we arrived at a pair of very large, very ornate doors. There were two guards on either side of the doors, and Lady Malta was standing at the center, her back pressed against the doors. She curtsied as we approached and held the curtsey until we came to a stop in front of her.

  "Your Highness," she said. "Lady Yallameenara." She nodded to me. Then before she even turned around, she knocked on the door, and from inside, the doors began to swing open. She backed up through the door then, before she was fully in the room, turned around. I watched as she took five steps forward and said in a clear, loud voice, "Her Royal Highness-" and then launched into a lengthy list of titles, finally ending with, "Crown Princess Juleena of Framara." She stepped aside. Juleena reached over, squeezed my hand, and then stepped forward, leaving me there to watch her.

  She stepped past Lady Malta, traveling much further into the room. That was when I got a chance to see just how many people were in the room.

  It was full. It was absolutely full. They were all standing, leaving a wide pathway between them extending most of the way to the other end of the room. At that end, upon a raised dais, sat a woman, resplendent in her clothing, seated in an ornate chair, holding a scepter across her lap. I risked a glance at her, and it was difficult not to stare, but I pulled my eyes away and watched Juleena.

  When she came to a stop, she was so far away, I was sure I wouldn't be able to hear her. Then she curtsied to her mother.

  "Princess Juleena," her mother said, her voice raised far more loudly than would be required for Juleena to here. "Rise." She waited for Juleena to stand then asked, "You have returned."

  "I have, Your Majesty." And Juleena also spoke sufficiently loudly that even with her back turned, I could hear her. What was equally interesting was that they each spoke slowly and carefully. Was that in deference to me, or only so that everyone in the room could hear without question.

  "Has your mission been successful, my daughter?"

  "We have a treaty of peace. We have promises. And we have engaged in trade. I believe I have convinced the Arrlottans they do not want to give me a cause to pay a repeat visit."

  There was some snickering at that. I wondered if anyone here knew Juleena had poisoned the water.

  "Were their casualties?"

  "No, Your Majesty. We were not required to lift arms. We engaged in other forms of diplomacy."

  Poisoning the water was diplomacy? I suppose it was better than killing a few people.

  "Very good," said the queen. "And what did we trade?"

  "Food and tools, Your Majesty," Juleena said. "Good tools, worthy of the Framaran name."

  "As it should be. And what did we receive in exchange, beyond promises of peace?"

  "Horses, Your Majesty," Juleena explained. "The Arrlottan, the people of the steppes beyond the Wizard's Gorge, are known as the Horse People, and with good reason. Their horses are small, but exceedingly agile, intelligent, and well trained. I personally was offered a most singular demonstration of their skills, one I hope to be able to repeat for your viewing. In a gallop, they are not as swift as a Framaran warhorse, and they could not carry a mounted knight. But I believe they will make good breeding stock, and perhaps you will find use for them." She paused. "Their horses are highly valued by the Arrlottan, as you can imagine, and so this was almost the most valuable thing they possess to trade."

  I preened with pride as she described our mounts. Of course, the Arrlotta knew this about our horses, but it meant something for Juleena to say so in front of all these people.

  "Almost the most valuable?" the queen asked.

  "Yes, Your Majesty, because not only did we receive horses, but with me is a daughter of the Arrlotta. And I would say she is of far greater value than the mounts we received."

  "I see. Perhaps you are right. And is this daughter of the Arrlotta immediately available?"

  "She is, Your Majesty. Shall I introduce her?"

  "Please do."

  That was when Juleena turned. She didn't smile at me. But then she turned back. "Your Majesty, Queen Ralalta, may I present the Princess Yallameenara, Lady Ambassador of the Arrlotta, Beloved Granddaughter of Arrlottan Clan Chief Gandachardat, Valued Daughter of the Three Cats Tribe, Companion and Friend." She turned and nodded to me.

  Beloved granddaughter? I bet he'd already forgotten my name. And I didn't know that word ambassador, but I bet it was every bit of an exaggeration as anything else she said about me. But I nodded and strode forth, keeping my eyes on her, my head held high, not looking either right or left.

  As I approached, she took one step to the side, and so I came to a stop where she had been standing, then lowered myself into the curtsey as I'd been taught, holding my skirts aside and keeping my head down. I stared at the floor midway between the queen and me.

  From the audience, I heard hushed conversation. But then suddenly it cut off. I couldn't have explained why.

  I heard rustling, and then out of the top of my eyes, I saw a pair of feet approaching. The queen came to a stop in front of me.

  "Does she speak Framaran?" the queen asked very quietly.

  "She has been a quick student," Juleena replied. "But it hasn't been two weeks. We should discuss more in private."

  "Of course." Then the queen pitched her voice for the entire room. "Lady Yallameenara, please rise. I wish a proper viewing of you."

