by Robin Roseau
"You don't cut off smuggling. You just make it as difficult as you can imagine. There is always smuggling. Even when the borders are open, there is smuggling. But that is a side conversation. Do you understand my main point? I am the gatekeeper."
"Yes. I understand now." But then I offered a smile. "And now I have a point to make."
"Oh?" She lifted that eyebrow again.
"Knock your crap off here. We're all friends, and I don't need the stress you're causing. Fighting over who sits where at the table is ridiculous. If you want to pick fights, pick fights that matter."
"Well," she replied after a moment. "You're not a diplomat, either."
I smiled again. "I believe a diplomat speaks the language that is most likely to achieve the desired goals. Would sweet words have swayed you?"
She laughed. "Not as well as the words you chose."
"Well then?" I asked.
It was her turn to smile. "You said picking those fights wasn't necessary. And yet, would we be having this conversation if I hadn't?"
"Don't even pretend that's why you were doing it."
"As I said, the queen predicted this conversation."
I wasn't ready to concede this point, so I simply asked, "Are you going to knock it off?"
"Maybe. When we arrive in Lopéna, are you going to do what I tell you to do?"
"Probably not, but I won't interfere."
"No. You'll do what I tell you."
"No, I will not. I was ordered to avoid interfering with you. But you have no authority over me. You are free to make requests, and I will give them all due consideration. Are you going to knock off your crap or not?"
She didn't answer right away.
"Tell me this. Our schedule allows for a week in Lopéna, but there is nothing to prevent me from continuing to my final destination. I am quite happy to leave you and Juleena in Lopéna and continue my journey. Would that make your mission easier?"
She looked away. That answered my question. I truly hadn’t known the answer, but I would have been happy to be away from her. I'd have missed Juleena until she caught up with us, but I'd have been willing to go on ahead. I was anxious to speak with the Goddess, after all.
"I'd rather you didn't do that, Lady Yallameenara."
"I will be as cooperative as I can, Lady Margaletta. Could you please stop adding to my stress?"
She turned back to me and nodded. "As best I am able," she clarified. "Will you answer an unrelated question?"
"Maybe."
"Why did you take such a small cabin? Was it just to have an excuse to share Juleena's bed anyway?"
"When I accepted the small cabin, I had no such intentions," I said. "You do know it's not just the princess and I? I have my entire household in there. We're well chaperoned."
"Oh, I know," she said. "Will you explain?"
"When I accepted the small cabin, I didn't realize how upset this trip was going to make me. It turns out I don't care for sea travel."
"Ah. And so you surround yourself with people who love you."
"Yes."
"It is not appropriate you do this in Princess Juleena's bed. Everyone aboard the ship must know by now."
"We're not doing anything the queen has forbidden," I said. "It's not some wild sex party in there."
"Ah, but the rumors..." She paused. "I will exchange cabins with you. You and your household can take this cabin."
Her offer surprised me. "That isn't necessary, but I appreciate the gesture. Any damage is already done, and changing arrangements now will just bring additional attention. But thank you."
We nodded to each other, and then I stood. We didn't embrace or anything of that nature, but we had come to an arrangement.
Three days later, we arrived at Hergenseé, and from there we traveled to the capital.
Another Princess
My first opportunity to undermine Lady Margaletta came upon our arrival in Lopéna. My household was invited to housing in the palace; Juleena and Margaletta were not. Even I knew there were undertones, and when the invitation came, I immediately asked, "Lady Margaletta, did you plan for my household?"
"I did, Lady Yallameenara."
I turned to the envoy from the king and queen. "We will accept hospitality with the rest of the Framaran delegation."
The envoy, who so far had been full of smiles, let his smile fade. "As the High Priestess, it would be appropriate for you and your household to stay in the palace during your visit."
"I am a citizen of Framara," I replied. "And at least until I depart the capital for the Heart of the Goddess, I remain a member of this diplomatic mission. And so, I must be available to the head of the delegation, and am subject to her authority."
