by Robin Roseau
* * * *
We didn't talk to Tarmeen, but Muranna and I met Valara the next day, riding to the stable her family used. She was dressed quite properly, and not all that differently than my attire. Muranna said, "Oh, I adore the hat. Wherever did you get it?"
"Muranna," I said. "This is Valara. Valara, this is Lady Muranna, but if I hear Lady out of you, there will be retribution."
She laughed, and she and I exchanged hugs. I know I surprised her, but she returned it, and then Muranna hugged her, too, which was even a bigger surprise, I was sure.
Her horse was typical for Framara, and Zana looked small in comparison. But she was a good mare, dependable and sweet, and I thought a good choice for a solid rider.
The snow hadn't arrived, which disappointed me, but the wind was from the northeast, so we headed south along the coast, the ocean to our west. The three of us rode side-by-side, chatting easily.
I decided I liked her, and when I caught Muranna's eye, she nodded once. Valara was intelligent and laughed at the right jokes. The three of us worked out areas of conversation, and it was a pleasant afternoon.
When we returned to their stable, I asked Valara, "Do you need to work tonight?"
"No, and I told my aunt what you're trying to do. She is supportive, and said to make myself available. They'll make do."
"All right. How do you feel about dinner in the palace?" I turned to Muranna. "What is happening in town?"
"There's a poetry reading," she said. She made a face. "And that play we saw is still going."
"It was really funny," I said. "I don't know if I've ever seen you laugh so loudly for such a long time."
She smiled. "You want to see it again?"
"I might. You?"
"Sure."
I turned to Valara. She looked a little like I believe I did most of my ten and eighth birthday. "Valara?"
"You just invited me to dinner at the palace?"
"A girl has to eat," I said. "So?"
"I don't have anything to wear."
"You're dressed fine."
"I can't show up for dinner at the palace in my riding clothes."
"Why not? Muranna and I will. We'll change afterwards. Or maybe we won't." I turned back to Muranna. "You're better at this than I am."
"We should change," she said.
"But-"
"You and I could go about like this," she said. "But she can't."
"Oh. Right." So I turned back to Valara. "You must have something you could wear to a play."
"Well of course, but that's not the palace."
"Pshaw. I'm not promising dinner with the queen."
"It's still the palace."
"Casual. I mean it. How you're dressed is fine. But bring a change for latter." I paused. "Is it too soon for her to join our slumber parties, Muranna?"
"Yes. Maybe in a week or two."
"Fine," I said. I turned back to her. "Bring a bottle of wine. I have no idea what's for dinner."
Valara laughed and agreed to be there.
* * * *
I knocked at Juleena's door. "Come." I slipped in. She rose from her chair and smiled.
"So, how goes the scheming?"
"I am not scheming," I said. "I am... making a new friend."
"Uh huh."
"So, I did something without permission."
"Why am I not surprised?"
"I invited her for dinner."
"Tonight?"
"Yes."
"Good. Mother wants to meet her anyway."
"You act like this isn't a big deal."
"It's a meal."
"She's the queen. We could eat in our room."
"Are you trying to hide her from the queen?"
"No, but I can't presume."
"You'll eat in the dining room with the rest of us," she said. "Muranna too, I presume?"
"Yes."
"Good."
It was a half hour later when one of the pages said, "There is a Miss Valara waiting for you. She is in the library."
"Thank you," I said. Muranna and I headed down. And as soon as I saw Valara, I cursed. "I told you casual."
"I couldn't."
"Come on," I said. I grabbed her arm and half pulled her upstairs to my room. "Muranna, what can we put her in? She and I aren't remotely the same size."
"She and I are close," Muranna said. She headed for the closet while I began working on the stays.
"Lady Yallameenara!"
"Yalla," I said firmly. "A gown? Please I hope no one saw you. You can't wear a gown. First off, I'm not going to the show in a gown, and if you do, you'll look silly. And second, it's dinner in. Family."
"It's the palace!"
"Get over it," I said. "God, we need Mellara."
It took Muranna to help, but in spite of the objections, we got Valara out of the gown and into one of Muranna's dresses, one with laces, so it was adjustable. She actually looked pretty good in it. We both fussed at her and then said, "Better."
"Shoes," Muranna said. "She can't wear the ones she was wearing."
That was when Juleena stepped in. Valara froze, but I just turned to her and pointed to the gown stretched out on the bed. "She wore that, but we don't know what to do about shoes."
"What size, Valara?"
"Seven."
"Hmm. Well, you won't fit into anything Yalla has. We could squish you into something of Muranna's, but I'm sure I have something. Just a moment."
Juleena disappeared back into her own room, and Valara began to sputter.
"That was the princess."
"Yes," I said. "That's her room."
"I'm in the palace, being dressed by the queen's foster daughter, and about to borrow a pair of the princess's shoes."
"That sums it up," Muranna said.
"Sums what up?"
"Valara is having trouble keeping up with the conversation," Muranna said. "Princess Juleena, this is Valara, hopefully Andro's future wife. Her family owns the brilliant wine merchant on Chinden Street."
"I brought a couple of bottles," Valara said. "The page took them from me."