  I was impressed she got my name correct the first time, but I didn't have time to think about it. I rose to my feet as gracefully as I could, although I kept my eyes lowered, now staring into the queen's chest. But she reached out one delicate hand and lifted my chin, raising my face towards hers.

  She was taller than I was, and while she was not smiling, I thought I detected amusement in her eyes -- as blue as my own.

  She allowed me to look at her for a good long look, then she tipped my head side to side, getting a more complete look at me, ending with me looking up into her eyes again before she released my chin. I took that as permission to continue to ga
ze on her.

  "Welcome to Framara, Lady Ambassador Yallameenara." Then she nodded. It was nearly imperceptible, but I took it as permission to respond.

  "Thank you, Your Majesty," I said, and if it wasn't as clearly or as loudly said as she had spoken, it was sufficiently loud for the closer members of the audience to hear me. "I am quite pleased meet you."

  I received a ghost of a smile and another imperceptible nod. "And what do you think of Framara so far?"

  "Everything is new to me," I said. "It is all-" I broke off. "I am sorry. Not know word." I switched to Arrlottan and turned to Juleena. "Overwhelming."

  "I'm sorry, I don't know that word," Juleena said quietly.

  It was then the queen provided a word. My eyes widened. "You speak Arrlottan?" I asked very quietly.

  "I taught my daughter," she replied, equally quietly. "You were saying?"

  "It is all overwhelming," I said, speaking loudly again.

  "I imagine so," the queen replied. "And do you miss your home?"

  I let confusion show on my face. Before the queen could decide I hadn't understood, I explained. "Princess Juleena say I am now Framaran, and so this is my home. I cannot miss home when I am here."

  At that, the queen smiled broadly. "Spoken like a true diplomat," she said, "if somewhat heavily accented in a voice still Arrlottan."

  "Will she live here?" Juleena asked in a whisper.

  "Well, I have welcomed you to Framara, your new home," said the queen. "But now I also welcome you into my personal household." And she pulled me into an embrace. From around us, there was much hushed whispering, which the queen appeared to ignore.

  "We should talk before you decide anything else," Juleena said into her mother's ear. "And be careful with titles until you hear the rest."

  The queen nodded as she released me, but she clasped my shoulders. "Daughter, you have declared her Companion and Friend. You have taken charge of Lady Yallameenara so far. Is it your continued intention to do so, or did you have something else in mind?"

  "I would oversee her introduction to Framara myself," Juleena said, to my great relief. "If you would allow."

  "Of course." She paused just a moment. "Well, it has been perhaps an overwhelming day for you, Lady Yallameenara, formerly of the Three Cats Tribe, and now of Framara. Perhaps you would like to settle in."

  "Yes, Your Majesty," I agreed.

  "Very good. Lady Malta."

  Lady Malta scurried forward and curtsied briefly.

  "Could you see to it that our newest household member receives a guide to her quarters? And perhaps you could arrange a tour of the palace for her. I require my daughter's attention here."

  "Of course, Your Majesty." She curtsied again and began to back away. I offered my own curtsey and followed Lady Malta. When she turned around, I took that as permission to do the same. We got perhaps ten steps before the queen called out.

  "Lady Yallameenara."

  I turned to face her.

  "Dinner is casual clothing. I hope you are not too weary from your travels to join us."

  "I look forward, Your Majesty."

  * * * *

  Lady Malta led me one door past Juleena's room. She opened the door then gestured me ahead of her. I got my first look at the rooms that would become mine for the next several years.

  They weren't as grand as Juleena's, but I still couldn't believe I would be living in these rooms. "Who else lives this room?" I asked.

  "Just you, Lady Yallameenara."

  I stepped past her, prowling the rooms. There were three rooms. One was set up with a variety of chairs and tables. I would learn one of the tables was a desk. Another held a pitcher of water and a small bowl of fruit. Windows lined one wall, and I moved there to stare out and gasped.

  In front of me was the entire sea.

  Lady Malta stepped up beside me. "May I ask a question, Lady Yallameenara?"

  She spoke quickly, and it took me a moment to understand what she asked. "Yes, but speak slow or not understand."

  "Of course," she said. "How old are you?"

  "In count of the Arrlottan, this is my ten and four summer." I paused only briefly. "So much water."

  "I suppose it is," she said. "Mellara should be here."

  I remembered Mellara was one of the girls who had helped to dress me, and she was still in Juleena's room when we had gone downstairs. "Maybe she Juleena room."

  "You should say Princess Juleena."

  "Oh. Sorry. Thank you. Maybe Mellara Princess Juleena room. We dress there together."

  "Let me check. You'll want to change before your tour." She stepped away, moving to a door at the end of the room.

