Pawn (The Pawn Series Book 1)

by Robin Roseau

  Of course we had paper. I accepted the last two requests and gave them to Mellara. Then I wrote a brief note. "Your Majesty. I deeply desire your advice. Yalla." I returned Larien's letter to its envelope and turned to Mellara. "Does handling this fall within your duties?"

  "Yes," she said.

  "All right. This one to Drendick. This one to Malta. From her, find out what I am to wear."

  "Of course."

  "This one to Her Majesty, and I'm sending Larien's letter with. I am asking for her advice, so I hope she will suggest a time I could speak with her."

  "Very good. You're ready. I think the princess is waiting."

  * * * *

  An hour later found me alone with the queen. She had Larien's letter in her hand when she bade me to sit.

  "What advice do you require, Yalla?"

  "Is she asking me whether I'm ready for marriage?"

  "She is asking whether you would give her your time."

  "I don't know what to do."

  "Why not? You seem to be open to a woman."

  "That's not it," I said. "But she's coming so far. She must have expectations."

  "You would meet briefly, perhaps tea," she said. "Her brother might escort her to provide introductions, or perhaps she would come alone. If you get on, then there might be outings. Perhaps you would go riding. Perhaps you would show her Marport."

  "I see."

  "Unless things were to proceed far faster and further than anyone might expect, she would stay a week or three and then return home. You would correspond, perhaps. And then you would decide if you wished her to return. If so, it would be far more formal, and she might expect you to withdraw from other suitors before she would accept."

  I looked away, unsure what to ask, unsure what she knew.

  "Yalla, do you love Muranna? Do you wish to be released to her?"

  I turned back. "I love her, but..."

  "But?"

  "Princess Juleena said..." I trailed off.

  "Yalla," said Ralalta. "I want you to be happy."

  "The treaty."

  "Forget the treaty," she said. "Four years ago, that was important. Perhaps it mattered little to the Arrlotta to give you to us, but it mattered in Framara. That time has passed."

  "Everyone is always talking about making a good match," I said. "Everyone says I must do my duty. That you'll marry me to someone who will make the country stronger."

  "I don't know who everyone is, but you have never heard me say that, and I do not believe Juleena has, either. Has she?"

  "No. When she brought me here, she said I would marry a cousin, or so she thought."

  "And that was expedient at the time. Yalla, what do you want?"

  "I don't know."

  "You don't want to marry Muranna?"

  I looked down. "Juleena said you'd make me leave the palace, and that I couldn't help you if I did."

  "That is true, but would you be happy?"

  I didn't know how we would live. Neither of us had income of our own. The queen gave me money, and I'd made more over the years from my riding. Lady Griffen supported Muranna for now, but that wouldn't last forever. But we were both smart. I thought we'd figure something out. Muranna didn't have much saved, but I did. I had quite a lot, actually.

  "You're thinking about money," the queen said.

  "We'd get by," I said. "But... I think Muranna and I are better friends than life mates. I think she needs more than I can give her, and I think if I asked if she were willing to live on what we could make, she'd be aghast."

  "Have you talked to her about it?"

  "No."

  "What if money weren't a concern? What if you had an income? Is she the one you'd want?"

  "I want her as my friend," I said.

  "Is there someone else you have an eye on?" Ralalta asked.

  I looked away and didn't answer. "What if there were?"

  "Has he petitioned to court you?"

  "No."

  "He or she, Yalla."

  She stared me down until I answered. "She."

  "And do you have reason to believe she feels the same way?"

  "Yes."

  "Do you know why she hasn't petitioned to court you?"

  "I don't have any experience."

  "Ah, finally we arrive at the crux of the matter. You require experience, but not too much experience."

  "I don't want Larien to come this way under false pretenses."

  "Now I understand most of the problem. Are you sure you want to marry this woman?"

  "I don't know." I looked up. "She hasn't actually asked, and you might not allow it."

