Heir, page 24
part #5 of Ressaline Series
“We’ll see.”
* * * *
We swept everyone up. Mother led us to one of the parlors. Refreshments were already waiting. Mother ordered Father to serve us, which amused me, but he smiled and saw to it.
“We welcomed you, yes?” Mother said to Gretchena.
“Yes. Thank you, Your Majesty.”
“Ah,” Mother said with a smile. “That’s fine in public. My name is Ralifta. That’s Leander. Try it.”
“She’s serious, Gretchena,” I said.
“Of course. Ralifta. Leander. Thank you for having me.”
“You said that,” Mother said. “You’re nervous.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
Mother scowled. Darfelsa nudged her and whispered. Gretchena dropped her gaze. “Ralifta,” she said.
“Correction. Very nervous. Don’t be. What does your mother do?”
“We’re glassmakers.”
“Glassmakers.”
“They’re very good,” I said.
“Where would we be without glassmakers?” Mother asked. “Do you want to know something, Gretchena?”
“I think I would, Ralifta.”
“Excellent. I don’t know the first thing about glass making. Not a thing.”
“I don't understand.”
“You’re clearly nervous. Either you’ve done something you think would upset us, or you’re awed by my husband’s crown. I won’t ask you which and will assume that you are a tradeswoman unreasonably awed by royalty. And yet, you are quite comfortable with both princesses, and they call you friend. And so I point out that I know nothing about glass making, and I dare say that is a far more important task for society than mine, which is to look pretty and bear children to feed to the succession.”
Gretchena raised her gaze. We let her think about it. Darfelsa whispered again. Gretchena nodded. “I think you understate your duties.”
“Perhaps.”
“And I’m fairly certain that’s the king sitting next to you.”
“True.”
“And this palace is quite impressive. The entire city is impressive. I’m just a girl of 16 and barely know anything. And if I want to be nervous, I’m going to be nervous.”
Mother laughed. “Well, it isn’t necessary, but perhaps you will calm down, as long as you understand we keep a special room in the dungeon for anyone who uses the wrong dessert spoon for the mousse. It would be quite wrong to use the spoon reserved for the creme brulée.”
“I am fairly certain you are teasing me.”
“How do you come to that conclusion.”
“Who would serve mousse and crème brulée at the same meal?”
Mother laughed. “You’re going to be fine, Gretchena.”
“Mother,” Darfelsa asked. “May she have the room opposite mine?”
“Of course,” Mother said. “You may show her shortly.” She squeezed Father’s hand.
“Oh, permission to speak!” he said. “Allium, do we have pressing business?”
“Not that I know of. The only pressing business I know is to discuss return plans, so Colonel Bess can make whatever arrangements are appropriate.”
“All right. Does anyone have pressing business for the king?”
“Not me.”
“Well then,” he said.
“Well then,” Mother agreed. “How were your travels, Ahlianna?”
“Good. The Ressalines were very welcoming and kind. Allium’s staff was professional and also kind. I declared personal friendship and an intention for friendship between our countries.”
Then I waited to see whether I’d get away with saying no more. Mother also waited. Everyone waited. “You’re really going to make me drag it out of you?”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about, Mother.”
“You had your First.”
“Yes, which I told you.”
“And I understand this is with a particular person. Do I know this person?”
“I find that unlikely.”
Mother watched me for several heartbeats, then she slowly turned to gaze at Gretchena. She raised an eyebrow.
“Oh, please,” I said. “She’s sixteen, and it’s not even legal.”
“I see she is wearing leather.”
“Subterfuge so I could surprise Darfelsa. Really, if you want to know something, Mother, you should ask.”
She turned her gaze to me, then back to Gretchena. “She has a mother.”
“She does,” I admitted.
“One presumes her mother is older than 16.”
“Mother,” I said. “If you want to know something, just ask.”
“All right.” She turned back to me. “What is the name of the woman who was your First?”
“None of your business.”
Father scoffed, but he put on a straight expression by the time Mother looked at him. She waved a finger. “You’re not helping.”
“Mother,” I said. “You don’t really want to know. You just don’t know what you do want to know, and you’re fishing for me to help you. I had my First. I made a few miscalculations, but they were minor. I have a much better understanding of Ressaline culture. I have grown to agree with Queen Lisdee’s policy regarding this issue, although I am glad I am not Lady Olivia, trying to find the best way to implement the policy. You may appreciate knowing, even if I don’t share details, that she gave me the opportunity to learn from my mistakes.”
Mother briefly smiled at that. “I know my daughters well,” she said. “You aren’t telling me something.”
“I’m not telling you a lot. I do have something to discuss with you, privately, and I think it might be what you’re really fishing for. But it has nothing to do with my First.”
“Privately,” she echoed.
“Yes.”
“Don’t mind me,” Father said. “I’m not here.”
“Right,” I said.
Mother nodded. “All right. But I think you can say more than you have.”
