Pawn (The Pawn Series Book 1)

by Robin Roseau

  I took a page from Muranna's book. "You would not choose to let him ride you, Juleena?"

  "Yalla!" she yelled. "I can't believe you said that!"

  I laughed, and a moment later, so did she. Then she admitted, "No, I would not choose to allow him to ride me, as you said so crudely."

  "Did he hit the groom?"

  "No, but I thought it was a close thing."

  "Did he ride the horse?"

  "Yes."

  "Horrid man."

  "Yes," she agreed. "A horrid man."

  "So you turned him down."

  "Oh, I did more than turn him down," she said. "Remember, this was in open court. Lady Morris made it official crown business that way, which was quite foolish of her. It was a power play of sorts. Mother wasn't impressed." She paused before continuing. "Yalla, you know that Mother and I have secret signals. They are different than the signals you and I share."

  "I gathered you would."

  "We have one that means I should speak my mind and another that asks permission. I asked Mother if I should be discrete. She told me to speak my mind. So I did."

  "Oh, what did you do?"

  "My words were simple. 'Over my dead body.'"

  "I bet Lady Morris was pleased," I said sarcastically.

  "Overjoyed," she said. "Mother pointed out he was quite a handsome man and asked what I found so objectionable. So I relayed the incident I had witnessed. Mother hadn't known about it, and she was no more pleased about it than I was."

  "And so, you scared everyone else off?"

  "On the contrary," she said. "When the story got around, suitors came out of the woodwork, so to speak. But it could just have been none of them wanted to be first. You've seen me allow myself to be courted."

  "No one seems to have stood out as first amongst the pack," I replied.

  "There's someone I've noticed," Juleena replied. "But still a little young."

  "A little young?"

  "Yes. This person needs a little more experience before I could show true interest. I wasn't even sure if there was interest, but I think there might be."

  "I don't understand."

  "If I pick someone with no apparent experience, it might look like I am taking advantage of my position," she said. "But we were talking about you, Yalla. Have you and Muranna..." she trailed off.

  "Have we what?"

  "Pursued a romantic relationship."

  I was still for a while, remembering that one kiss. Then I carefully said, "We talked about it."

  "I wondered," Juleena replied.

  "The queen forbade me from that sort of relationship, although Muranna pointed out I was forbidden from that type of relationship with boys. I decided that was a difference only in semantics, and I didn't want to test the queen's opinion on the matter."

  "I won't ask if you did more than talk," Juleena said. "But you've kissed no boys."

  "A few have tried," I said. "None have succeeded."

  "Mother and I have talked. She has decided you will not be forced into a marriage against your will. Once you are ten and eight, we wish you to accept suitors."

  I nodded at that. "I don't really know what that means."

  "It does not mean a bedmate," Juleena clarified. "Do you need more clarification than that?"

  I laughed. "Kisses?"

  "If you wish them, but that is your choice. Yalla, if you wish that relationship with Muranna, then once you are ten and eight, you may have it."

  I didn't say anything. I was sure there was more, and it turned out I was right.

  "I need to be careful how I say this," she continued. "Yalla, Mother hopes you will marry to the benefit of the crown. But she will not force you. But if you pursue a lover's relationship with Muranna, you will have to move out of the palace."

  I stiffened at that and turned my head to look at her.

  "If she is whom you want," Juleena said, "You should not let that stop you. Your life would be quite different if that is the path you pursue."

  "Ralalta would be disappointed in me."

  "Turn around and relax," she ordered. And so I faced forward again. "I wouldn't put it that way. In a way, yes, but not in the way you mean. We want you to be happy, Yalla. But do you remember the conversation we had a year ago?"

  "Yes."

  "Good. Do you understand?" I nodded at that. "Yalla, I am going to be blunt. If you and Muranna wish that kind of relationship, then you must be sure before you act, because it isn't a decision you can undo."

  "Do you have the same words for any other suitor Ralalta presents to me?"

