Pawn (The Pawn Series Book 1)

by Robin Roseau

  Finally she spoke. "Officially you are still a child, Yalla."

  "What does that have to do with the set of this belt?"

  "What message are you passing with the belt like this?"

  "That-" I lowered my eyes. I was trying to take back some level of control over the day, as minor as it might be. I sighed and turned back to the mirror, tightening the belt until I was wearing it the way I thought was most expected. I collected the hat, glared at it for a while, then set it into place.

  It looked wrong.

  "I don't know how it goes, Your Highness," I declared, making a point in my choice to use her title rather than her name. I turned back to Juleena. "I don't even know which way is front."

  "There are stays to tie under your chin. They may be folded inside."

  I took the hat back off, examined it carefully, then found two wide ribbons tucked up inside. I withdrew them, and set the hat back in place. With the ties dangling down past my ears, I turned back to the mirror again. "I bet you are going to tell me this is supposed to be one, great bow under my chin."

  "I've told you as much as I'm going to about the clothing, Yalla."

  I spun back to her, angry again. "On your ten and eighth, you had already seen others dressed like this, hadn't you? Nearly everyone here must have. You deliberately kept this from me, and now you're not going to even help? But I bet if I go looking for Mellara, she'll see me, declare my appearance in default, and then punish me."

  "But she will be obligated to also fix your appearance," Juleena said. "And if you are to be punished by anyone, it might be better her than almost anyone else. She knows tomorrow she works for you again."

  I spun back to the mirror, my anger growing. "Am I going to come away from today looking for revenge on everyone I meet? Am I going to be looking for revenge on you? Is that what you're telling me? Are the servants going to tremble in fear of what I might do?"

  "Yalla," she said gently. "Today is a happy day."

  "For you! You just told me people are going to do things to me that Mellara would be afraid to do in anticipation of my reaction tomorrow. You told me I'm going to get caught out, and you even told me I need to be gracious about it besides."

  I huffed and tied a quick bow. It looked terrible, and I pulled it out. I tried again, taking more time, and it wasn't much better. I tried a third time, and by the fourth I had fresh tears in my eyes.

  But then Juleena was there, her hands on my shoulders. She tried turning me to face her.

  "I'm not done," I complained, shaking my shoulders to pull away from her.

  "Yalla," she said gently, and when she turned me, I let her. She untied my latest attempt, adjusted the position of the hat slightly, fluffing it in the process, and then gently tied a bow under my chin. She pulled it wider and then turned me to face my reflection. "Can you do that?"

  I stared at it for a while, then nodded.

  "Come sit." She pulled me back on the bed, although we just sat at the end. Then she collected the sandals, knelt before me, and slipped them onto my feet. Finally she sat down beside me. "I am not allowed to tell you too much more. There are things you'll learn today that I didn't know the morning of my ten and eighth. I am not going to explain why we do this, and I've said more than enough to guide you how to behave. It is your choice if you take my advice or not."

  I didn't say a word.

  "You have three tasks today. You knew that part."

  "I don't know the third. I only know someone will tell me today."

  "Actually, that's almost it. From this moment until the queen declares you a woman, any adult who wishes may assign you a task."

  I turned my head towards her. I was done asking if she was serious. "I presume it isn't optional."

  "You are a child and should do as you are told."

  I clamped my lips around any response.

  "Those who are closest to you may assign tasks that take some time. It is very poor form for those further from your heart to assign tasks that take more than a moment or three."

  "Wait," I said. "When you went to the market-"

  "They ran me ragged."

  "But-" I paused, taking a breath. "I have bread to make."

  "You will find yourself suddenly freed to do so," she said.

  "And then I have to dress for the party."

  "No. You attend like this."

  "Muranna-"

  "You attend like this, Yalla. Are you really going to argue with me further?"

  I sighed. "No, Your Highness."

  "Good. So you understand?" I nodded. "Questions?"

