by Robin Roseau
I stared for minute, then turned my back and hurried for the Ressaline side of the bridge. Reaching the center, I said, “Ms. Lazuli, you have my deepest apologies. I require you to return to the inn.” I pressed my room key into her hand. “Pack my room. I am returning to Barrish tonight. Find Ms. Kunzite and Mr. Sellaite. I’ll be along shortly, perhaps fifteen minutes.”
“Yes, Ms. Cuprite. What is happening?”
“Apparently, Flarvor has a new ambassador to Ressaline.”
“Oh. I don’t understand. What does that have to do with us?”
“It’s me.”
Chapter Five
“Your Majesties.” I offered a deep curtsey, holding it.
“Rise,” said the queen. “What are you wearing, Allium?”
“Someone,” I said, and I turned to glare at Mr. Garnet, “was quite insistent.”
“Mr. Garnet,” said the king. “You look quite done in. Thank you for fetching Ms. Cuprite. Did she give you any trouble?”
“Not at all, Your Majesty.”
The three of us waited for him to make his way from the room and the door closed before I turned to the king. “Your Majesty, I repair roads.”
“And mend bridges,” he said with a smile. “And so, you will mend bridges with Ressaline.”
“I wasn’t aware there were bridges requiring mending.”
He looked me over. “What are you wearing?”
“We barely stopped,” I said. “And he hauled me directly here. I wasn’t going to change in front of him.”
“You were wearing that when he found you, two days ago?” He gestured to the dress I was wearing, now much worse for wear. “It’s very…”
I was tired and crabby, but I hadn’t completely lost my wits. “Perhaps this is a demonstration of why I am better building roads than …” I looked down, not finishing the sentiment.
“I believe, my dear wife, that Ms. Cuprite is not entirely pleased by these events.”
“If you had talked to me before sending Mr. Garnet,” replied the queen, “she may have arrived in better spirits. Should we come to certain conclusions, Allium?”
“I was somewhat busy when Mr. Garnet demanded to see me,” I said. I closed my eyes and took several breaths. “If my appearance is offensive, I could return at another time, dressed more appropriately.”
“Not at all,” said the king. He gestured. “Let us sit.”
We moved to comfortable chairs. I was very self-conscious, and I sat on the edge of mine, not looking directly at him. They both studied me for a minute then the king said, “Do you remember Judge Jessla?”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“Queen Lisdee requested an embassy in her country,” he said. “Judge Jessla carried a personal request and then served as our negotiator.”
“I don’t fully understand. You indicated you didn’t intend to open an embassy in Ressaline.”
“Apparently, the Ressalines came to the conclusion I may be open to doing so if the location were somewhat closer than Ressaline City. Do you know anything about that?”
I didn’t answer immediately while I wondered if I’d said something wrong. “Yes,” I finally admitted.
“You’re really a jerk sometimes, Leander,” said the queen.
“I am not a jerk,” he replied. “But if Ms. Cuprite feels she shouldn’t have said whatever she said, then she shouldn’t have said it.”
“And knowing where she was going, and what was to happen to her when she was there, if there was something you didn’t care for the Ressalines to know, you shouldn’t have told her. Everyone in the room knows that.”
I wasn’t sure I knew that, but I wasn’t going to let them assume the worst. “I wasn’t a slave when it came up.”
“Do you know what backdoor negotiations are, Ms. Cuprite?”
“I didn’t,” I said. “Lady Olivia explained them to me.”
“When I told you that, I was engaging in backdoor negotiations. I didn’t know if you would share what I said, but if I tell you something that is to remain private, I will always tell you.”
“Yes, Your Majesty,” I agreed.
“Very good. Queen Lisdee requested an embassy convenient to both of us and suggested Charth is a good midway point.”
At that I looked up. “She wants me in Charth?”
“She wants an embassy in Charth,” he clarified. “She insisted I send a ranking female member of my government and reminds me the woman in question must partake in their rather unexpected customs.”
Suddenly everything made sense. I looked up. “And you can’t find anyone else more fitting.”
“I wasn’t willing to make it an order,” he said.
“He tried to send my sister,” said the queen. “She’s aware of the customs and was most unamused.”
“Tell her whose idea that was, my darling.”
“I was joking, which you knew.”
“Your majesties, I know nothing about being a diplomat,” I protested.
“That isn’t true,” said the king. “You know almost nothing about being an ambassador. You know plenty about being a diplomat.”
“I don’t even know what questions to ask, and I don’t know why this became urgent if you’ve been discussing this with Queen Lisdee for months.”
“Ah,” said the king. “We have been having a little diplomatic snafu. Resolving it will be your first priority. It has been brewing for some time. I believe the Ressalines have intentionally escalated the issue.”
I sighed. “Yes?”
“In our latest exchange, Queen Lisdee told me, ‘I am certain once we have an ambassador in Charth, she will readily reach an agreement. I trust Lady Olivia to negotiate on my behalf, but she is unable to leave Charth at this time.’”
“She blackmailed you?”
“Yes,” said the king. “I am not amused.”
“And the issue?”
“You are aware the border is, in places, somewhat fluid.”
“This is a border dispute?”