  "Would I find her unsuitable for you?"

  "She's older than I am."

  "Is she as old as Malta?"

  "Well, no."

  "I am surprised about Malta," Ralalta said. "But if the two of you were to fall in love, I wouldn't stand in your way. So I ask again. Would I find her unsuitable for you?"

  "Noooo," I said slowly.

  "Are you willing to tell me who we're talking about?"

  "I think if she wanted you to know, she'd have found a chance to talk to you about it, Your Majesty."

  "Ralalta," she corrected.

  "Ralalta," I agreed.

  "All right. Let me address a few things. You are concerned that at least some of your suitors are only interested because they believe you are a princess of Garneer."

  "Yes."

  "I will tell you this. None of them care about an arrangement with the Arrlotta. Some care because they truly like you. The rest have offered suit because you are my foster daughter, but they know they can't have Juleena."

  "Because you have plans for her?"

  "Because she has been quite clear about her intentions."

  "Which are?"

  "When she sees someone who strikes her fancy, then she will be the one to offer suit."

  I laughed. "That sounds like her."

  "There are some countries that must barter marriage to strengthen relationships, either inside or outside the country. We are the most prosperous country in this region of the world, and Juleena need not marry for reasons of state. Neither do you. You both represent an advantage for whomever wins your hand, but I don't need whatever they are offering. I will not allow you to marry poorly, Yalla, but I will not force a marriage."

  I bowed. "Thank you, Ralalta."

  "Juleena and I have discussed this issue. I have declared you a lady, and that is all that is required for you to hold that title. But if you arrange a match that requires a more exalted title than that, I will formally adopt you, if you agree."

  "Adopt me?"

  "You would be my daughter and a princess of Framara."

  I stared. I hadn't considered that.

  "And call you Mother in public?"

  She laughed. "I would hope so. I know you have a mother, so I suppose you would have two. If she heard, would she be upset?"

  "I don't think so. I think she'd be happy."

  Ralalta smiled. "Good. Do you know why I haven't already done this, years ago?"

  "No."

  "Because Juleena asked me not to."

  "Oh. Why?"

  "Because adopting you would open some doors but close others. I would have to be much pickier whom you could marry."

  "Don't fall in love with the groom?"

  "No. Or anyone close to the throne. Do you understand what I'm saying, Yalla?"

  I was sure she knew everything. "But if you don't adopt me?"

  "Fewer restrictions," she replied. "If you should desire Larien of Alteara, perhaps it is enough you are my foster daughter. Perhaps not. We would discuss it at the time. We have one more thing to discuss. Money. Do you know where my money comes from, and Juleena's, too? And the money I give you."

  "Taxes."

  "Actually, no. Taxes pay for the country. The military, the guard. Roads. You see?"

  "Then no."

  "I have lands. The crown has lands, and those lands pay for the castl
e and the palace. But I have my own lands, and when Juleena turned twenty and one, I gave some of my lands to her. I am waiting to see what you decide, Yalla, but I have lands for you. Not as much as I gave Juleena, but enough to provide a good income, if you do not turn foolish. I may not give them to you, but may only grant you the income from them, for as long as you live, but your children may need to make their own way. Or if you lived carefully, you could use the income to acquire more lands, and then you would have land to give your children."

  "You would do that? For me?"

  "For you, if you give me one thing."

  "What is that?"

  "I will not force you to marry someone you do not wish to marry. But you will not marry without my approval. That is all I ask."

  "That is far more than I expected when I came here, Ralalta." I paused. "Do you think anyone knows what you just told me?"

  "Juleena does. We discussed it. No one else knows. Some may suspect or assume. Does this change any of your previous answers?"

  "You're asking if I want to marry Muranna, knowing we wouldn't starve."

  "I suppose I am, and I would allow it, Yalla. I do not think she is your best choice, but I would allow it."

  "What if I like Larien of Alteara?"

  "If you remain in Framara, I would approve. If you leave, I do not know."

