Heir, page 26
part #5 of Ressaline Series
“True.”
“You learned something,” he said. “The risk now is not that you will be rash again in the future, but that you will be overcautious.”
“You’re right. I hadn’t considered that.”
“Which is why you talk to your father,” he replied. “How did Allium respond to your conversation on the bridge?”
“I believe she underplays her own importance.”
“She’s not terribly important to me,” he said. “But she will be to you. And?”
“And, I think she would remain in Charth if she could, but her loyalty is still to the country of her birth. If we push her too hard, we will break her loyalty, and I am convinced she would have a home in Ressaline.”
“Do you have a solution?”
“I’ve thought about a few, but none I’m willing to recommend yet.”
“Let’s talk about them.”
“First, leave her where she is, and I foster other relationships.”
“You should foster those relationships, anyway. Go on.”
“Bribe her.”
He laughed. “You can’t bribe everyone, Daughter. How would you bribe Allium Cuprite?”
“If the Ressalines ask for a treaty suggesting we wouldn’t interfere with their slaves, we should negotiate hard.”
“And accept.”
“Yes.”
“Do you feel we need such a treaty?”
“Do we? No. But Father, their slaves don’t want freedom. I didn’t, even though I went into it knowing it was temporary. If any slaves run away and ask for amnesty, we should offer it, but we shouldn’t force it on anyone.”
“And thus, that would be the nature of our agreement.”
“I’m fairly sure they would accept, perhaps only with assurances the slave truly did seek amnesty. For our part, we could negotiate over Flarvorian citizens, but I am fairly sure that some of our citizens will be seeking permanent relationships there.”
“Anyone from Allium’s staff?”
“There are no indications.”
“Why is this treaty a bribe for Allium?”
“Because she may be more willing to come home if she can bring a slave or three with her.”
“I wasn’t aware she had acquired any.”
“She hasn’t, but she hasn’t been there very long. Remember: I haven’t decided whether I should actually make any recommendations. We’re only talking about what I’ve considered.”
“Of course. Go on.”
“This may be the most difficult. We respect, both legally and as a culture, marriage between two women.”
“Ah,” he said. “I believe that is the meat of your proposal.”
“I am not making a proposal. You asked my thoughts. Really, Father. You keep forgetting.”
“I am not forgetting, but I also wonder how much you’ve thought about this. I believe you’ve given this much thought.”
“I had no idea how she felt when I told her I’d need to count on her. I’ve had significant opportunity to mull on it and search for answers.”
“Well, I’ll have you know your father isn’t entirely unaware. Did you know that there is no definition of marriage in our laws?”
“No, I didn’t know that.”
“Not one word discusses men or women. Not one word. There are laws regarding age, and many, many laws regarding inheritance. There are laws protecting a woman from an abusive husband.”
“Those laws should be stricter.”
“I agree. I look forward to your well-considered proposals on that subject.”
“Was that an assignment?”
“Yes. A long-term assignment.” I nodded. “I am unsure we need to make a single change to our laws for one woman to legally marry another. For that matter, there are no laws preventing even more complicated arrangements.”
“Lord Gravis has two wives.”
“That is one example. They are both legal wives.”
“Lucky man,” I said.
“He is exceedingly kind to both of them,” Father pointed out. “Marvissa was arranged by their parents, but he was in love with Klarsiera. I was most impressed when Marvissa recommended the current arrangement, and now he loves both of them deeply.”
“The two of them seem thick as thieves, when I’ve seen them.”
“Yes. A happy household, by all accounts.”
I nodded. “So, there is no legal impediment, but there are social impediments.”
“You should talk to your mother about that.”
“Maybe I should talk to both parents,” I said. “I’m fairly sure you would respond poorly if I suggested I wished to marry a woman.”
He laughed. “You would never put your passions ahead of your duty.”
“Which duty are we referring to? To make a proper match?”
“Ahlianna, while I wouldn’t recommend it, if you want to marry a candlestick maker’s son, then while we would talk about it first, I would support you.”
“Then which duties?”
“To produce children.”
“What else?”
“I don’t know what you’re asking.”
“I am suggesting that retaining Allium’s loyalty is likely to remain deeply tied to these issues.”
“I don’t care who she marries.”
“But let us remain focused on me.”
“You should make up your mind,” he said. “Are we talking about you and your duties, or about Allium and her loyalties?”
“Would you accept an arrangement for me similar to the one Lord Gravis enjoys?”
“Why are we talking about this? Have you taken a shine to Gravis?”
“Why can’t you answer me?”
“Because you keep changing the question.”
I snorted. “Fine. If I could promise children but wished to marry Allium, would you allow it? After all, that would certainly cement her loyalty.”
He had been smiling, but he sobered. “Is there something I should know?”
“This is a hypothetical conversation.”
“Right.”
“I want to know, Father. That’s all. Imagine the politics. It’s going to be difficult enough keeping me as your heir. What happens if I come to you, begging permission to marry Allium?”
“Does she know we’re to have this conversation?”