"Lady Yallameenara, you are first and foremost the High Priestess to Yahamala. King Tradódid and Queen Mesenorié insist you accept their hospitality."
I was nearly ready to let Margaletta deal with this man, but not quite yet. "I am nearly certain that if King Tradódid and Queen Mesenorié were standing before me right now, they would not use the word insist. That particular word has not worked very well for them in the past. I appreciate the offer. Perhaps you could convey to the king and queen my thanks and hopes that in the future, I will be free to accept similar invitations."
I have to hand it to him. He was stubborn. Perhaps he thought he could wear me down. And he could, of course, but then he'd be facing Margaletta, not me. "Lady Yallameenara, they were quite clear with me. The High Priestess must reside in the palace."
I pulled myself up as straight as I could and then intoned carefully, "I am Yallameenara of the Arrlottan, the horse people, Beloved Granddaughter of the Arrlottan Clan Chief Gandachardat, Valued Daughter of the Three Cats Tribe, Lady Ambassador of the Arrlotta, Companion of Honor, Heart of the Wind, Foster Daughter to Queen Ralalta, High Priestess of Yahamala, and Right Honorable Duchess of Havenshade." I stepped forward a half step, crowding into his personal space. "Did you hear where in that list I mentioned High Priestess?"
"Lady Yallameenara," he replied, his voice steeped in disappointment.
"Did you?"
"While you are in Alteara, you are first and foremost the High Priestess. As the High Priestess, your rightful place is in the palace."
"As the High Priestess," I responded, "My rightful place is wherever the Goddess requires me. The Goddess herself dictated I was to be free to travel throughout Alteara as I desire, accompanied as I desire, achieving immediate and unconditional agreement from the king and queen. I interpret that to mean if I should present myself on the palace steps, I would be warmly welcomed. I also interpret that to mean that it is my choice, and only my choice, where I spend the night. But perhaps you would care to discuss it with the Goddess yourself?"
He bowed his head and said, somewhat submissively, "Lady Yallameenara..."
"You are simply an envoy of the king and queen. Perhaps you suggest they are rescinding the agreement they made to the Goddess."
"No, no, of course they would never-"
"Good. Please inform Their Majesties that I appreciate their offer, and perhaps in the future I will accept similar offers, but today I remain with the Framaran delegation."
He offered a small bow. "Of course, Lady Yallameenara."
"Good. Lady Margaletta, will you require my attendance during your meetings with the king and queen."
"Not immediately, Lady Yallameenara."
"Very good. Larien. Terél." The two moved forward to flank me. "I will wish to spend my time here visiting the capital and perhaps doing a little shopping. Do we require a guide?"
I'd actually talked to everyone about this ahead of time. Neither Larien nor Terél were the best guides; Naddí and Féla were. But I was about to throw the officious man a bone, if he desired to take it.
"We don't require a guide," Larien said. "But perhaps the High Priestess would accept company. And as the honor guard must remain with Princess Juleena, perhaps an honor guard from the palace would be appreciate
d."
At the phrase honor guard, the man had stiffened. I didn't imagine he wanted Framaran soldiers traipsing all over the capital, and we'd already agreed it was as likely to stir tensions as if the roles had been reversed. I didn't feel the need for any guards, but Juleena had insisted. But he visibly relaxed when Larien suggested we would accept Altearan guards.
I cocked my head as if considering, then nodded. "We do not require a guide. We do not require company. And we do not require an honor guard. But if they were offered, we would accept." I paused. "Women only, and any guard should be modest and subtle. I wish to visit the city and not be surrounded by guards that won't let me look into a store window."
"Um-"
"Oh, don't tell me any of that is a problem. Am I to be denied the city?"
"No, no," he said quickly. "We just assumed..."
"Yes?"
"You would be present during the negotiations."
"I am not immediately necessary. If I am to be High Priestess, wouldn't King Tradódid and Queen Mesenorié rather I spend my time learning more of Alteara?"