  "If I marry Muranna, I have to leave the palace and I can't help you anymore."

  "The same restriction does not exist for Larien."

  "I don't understand."

  "And I am not going to explain, but I do not want you to discuss any of this with Muranna."

  "Any of it?"

  "Oh, you may discuss your suitors all you want, but I would rather you not mention adoption or land or who could or could not live in the palace."

  "And the reason I shouldn't talk to her about those things is the same reason I'd have to move out of the palace."

  "Yes, it is."

  I didn't understand any of that, but I agreed to say nothing about any of this to anyone, except Juleena.

  "So what do I do, Ralalta?"

  "Well, you want experience, and you do not care to lie."

  "Yes."

  "Do you reject Larien out of hand? There is no chance you could fall in love?"

  "I haven't met her."

  "Do you want to meet her?"

  I thought about it. "Yes."

  "Then she understands the risks. Tell her you would like to meet, and that you can promise to be a good host if she visits, but you cannot promise your heart."

  "Would she stay here in the palace?"

  "Oh, she would probably stay with her brother at the embassy, or perhaps in a house in town."

  "Oh. Ralalta, do you want me to meet her?"

  "I think it would be good for you," she said. "If I were judging this from a political position, I would say it is good for us if you treat her honestly. You must give her fair time and an open mind. Can you do that, Yalla?"

  I thought about it. "I can be a good host," I said. "And I think I could enjoy her visit. But I don't think my heart is available, Ralalta. I think if I were being fully honest, I would be doing this for this experience I need, not because I am seeking a marriage."

  "Then in your note, tell her you will not be quick to marry, and let her decide what that means. But you should tell absolutely no one, no one at all, about this other woman. And you must be prepared in case she doesn't step forward." She paused. "Yalla, now that you are free to be courted, if she is serious, she will give you other hints she has plans for you. If she doesn't, then you shouldn't set your hopes on her. Do you understand?"

  "I think so."

  "Good."

  "What kind of hints might she give?"

  "Well, if I were the one, I'd probably kiss you."

  I laughed.

  "Are you laughing at the idea of me kissing someone, Yalla?"

  "No. Kissing me isn't as subtle as I was expecting you to answer."

  She smiled. "There is a time and place for subtlety. I think when it comes to love, subtlety is overrated. I prefer blunt. Did you have more to ask?"

  "Could we talk about Andro?"

  "Ah, Andro."

  "Could you talk to his mother for him?"

  "And tell her to support this other girl?"

  "Yes."

  "There are two problems with that. First, I do not know who this other girl is, and I do not know how unsuitable she may be. That could be resolved. But second, Britneé doesn't like me, doesn't like my parenting style, and is almost sure to do the opposite of whatever I suggest."

  "Then why is she pushing her son at your foster daughter?"

  "Probably because she believes I'd grant you those lands we discussed, and maybe she thinks a Princess of Garneer owns a hundred miles of land."

  I laughed. Loudly. Ralalta laughed, too, although not quite so exuberantly.

  "Does she really?" I managed to say.

  "I haven't talked to her about it, but quite possibly."

  "So. You can't help Andro?"

  "He got himself into this; he needs to get himself out."

  "You could deny his petition."

  "You could have, too," she pointed out. "Why didn't you?"

  "Because I was upset, and because no one ever talked to me about any of this, and I didn't have a clue what I was supposed to do. So I gave it all to you to decide."

  "And then I didn't decide anything for you. Imagine that. I wonder what that might mean, Yalla?"

  "I-" I opened and closed my mouth several times. "Wait. You told me if you allowed Malta to court me, I had to allow Andro."

  "Yes, well, I probably shouldn't have done that. I'd rather you not dismiss Andro out of hand, Yalla. You should at least go through the motions with him once or twice."

  "I thought... Well. I told him he could invite me to dinner, and I would show his mother my barbarian manners. That should take care of that."

