Confused, Ninallia stammered, “Someone has left her clothes.”
“Judging your size was hard, because what you’re wearing is too large and the tags are faded. I think they’ll fit.” Madama grinned impishly. “It was fun sneaking a peek at your clothes while you were with the healer.”
Ninallia had only dreamed of fine garments. The gowns were grander than anything she owned. The real silk shimmered in the light, and the room smelled of fresh flowers from a bouquet arranged in a pale vase on the dresser. It was like stepping into a world where she was transformed into a princess. The wonder of it brought tears of happiness to her eyes.
Madama Ector seemed pleased with her reaction. She pointed to a door leading to a private dressing room and toilet. “I’ll leave you to settle in and try on your new things. Marta will come up in later to get your letter. If there is anything you want her to bring from your home, give her a list.”
The minute Madama Ector closed the door Ninallia raced to the closet and took down one of the gowns. The material rustled softly in her fingers. The deep purple and white pattern was the most beautiful material she could imagine. How can I wear something this fine? She removed her simple shift and slipped into the gown. Its belt shimmered with color. The fit was perfect. Ninallia spun in circles before the mirror admiring her finery.
Still wearing the gown, she sat at the writing table and composed a letter to reassure her aunt and mother. She tried to think of anything she might need. By the time the housekeeper, Marta, arrived she had written two pages to her mother. Without explaining her “job”, she reassured them she was safe and doing a good thing.
Marta placed a tray of tea, fruit, cheese and sweet biscuits on the table. She took Ninallia’s letter. “I have to go to the market. It may be late when I get back. Supper will be served at 6:30 in the dining room, unless you want a tray in your room.”
Ninallia could only gape at the food. It was the middle of the afternoon, and she was still full from eating such a large lunch. On the tray, there was more food than her family ate in a whole day. She couldn’t believe Madama Ector provided this much.
Marta laughed. “Madama likes the girls to eat well. It’s good for the babies.” She took the list from the writing table and slipped from the room leaving Ninallia gaping at the food.
After selecting from the assortment, she bit into a sweet biscuit and walked onto the balcony. Below, a larger garden and a high fence separated the Madama’s property from her neighbors.
After finishing, Ninallia enjoyed a hot bath and even washed her hair. She dressed again in the beautiful gown. The tiny bow on the slippers matched the darkest color. After checking herself in the mirror yet again, she headed downstairs to find the dining room.
“You must be a new girl,” a soft voice called behind her.
Ninallia turned to see a tall, broad-shouldered woman with a plain, friendly face. The cut of her gown emphasized the well-rounded stomach of pregnancy.
“I’m Irinia, this is my third time working for Madama.”
Ninallia was surprised. This was not one of the young women swimming earlier. Irinia appeared to be in her thirties.
“I’m a good breeder and come from a hearty bloodline. My clients requested me again. All their children will be full brothers and sisters. My husband and I have two children of our own. He takes care of them while I am here.”
Ninallia took in this deluge of information. She didn’t know what she should say. “I’m Ninallia, and this is my first time to serve as dumas.”
“I can tell you aren’t more than fifteen or sixteen. You’re too young for the public dumas hostels. Madama is strict about age rules so you’re lucky or special for her to make an exception in your case.”
Ninallia wanted to tell this woman how grateful she was to Madama Ector. She followed the older woman into the dining area where several women were already fixing plates from a large buffet table. Ninallia tried not to gape at the food. There were meat pies, roast fowl, and a platter of baked fish. Irinia began to fill a large plate with meat, vegetables, and breads. Ninallia followed taking smaller portions. After introductions, she ate and listened to the lighthearted conversations going on around her. Madama Ector did not seem to mistreat her girls. They ate as much as they pleased and appeared to be very happy.
Later, after putting away the few things from home, Ninallia slipped into the large bed and snuggled under quilts and spreads. She was soon asleep.
~ * ~
The first test results were in—she wasn’t pregnant. Even though Madama assured her the insemination seldom took the first time, Ninallia was afraid. What will happen if I don’t conceive? Will I have to repay Madama for everything, plus the credits Aunt Rese and mother are spending?
“Why the gloomy face?” Irinia asked with a laugh. “It took me three times for the first child, and I already birthed one of my own. Sometimes it takes several tries; Madama isn’t going to put you out.”
“But what if I don’t get pregnant? I could never pay her back.” Ninallia stared down at her plate. The delicious food was tasteless.
“Did Madama Ector say you must pay her back? There’s never any guarantee a woman will conceive.” Irinia set her own fork down and patted Ninallia’s arm. “Give it some time. The healer says you are fertile. Stop worrying and eat.”
Ninallia wanted to hug the older woman. She wanted her own mother and aunt. She put a bite of the meat pie into her mouth and chewed. It was rich and delicious.
Four
Ice clung to the Temple’s spires. Its reflected light was lost in the blowing wind before it reached the ground. The snow stopped at daybreak. Sisters and Brothers hurried between the buildings, keeping their hoods pulled tightly against the blasts of wind-blown snow as they hurried about their duties. The Temple City of Uban was frozen and isolated for almost half of the year, and the members of the Order, acolytes, and their servants were accustomed to harsh conditions.