  "No."

  I sighed. "You know something about Muranna I don't."

  "She is not Framaran," Juleena said. "Not in word and not in her heart. You will always be of the Arrlotta, but you are also Framaran. And Mother will not present suitors whose loyalty is unsure. Do you remember when I first collected you from Garneer?"

  "How could I forget?"

  "You had so many questions."

  "You were parsimonious with answers, forcing me to learn words."

  "And now look at you. You know words like parsimonious."

  I laughed.

  "There was something I told you. I'm going to remind you. Who rules in Framara?"

  "The women," I said.

  "That's right. Yalla, it is Mother's desire -- and mine -- that you will live here in the palace. We won't force you. But that is our desire. Whomever you marry will join you here and become a part of your life. Unless."

  "Unless?"

  "Unless you ask Mother to arrange a state marriage for you."

  "What does that mean?"

  "Marry a prince from another country."

  "Juleena, I'm not interested in princes from another country."

  "I didn't think you were, Yalla."

  I turned my head. "You knew that, didn't you?"

  "I suspected," she said. "Yalla, we need you to allow male suitors."

  "Juleena, I am not interested in male suitors."

  "And yet, you will allow them to entertain you."

  "And will there be female suitors?"

  "Do you want there to be?"

  I turned forward again and then nodded, just once. Her hands still on my back for a moment and then moved to my shoulders. "There is one more thing I wish to tell you, but I want to ask. Did you hear everything I said about my own position?"

  "Yes," I said.

  "Then I will be clear about one more thing." And then she bent her head and kissed the side of my neck underneath my ear.

  Oh, she'd kissed me before: the cheek, the forehead, the top of my head. But they had never meant what I was sure that kiss meant. I said nothing for a moment, but then I looked over my shoulder again, my right eye just inches from her eyes.

  "The person I want needs experience," she whispered. "It may be this person isn't interested. It may be this person's heart will find another. It is important to me this person finds experience. It is important for my future mate as well. And, unfortunately, it is important for politics."

  I turned forward.

  "But not too much experience," she whispered.

  I sat still for a while, my thoughts in turmoil. "I wonder how much experience I need," I said, trying to sound casual. "I suppose I will see."

  "Oh?"

  "If I have no female suitors, that is an answer, isn't it?"

  Juleena's hands tightened for a moment, and then she laughed lightly. "I think perhaps you will have female suitors, perhaps in near equal mix to male suitors. You should bestow kisses and touches as suits you, but you should think very carefully before you accept an invitation into anyone's bed."

  And then she turned away from me. When I looked over my shoulder, she was leaning against the tub, her eyes closed. I rotated until I was facing her. "Juleena?"

  She cracked an eye and looked at me.

  "Do you think I could have a hug?"

  She smiled and opened her arms to me, and I clung to her for a long time. But then
she whispered, "But no more than hugs, Yalla."

  "I understand, Juleena."

  * * * *

  It would be an understatement to say our conversation left me a mix of emotions, chief amongst them confusion and excitement. Ultimately I decided I could wait and let events play themselves out.

  In that conversation, my entire future changed again. I knew immediately, but I'd spent the last four years convinced my future held one thing only to learn it held something entirely different, and that I would have control over my choices like I'd never expected.

  But of course, Juleena's expression of interest in me had been clear and decidedly unexpected. I'd had no idea.

  Everything changed in that conversation, and it would take me some time to grow accustomed to the idea.

  I wondered if I should talk to Muranna. I decided to hold my thoughts to myself, at least for now. That was a conversation I couldn't take back any more than I could if she and I shared more than one kiss.

  * * * *

  It was two days later that I found Juleena waiting for me at the conclusion of my afternoon music lesson with Balla. She carried a serious expression, and I wondered if something was wrong. I asked with my expression, and she said simply, "Gina has asked to talk to both of us."

  "Right," I said. "When?"

  "She's waiting in my suite. Do you have other commitments?"

  "No."