“And the people living along the border may not always be in full agreement where the border lies.”
“How many Flavorian citizens are they holding?”
“At last count, thirty-one, ten men and the rest are women.”
“I find it unlikely they still have the men, Your Majesty. I am fairly certain they either sent them back or in some other way evicted them from the country.”
“In the case of the ten men, I’m not sure how much I care.” I raised my eyebrow. “It appears they were engaged in cross-border banditry. That is the claim, and frankly, I wouldn’t be surprised.”
“So the issue are the twenty-one women.”
“Including my cousin’s daughter,” said the queen.
“Oh hell,” I said.
Chapter Six
My next week was a whirlwind. They sent me home to cleanup, and then I met the queen along with a member of the diplomatic corps and, of all people, three dressmakers. I let them do what they wanted, but only after I was assured they knew what the weather in Charth would be like. I would end up with a very complete wardrobe, some of which would be ready for my departure in a week hence, and some that would follow me. I would have to have some alterations done in Charth.
After that, I spent time with the king and a series of people from the diplomatic corps. I also met with Rishia Indite and members of her extended family. They told me everything they could of their dealings with the Ressalines. Of course, I knew some of it. The rest was related to trade, and I asked for written reports of anything they thought was critical.
The meetings with the diplomatic corps and the king were the most intense. It was on the third day that the king said, “I wish I could send people with you, Allium.”
“I don’t want anyone who doesn’t come willingly,” I said. “Half of what you are teaching me isn’t an issue. There aren’t going to be any Flavorians in Charth who require the sorts of services an embassy might normally fulfil.”
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We weren’t alone. We were meeting with Aliodor Halite. I’d forgotten his title, but he was practically ancient. He had a half dozen people with him, including one young woman of perhaps twenty years old. Her job seemed to be to fetch tea.
“I’ll go,” said the girl.
Everyone in the room turned to her, the entire room stilling. The king raised an eyebrow, and the girl immediately dropped into a curtsey.
“Get up,” he said. “I’m sorry. I wasn’t paying proper attention to introductions.”
“I am Viella Halite,” she said. “Your Majesty.”
“Nepotism, Aliodor?” asked the king.
“Apparently,” said Mr. Halite.
“We’re not actually blood relatives,” said the girl. “Mr. Halite’s brother’s son adopted me after my mother died.”
“I’m sorry for your loss,” said the king. The girl bobbed her head. “Does she know anything?”
“I know everything you are attempting to teach Ms. Cuprite,” said the girl.
The king looked at me. “You may bring a staff,” he said. “I don’t particularly care how you recruit them.”
“You,” I said. “Ms. Halite. Prove your boast.”
She stood straighter. “Quiz me.”
“We all know I’m not qualified to do that.”
One of the other assistants began asking Ms. Halite questions. She answered, and even I could tell her answers were better than mine. After five or six questions, I interrupted. “What don’t you know, Ms. Halite?”
“I don’t know a thing about building roads, ma’am.”
I snorted. “Do you believe that is what I was asking?”
“Ma’am,” she said. “You’re leaving in four days. I’ve worked for the Diplomatic Corps for nearly six years. Yes, most of it has been duties with little greater responsibility than making tea, but I listen, and I have spent those six years learning everything I can. I undoubtedly don’t know everything.”
“But you know more than I’m going to learn in another four days.”
“No offense, ma’am.”
“None taken,” I said. “Convince me you have a clue what you would be getting into.”
“I know I’ll be worthless for you for two months beginning shortly after we arrive,” she said. “I’m not afraid.” She laughed. “I bet it’s not much different than my current duties.”
“It better be damned different than your current duties,” I growled. Then I colored. “My apologies, Your Majesty.”
“You beat me to it,” he said. “I’m not easily offended, either, Ms. Cuprite.”
“Fine,” said the girl. “I don’t know the details. But I know I’d have to be a slave for two months. It’s that custom of theirs.”
“Ms. Halite, you are a young, attractive woman. Do you have any idea what your duties would be?”
She colored and dropped her gaze. “I think I can guess.”
“I may have some influence upon the process, but my influence will be limited. Queen Lisdee has been clear, and I do not believe there will be any exceptions.”
“Well, that’s why the king is sending you, isn’t it, ma’am? No one else is willing to do it.”
“That isn’t entirely true,” said the king. “No one I trust more than Ms. Cuprite is willing. The criteria are quite limiting. Female. Unmarried. Right there, we eliminate two thirds of my potential choices. Of the remaining third, the vast majority are far less qualified than Ms. Cuprite. Frankly, I’m embarrassed to open an embassy without a proper staff.”
“I can form a proper staff, Your Majesty,” she said.
“Can you, Ms. Halite?”
“They’ll be young,” she said. “With little diplomatic training, but they can manage the ambassador’s home, and I can manage the embassy itself, leaving the Lady Ambassador to see to her duties.” She smiled. “Unless the Lady Ambassador is going to purchase, um, local servants.”
“Your majesty, I am a terrible diplomat,” I announced.
“You’ve barely begun.”
“I do not care to use euphemisms.”
He laughed. “Go ahead,” he said.