  "Am I expected to let everyone run me ragged while on an empty stomach?"

  "I'll answer that in a moment," she replied. "There's one more part, and you're going to hate it."

  I sighed dramatically. "What."

  She reached into a pocket and withdrew a small, bright red ball with two leather thongs attached. She showed it to me, and I saw the ball was hollow on one side and about the size of a large radish. "What is this?"

  "It would be inappropriate for anyone to interrupt you while you are engaged in a task for someone else," she explained. "So that everyone knows you are already assigned, while performing a task, you wear this."

  "That goes on my nose, doesn't it?"

  "Yes, it does, and ties in place."

  I held out my hand and took it from her.

  "Do you have questions, Yalla?"

  "Would you answer them if I did?"

  "Probably not the ones you are likely to ask."

  "Will you tell me if my appearance is sufficient?"

  "Your hair is going to be a problem. It is so short that the hairs will attempt to escape their confinement. It is fine now, but I doubt it will last."

  "And the rest?"

  "You look adorable, Yalla."

  "Right. That's the word I was looking for, I'm sure. Do I have to worry about people intentionally ruining my appearance?"

  She paused, and I groaned, but she held up her hand. "That happens, but it is typically an older sibling or someone else known for practical jokes. In fairness, Muranna is your biggest risk in those regards, and she probably won't be here until your party."

  "I can't believe you're making me do this."

  "I know. Yalla, please go to the kitchen and retrieve breakfast for us."

  I'd never done that since the day I arrived at the palace. There were servants for that. I sat there dully for a minute then said, "I'm supposed to wear this, aren't I?"

  "Actually, you don't have to, but if you're not wearing it, you'll undoubtedly be waylaid the moment someone sees you. I will take it amiss if my breakfast is slow to arrive."

  I sighed and tied the nose in place, then checked my appearance once more. I turned to her one last time.

  "Please, Princess. Am I going to be called on my appearance?"

  "No, Yalla. You truly do look quite adorable."

  "Right. Adorable."

  I headed for the door.

  * * * *

  The moment I stepped into the hallway, several people turned to me. There were never people hovering in the hallways, but I saw Mellara and Xiella, chatting quietly, as well as two of the queen's guard and even Lady Malta. I came to a stop, all of them looking at me, most of them smiling broadly.

  "I wanted her first," Mellara said. "It's not fair the princess already gave her a task before the rest of us even had a chance."

  At that I stepped forward, walking directly to Mellara, the big nose quite a distraction in my near vision. Her smile, having faded when she first saw the red nose, grew again.

  "Mellara, is my appearance proper?"

  She cocked her head, and then she stepped around me slowly, making minute adjustments to everything I wore, even the nose. I felt a little nervous, and I asked quietly, "Do you have to punish me?"

  She leaned closer and whispered back, "No. I'm only making sure no one else has an excuse. I lost track how many times I got caught on my birthday, and my cousins
were mean about it besides."

  She made one more adjustment then stepped back. "Lady Yallameenara," she said in a louder voice. "What is your current task?"

  "I am retrieving breakfast for Princess Juleena and myself." And then I nodded and stepped past her, but I offered her arm a squeeze in thanks as I did so.

  After that, I saw the normal people I might expect in the hallways. I garnered significant attention in the outfit, and a few stopped me as I passed, but then when I turned and they saw the nose, they waved me on. And so I made it to the kitchen.

  I don't know if the cooks were expecting me, but when I stepped into the kitchen, all conversation stopped, and they turned to me.

  "Excuse me," I announced. "The princess has asked me to retrieve breakfast for the two of us."

  "It will be ready shortly," said the head cook. "You can wait there." She pointed to a stool near the oven.

  At first, I thought it was for the warmth. It wasn't until later I realized she had set me up, and the day barely started. While I waited for the breakfast tray, I grew warm. And warmer still. I grew uncomfortable and stood back up, moving away from the ovens. It was still warm, but not as warm. I was noticed, but no one said anything, and it was only a few more minutes before one of the assistant cooks delivered a tray into my hands.