I thought about it. “All right. Yes. It was… overwhelming. There was a portion of the process I thought I’d made a horrendous mistake. Those thoughts lasted perhaps five minutes. I wouldn’t say I’d do it again, but I don’t regret it. If I ever find myself with the opportunity to engage in practice challenges, I might accept the opportunity. In all, while some portions are difficult, it was a very positive experience.”
I paused then said, “It is impossible not to judge. I can’t claim to suddenly be an expert. But we shouldn’t judge, even though it’s impossible not to.”
“And do you still judge?” Allium asked.
“Yes, but quite differently. I’m still trying to figure things out. I believe it’s going to take time.”
“It did for me,” Allium said.
“If you want to discuss more, Mother, I’d rather do so privately.” I turned to Father. “Do you need to know more?”
“You were well cared for.”
“I was.”
“Do you see any reason to keep Darfelsa south of the border?”
“That depends on whether you intend to keep her 15 for the rest of her life or allow her to grow up.”
He nodded. “Whether we like it or not, children grow up.” He adjusted his attention. “Darfelsa, you have stated it is your intention to become integral in your sister’s administration.”
“Yes, Father. But she and I have talked, and we know that’s 50 years away.”
“I appreciate the sentiment.”
“She also means she will want growing responsibilities from you, Father,” I said.
“Allium, will you accept the continued responsibility of teaching our youngest?”
“I will,” Allium said.
He nodded. “Allium, how long are you staying with us?”
“It has been suggested Darfelsa could travel north with me, assuming that isn’t six months from now.”
“Ralifta, do you have objections to Darfelsa continuing her duties under Allium’s oversight?”
“No, Leander.”
“All right. Everyone is tired of Barrish in the summer.” He turned to Gretchena. “You must be sweltering.” She nodded.
“We’ll see to her wardrobe,” Mother said.
“She can borrow from me,” I said. “Can we take her shopping tomorrow?”
“Yes,” Mother agreed. “I would simply state my desires, but I will make a proposal. We will take Gretchena shopping in the morning. We will leave Barrish late morning and stay at the coast. Allium, Gretchena, and Darfelsa will remain with us until they decide to depart. Is your mother anxious for a speedy return, Gretchena?”
“Ahlianna told me this might be the plan. Mother is expecting me when I return.”
“The rest of you,” Mother said. “The coast?”
“The coast would be lovely,” I said.
“I love the coast,” Allium said.
“I’ve never seen water so wide you can’t see across it,” Gretchena said.
“I’ll teach you to swim,” Darfelsa said. “You’re going to love it.”
“Then we have a plan,” Leander said. “What do we do about Colonel Bess?”
“We tell her our plans,” Allium said. “If this is a brief visit, perhaps a few of them would be welcome with us, and we can make room for them here. If it will be an extended trip, I think most of them would rather return north, and we’ll arrange a proper escort when we know dates. There is nothing pressing to our north.”
“Darfelsa,” Mother said. “How soon do you wish to return to Charth?”
“This is my choice?”
“We’ll see after you answer me.”
“Perhaps, Mother, she can have a little time to consider before she answers you.”
“We need to tell Colonel Bess.”
“The Colonel is flexible,” Allium said.
“Very good. I expect an answer by shopping, Darfelsa.”
“I’ll have one,” she promised.
“Perhaps we can get everyone settled,” I said. “And then if you find me, Mother, we can talk.”
“Half hour?”
“Perfect.”
* * * *
We led Allium to her room, the same as last time. She set a few things down. The porters would see to the rest. Then I ushered everyone to Gretchena’s room. She walked around for a minute, looking out the window. “Don’t get lost,” I told her. “But if you do, stay in one place and call for help.”
There were chuckles.
“Come on,” I said. “Let’s loan you a few clothes, then Darfelsa can show you the bathing chamber.” I gestured, and we headed to my quarters.
I set my things down then headed for my closet. I poked through then stuck my head out. “Allium, did you want to do this?”
“No, no,” she said. “I’m on vacation.”
I laughed. “Okay. Darfelsa, find some sleep things for her, and she’ll need soft underthings. Everything she has is going to be itchy. Gretchena, it’s going to be dresses. You’ll love them.” I pulled out several then waited while Darfelsa sorted through my undies. Allium moved to my side, and I could read her amusement.
“Are you okay?”
“I’m good,” I said. “I’m glad you’re coming to the coast with us. I’m going to ask Mother for permission to court you.”
She nudged me. “Funny.”
“I’m going to ask her to make you marry me.”
“I think perhaps this isn’t funny.”
I gestured. “Are you sure they aren’t…”
“I’m sure.”
“Do they need a chaperone? Because if they do, I’m going to volunteer you.”
“What is it you think they can do we should try to prevent?”
“Letting Mother catch them.”
“So make sure she knows.”
“I think I will.”
Five minutes later, carrying a huge stack of my clothing, they exited my room. I closed the door and offered a large sigh.
Then I flopped onto my bed. It was nice to be home.
* * * *
I woke.
“Oh, no,” I said. “How long have I been asleep?”
“Not long,” Mother said. “I almost left, but I thought we should talk.”
