by Robin Roseau
She looked frustrated. “You would force a woman of my age to compete tomorrow?”
“Not at all,” I said. “But if you were uncomfortable with the challenge, why am I only hearing of it when you realized you could remove an impediment to continue our argument?”
“We are not having an argument.”
“No. What we have is one group of people accusing me of lying.”
“I have not accused you of lying!” she said hotly.
“Oh?” I said.
“When did I accuse you of lying?”
“Well, I admit. I did not speak fully clearly. One of us has spent her entire life in Flarvor. The other one has, to the best of my knowledge, never been further south than Charth. Correct?”
“What has that to do with lying?”
“Correct?”
“Yes,” she said. “I don’t hear an accusation.”
“You have repeatedly told me my position is incorrect. Now, either you feel you know Flarvorian society far, far better than I do, or you think I am lying to you, or you are a complete idiot. If there are other explanations for the past three days of non-discussion, I’m happy to have you explain how, yet again, I am wrong.”
She stared, not responding.
“Are you an idiot, Baliesta? Does Queen Lisdee give important assignments to idiots? Or maybe I am mistaken, and this isn’t at all an important assignment, and so she sent you here to get rid of you for a few weeks.”
“Baliesta is quite brilliant,” Plessenda said, “and deeply respected.”
“Well then, either she feels I know nothing about my own home, and while she’s never been within a week’s travel, she knows Barrish better than I do, or she thinks I’m lying.”
I stood up. “We’re done. Get out of my embassy. You are welcome to visit Barrish. You all are. I cannot promise an audience with any member of the royal family, but I could draft a letter of introduction. Go get answers for yourself. If Lady Olivia or Queen Lisdee ask me to resign my position and return to Flarvor, I will be quite pleased to return to building roads and bridges. But until that happens, this embassy represents Flarvor, not Ressaline, and I am the ambassador. Get out.”
“No,” Jaerella said.
I turned to her. “We had an agreement, but I do not believe the women in this room intend to keep it. Frankly, I don’t blame them, although I was looking forward to it. Pity. You, I think I could work with. Please vacate my embassy.”
Not a one of them moved.
“Fine,” I said. “Have it your way.” I stepped away from the table. “Talk amongst yourselves all you want.” I made it to the door before Baliesta said, “I did not call you a liar.”
I froze, wondering if I cared. I decided I didn’t anymore, and I opened the door.
“So that’s it?” she asked. “You’re going to run away because it’s hard? You are so young. Go back to your roads and your bridges. That’s where you belong.”
There was a collective hiss from the others in the room. I froze then turned to her. “You know, that may be the first time you and I have agreed on one single thing.”
“Of course,” she said. “We come to that conclusion for entirely different reasons.”
“I’m not sure I care what your reasons are.”
“You think you don’t belong here because you don’t find pretty words. You don’t think you belong here because bridges don’t argue with you.”
“You’re right.”
“And I don’t think you belong here because you don’t understand that diplomacy takes time, and because you don’t recognize the progress we’ve made.”
“You’ve spent three days attempting to browbeat different answers from me,” I said. “I don’t get it. Do you actually think my answer is going to change? I’ve repeatedly told you to go to Barrish and get answers for yourself. I don’t understand why you don’t take that advice. I think it’s the best advice I can give you.”
“It’s deeply flawed advice,” she said. “You really don't recognize the progress?”
“There has been no progress.”
“I can prove you wrong,” she said. “If I do, will you sit back down?”
“I thought you didn’t want me here.”
“That’s not quite what I said. Answer me. If I prove progress, will you sit back down?”
“How about this: if you can’t prove it, I’m done with you?”
“Fine,” she said. “Progress: everyone in this room agrees a friendship between our countries has value.”
I scoffed. “That isn’t progress, unless there are others in this room who arrived unconvinced.”
“There are,” she said. “Do you call me a liar?”
“I have no evidence.”
“Second, we have established that there is value in Princess Gionna and Princess Ahlianna meeting in a fashion that could establish a true friendship. We also have established there is similar value if that extends to the younger princess. It has not been stated, but I believe we have established value to include Queen Ralifta in the circle of friendship.”
“And this was in dispute? I will point out that I have been in the middle of this, and the invitation to visit may not have happened without my influence.”
“See my first point,” she said. “But I also believe you have become more committed to the concept than you had been, in spite of your willingness to walk out now.”
“I don’t know if that’s true or not.”
“Three. You have given us a better idea of the difficulties. And while this may seem like anti-progress, we have become somewhat more familiar with what we see as negative aspects of Barrish, and the need to mitigate the potential harm of those negative aspects.”
“Such as the princess having a proper guard?”
“Yes,” she said. “I believe if we were to discuss this with the princess, with what we know that we didn’t appreciate several days ago, she would be far less likely to chafe while being kept under guard. That is progress.”
I had nothing to say to that and actually felt bad that this was progress.
“There may be other forms of progress,” Baliesta said, “But the last example I wish to offer is something you probably don’t recognize, but all of us do. We have a view of all women born outside Ressaline City as soft and easily… What was the word you used?”