Tegani, Sister of the Order and instructress of acolytes, fought her way against the wind. This confrontation had been brewing for some time. My Lady of Wisdom, as the leader of the Holy Order was known, overlooked her request once again. This could not be a simple oversight. Tegani made her desire for a mission outside the Temple City known many times. All Sisters and Brothers were given one outside the city once during their time of service. It pained her that Sister Hellith, who was years younger and whom she trained, was given the mission Tegani requested. My Lady would listen.
Shaking snow from her robes, Tegani bowed deferentially to an older Sister and climbed the stairway to the meeting chambers of My Lady. Taking in a deep breath before entering she bowed low. Agreil, My Lady of Wisdom, sat contemplating the Pool of Knowledge. Tegani waited for her to acknowledge her presence.
“Sister Tegani, your mind is troubled.” The old woman’s tone held a note of disappointment, but her gaze never the large ebony bowl containing the pool.
“Yes, My Lady. I do not understand why I have not been sent on a mission outside Uban. Am I not worthy?”
The old woman looked up. “You are one of our most gifted Sisters. Your work with acolytes here in the Temple City is outstanding.”
“Why have I not been sent on a mission?”
“Your work here displeases you?”
“No, My Lady. I feel a mission outside the city will make me a better Sister.”
A male voice queried from a corner, “How old were you when you came to the Temple City?”
Tegani turned to see First Brother Arturon, My Lady’s assistant and the next in line to rule the Temple City, standing by a window. The man could be almost invisible when he chose.
“I was five when my mother gave me to the temple,” Tegani replied. She liked Arturon. He was one of her favorite instructors.
“You have never been outside the city?”
“No, Brother,” she answered. Why is he asking me these questions when he already knows my answers? She waited while My Lady ag
ain studied the pool.
My Lady turned to Arturon. “Gather what is needed to test and train acolytes outside the Temple City. One of our Sisters will have need of them.”
Many years of training and deep respect for My Lady prevented Tegani from stamping her foot in exasperation. “My Lady, my mission?”
“Your time is not yet, Tegani. Study patience; it will give you solace. If you need something to do, help Arturon with his chore. The messenger must leave before the heavy snows set in.” With a nod of her silver head she dismissed them.
“Not yet? It must be soon, My Lady,” Arturon said as he bowed to her, his words barely loud enough for Tegani to hear.
“Where is the package going?” Tegani asked, when they were outside My Lady’s chamber.
“I don’t know. I wish she would tell me more,” Arturon answered. They walked in silence for a time, then he added, “If anything were to happen to me, I think she wants you close by.”
As an instructor of acolytes, she never considered herself in line to be My Lady. Always Brother followed Sister and Sister followed Brother in the line of ascension. My Lady of Wisdom and the Father of Wisdom always possessed the gift of Sight. Her own gift was an ability to affect objects with her mind. She trained many years to develop her skill and would spend many more to perfect it. The implication of Arturon’s words took on a more personal meaning.
She regarded her friend and mentor with concern. “You are not well?”
“I am in good health, Sister, and hope to serve as Father of Wisdom, though I pray the Spirits not for some time.”
Relief filled Tegani. She couldn’t imagine the Temple City without Arturon. Their first stop was at the small shop that carried sacred oil. As they came out the wind picked up and pelted them with ice. Arturon grabbed her hand and pulled her out into the street as he did when she was a young acolyte.
“Come, let’s hurry. We can have some hot tea and soup for lunch,” he said.
When they returned, the messenger was waiting with orders from My Lady and the destination. After helping to pack the items, Tegani returned to her quarters and sipped hot tea before her own fire. She lived in the Temple City twenty-five years, and she was thirty, after all. If My Lady does not send me on a mission in the next year, I will take a sabbatical and visit my homeland. My parents are gone, but I have two stepsisters and their families. Perhaps I will find a mate and settle outside the Temple City.
Many Sisters and Brothers chose this less isolated path of service. In this way they benefited the Temple and their homelands.
Five
Night claimed the Imperial City of Obantu. Merchants closed their shops and hurried home to their families. The weather was chilly with the first taste of winter’s breath. Clouds darkened the pale light from the moons of Bengar. Inside the Imperial Palace the Emperor Rhealgar and Empress Cynthy celebrated the recent news from Madama Ector.
The empress opened a small box, finding a silver ring set with fire opals. “My husband, you honor me when no honor is due.”
“You will raise my son to be a great man, a worthy emperor to follow me.”
The empress smiled. She loved this man. When she was proven barren, he could have dismissed her as many emperors would have.
“How far along is the girl?” he asked, stroking her hand. “When will we have a son?”
“Just far enough along for the tests to run true,” she answered. “Madama sent word today. How the healers know the girl carries a son this soon is beyond me.”
A servant entered carrying a tray of wine, cheeses, and an assortment of candies she loved. She and the emperor pulled apart.
“We will serve ourselves.” The emperor dismissed the servant.
Cynthy took a sip of tea before speaking. “I am so happy. I want to shout the news to everyone so they can share our joy.”