"Then they'll arrive on the table," Juleena said. "A pleasure to meet you, Valara. Here. Try these."
She handed me the shoes, and I bent down and fit them in place. I did it intentionally, knowing it would put Valara further off balance, and I chuckled as she sputtered. The shoes were a little big, but Juleena had chosen well.
"Can you walk in those?" I asked.
"Yes," she said. "But-"
"Say 'thank you, Juleena'."
"Your Highness."
"No," said Juleena. "You say 'thank you, Juleena'."
"Thank you, Juleena," the woman said. "Oh god."
Juleena laughed, and I saw her pat Valara's cheek as I stood back up. "You'll be fine," she said, "but we're going to be late, and we mustn't keep mother waiting."
"We're eating with the queen?" Valara squeaked.
"See, Juleena?" said Muranna. "She's having trouble keeping up."
"I see," said Juleena. Then she hooked her arm in Valara's and led us from the room.
* * * *
"Your Majesty," Valara said, dropping into the deepest curtsey I'd ever seen.
"Really, Yalla," Ralalta said. "Didn't you coach her or anything? Girl, get up. I don't have time for things like that in the privacy of my own home. Get up and don't do that again."
Slowly she rose.
"Now, let me get a look at you," Ralalta said. She stepped closer and eyed Valara carefully. "Yalla, why is she wearing Muranna's clothes?"
"She came in a gown."
"Yalla..."
"I told her to come as she was but to bring a dress for the show."
"Next time, Valara," said the queen, "listen to Yalla."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
"And about that. My name is Ralalta, and this is a family dinner."
"I don't think I can."
"I'm not going to force it, but at least try. Say it. Ralalta."
"Oh god."
"That's close," Ralalta said with a grin, "but there might be others who would take offense. Try again."
Valara actually cracked a smile at that. She bobbed her head, but she said, "Thank you for having me, Ralalta."
"Better. Sit. Here, next to me, I think. Juleena beside you, and those two ragamuffins over there where they can cause the most damage."
"I think she means us," said Muranna. "You know, Valara, I was just as awed my first time here. You get used to it."
Dinner was simple, served family style and not in courses. But then the wine steward came out and said, "Your Majesty, I was given these bottles. I'm not sure-"
Valara looked down, not saying anything.
"I asked her to bring them, Ralalta, but I didn't know the menu."
"I brought wine that would work with most meals," she said. "They're our go-with-anything wines. We don't have to open them."
"Nonsense," said the queen.
"There's a red and a white," said Valara. "If the red couldn't breath, it should be decanted. I could do it."
"No, no," said the wine steward. "I will only be a moment."
He handled his job. After that, I could tell it was difficult for Valara to remain seated, but he poured and disappeared.
Ralalta tried the wine then addressed the meal. The rest of us did the same, with only Valara looking on somewhat helplessly.
"Your Majesty."
"Ralalta."
"Ralalta. You don't have to drink the wine."
"I rather like it," she said. But she looked across the table at me. "You haven't thought everything through, although this wasn't a poor idea."
"I don't understand."
"If we buy their wine, then they are simply another supplier to the palace. But if she brings a bottle when she comes to dinner, she is being a gracious guest. In the future, give her time to learn the menu."
I bowed my head. "It was a spur of the moment thought."
"Less spur if you wish to win the battle," she said. She turned to Valara, sipped from the wine, and said, "This is a good choice, but I bet you would have chosen something else if you knew the menu."
"Yes." But she tried her own and nodded. Then she, Juleena, and Ralalta spent the next ten minutes talking about wine. I watched Valara become increasingly assured and animated, and I was sure Ralalta did it intentionally. I couldn't help but stare.
Ralalta noticed, of course, and she simply said, "Learning something else?"
"Only how much more I have to learn," I said. And I was sure she knew what I was talking about.
The meal drew to a close. Ralalta said, "What are your plans for the evening."
"A show," I said. "Perhaps you would like to join us. It is quite funny."
She cocked her head. "You know, I would, but I do not think that would advance your cause." She turned to Valara. "My cousin, Britneé, does not care for me. I cannot help you directly, and for that, I am sorry. You may not want to put it about you dined with me. It might help you in some circles, but it would not help you in that direction."
Valara inclined her head. "Your Majesty. Ralalta."
"Better," said the queen. "I'll give you a little advice. Don't let all this awe you quite so much. Frankly, this is at least partly why Britneé is opposed."
"Your Majesty."
"Don't get me wrong. If you and Andro desire a match, then I am fully in support. You are clearly an intelligent, hard-working woman, and he could use that influence in his life. But when someone, even me, tells you to use her name, you need to be comfortable with that. When your host tells you how to dress, and you dress differently, you are sending the wrong message. It would not be appropriate to act as if you own the place, or that you ungrateful. But there is a happy middle, and you are not there."
Valara continued to look into her lap but nodded. Ralalta lifted her chin with a finger and said, "I am not chastising. I have offering advice and constructive criticism. Better to learn here, amongst friends, than at the next event Yalla drags you to. Would you agree?"
"Yes, Ralalta."