“Browbeaten?”
“Yes. Easily browbeaten. I believe it is progress that you have demonstrated we were wrong.”
I snorted at that.
Baliesta pointed to my chair, but then she said, “Please.”
“Why?”
“I believe we have discussed that.”
“What do you hope to accomplish, now that you’ve admitted I won’t be browbeaten into lying?”
“I wish to ask two questions, but I would prefer you returned to your seat while I ask them.”
“And then?”
“And then if you ask us to leave, we will leave.”
“Fine,” I said. I pushed the door closed and walked back to my seat. I made a show of pouring fresh tea, finally settling in. “Ask.”
“Do you believe there is value to both countries if the princesses were to meet, and if Princess Ahlianna was to experience her first, so she could understand it as only someone who has had experience can understand?”
I thought about it. “Yes, although I believe the value more completely is with Ressaline.”
“I wish to ask a question to clarify your response. If you felt progress could be made, would you continue these discussions, or do you feel the benefit to Flarvor is so minor as to not be worth more of your time.”
“If I had faith in progress, I would continue to talk.”
“Excellent,” she said. “My second question. Ambassador, given your answer, what do you recommend?”
I stared at her. “Are you going to actually listen?”
“We’ve listened to everything you’ve said,” she replied. “That is why we are here.”
“As I see it, you have two choices. You don’t like my answers. Go to Barrish and negotiate directly with the people who can give you different answers.”
“That is an interesting proposal and one doomed to fail.”
“Which I’ve been telling you for three days.”
“It is less likely to fail if you joined us and were our advocate.”
She surprised me with that, and I leaned back. “That would require me to believe spending my influence were the best choice. I do not believe the chance of success is high.”
“You said there were two choices,” Baliesta prompted.
“Yes. Princess Gionna could accept the invitation and travel to Barrish. She could make friends. Perhaps in doing so, she will convince Princess Ahlianna to accept a reciprocal invitation. Perhaps not. But either way, the valuable friendship would be born, and perhaps it could grow.”
“Thank you for your advice, Ambassador,” she said after a moment. “I wish to make a proposal.”
“I am listening.”
“I propose we adjourn for the day after coming to a simple agreement of when we should next meet.”
“To discuss?”
“Your proposal.”
I considered my response. Frankly, if she cancelled on our implied agreement, I wasn’t sure I wanted anything further to do with her. On the other hand, I wasn’t sure how much choice I have. “I would prefer a break, but I am available when next you wish to meet.”
“Then we will see you tomorrow, and we can resume these discussions in a little more than two weeks, once everyone has had time to recover.”
Jaerella began to smile, and I did as well. “Did you just agree to participating tomorrow, Baliesta?”
“I did,” she said. “I am a woman of my word, Ambassador. We all are. We may not have verbally agreed to the arrangement you made with Jaerella, but we were all there, and we didn’t decline. The time to do so has come and gone. We will all participate. I, of course have years of experience and am quite stubborn. And while you are also stubborn, you have so little experience that you routinely lose to pleasure slaves. I am sure you will enjoy belonging to Jaerella.”
“I will enjoy watching your technique, Baliesta.”
“And I will enjoy watching your loss.” I was sure she would.
She stood, the rest of the delegation a moment behind her. “Thank you, Ambassador.”
She turned for the door, but I said, “It’s my turn to ask a question.”
She turned back. “Of course.”
“You browbeat me for three days. Suddenly, you ask my advice and sound like you might actually take it. What happened?”
“You have no idea how much I hate your plan. You have no idea how terrified I am to send our princess south of our shared border. Anything could happen, Ambassador. I am not at all convinced it is worth the risk. If something became of her, what happens? Do our countries go to war? We’ve done that in the past, and we’ve won, but do you think any of us want to be forced into that?”
“Then why are we discussing this at all?”
“Because Queen Lisdee and Princess Gionna both told me, ‘Find a way to make this happen’. I’d much rather do it my way.”
“Are they aware of your concerns?”
“They are, especially the princess, but she was adamant. She intends this friendship, and now we only discuss how to make it a safe success, and perhaps we find a means of bringing you to apply your influence. I’m not done in my attempts to bring your princess here.”
“I didn’t think you were.”
“Are you opposed?”
“No. I was never opposed. I just don’t think it will happen.”
“I guess we’ll see.”
“I guess we will.”
Chapter Twenty-One
The arena was sold out, the stands absolutely full of women, most of them in leather, but a significant number in resin and a few in dresses or skirts.
I wore a dress and hat, copying the society ladies of Flarvor. I was quite pleased to discover Jaerella dressed in a similar fashion. We greeted, and I also offered greetings to Olivia, Bee, Dee, and the others sharing Olivia’s section of the stands. But when Dee tried to sit next to me, Jaerella intervened.
“No,” she said bluntly. “I’m sitting there.”
