Heir, page 6
part #5 of Ressaline Series
“They are subjects of Queen Lisdee. They will have their Firsts.”
“Do they become slaves if they are the daughters of slaves?”
“They become slaves if they accept and lose a permanent challenge,” Olivia said.
I didn’t ask any other questions. Instead, I accepted the remainder of a tour of the farm. Then we sat for lunch, thanked Clieda, and then were on her way.
* * * *
“You’re awfully quiet,” Gionna observed. I’d been watching out the window for a while.
They waited for me to respond. For my part, I was trying not to respond poorly. Olivia finally said, rather gently, “This is why Queen Lisdee requires anyone visiting Ressaline to undergo her First.”
“And why you didn’t let me even look out the window,” Allium asked. “They kept me blindfolded for the trip to Charth.”
“You told us,” I said. I finally turned to face Olivia. “Why didn’t you do that to me?”
“Because it didn’t work very well,” she said. “And because that plan was replaced when Allium arrived with her entire household. Do you wish we had?”
“I don’t know,” I replied. I sighed. “What is going to happen to those girls?”
“Before she answers that,” Allium said. “Ahlianna, the slaves are happy.”
“They’re probably happier than Clieda,” Olivia said. “Possibly not. Clieda’s expectations would have been low.”
“This conversation is producing more conversations,” Allium said. “Talk about that part, Olivia?”
“Clieda’s expectations prior to the invasion were probably bleak. Life in Ressaline City was harsh, and food shortages were quite common. I don’t know her personal story, but she probably has family members who died for reasons you’ve never heard of, Ahlianna.”
“Like what?”
“Sicknesses related to poor food,” Gionna provided. “Or outright starvation. That ended, beginning ten years ago. Now, everyone from Ressaline City and throughout the Duchy of Charthan has ample food. There are still shortages deeper in the mountains. Mother has not figured out how to solve those problems yet.”
“Which is why we don’t see her very often,” Olivia said. “I told her I’d see to Charthan, and she’s happy with me.”
“Ecstatic,” Gionna said. “Mother is ecstatic.”
“I’m not satisfied,” Olivia said. “But the queen’s priorities don’t include anything I’m trying to do here. She couldn’t care much less, as long as the food wagons continue to arrive.”
“She cares enough to have sent you,” I said to Gionna.
“Because Olivia asked,” Gionna explained. “She’s not oblivious to what Olivia is trying to do, but there’s little we can do down here to solve transportation problems through the mountains.”
“The main point right now,” Olivia said, “Is that Clieda probably came with low expectations. She has one daughter born in Ressaline City; her other two would have been born here. I didn’t ask which of her slaves carried them.”
“How does that even work?”
“Let’s finish this part,” Olivia said. “So, she had low expectations. And now she has ample food and knows she always will. She’s making a good future for her children. She’s not getting rich. She’s paid for the food she produces, but prices are negotiated between the queen and me, and they’re lower than they were before. On the other hand, she has no debt. We granted the land. So she may have temporary debt in the spring for planting, but actually, I doubt it.”
“You said her slaves were probably happier.”
“Right. You’ll see, but it feels very, very good to obey your owner.”
“I’ve been several different types of slave,” Gionna said, “And they’re all very pleasant.”
“When Olivia loaned me clerks, the one thing they constantly asked for was more work,” Allium said. “It took prompting, but they would rather be assigned something to read than to be given freedom to choose for themselves.”
“Really?”
“Really.” She shifted her gaze. “Olivia, I probably need to spend some time that way myself.”
The duchess nodded but turned back to me. “Do you understand?”
“Farming is hard work.”
“It is,” she said. “But as a slave, hard work is pleasure.”
“So what happens to those girls?”
“It varies.”
“Right,” I said. “What is the most likely outcome?”
“It’s going to depend on the choices they make. There is nothing that prevents them from traveling to Charth and pursuing choices there.”
“I can’t imagine that’s the only farm with teenage daughters of slaves.”
“No, it’s not.”
“And I bet you have a pretty good idea what is most likely, Olivia. Can’t you give me a straight answer?”
“It depends on their choices, Ahlianna. They will take their First, most likely shortly after they turn sixteen, depending on the growing season. They are adults, so they do not need to ask Clieda for permission.”
“As adults, would she kick them from her home?”
“Unlikely. So, they will have their First. After that, they are subject to the same laws as anyone else born outside Ressaline City.”
“Which means?”
“They can remain subjects, but they are obligated to accept challenges.”
“You’re dancing, Olivia.”
“You’re right. What is most likely is that some of them will become citizens by challenging other girls from their area. But they are still obligated to continue to accept challenges periodically, and being a slave feels really, really good.”
I shifted my gaze. “You take challenges.”
“Yes, but I’m as stubborn as they come,” Allium said.
“Challenges don’t mean permanent challenges.”
“No,” Olivia said. “There have been a small number of the daughters of farmers who have remained citizens. The numbers are not high. It is possible one or two will remain citizens past their twenty-fifth birthday, but unlikely.”
“But they’ll be happy,” Gionna said.