  Ralalta leaned forward, her smile fading. "I forbid you do to anything that would intentionally sully your reputation. If you did something like that, it would get out. I don't expect you to have all the social graces of someone born to your position, but you will do nothing of that nature, Yallameenara. Am I clear?"

  "I'm sorry, Your Majesty. You're clear."

  "I will be very, very vexed, Yalla. You understand."

  "I sometimes forget which fork to use."

  "You were intending a lot worse than forgetting which fork, weren't you?"

  "Yes."

  "No. Just no."

  "I won't. I'm sorry."

  "It's fine. I'm glad you told me."

  "But I don't know what to do. Andro said his mother won't consider the girl because she's not of sufficient social stature, or something like that. Could you do something about that?"

  She smiled. "No. But someone else might be able to."

  "Who?"

  "You."

  "Me?"

  "You."

  "All right," I said after a moment. "How do I meet her?"

  "You'll think of something."

  * * * *

  Drendick arrived at half ten the next day. As Mellara had suggested, I waited in the library. Mellara made sure the staff knew where to find me. There was a knock at the door, and then Glarta, one of Lady Malta's assistants, announced, "Lord Drendick for you, Lady Yallameenara."

  "Thank you, Glarta."

  I stood. She stepped aside with a gesture, and a young man stepped past her. He was dressed in what Muranna would call the latest style, and I would call impractical and not at all dashing. And with that thought, I realized I wasn't giving him a chance.

  He was tall and fit, with sharp features and broad hands. His brown hair was wavy, but it looked a little too perfect. And I wasn't sure about it being longer than mine.

  I really shouldn't hold his appearance against him, should I?

  I offered a hand, and we exchanged greetings. From behind him, Glarta asked, "Should I send in refreshments?"
>
  "I have tea, Glarta," I said, "but a fresh pot in a while would be nice."

  "Of course, Lady Yallameenara."

  "Thank you, Glarta."

  She stepped out, closing the door. I gestured to a seat, and once we were both seated, I poured a fresh cup for him and topped my own. I picked up my tea, and we both sipped. Then I sat back in my chair and waited to see what he'd say.

  To call it painful would perhaps be an understatement. He simply looked at me, leaving it to me to break the silence.

  "I don't believe we've met before," I finally said. "How is that, Drendick?"

  "I'm not in the capital often," he replied. "I've seen you ride."

  "Have you?"

  "The strangest beasts. Everyone wonders when you'll begin to ride a proper horse."

  My lips tightened, but Drendick didn't seem to notice. Now that he'd been invited to speak, he went on about his own horses, and their breeding lines, and how this horse was his favorite hunter and that horse was better at... Well, I'm not really sure, because I stopped listening after his disparaging comment about Zana and Hamper.

  I'd have thrown him out immediately, but frankly, I couldn't get a word in edgewise.

  But then he stopped talking, looking at me expectantly. "I'm sorry, I think my Framaran failed me for a moment. Would you repeat that again?"

  "I suggested perhaps you would like to tour our stable. We could go riding. I could loan you a proper, Framaran horse. You wouldn't believe what you're missing."

  "I see. Drendick, do you know where I'm from?"

  "Of course. Everyone knows. You're from Garneer. A horrid place, from what I hear."

  "And do you know the name of the people, of my heritage?"

  "No. Should I?"

  "We are called the Arrlotta," I said. "In Framaran, you might say the Horse People."

  "The Horse People."

  "Yes. We learn to ride practically before we can walk. I do not remember being taught to ride; I have always known. We are nomadic, you see, for The Hippa -- you would say Garneer -- does not support a clan that remains in one place. We must constantly move from place to place. On horseback."

  He didn't say anything.

  "I have a certain reputation," I continued. "I would forgive you for not having heard it, if you spend little time in the capital, but you said you have seen me ride. Tell me. Did you see me engage in a race, perhaps?"

  "Yes."

  "And did I lose?"