“You’re right.” I sat up. “I can’t believe I fell asleep.”
“It happens,” she said. She gestured, and I saw she’d brought a bottle of chilled wine.
“You’re a godsend,” I said. We slipped from the bed. I poured glasses for us, handing one to her. We tapped glasses, and then I gestured to the sofa. We sat down. I sipped at my wine for a moment then set it aside. Mother cradled hers.
“I’ve spent the last two weeks wondering what to do about this,” I said. “I thought about feeling you out. I thought about trying to dance around it. I thought about ignoring it.”
“What conclusion did you reach.”
“Mother, I’m in love.” And I began crying.
She didn’t hesitate. She was at my end of the sofa instantly, pulling me into her arms. I let her hold me as I cried. She said nothing until I got up, cleaned myself up, then sat back down. She handed me my wine. I drank some, I stared some. Finally, she asked, “With Gretchena’s mother?”
“Stop fishing,” I said. “Yes, I love the woman who was my First, but that’s not the source of my tears.”
“Who?”
“Gionna.”
“Ah.”
I turned to her. “That’s it? Ah?”
“Perhaps you’ll let me catch up. That was not a dismissive ‘ah’.”
“I’m sorry.”
“You’re expecting a bad reaction. You’re not going to get one from me.”
“I wasn’t sure.”
“Does she feel the same way?”
“Yes, I think so.”
“How did this happen?”
“You do have some understanding of how things stand north of our border.”
“Do not be impertinent.”
“I wasn’t trying to be. Why are we at cross purposes today?”
“I don’t know. I’m sorry. Keep going.”
“It’s Darfelsa’s fault.”
She snorted. “Yes. Blame your little sister.”
“In a way, she planted the seed. She pointed out it was likely I was going to have to marry some foreign prince, probably a younger foreign prince.”
“Your father and I have agreed that we will not force you into any marriage you do not feel suits you.”
“Thank you,” I said. “Darfelsa’s point was that it would be a younger foreign prince, because the older foreign prince would be destined to become king, but the younger one would not, and thus would be used to cement a relationship.”
“A reasonable conclusion. I was no princess.”
“No, but Father cemented relationships when he agreed to marry you. I don’t know of any relationships within Flarvor I need to cement.”
“You don’t on your father’s behalf, but you might on your own.”
“Any such man is going to think he is going to rule,” I said. “Well, unless it is someone distressingly young, and then his father will think he can control me.”
“Fair enough. Keep going.”
“Gionna is not to be queen,” I said. “Darfelsa pointed out that in a way, she’s a younger foreign prince.”
Mother laughed. She actually laughed, but then she said, “And that planted a seed.”
“Yes. And then…” I looked away, sipping at my wine. “Some of this is hard to talk about to you.”
“But you’re the one who came to me, so you must want to share with me.”
“I do, and I don’t,” I said. I turned back. “I think you know what it means to have my First. I think you have at least a basic idea of what that involves.”
“Yes.”
“I didn’t want… Mother, I…” I froze. “Why is this so hard? Mother, I was a virgin.”
“Well, when you finally say it, you say it,” she said. She put her fingers in her ears and said, “La-la-la-la.”
“Funny,” I said. “I didn’t want, um, my status to change quite the way it did.”
“Is that the mistake you alluded to?”
“One. I let other events overtake my plan with Gionna, and so we finished down that path afterwards.”
“Ah,” she said. She sipped from her wine, but she didn’t remove her eyes. “I’m actually pleased.”
“That I had sex with the Princess of Ressaline?”
“That you know you can talk to me about it, even though it’s hard. So. What do you want to do?”
“Run back to Charth, although she’s probably already gone, returning to Ressaline City.”
“And yet, you didn’t stay. What do you want?”
“I intend to be our future queen, a long, long time from now.”
“All right.”
“I know I’ll need to produce children.”
“But somehow they produce children in Ressaline.”
“Yes.”
“How much of this did you discuss with Gionna?”
“I invited her to visit. That’s all.”
“So, she may love you, but she may not love you enough to live here, and she didn’t accept your invitation.”
“She hasn’t seen her own mother in a year.”
“Oh. I suppose.”
“Things are different there. She’s probably sharing another bed now.”
“Is that what you believe?”
“I believe they are far more casual about who sleeps with whom than we are.” I looked away, but then I told her about the marks we had exchanged. I opened my tunic. “I don’t know if you can see mine anymore.”
She didn’t look. “Ahlianna, I am sorry you are hurting.”
“I’m a foolish girl.”
“No, you are a complicated, loving woman, and I am proud of you. You want to know what is possible.”
“I’m being foolish.”
“I do not agree.”
“This is going to be hard enough, convincing the lords to follow me. Half of them would have far different plans, none of them something I might enjoy. Taking a foreign wife?”
“Leander took a wife. His father took a wife, and his before him.”
I laughed.
“Taking a foreign wife is rather common, actually, and not just for the future monarch. I don’t know why anyone should complain if you do.”