“She’d be appalled. Father, I hadn’t planned this conversation, but I am intentionally exploring your true feelings, which so far you’ve kept to yourself. This conversation is hypothetical.” I moved to the edge of my chair, setting my cognac aside. I’d been ignoring it for a while. I took Father’s and set it aside, then took his hands in mind. “Daddy, I’m in love.”
He scoffed. I squeezed his hands. “Work with me.”
“Fine. What is his name, My Darling?”
“Could you sound more sarcastic?” I asked. “Her name is Allium Cuprite. We formed a connection during my recent travels. I admire everything about her, and she wasn’t able to fend off my relentless pursuit.”
He scoffed again then sobered. “Allium Cuprite.” He said nothing. “How long has this gone on?”
“Our first kiss was shortly after I arrived in Charth. It was innocent, but it planted seeds, and from those seeds, love has bloomed.”
“Is she aware of your feelings?”
“She is. Father, we’ve been sharing a bed. I love her and want to marry her. Please.”
He took his hands away then actually stood up and began pacing. I leaned back in my chair, collected my cognac, then collected his and handed it to him during one of his passes. Finally, he stopped by my chair. “Is this conversation truly hypothetical?”
“Well, we did share a kiss. She kissed my shoulder and told me I looked lovely. And we did share a bed, as I required care after my First, but it was entirely innocent.”
“All right. Yes, this would complicate things. I would attempt to convince you to consider other arrangements.”
“Keep her on the side?”
“It’s done. She could be a close advisor. There are reasons there are quarters labeled the Queen’s Quarters.”
“Mother has never used them.”
“Her mother has.”
“Yes, placing her as far from your bedchamber as can be accomplished.”
“It’s not that far, and there’s a passage.”
“Seriously?”
“Yes.”
“Does Mother know?”
“Yes.”
“Would you forbid an open relationship with Allium?”
“I don’t know, Ahlianna.” He sighed. “I would try to convince you, but if you were being honest, and the relationship showed durability, I would allow this marriage.”
“Really?”
“But I’m not the one who has to convince your mother.”
I laughed. “And the ministers and lords?”
“They’ll bitch. But ultimately, they don’t care who you marry, as long as it’s one of their sons and not someone else’s son.”
I laughed. “They’d prefer the groom over someone else?”
“If not their own son? Possibly. Now, whether they’ll follow you after I’m gone, I don’t know. We have our work cut out for us.”
“And this would make it harder.”
“I don’t know. No. I don’t know.” He sat down and finished his cognac. “Actually, it would be easier if it were someone else, and Allium were here, openly serving while in one of these relationships you suggest. Let her be the first.”
“So you want to encourage Allium to find a wife, and I should find a different woman to love?”
He laughed. “That sounds like a plan.”
Chapter Seventeen
I whispered to Gretchena, “Mother will buy what she thinks you need. Be gracious and say, ‘thank you’.”
“You told me yesterday.”
“I’m reinforcing it.”
She nodded. “Thank you.”
“Good.”
“I really like this dress, Ahlianna.”
She was wearing another of mine as we strode together, Darfelsa and Allium with us. Allium declared her intention to enhance her wardrobe, and Darfelsa had asked if she could buy a few new dresses and a hat. I thought it unlikely we would depart on our expected schedule, but when it came to shopping, Mother was a force.
“You look good in it.”
“Thank you. I want to say something, but I’m not sure what.”
We laughed. Allium said, “Many things are better in Charth, and while the leather is quite dashing, I prefer fashion here. I’ve told this to Gionna.”
“I think that’s what I was thinking,” Gretchena said. “These colors. I love these colors! And it is so comfortable. I feel a little naked, though.”
“Everything is looser,” Allium pointed out. “You’re accustomed to feeling your clothing more tightly against your skin. Even where it is tight, it is thin and forgiving, and it feels like you are wearing almost nothing. Your modesty is fully intact.”
“I’m not sure what that last part means,” Gretchena said. “But I think I understand the rest.”
Ahead, standing near the door, Mother waited. She smiled and offered greetings. Then we climbed into the Queen’s Coach, Mother pulling Gretchena beside her.
“Mother,” I said. “Gretchena expressed appreciation for her current style of dress. I believe you bought this particular dress for me.”
“I believe you’re right. Gretchena, is it the fit or the color you enjoy?”
“The fit is unusual to me, but I can see how it suits your weather better. It’s comfortable, and I think I look good.”
“You do. Ahlianna made the right choices for you. This is nearly the exact color of your eyes.” She touched a section of blue. “We’re not filling a closet for you, but we’ll need to make sure you’re properly attired.” She patted the girl’s hand. “Trust me.”
“I will.”
* * * *
Mother was… efficient. She frequently wasn’t. She could spend days shopping and then buy nearly nothing. This trip was made easier, as we weren’t worried about formal events, and we didn’t have to wonder whether Gretchena already owned something similar.
Together, we found clothing for our guest. The underthings were easiest. We stopped by mother’s favorite shop for such things. She said, “Measure her.” Then she handed over a written list.