“And that makes up for it?” I asked.
Olivia sighed. “I think I’m going to go back to blindfolding people once they cross the border.”
I sighed myself. “I’m not trying to judge.”
“It’s nearly impossible not to,” Allium pointed out.
No one said anything for a minute until Gionna pointed out, “Well, today has been fun. What else should we talk about?”
There was a pause, and then Olivia said, “I’m happy Ahlianna is here, and I’m not afraid of a difficult conversation.” She set an arm around me and gave me a half hug. I leaned against her and smiled.
“I am looking forward to an interesting, but from what I’m told, quite pleasant visit. Do we want another difficult conversation?”
“Oh, why not?” Gionna replied.
“Darfelsa said you wouldn’t let her watch any challenges.”
“Absolutely not,” Allium said. “These two would have.” She gestured to Gionna and Olivia. “Apparently, they start treating children like adults when they hit fourteen.”
“Hey,” Gionna said. “I thought we agreed no judging. Why do you bring it up, Ahlianna?”
“Could I see one before…”
Gionna and Allium both turned their gaze to Olivia. She, in turn, looked at me. “While it’s true that Ressaline girls begin to be welcome to observe challenges at fourteen, they’re born into this society. I think you’d find it shocking, Ahlianna. We can talk about it, but I’d rather you withdrew the request.”
“I hear you,” I said. “But our agreement is that Gionna will give herself to Allium to cover the period that I belong to someone else. If I go first, I’m in no position to withdraw if she doesn’t do it, but if I back out, you could make Allium free Gionna.”
“And you think I’d cheat you?” Gionna asked.
“No one thinks anyone is going to cheat,” Allium said. “The only fear right now is that Ahlianna will grow cold feet, and I don’t think anyone necessarily blames anyone for that.”
“I’m not going to grow cold feet,” I declared. “But from what everyone has said, I’m going to be so out of it, but Gionna will be nearly normal. She’ll get to see me, but I won’t get to see her.” I grinned. “I want to see her in red.”
Gionna smiled. “I bet you do. But I am going to defer to Olivia’s judgement. I’ll do this however she thinks I should.”
Again, we all looked at the duchess. She nodded. “That’s fair, Ahlianna. What if we see to Gionna’s challenge with Allium in the afternoon and do yours after dinner?”
“But without me watching the actual challenge?”
“If you want to watch the challenge, then I want permission to pacify you if you began to… what was the phrase Allium used earlier?”
“Lose it?” Allium prompted. “Pacify you means they give you a tonic. You become very pliable.”
I thought about it. “Olivia, I’ll do this your way, but I would like to see a challenge before I return home while I’m fully functioning.”
“I was given to believe you expected to be here at least two months.”
“I don’t want to make it all summer; that’s not fair to Darfelsa, but we can pass in Tebradine.”
“Then we have time,” she said. “After.”
“After,” I agreed. “See? I can be reasonable.”
Olivia smiled.
Chapter Four
We reached Charth without any further undue stress. It was actually a nice trip. The weather was absolutely beautiful, and the countryside lovely. I got to know Corale and Wesla, the two people Allium had brought with her. It was a nice trip.
The people of Charth turned out, first lining the streets, and then following along behind as we headed for the main green in front of Government House. I saw people dressed in leather, similar to Lady Olivia, and some dressed in fashions more familiar to me. But I also saw people I knew were slaves, clad in the form-fighting, shiny clothing. On arriving, we climbed from the coach and headed for the steps of Government House, the throngs of people clustering closely.
Olivia gave a brief speech welcoming me to Ressaline and restating her pleasure in continued friendship. Gionna gave a speech. And then Olivia asked if I would say a few words.
I kept it simple, thanking Olivia, Gionna, and Allium. Then I looked out at the people and thanked them for the warm welcome. “I’ve been looking forward to this trip, and I am quite pleased to be here.” I looked around for a moment. “The people of Charthan and the people of Flarvor were not so different, or so I understand. But I look out at all of you, and it is clear there are distinct differences now.” I considered, and then I stepped down, walking directly to one of the women wearing leather. I made sure to project as I looked her in the eye. But then I lifted my hand and ran my fingers down her arm. “In Flarvor, we would never dress in this fashion. The leather would be far, far too warm, except during the very coldest months. But we are upon the cusp of summer, and so many of you dress in this fashion.”
Beside her was one of the slaves, this one in red. I gestured. “She is yours?”
“Yes.”
I turned my attention. “And then there is this clothing, which is never seen south of our shared border.” There were a few chuckles at that.
I climbed the steps. “Allium Cuprite has been a good representative for my father and his government. She has also served as a representative for all of you, explaining your ways to my father and his family. Your princess visited us in a show of friendship. And now I am here, in friendship, and in a desire to understand your culture, to understand the differences.”
I paused. I should have written something. Instead, I stepped over to Gionna and hugged her. “Thank you for the warm welcome, and the offer of friendship between our countries, between our peoples, and to me personally.”
They applauded me. Olivia offered a few more words, and then she ushered us into Government House. Once we were safely behind closed doors, Gionna quietly asked, “Are you all right?”