  I stared out at the sea for a moment longer then prowled around my room. There was another door opposite the one Malta had used, and that was when I found my bedroom. I stood in the doorway and stared until I felt someone step up behind me.

  "Lady Yallameenara?"

  I turned to see Malta looking at me, Mellara behind her. "Mellara will help you change. I will send someone to offer you a tour."

  "Thank you, Lady Malta."

  "You are welcome." She turned to go but then turned back. "Welcome to Framara. If there is anything you need, you may come to me. Anyone in the palace can tell you how to find me."

  "That is very kind," I said.

  A moment later she was gone. Mellara waited, saying nothing. I looked her over. We were of a similar age. She might perhaps be a year or two older.

  "What do I call you?"

  "Mellara, m'lady," she replied.

  I would really have liked a friend right about then, more than Juleena, who I imagined wouldn't have much time for me in the future. But I remembered how Juleena had acted with the bath girls, and so I held myself aloof. Instead I asked, "Are my things here? I don't see them."

  She mumbled something I couldn't understand.

  "I'm sorry," I said. "I new learn speak Framaran. Must speak slow and careful."

  "I'm sorry, m'lady," she said, each word pronounced carefully. "Your clothes are in your closet. I hung them myself."

  She spoke carefully enough that if I had known all the words, I would have understood. "Please show."

  "Yes, m'lady." She stepped past me into the bedroom, and I followed her. She turned right, away from the windows, coming to another door. When she opened it, I saw it didn't lead to the hallway as I expected. Instead, it was a small room, and inside was the first Framaran dress I had owned along with the boots I'd worn while riding.

  "Do you have no other clothes?"

  I puzzled with that for a moment, then I gestured to my body, indicating the dress I was wearing. "And I have leather, but Chilla keep."

  "She's probably going to wash them. I'll get them from her."

  "The queen said dinner casual clothes. Need leather."

  Mellara looked at me with horror, then quickly lowered her eyes, saying nothing. But her expression had been clear.

  "Leather not casual?" I asked. "I not know word?"

  "I couldn't say, m'lady."

  "Mellara, I new Framara. Know nothing. No friends. No family." I turned away and began to hug myself, the enormity of my situation catching up to me. I left her behind, walking to the windows. The view was every bit as magnificent from the bedroom as from the other room.

  I stood there, trying hard not to cry, until Mellara stepped up beside me. "Are you scared?"

  "Yes." I put my hand over my mouth, trying not to cry.

  The girl tentatively put an arm around me. When I didn't pull away, she tightened her hold. "I remember when I first came here. I'm from Hastings. You probably don't know where that is."

  I shook my head.

  "It's down the coast." She pointed past me. "That way. It takes three days to come via ship or a week by horse."

  "Ship?"

  "A big boat."

  "Boat?"

  "Oh. Um. On the water."

  "You swim?" I asked.

  "No. Um. Anyway. It's a long
trip. I bet it's not as long as your trip here." I shook my head at that. "I knew Framaran, of course. But I didn't know anything else."

  "Like me."

  "Like you. Xiella took me under her wing."

  "Not understand."

  "She helped me."

  "Oh. Yes."

  "Do you want me to help you?"

  "Yes," I said, choking back another sob. I put my hand back over my mouth, shoving the sob down my throat.

  Mellara waited a minute or two then said, "Leather is casual. But it's too casual. Do you understand?"

  "Yes."

  "The dress in the closet is casual. It is too casual, but not as casual as leather."

  "I only have these two," I said.

  "I imagine that will change," she said. Unless Juleena continued to take me shopping, I didn't know how that would happen. I didn't have any money, and I didn't have a father or brother to hunt for me. I didn't know how I'd get leather to make my own clothes. "But this dress is far too formal. So you should wear the other one."

  "I don't think I can take this one off without help."

  "That is why I am here," she replied.

  "Don't you have other duties?"

  "Lady Malta assigned me here. I will see to your clothes and oversee the cleaning staff." I didn't understand that part, but I didn't ask. "We should get you changed so you're ready for your tour."

  "Thank you."

  * * * *

  I thought Mellara took good care of me, and was efficient besides. By the time we were finished, I wanted to go back to the window and stare outside some more.

  "I'm sorry. I heard someone in the outer room. We should see who it is."

  "Oh. Of course." And so I followed her to the first of the two rooms.

  There was a woman waiting, much older than I was. She was seated in one of the chairs but rose when we entered the room. Mellara held back, moving to the corner of the room, and I approached the woman.

  "Hello," I said.

  She nodded. "Lady Yal-" I helped her with my name. "Lady Yallameenara, I am Marletta. Malta asked me to give you a tour of the castle. She said you speak Framaran."