"Good. Now, do not attempt to emulate either of those two. They get away with their behavior, but you would not. But do not be too over-focused on being correct, either. Relax. You have made new friends. That is all."
"I think I understand."
"Good." She turned to Juleena. "Do you have anything else to offer?"
"No," Juleena said. "But I would have liked to go to the play with them."
"You know Britneé. This can't really go any higher than Yalla."
"Tomorrow is the last night, and we're committed."
"We could go tomorrow," I said. "If the two of you want to go tonight."
"Juleena's whining because she's hoping to avoid the event tomorrow." But then Ralalta's gaze changed. "Of course, I could take you instead. Oh, yes. I like that."
Juleena began to grin. "Enjoy the show. I'll see it on closing night."
* * * *
The event the next night could have been more boring. We could have been watching rocks grow.
Valara became a real friend, joining Muranna and I frequently, or even attending events with one or the other of us separately. And somehow Muranna managed to extend that into invitations elsewhere in society.
But in the mean time, Larien arrived.
Larien of Alteara
I wore a gown. The queen wore a gown. Juleena was in riding clothes, making me jealous.
This time it was closed court. We'd received a request from the Ambassador of Alteara for permission to introduce his sister to the queen. So Ralalta, Juleena, and several of the ministers were present, along with a variety of attendants running hither and yon, I was sure for show.
And, of course, me.
Ralalta was on her throne with Juleena beside her. And I was on a third chair to Ralalta's left, which was unusual, but it's where Ralalta put me.
Glarta announced the ambassador. He strode into the room looking quite prim and elegant, and came to a stop before the queen. "Your Majesty," he said, bowing with a flourish.
"Greetings, Count Marblid," replied the queen. "I hope you are well."
He straightened. "I am, Your Majesty. And might I say you look quite radiant today."
"You always were the flatterer, Henry," she said. "But thank you. You know the princess, of course, and Lady Yallameenara."
"Of course." But that required more bows and well wishes. Really. Couldn't he get on with it?
"What is the news from our north, Henry?" the queen asked.
"It has been a cold winter, I am told," he said. "But the royal family is well, and I understand there is a grandchild on the way."
"How marvelous!" said the queen said. "You will convey our congratulations."
"Of course, Your Majesty."
"Is there other news?"
"Oh, this and that," he replied. "Nothing of note today."
"And sharing the news is not your primary reason to be here today."
"It is not." He paused and looked around. "I admit. I had not quite expected this setting."
"Your sister has come so far. We didn't want her to feel slighted, although we felt if there were to be some sort of formal reception, it was best done at your embassy."
"Of course," he said. "Your kindness is legendary."
"Is the girl with you?"
"She is, Your Majesty."
"Then perhaps you could present her."
He turned towards the entrance. Glarta stepped forth and called, "Larien of Alteara." And then a woman entered the room.
I stared. She was stunning. Beyond stunning.
She wore her own gown, of course, of shimming blue like the ocean waters. Her hair was dark, her eyes bright, her features... perfect. Absolutely perfect. And I couldn't take my eyes from her.
Vaguely I noticed other reactions around the room. Eyes turned towards the new arrival, and I was sure everyone was watching her. From the other side of Ralalta, Juleena sh
ifted in her chair, but I had no attention for her. I couldn't take my gaze from Larien.
She approached, taking her brother's hand, and then knelt into a curtsey.
"Rise, Larien," said the queen. "Do you speak Framaran?"
The woman stood and smiled, and if I hadn't been lost before I might have been by the smile. When she spoke it was with an accent, thicker than Muranna's, but she spoke clearly and carefully. "I do, Your Majesty." Her voice was rich and just as lovely as her appearance.
"Very good," said the queen. "You are quite lovely."
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
"We should perhaps complete the introductions." She gestured to Juleena. "My daughter, Princess Juleena."
The woman gave another curtsey, although she didn't hold it.
"Welcome to Framara," Juleena said.
"I am pleased to meet you, Your Highness," she replied. "Thank you."
"And Lady Yallameenara, formerly of Garneer, and now of Framara."
I didn't receive a curtsey, which would have been inappropriate, but a nod of her head and a smile. "I am quite pleased to make your acquaintance."
"I hope your travels were pleasant," I replied. "I'm touched you would brave the season."
Another smile. "Our ice is deep," she said. "It is far warmer here. I am pleased to have been invited."
At that I nodded and returned my attention to Ralalta.
"Well," she said. "Larien, perhaps you could tell us a little about yourself."
"Of course, Your Majesty," she replied. "I am our parents' youngest child." She gestured to her brother. "We have ten and five years between us. I am well educated, including the arts and music, and my mother has ensured I am able to manage a household."
"Do you play an instrument?"
"Yes, Your Majesty. Cello."
"Did you bring your instrument?"
"I did," she said. "I understand you are an accomplished musician."
"Not so accomplished as to play to an audience," Ralalta replied. "Perhaps I could have been, but my life took another direction. And so I play for pleasure, most often with my two daughters."
I sat up straighter at that. She hadn't said it that way before, but that was clearly a message, and then Ralalta turned to me with a smile and squeezed my hand before returning her attention to Larien.
"May I ask, what is your preferred instrument?"