“Ms. Halite, what you mean to suggest that my other choice is to purchase slaves.”
“Yes, Lady Ambassador.”
“I do not believe that is an option,” I said. “Say the word.”
She paused. “Slaves.”
“And what will you be for two months?”
She dropped her gaze. “A slave, Lady Ambassador.”
“And not to me. You understand that.”
“Yes, Lady Ambassador.”
“Tell me you understand your likely duties.”
“Sex, ma’am,” she said very quietly. Then she looked up. “You did it.”
“I did,” I said. “And I enjoyed every minute, except when it ended.”
“Did it hurt?”
“It hurt my heart,” I said.
“I’ve had my heart broken before. It mends.”
I looked at the king. “What are the chances we could find someone with more experience?”
“Unless I make it an order? None.”
“Is this my choice?” I asked. He nodded. “Welcome to my staff, Ms. Halite.”
“Thank you, Lady Ambassador!” she said. “Thank you! Thank you!”
“How big a promotion did I just give you?”
“I have no idea,” she said. “What’s my title?”
“I’ll get back to you on that,” I said. “She’s going to recruit kids. Am I authorized to invite one or two other people I trust?”
“Yes.”
“All right. Ms. Halite, you are now my shadow.”
“Yes, Lady Ambassador.”
Chapter Seven
The meeting disbanded shortly after. Ms. Halite spoke to Mr. Halite for a minute, and then he stepped over to wish me luck.
“Who is she to you?”
“My great-niece.” He laughed. “She’s a sneaky thing.”
“I think you should explain that.”
“It was not nepotism. She used her mother’s name when she asked for a job, and she’d been there for weeks before her attempts to avoid me came to an end.”
I smiled. “She has ambition.”
“And you have a certain reputation, Ms. Cuprite,” he said. “I imagine my great niece is aware.”
“She’s a child.”
He laughed. “To my eyes, so are you. Ms. Cuprite, do not worry about how someone else would do your duties. Find your own path. You will be a fine representative for His Majesty.”
“Thank you for your confidence,” I said. I wasn’t sure if he was the one being a diplomat. “I imagine you wish His Majesty had ordered someone more qualified.”
“No, Ms. Cuprite. That isn’t remotely my wish, and it would not be his way.”
I inclined my head. “I will do the best I can. Mr. Halite, what is your view of ambassadors who openly experience the customs common at their postings?”
“Different diplomats have different attitudes,” he replied. “There is one argument that suggests one should remain aloof. There is another argument that suggests you cannot serve as a diplomat if you do not understand the people. A related argument is that you gain trust if you, at least in part, attempt to fit in.”
“Have you held a posting such as this?”
“Yes, Ms. Cuprite. In my younger years, I served in several roles, and I tended to find a mix of blending in and standing aside. As I grew older, I tended to become more reserved. But that is my way. I would not criticize you for making another choice. Make your own way, Ms. Cuprite.”
“Thank you, Mr. Halite.” We clasped hands. And then he gathered his staff, leaving only his great-niece behind.
I turned to the king. He smiled. “I have something for you.” He fished out an envelope and handed it to me. It carried my name, and I recognized Ralifta’s hand. “Tomorrow evening.” He gestured to my new shadow. “Bring her, if you want.”
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��I’ll ask her.”
“We’ll talk once more before you go.”
“Of course. Thank you, Your Majesty.”
The guards showed us from the palace, Ms. Halite following along over my shoulder. I realized she was taller than I was, slender, with straight, red hair and sharp eyes. We didn’t speak as I led her three blocks to the Ministry of Transportation. I still had my old office, although I didn’t imagine it would still be here for me when next I was in Barrish, whenever that might be. But I led Ms. Halite there and gestured her into a chair. I closed the door. “Why did you do that?”
She smiled and didn’t answer.
“No,” I said sharply. “If I ask a rhetorical question, you’ll know it. I want to know why you did that.”
“I couldn’t find a better position,” she said. “You asked how large a promotion you just gave me. Do you have any idea?”
“Five steps?”
“That depends upon how much authority you really grant me,” she replied. “Two, at the very least.”
“So this is about a promotion or three.”
“Only in part,” she said. “Lady Ambassador, do you think I’m doing this for the money we’re paid?”
“If you’re half as smart as you seem, you could do better in business, eventually.”
“I don’t know if I have a head for it,” she said. “But yes. Or I could marry well. I have a mirror.” I nodded understanding. “You could have pursued that path.”
“I think I’ve done pretty well for a woman of Flarvor.”
“You could live a comfortable life, Lady Ambassador. Instead, I think I have a pretty good idea how hard you work.”
“Get to your point, Ms. Halite.”
“I want to work for someone like you,” she said. “I know it seems like I made an impetuous decision. I didn’t. Last night, I had dinner with Pelnie Opal. Do you know who she is?”
“We’ve met. She seemed…”
“Like she lives with a stick embedded up her backside?”
“I’m practicing my diplomacy.”
“Well, she’s reserved, but I got her to talk about her time in Charth, and she changed entirely.”
“So you decided last night?”
“No. I’ve been watching for an opportunity,” she said. “I want a foreign posting. Can you understand that part?”