  And so together we turned. Juleena asked casually, "So, learning any new music?"

  "Maybe," I said carefully. "Maybe I'm not ready to tell you."

  "Maybe I should ask Balla."

  "Maybe before you and Ralalta ask me to play it with you, you'll let me have another few days."

  She laughed. "You know, Mother never smiles more than during our music nights."

  "I think your mother's daughter smiles quite a lot those nights, too."

  "I think both my mother's daughters do," she replied.

  "Maybe you're right," I admitted. "But the younger is still very self conscious."

  "The eldest is, too, Yalla, although playing with you has improved her own playing?"

  "It has?"

  "Yes. It has." She threw her arm around my shoulder and squeezed for a moment but then released me.

  We talked lightly for the rest of the walk. When we arrived in her room, Gina was waiting in Juleena's sitting room, Xiella with her. There was hot tea waiting, and Xiella asked if we needed anything else.

  "No, thank you, Xiella. Not a word about this."

  "Of course not, Your Highness," she said. "I'm not a blabbermouth."

  "Of course you aren't. Do you know if Muranna is in the palace?"

  "She's next door," Xiella said. "Should I retrieve her?"

  "Not quite yet, but if you could pop over and let her know we may have need of her."

  "Of course."

  We waited until Xiella had closed the door behind her before turning to Gina. "Your cousin?" Juleena asked.

  "She is too intimidated by the palace, Your Highness. I'm sorry."

  "It's fine."

  "She's working tonight, but..." She glanced at me.

  "Do I need to go?" I asked.

  "No," Juleena said. "What is it, Gina?"

  "Perhaps Lady Yallameenara..." She trailed off.

  "Just say it, Gina."

  "It's not my place."

  "Gina," Juleena said, "I believe we could have a diplomatic mess on our hands. Your princess and your queen require your assistance to resolve it."

  "They do?" she squeaked.

  "And that starts by speaking bluntly. I do not want to waste time trying to find the right questions."

  She stood there for a moment, then nodded. "I think Carina would talk to Lady Yallameenara. But..."

  "But?"

  "Carina works at a pub in the evenings." She glanced at me again.

  I looked at Juleena then back at Gina. "Do you think Carina would be more easily approached at work?"

  "It might look more casual, if you know what I mean, but..." She fidgeted.

  I turned to Juleena. "I wonder if Muranna and I should spend an evening out. Perhaps our friend, Gina, could show us some of the places Muranna and I don't visit very often."

  Gina looked back and forth between us, shifting nervously while she did so.

  "Where does your cousin work, Gina?" Juleena asked.

  "The Flying Jig," Gina replied.

  "I know it," I said. I knew all the establishments in Marport. Muranna and I regularly visited them whenever we needed to advertise an event for the palace. I turned to Juleena. "Do you think Lieutenant Keelara would care to join Muranna, Gina, and me?" In other words, I didn't want to go there after dark without an escort.

  "I believe she's free," Juleena said. She turned her gaze back to Gina. "Have you found anyone else we should talk to?"

  She shook her head. "I've asked around, quietly, you know. No one from the palace is talking. I haven't had enough time to really look around town."

  Juleena nodded. "He's probably avoiding anyone who might have influence. If so, that says more about him." She looked at me and waited, but she gave me our secret signal that said, "Take charge." I nodded and turned to Gina.

  "The Flying Jig serves dinner," I observed. "But I've never eaten there. How is the food?"

  "It's good." The she paused. "Well, it's not the palace."

  "I have a hankering for fish," I said. "But I don't think I want to draw too much attention. Tonight I am Meena, not Yallameenara. And Muranna is Anna. Do you understand, Gina? Can you remember?"

  She nodded. "I think that's best, too."

  "Good." I looked at the clock standing in the corner of the room. "We'll meet at the side gate in an hour and a half."

  She glanced at Juleena, who nodded, and then offered a curtsey before taking her leave. I turned to Juleena. "I need to get ready."