“It didn’t occur to me I’d be giving a speech. I normally prepare.”
“You were fine,” she said. “The only thing anyone cares about is a glimpse of you now.”
“And one later, when I am dressed as a slave?”
“Exactly.”
“That attitude helps to calm my nerves,” I said sarcastically.
“I am nothing if not helpful,” she replied with a grin. But she wrapped an arm around me, and we followed Olivia and Allium to Olivia’s office.
* * * *
“I actually didn’t have anything to talk about,” Olivia said. “I’m just giving the crowd a chance to disperse.”
“This is your main government building,” I prompted.
“It is the Government House,” she said. “It was Charthan’s center of government. Now it is the center of government for my duchy. There is a palace in Ressaline.”
“It is much smaller than the palace in Barrish,” Gionna said. “Mother’s government is much smaller than your father’s.”
“You were originally a city-state,” I said.
“And not a particularly wealthy one,” she confirmed. “City-state has probably not been the right term for quite some time, as we have long held the land from the mountains to Gandeet. But in spite of that, even we thought of ourselves as a city-state, and it was only under Mother’s rule that has changed. We haven’t really kept up with the changes.”
I nodded understanding. We all smiled at each other, and then Allium said, “Perhaps it is safe to get the princess settled in.”
* * * *
Unsurprisingly, the household turned out to greet me. Everyone was dressed in the styles of Flarvor, although in somewhat warmer fashion than I’d left behind in Barrish. The staff was smaller than I had realized, and I wondered if I hadn’t been paying full attention. Allium had a staff of eight plus two members of the Royal Couriers.
Allium gave a very short welcome. I gave a very short acceptance. And then she introduced me to each woman, one after another. I already knew Corale and Wesla, so I learned eight new names.
Then I turned to the ambassador. “When do I meet the household staff?”
“You just did. Mendari is our head cook. Marzara and Penelody perform household duties. The rest of us pitch in.”
“Wait,” I said. “The rest of us pitch in. The ambassador makes beds?”
“The glorified road worker makes her own bed,” Allium replied.
“Where are your personal maids?”
“Presumably, she’s at the palace in Barrish. Are you volunteering to take the duties your younger sister assumed?”
I stared at Allium and finally squeaked, “You’re enjoying this.”
She smiled. “Princess, we’ll take care of your needs. Have no fear. Now, we have a choice of rooms for you. You can take the room we offered Darfelsa. Or there are several others to choose from. How about a tour, Your Highness?”
I paused then stepped forward and took her arm. “You’re enjoying this,” I muttered.
“I thought you understood I have a small staff. Other than when we’re entertaining, this is more than sufficient. For large events, Olivia finds slaves to loan us. Let us begin with the public rooms.”
We toured the entire embassy, including the grounds. Halfway through the tour she said, “It’s not a palace, but it’s not meant to be. It’s a relatively modest embassy with a modest staff. But while Ressaline is a close neighbor, they are no longer critical to our trade the way they once were. Tourism doesn’t exist here, either, although Olivia hopes that will change.”
“Why would it change?”
“Let’s finish the tour and we can talk about that, if that’s not an idle question.”
“None of my questions are idle questions.”
“Of course, Your Highness. Let us ascend.”
She showed me a little more before I said, “I don’t want you calling me that.”
“I have no idea what you’re talking about, Your Highness.”
“I’m not sure I believe you, and that’s exactly what I meant. My name is Ahlianna.”
“I am currently the ambassador, escorting the future queen of my country for her first visit.”
“Are you trying to alienate me?”
Beside me, she stiffened. “Perhaps you can pick your room, and we can talk.”
“Fine,” I said. But I dropped her arm, and I wasn’t sure she’d have let me have it back. She showed me the available rooms, and I said, “I can’t tell if Darfelsa wanted me to take her room or wanted it left alone.”
“You know her better than I do,” she replied. “I don’t think what Darfelsa wants is the issue. I believe, Your Highness, that you could very well ask for my room, and I would choose another.”
I turned to her. I knew my eyes were smoldering. “Don’t do that,” I whispered hotly. “I’m only going to be here a few days, anyway.”
“And somewhat longer before you return, if you don’t go running south.”
“I’m not running anywhere. The one over the back garden.”
“Very good. If you will give me one moment.”
She stepped away, moving to the central staircase. “The remaining garden room.”
“We’ll take care of it,” I heard someone say.
And then Allium was back. “They’ll see to your things. Perhaps we should retreat to my office.”
She led me back downstairs. In her office, she offered a chair and closed the door. I eschewed the chair near her desk and took the sofa.
“I can have tea delivered.”
“Later,” I said. I gestured, and she took a seat opposite me.
“I don’t know why you’re angry with me,” she said. “Until we resolve this, I intend to remain formal. Your Highness, I am a road worker. That’s it. A road worker. You’re asking me to navigate social niceties I don’t even understand. I told your father I was the wrong woman for this position, but he sent me anyway.”
“You’re wrong about being the wrong woman. You’re the only person who believes that.”