"Absolutely!" he said firmly. "It's not that. I just don't know what to promise you for company. Or a guard."
"Ah. Well, our plans are not settled. Perhaps you could send a messenger when these things are decided. If we hear nothing, we will understand we are welcome to visit the city as we please, and that the king and queen feel no guard is necessary. After all," and I fluffed my hair. "I am sure I am perfectly safe."
"You are, of course," he said, and I thought it was sincere. "However, I am most certain they would prefer some sort of guard, regardless. And you would accept company?"
"Of course. But casual. I will be dressed in traveling clothing. I am sure the king and queen will remember my preferred attire."
"I believe everyone at court remembers your preferred attire, Lady Yallameenara."
I smiled, wondering if he had just lightened up to make a joke. "Are you suggesting you remember me from two years ago."
"Yes, Lady Yallameenara. I remember you clearly." He smiled. "No one knew what to expect, but it no one expected you."
"I imagine I was, and perhaps remain, an utter disappointment."
"Not at all," he said quickly, and again, I couldn't tell if he were lying, but I thought he was.
"I have one more item for you. Perhaps you are not the right person to ask. I have funds, but they are Framaran crowns. Normally I could step into any bank to exchange them, but I am not sure if that is currently true."
He paused, even opening and closing his mouth several times.
"I'm sure Lady Margaletta can see to my needs," I inserted.
"No, no," he said. "It's just..."
"I didn't think this would lead to difficulty. I'm sorry."
"It's delicate." He leaned closer. "May of the shopkeepers would rather receive your Framaran crowns than Altearan cartas. There has been significant inflation. Perhaps you will let me defer a suggestion."
"Of course. I believe you and I are done. Lady Margaletta?"
I turned my back on him and let Margaletta arrange whatever other arrangements she wanted.
* * * *
Margaletta owned a townhouse. It was quite opulent, I thought, and staffed as well, although I understood the staff was temporary. "This is my first visit here in three years," she explained.
"It remains empty otherwise?"
"I rent it when others travel here," she said. "I am somewhat surprised the crown didn't seize it the way we seized their property."
"Has Ralalta sold the seized property?"
"No, but they don't know that."
"They might," I said.
"Well, they don't know if they're getting it back or not," she said.
"Are they?"
"They'll certainly ask for it, probably ten minutes after they see me," she replied.
"And?"
"And..." She smiled. It wasn't a nice smile. "I haven't decided. Frankly, I'm happy to leave that to the diplomats to follow."
"Assuming they convince you to step aside, Gatekeeper."
"Yes. Assuming. Lady Yallameenara, please do not share Juleena's bed in my home. I do not want to explain that to the queen."
I laughed. "Now that we're off the ship, I'll be able to sleep alone again."
* * * *
We stayed in the first evening, but we received word that Margaletta and Juleena were expected in the morning. And someone would be by to accompany me about town. The messenger asked if I would walk or travel atop horse.
"Tomorrow we'll walk or perhaps take a carriage," I replied. I paused. "I didn't bring my mount, and I do not care to ride such large horses as are found west of the Wizard's Divide. While I would enjoy a tour of the immediate countryside, I fear it must wait for another trip."
She nodded, and that was that.
* * * *
Over breakfast in the morning, it was clear that Juleena was nervous. Margaletta appeared determined. I quietly leaned to Juleena and assured her I would be fine, but if she were afraid for my safety, I could stay in or attend the meetings with them, if that would make her feel better.
"That's not it," she said. "I'm not worried about that. They wouldn't dare try anything with you a second time, not after the Goddess herself negotiated this agreement. It's just this diplomacy."
"Ah. You know, if it doesn't go well, we can invite everyone to the Heart of the Goddess. She seems to be good at reaching common agreement."
Juleena laughed. "You know, I think I'll honestly keep that in reserve. And I bet you're not the only one who has thought of it."