“Our dealings with Madama Ector and the birth of our son must be a closely guarded secret for now. He must be born, and his paternity proven, before anyone in the court learns of his existence.”
After sharing a glass of wine and eating many of the delicacies, Cynthy rose and bid her husband good night. She bent to kiss his hand, and he whispered. “Come to me tonight, my dear one. Let us celebrate together.”
The assassin found them together in the emperor’s bed, asleep in each other arms. His blade was sharp and movements were swift. Neither roused before slumber became the final sleep of death. He slipped from the Imperial Palace and disappeared into the darkness.
As morning dawned, the screams of the emperor’s personal groom woke the palace. The guards stationed outside the royal bedroom all night were put in chains. The emperor’s nephew and heir, Lord Hanoree, ordered the ringing of the bells and called the nobles to assemble.
His solemn face was broadcast on communications networks throughout the empire. Hanoree declared his love for Emperor Rhealgar and assured the people that he would avenge the death of the royal couple. He wept copiously and decreed that bells should be rung within all areas of the Empire for three days. Shock and mourning spread throughout the city.
~ * ~
As the bells continued to ring, customers hurried home to mourn the death of the emperor. Beliani wiped down the bar and studied her husband. He was shaking.
Often agitated after a job, Ricol was frantic. “You got to listen to me, woman. I need you to listen.”
“I’m listening.”
“If anything happens to me, you need to run. Get to the League. You’ll be safer there.”
“What have you done?” She took his arm.
Ricol shook off her hand. “Made us rich is what I’ve done. Didn’t I promise as much? You remember what I said.” He gave her a quick, hard kiss and strode from the bar.
Six
The ringing of the bells shook the Imperial Palace, the Imperial City, and the Empire. Ninallia covered her ears and ran from her room into a common area of Madama Ector’s dumas hostel. All the women housed at the hostel crowded into the room, their anxious chatter adding to the din of noise.
“Is the city under attack?” asked Irinia. Her baby had been born, and she was soon to leave the hostel. Madama Ector required the babies to spend the first two months with their mothers if possible.
Ninallia had been at Madama Ector’s for four months. Nothing like this happened before. The bells were making it difficult to think. Everyone was frightened.
“There has been a death at the palace. We are in no danger here. Please go back to what you were doing.” The firm voice of Marta, the housekeeper stilled the panic in the room. “Madama Ector will return with news soon.”
Something in the housekeeper’s face worried Ninallia. She went to her room and caught the end of the Royal Nephew’s speech. She could not believe the news. The Imperial Palace was on lockdown after the assassination of the emperor and empress. Memories of images of the beautiful empress posted throughout the city brought tears to her eyes. The luxury of her room and clothing seemed wrong.
“There you are!” Madama Ector startled her.
Ninallia turned and saw Madama staring at her from the doorway. There were tears streaming down her cheeks. Ninallia rose and started toward the older woman.
Madama Ector turned and shut the door with such violence it shook. She raised one hand to stop Ninallia. “You have to leave. Get out!”
Ninallia shook her head. “I don’t understand. I conceived. I haven’t lost the child.”
Madama Ector pushed her toward the closet. “You don’t understand. It is the emperor’s child you carry. It was to remain a secret. They will find me and come for you.”
Ninallia stood frozen in shock. Words and questions flooded her mind. They would not come out. She stared at Madama. How could she be carrying the royal heir?
Before her mind could focus, Madama was shaking her and screaming, “Run, you silly child! They will kill you and the heir if they find you here.”
She stared into Madama Ector’s eyes, absorbi
ng the fear and panic bubbling behind the tranquil color. “Home?”
“Of course not! If they can find you here, they will find your family. Go somewhere and hide yourself until the child is born.”
“Where?” Her question was unheeded as Madama Ector thrust a small bag of garments and a pouch heavy with credits into her hands and pushed her toward the open balcony window.
Thrust into the night, Ninallia clutched the garment bag and ran. Is Madama Ector a madwoman? Would such a fine man as the Royal Nephew harm anyone, let alone an infant? Ninallia slowed her pace, shaking her head. Of course he would. He wants the throne for himself no matter what he says.
She ducked into a public toilet and opened the bag. Tears fell. None of the fine clothes she loved were spilled out. These were servant’s clothes and not too clean. They would have to do. She changed from her gown into the new clothes. She looked in the mirror. The poor young girl of a few months past stared back at her.
As she walked back onto the street she faced a new dilemma. Madama Ector was generous with credit chips, but a lone girl could not approach an inn or hostel at night without raising notice and comment. Ninallia slept in an alley hidden behind some bins. It was smelly and cold.
When morning light woke her, she rose from her hiding place and brushed the worst of the dirt from her clothes. She bought a hot beverage and a meat roll from a vender and ate as she walked toward the outskirts of the city. She almost collided with a young boy who was running ahead of his mother. Ninallia stopped. The boy was a few years younger, but he was almost her height and weight. He smiled and bowed in apology. She nodded back.
A plan formed in her mind as she moved through the crowded city street. Anyone trying to harm her would be seeking a young woman carrying the emperor’s heir. They would not be looking for a boy.
The Reluctant Empress Page 3