“That’s a strategic mistake,” I told Jarella. “She’s going to whisper to me how excited she is, and how much she’s going to enjoy watching me lose.”
“She’s going to whisper to you how to win,” she said. “I hold no authority here, but I do not want her beside you today. What you do next month is none of my business, but it is today.”
I turned to Dee, lifted her chin, and gave her a sweet kiss. She smiled and then moved to sit next to Claary. Jaerella grabbed my arm and pulled me down beside her.
“Possessive much?” I asked.
“Get used to it,” she said. She sighed. “Sometimes.”
I laughed and patted her hand. “I’ll be good to you.”
“Everyone here knows you’re going to lose.”
The rest of her delegation took seats as well. They wouldn’t be here with us that long, but they could begin here before heading downstairs.
Then Teasest stepped out. She did a circle, and as always, the audience cheered loudly. She did an extra circle then came to a stop. “Well, well. It’s been a while since we’ve been this full.”
“When do I get a chance at you, Teasest?” a woman yelled.
“Any time,” she replied. “Join our guests from Ressaline City, and we can have our event in about an hour.”
The audience laughed. Behind me, I heard Baliesta say, “I don’t get it.”
I didn’t offer to explain, and no one else did.
“Well,” Teasest said. “We have a number of events today. Our final event is a simple event between Ambassador Cuprite and Jaerella, with a two-week duration. I understand the negotiations were intense. For now, they sit with Lady Olivia.” She gestured towards us. Jaerella and I both stood and waved, and the audience made a lot of noise, calming down only after we sat back down.
“Also seated with Lady Olivia are the remaining members of a group from Ressaline City, here in Charth to meet with the ambassador. They have surprisingly offered themselves under the same rules as our monthly event. Ladies, if you want a chance to win one of the women who serve as direct advisors to Queen Lisdee and Princess Gionna, there is still time to register your intentions.” Again, there was much hollering. “There are seven from Ressaline City and another six women from here in Charth.” She paused. “Claary Rosebush, could we make it seven from Charth? That would give us fourteen rather than thirteen.”
Claary stood. “I had intended to register as a challenger, but I tell you what, Teasest. I’ll say yes if you do.”
The audience absolutely roared at that. I jumped to my feet and applauded and cheered wildly, as did, well, nearly everyone. We didn’t quiet down until Olivia raised her hand, and it still took another half minute. “What say you, Teasest?” Olivia asked.
“If I do that, who will run our event today?”
“It wouldn’t be my first time,” Olivia offered. “You were quick to volunteer Claary. I can’t remember the last time you offered yourself.”
Teasest looked up at her. “You know, Duchess. Sixteen is a better number than fifteen. Perhaps we should both volunteer. I’m sure you could use a two-week vacation.”
If they had gone crazy for Claary’s response, the audience absolutely loved this turn of events. Not only did they burst to their feet and cheer, but people began stomping their feet besides.
Eventually we calmed down enough for Olivia to say, “If we both compete, who will run our events today?”
Jaerella stood back up, and she dragged me to my feet as well. “Ambassador Cuprite and I will co-host. As our event is last, we can even introduce ourselves and then prepare right down on the turf. I’m sure the good guards of Ressaline can see to th
ings afterwards.”
Teasest laughed. Olivia scowled. And Jaerella said, “What say you, Teasest?”
“An excellent plan,” she replied. “Lady Olivia, what say you?”
The crowd began chanting her name. Jaerella and I joined in. From what I could tell, everyone in the audience was cheering for her. Finally, she held up her hand and nodded.
Once the audience quieted, Teasest said, “Well, you two. Get down here then.”
“Where are the stairs?” Jaerella asked.
“I’ll show you.”
* * * *
We stepped out onto the turf. Teasest was waiting for us. The audience went crazy, calling our names. I thought that was funny. Jaerella yelled into my ear, “Circle right, two circles, meet up at Teasest.”
I nodded. I went one way, she the other. We waved to the crowd, and I offered a few curtsies when I heard my name said with particular distinction.
One woman in the front row leaned over the railing and blew me a kiss, so I walked towards her and sent one back.
I kept an eye on Jaerella, my goal to arrive at Teasest at about the same time she did. I think she was doing the same with me, and so our timing worked out well. We came to form a triangle, a few paces apart, but then I turned and offered a curtsey towards Lady Olivia. Perhaps as ambassador, that was inappropriate, but I was now the master of ceremonies today. Jaerella mirrored me, then she stepped towards me, so we offered each other hugs.
Teasest gestured us closer. She had notes, and she gave them to us, then spent just a moment trying to be heard over the crowd, explaining her notes. They weren’t complicated.
“I don’t know half these events,” I admitted. “Was this a mistake?”
“I know them,” Jaerella said. “And we don’t actually have to do anything. The guards and slaves will see to everything.”
“All right. I think we’re good then. Teasest, was that planned?”
“Hell, no,” she replied. “I’m going to kill Claary.”
I laughed. “You’re the one who volunteered her. I’d call her response justice. But I think Olivia is going to kill you.”