  But then he looked me up and down, and I wondered what was wrong. He pursed his lips and then opened his mouth. "Lady Yallameenara." But then he closed his mouth, paused several heartbeats, and then just nodded. "The princess is waiting."

  I nodded and turned on my heel. I should have realized something was amiss, but I didn't.

  I nearly made it to the relative safety of Juleena's quarters. The corridor outside her quarters and mine held even more people than it had earlier, although Lady Malta was the only one who seemed truly out of place. And I thought there might be some adjusting for position involved, although Lady Malta strode through the small throng of maids, pages, and other household staff to step into my path.

  "Lady Yallameenara," she said with a frown.

  I came to a stop. "Lady Malta, I am on a task for the princess."

  "So I see," she said, "But your appearance has gone awry. Did you run, or is this only a result of the heat of the kitchen?"

  I took a half step back, and understanding must have shown on my face, and perhaps also the state of my emotions. Fear? Dread? I'm sure my eyes watered. Malta stepped closer, although the heavy tray formed a barrier between us. But then she spoke softly. "There is perspiration on your forehead, your hat has begun to deflate, and your hair is sufficiently unkempt you could be punished for it."

  "What are you going to do to me?" I paused but before she could respond, another question arose. "And waiting for a chance to torment me seems unworthy of your time. Why are you here?"

  "I have a task for you," she said. "It would be difficult for me to catch you later."

  "You know if you asked another day-"

  "This is not the sort of task I can ask another day," she said. "I will give you a choice. I will step aside, and undoubtedly one of the people crowding the hall behind me will intercept you before you take three steps. Or you can ask me to repair your appearance and accept my punishment."

  "You said a task."

  "Choose," she said without further explanation.

  I stared into her eyes for a moment and then nodded and raised my voice. "Lady Malta, would you please repair my appearance?"

  "Of course, Lady Yallameenara." She raised her voice slightly louder. "Mellara, please assist me."

  It was Mellara that did most of the work, and I thanked her quietly. Mellara made to move away again, although the staff had remained hovering, probably hoping to see what Malta did to me. But Malta said, "Mellara, remain for a moment, please."

  Then from an inner pocket she removed a small case and opened it. Nestled inside were two large, gaudy, and I was to discover, exceedingly heavy earrings. "These are your punishment. Mellara, please insert them. The stays should be quite tight when complete." While Mellara did the deed, Malta explained further. "These remain in your ears until I remove them."

  "I understand."

  "You will tell anyone who asks how you earned these, and if the princess offers to remove them, you will ensure she knows I wished to do so myself."

  "Yes, Lady Malta."

  "As soon as you remove the nose, the staff will be on you for tasks."

  "I know."

  "You will allow the closest staff to have their way with you, but when they finally release you, if you so require, you may don the nose and tell anyone who asks that I have summoned you."

  "Court-"

  "Mellara, I hope she is free in time to see me and arrive to court in a timely fashion."

  Mellara had finished with the earrings and offered a bob of a curtsey. "I'll see to it, Lady Malta. I do not understand this punishment."

  "Lady Yallameenara, bob your head around a little and explain this punishment to your maid."

  I turned my head a little. The earrings bounced around from even the slightest movement, and they were heavy. And the stay in back pinched my ears besides. "They're not that bad," I said, explaining. "I bet my ears begin to ache."

  "An older cousin had these made especially for me," Lady Malta said. "I vowed I wouldn't ask her to remove them. I lasted about two hours before I was ready to beg. They aren't bad if you sit still, but what are the chances of that today?"

  I nodded and realized that was a mistake, as the bobbing earrings tugged on my ears.

  Lady Malta stepped aside, sweeping Mellara with her, and the remaining servants cleared a path to Juleena's door.

  * * * *

  "You were delayed," Juleena said as soon as the door was closed.