  "If you can, try to charm the girl into coming to talk to me," she replied. "But if not, learn what you can."

  "I'll take care of it, Your Highness."

  "This is ugly, Yalla," she said. "It seems like such a small thing, a few jilted lovers from amongst the serving class, but this is how hard feelings breed. If we let this go, it will soil the reputation of all Drindarians, and the rest of them don't deserve it. They're good people. Furthermore it is the responsibility of the crown to protect our citizens, even from something as simple as this."

  "I understand. Plus it sounds like he's an ass."

  She laughed. "Yes. And I know how you feel about that."

  "And you feel so differently," I said sarcastically. If anything, the princess held even stronger opinions on this than I did.

  "I'll arrange your escort," she said.

  "Thanks. I'll find you when we get back."

  * * * *

  Muranna was waiting for me when I got to my room. I hurried to her and hugged then asked how she felt about a night on the town.

  "A night on the town, is it?"

  "I thought dinner at the Flying Jig would be good."

  She narrowed her eyes. "The Flying Jig?"

  "We'll have some friends with us."

  "Big friends?"

  "Yes," I said with a laugh.

  "Are you going to tell me what's going on?"

  "Have you heard any rumors about anyone from the Drindarian ambassador's retinue?"

  "No. Should I have?"

  I brought her up to speed. "You don't have to go," I started to say.

  "No way," she said. "This sounds like fun. What are we going to do with him?"

  "We're going to find out what we can and then report to the princess," I said. "And I wouldn't be surprised if we also report to the queen. And then we're going to do what we're told."

  "Right. So. Dress up or down?"

  "Down, I think. I'd rather avoid attention."

  "That's probably best," she agreed.

  * * * *

  We made our way to the palace side gate a few minutes early. As we drew close, we s
aw Gina waiting, and a short distance away was Lieutenant Keelara along with three other women. They were in civilian clothing and looked as nondescript as Muranna and me. The lieutenant peeled away from the other guards, gesturing with her head towards Gina, and so soon there were four of us in a cluster.

  "I didn't think you'd come yourself," I said to Keelara. Then I gestured. "Do you two know each other?"

  "Yes," Keelara said. "Hello, Gina."

  Gina looked back and forth between Keelara and me. "Is everyone coming?"

  "It's four friends out for dinner," Keelara said. "They'll be nearby."

  "Tonight, I am Meena," I said, repeating the name from earlier. "And this is Anna."

  "Then I am Lara," Keelara declared. "Although that might be a little more subterfuge than necessary." She looked me up and down. "I admit: your disguise won't work at the palace, of course, but in a different setting, you don't immediately look like the queen's foster daughter."

  "Good," I said. "Anna and I should probably keep our talking to a minimum. Our accents are distinctive."

  "Good idea," said the lieutenant. "There's a carriage waiting."

  "Excellent."

  * * * *

  It was a quiet carriage ride, but when we pulled up to the front of the inn, I turned to Gina and said, "You and Lara need to do the talking for us, Gina."

  "I couldn't."

  "Gina," said Keelara, "Did I ever tell you the one about the barmaid and the saucy sailor? No?" Keelara then launched into the telling of a decidedly colorful joke, and she kept it up for the next several minutes as we alighted from the carriage, spoke with the driver, and made our way into the inn.

  It was busy, but not so busy we couldn't find the end of a long table to sit. Keelara kept up the running jokes until Gina was full out laughing. Muranna and I were able to restrain ourselves better, although it was difficult a few times.

  The Flying Jig wasn't a rough pub, not exactly, although it was near the docks and popular with the local fishermen. That being said, there weren't many women in the room. Discounting the two barmaids, the four of us, and the three other guards who had slipped in ahead of us, there were only four other women in the otherwise full room, and I thought three of them were at work, so to speak.

  Gina got the attention of one of the barmaids. The woman nodded to us, took care of her current load of beer mugs, and stopped by our end of the table.