“Let them do what they want,” I told Gretchena.
She nodded, and then we waited while they undressed and measured her. Then the shopkeeper sent her two assistants scurrying to fill the order while she paid attention to the queen. Darfelsa and Allium also made a few selections, but they didn’t need assistance.
Then Gretchena was made to model her underthings for us, which didn’t distress her half as much as it would have me with an expanded audience. But there were reasons this was Mother’s favorite shop, and while it wasn’t the cheapest, it was the best.
We collected everything. The assistants wrapped the purchases, and it all made it to the trunk on the coach.
The dresses took longer, but went more quickly than I would have guessed. Mother helped Gretchena make selections, and then Darfelsa made a few similar selections. Mother had them compare together and then said, “You look like sisters. It’s sweet.”
Sisters, my ass.
We were on the road by the noon meal, eating on the go.
* * * *
Darfelsa, Gretchena, and Allium remained at the coast with us for two weeks. The two girls were entirely inseparable, but as best I could tell, they were either well-behaved or exceedingly discreet.
It was decided that they would return to Charth to enjoy the remainder of the summer there. And so, their last evening arrived. I asked Allium to take a walk on the beach with me.
“I don’t believe Father has talked to you about this, and I think he’s leaving it to me.”
“Okay,” she said. “About what?”
“I asked Father for your hand in marriage. He has consented.”
“You what?” she spat. I laughed. “Ahlianna, this isn’t funny.”
“I actually did, but it was a hypothetical conversation. We were talking about bribing you.”
“That is even less funny.”
“There’s nothing at all wrong if Father and your future queen conspire to bribe our ambassador.”
“This part of the conversation is serious.”
“It is, actually.”
She folded her arms and turned to fully face me. “I don’t think I find this amusing. Why do you feel you need to bribe me?”
“Our conversation on the bridge.”
Her mouth formed an ‘oh’. “Princess Ahlianna, I assure you-”
I held my hand up. “I know we have your loyalty. But I am also fairly sure you would prefer to remain in Charth.”
“Princess-”
“Don’t interrupt,” I told her. “You’ll have your chance. Am I wrong? Yes or no.”
“You’re not wrong.”
“You didn’t appreciate the conversation on the bridge. Yes or no?”
“Princess-”
“Yes. Or. No.”
“No, I didn’t care for that conversation, but-”
“I believe we have your loyalty, but I also believe it wouldn’t be that hard to break it. Well, I’m not interested in breaking it, bending it, or in anything else that damages our relationship, your loyalty, or your happiness.” I put some strength into that. “What kind of future queen am I to ask someone to give up her happiness, Allium?” She didn’t say anything, and I said, “That question wasn’t rhetorical.”
“I don’t know, Your Highness.”
“Neither do I, but I don’t like the answers. If you find love in Charth, good. I hope that it’s someone who could come to Barrish with you. If not, we’ll figure something out.”
“What are you saying?”
“I’m saying that marriage between two women is entirely legal in Flarvor. There’s not one word forbidding it. Father had that information readily available, and I checked myself as well. There’s even precedent.”
“You’re not proposing-”
“That was the example I used to get as honest an answer from Father as I could,” I said. “If you offered suit, you wouldn’t be turned away, but I need to begin consolidating my position here. Unless I decide to marry a nice young son of someone important and turn into a baby factory, I need to primarily focus on my position.”
“As future monarch.”
“Yes. Do I have your attention, Allium?”
“Yes.”
“Good. For now, I need you to continue to teach Darfelsa. I don’t know when I’ll be back in Charth, but I wouldn’t mind if Gionna were to come visit from time to time. Maybe Queen Lisdee would visit, but that invitation would need to come from Mother or Father.”
“Understood.”
“Find love, Allium. We will support you.”
Tears welled in her eyes. “Thank you,” she whispered.
“This next part is not coming from Father. Technically, the last part wasn’t, either, but this is somewhat more removed. Our countries need a few treaties. They need to originate from the north. We need a legal agreement regarding Ressaline slaves who are brought into Flarvor.”
“Is this related to our first conversation?”
“Well, I suppose that depends upon whether you acquire a slave or two. The same treaty would also need to address what happens when the woman is formerly a citizen of Flarvor.”
“Are you asking me to start this process, Your Highness?”
“No. I’m stating that there is a lack of clear agreement, but maybe there should be. Consider this idle conversation. And then if it comes up anywhere, leave my name out of it.”
She laughed. “I think I understand.”
“I want to be clear, Allium. My strong preference is that, long term, you will be close, and by close I mean living in the palace as one of my closest advisors. However, I will not ask you to sacrifice your own happiness for that to happen.”
“Thank you,” she whispered. “This means a lot to me.”
“You are forbidden from allowing me to do anything that stresses your loyalty. Am I clear?”
She laughed. “Yes.”
“Socially, if this represents what you want, then we need to start working on it. That means more visits. And I think it means we need to convince a few influential people to take summer vacations in Charth.”