"Frankly, I'd rather not involve her. We're not children. We can work these issues out ourselves. But if we need her, and if she even appears when I call to her, I can ask for her guidance."
Juleena nodded. "I hope we won't have to ask, but thank you."
"Of course."
Soon after, dressed for a war of words, Juleena, Margaletta, and much of our entourage exited the house. We were left with a tiny guard for the house, a few servants, and my household. Three of us gathered in the library for a language lesson.
It was perhaps only a half hour later when Naddí appeared in the doorway. "Lady Yallameenara, you have guests."
"How many guests, Naddí?"
"Well, one guest and a larger honor guard than we were expecting."
"Oh. Well, send her in."
"Um."
"Naddí," I said in surprise. "I have never seen you flustered before."
"It's the princess."
"Juleena? Is something wrong."
"Not Juleena. Princess Lásenalta, second in line to the crown."
At that I stood. "Second in line after..."
"Prince Prodótar, her elder brother."
"Oh, darnation," I said. "How is she dressed?"
"You seem to be setting a new trend in fashion, Lady Yallameenara," Naddí said with a smile. "Yalla, would you mind if Féla and I were to dress similarly at least when traveling? It looks particularly comfortable."
I laughed. "Not at all. If we were of a size, I'd let you borrow." I sighed. "I suppose there's some protocol I'm supposed to follow."
"Probably," Larien said. "But you know what? Treat her like a friend, not a princess. Terél and I have to curtsey to her, but you don't."
"One curtsey when she enters," I said. "I don't want more than that today. You are priestesses to Yahamala, and as far as I'm concerned, she doesn't outrank you."
"She does," Larien said. "But you outrank her." She smiled. "And so it will be as you desire."
"Thank you." I turned to Naddí. "Send her in."
And then I pointedly sat back down.
It was only a moment or two. Naddí stepped away, closing the door, and then the door opened and she stepped back in. "Princess Lásenalta," she declared in a firm voice.
I waited until the woman stood in the doorway before I stood. Larien and Terél were somewhat faster than that, and they began their curtsey as s
oon as Naddí opened the door.
The princess came to a stop just inside the doorway. She and I regarded each other. She was taller than I was, but delicate and beautiful, somewhat older than Juleena, but she carried herself in a similar fashion. I immediately thought she and I could be friends. And as Naddí had suggested, the princess was dressed in a fashion compatible with mine, although somewhat more ornately. But I could have seen myself dressed in the leathers she wore.
We both smiled, and then she stepped forward, looked me up and down once more, and then entered a deep, deep curtsey to me.
Damn it.
"Princess Lásenalta, were you in court the last time I visited this city?"
"I was," she said, not rising.
"Do you remember what I said on my way out of court?"
"Frankly, High Priestess, I am going to curtsey, and you are going to like it."
At that I laughed. "Fine. But please get up, and I'm going to tell you what I told these two."
She rose and smiled. "What is that?"
"One. You get one curtsey from them today. And I guess I get one from you. If you want more from them, tough."
She shook her head. "One and one," she agreed.
"You realize that I curtsey to Princess Juleena and Queen Ralalta. I think what you just did was ridiculous."
"As ridiculous as Mother's reaction to you?"
I laughed. "Perhaps not. But I must admit: she made an impression, and she made me take everything seriously after that."
"I suspect that was her intention, but I haven't wanted to ask her about it."
"In fear she might demand the same from you?"
She smiled. "Just so." She looked me up and down again, and I did the same.
"I need to know." I gestured to her. "Is this a new trend, or something you did for me?"
"Perhaps a bit of both. Being seen in similar clothing has always been a style when casual clothing is appropriate. But there is a trend to being seen in this fashion more often and with less adornment." She smiled again. "But you can imagine Father's reaction when someone appeared in court this way.”
“You?" I asked.
"My uncle, actually. A younger uncle. Mother inherited all the wisdom of her line."
"Oh," I said. "Ouch."
"I am told you are not easily offended."