  "You were wrong," I said.

  "I am never wrong."

  As I set out the food, I explained about the stool in the kitchen and about Malta catching me. Juleena admired the earrings and smiled.

  "You don't expect me to remove these, do you?"

  I didn't, and I didn't respond to that. Instead I asked, "What do you suppose Malta wants?"

  "I haven't any idea," she replied.

  I finished laying out breakfast and poured the tea. I made to remove the nose, but Juleena said, "Leave that on."

  "I have completed your task. Won't I get into trouble?"

  "Your task is complete when we have had our breakfast. You know the staff will be through here, and if they see you without the nose, they won't let you eat."

  I nodded -- which remained a mistake -- and took my seat.

  Juleena was right about the staff. I'd barely been seated before Xiella -- with Mellara on her heels -- entered the room. They both headed for me, but I turned my head, and they saw the nose. Immediately they veered off and began to bustle about the room. When I looked at Juleena, she wore the ghost of a smile.

  "Told you," she whispered. "I could stymie them by sending you on additional tasks, but the tradition is one task per recipient."

  "So you won't send me scurrying about?"

  "Oh, I am not bound by tradition, but I am looking forward to seeing what they have in mind for you." Then she returned her voice to a more normal, casual tone, and asked after my studies.

  We finished our breakfast. I wasn't sure if Juleena would expect me to clean up after us. I learned she didn't. "Well," she declared. And at that one word, two maid's heads swiveled towards me. "I believe your task for me is done." And she gestured towards the bright red nose.

  I reached up and, trying to avoid jostling the earrings, which had already grown uncomfortable, untied the adornment. "You have a pocket for it," Juleena said with a gesture to my tunic. And so I slipped the nose away.

  "She's free?" Xiella asked.

  "She is," Juleena declared.

  Xiella turned to Mellara. "Can I have her first?"

  I thought perhaps I'd use their distraction to my advantage. I climbed to my feet and was ready to flee to my own room, but befo
re I got two steps, Juleena said, "Do you really want them to have to hunt you down?"

  I froze and turned around.

  I missed whatever negotiations had ensued, but the result was simple. "Lady Yallameenara, would you be so kind as to help me attend to Princess Juleena's room?"

  I pulled the nose back out and tied it into place.

  Juleena moved to the sofa, inviting Mellara to join her, which surprised my maid. The two watched as Xiella directed me in the duties of straightening Juleena's room, ending with a load of laundry in my arms.

  "Hey!" Mellara complained about that. "If she steps into the hallway, I'll never get her back."

  "She probably doesn't know where to take those, anyway," Xiella said, and I realized she was right.

  Mellara huffed, but I thought it was good-natured. "I'll have to show you, Lady Yallameenara, but then she's mine after that."

  "So she is," Xiella said.

  And so I took a quick glance in Juleena's mirror. I had to set down the clothing and fix both the hat and hair -- again. But no one called me on it, and I hoped it was passable by the time I was done.

  When we stepped into the hallway, there were still people waiting about. I came to a stop, my arms full of clothing and my nose adorned. But Mellara took my arm and pulled me along. I waited until we were out of range before I asked, "Don't they have actual duties? How can they have time to wait around hoping to catch me?"

  Mellara didn't answer. But as she led me through the palace, she asked, "Do the earrings hurt?"

  "They're starting to," I said. "And I imagine my ears will be tender for a while, even after Lady Malta removes them again."

  We walked for another minute before she said, "As punishments go, it doesn't seem that bad."

  "What kind of punishments did you receive?"

  "A lot of spankings," she said.

  "Seriously?"

  "It's hard to keep everything perfect when everyone is making you do things for them. Xiella and I could have spanked you earlier." Then she stopped me and retied the bow for the hat.

  "Are you going to punish me now?"

  "No," she said. "It was your best attempt, but I can't help it. You need to look perfect, or I'm not doing my job."