by Robin Roseau
"You now own two race tracks," he said. "Here, and here. You own two large ranches that raise horses, some for the military, some for the finer houses of Alteara."
"I own herds of horses?"
"Several."
"Herds. Not a few horses. I own herds of horses."
"Yes, Yallameenara. You own herds of horses. And farms. Several villages."
"I own villages?"
"You own the land and the homes. There are tenants. They pay you rent annually."
"They don't want to own their own homes?"
"Perhaps they do," said the prince. "And if so, they can buy land elsewhere. You never sell the land. Never. You can offer long term leases. You can sell the horses and furnishings, and almost anything else you want. But you never sell the land."
At that, I nodded. "But how do other people buy land if no one ever sells it?"
"I didn't say that. But this land defines your duchy, and you do not sell that land. Not everywhere is part of a duchy. It goes back to ancient, ancient times."
"This isn't entirely true in every duchy," clarified the queen. "Sometimes the borders of the duchy might cover a large area, but the duke or duchess only owns some of the land within the border. Anyone else pays modest taxes to the duke for maintaining the local roads, and to the crown for all the things the crown pays for."
"Wait. I have to take care of the roads?"
They all laughed lightly. "Not yourself," said the prince. "There is ample income to pay for the roads, and some people who live here pay not in money, but in labor, offering a portion of time each year for things like roads, or to work your properties. It is only a portion of their time."
I nodded. "So how do I find someone to manage this land? I know I can't do it myself."
"Well," said the prince slowly. "Most of the land is managed for you, and you only need to oversee the managers."
"I don't know how to do that."
"Perhaps you could find someone you trust. Perhaps you should talk to the person who did it until yesterday."
"I don't even know who that is."
"Oh wait," said the princess, raising her hand. "I know. I know. Ask me. Ask me!"
"Could you be any more childish?" the prince asked her. "Really, Alta."
"Oh come on," she said. "You were just dying to do the same thing. Ask me, Yalla. Don't ask him. Ask me."
"Fine, fine. Alta, who was managing this land until yesterday."
"My brother was. I think you should ask him if he'll continue to do it on the same terms he did it for the crown."
I laughed and then turned to the prince. "Would you?"
"I was paid ten percent of the profits," he said. "With a small, minimum stipend if there were years of no profits. But that has never happened for as long as I've been overseeing it."
"On this," said the princess from beside me, "you can trust Prodótar. He would never cheat you, and when it comes to managing lands, he is very careful and deliberate."
"I don't take risks," he said. "There are those who could make more money for you, but they could also lose money. I would prepare reports for you, and if you wish to make changes, I would ask that you discuss them with me first."
"I- Um. Would you continue?"
"I would, Yallameenara."
"Thank you," I said. "Whatever you think is best, at least for now."
He nodded.
"I want to visit it."
"Perhaps in the summer," he said. "If you have time, and choose to ride for the solstice instead of taking the ship. It isn't exactly on the way, but if you were coming here first, or if you took an alternate path. I could meet you there and show you around."
"I'd like that," I said. "You said I own two race tracks?"
"One is small, and one is the most popular track in Alteara. It is a ways from the capital, and so you also own a hotel, and you lease land for several other establishments that cater to people visiting the track."
"Is there a grassy area in the center of the tracks?" I turned to Larien. "Like in Marport."
"I have seen the track in Marport," said Prodótar. "It was some years ago. Yes, the larger track has such a space."
"Do you think when I visit, people would like a demonstration of my riding?"
Larien laughed. "Who are you going to sucker?"
"No one," I said. "Zana will be too full of foal to race, and Hamper is my second best."
"Then someone else might stand a chance," Larien said. "I'll race you for the same terms we once shared."
I laughed. "Juleena would kill you."
"No, she wouldn't, but I see your point. But I'd still race you."
"We'll work that out," I said.
"I would love to see a demonstration," said the prince. "I think the stands would be overfull."
"What else do I need to know?"
"Probably quite a lot. I'll prepare a report for you by the time you come back."
"Thank you, Prodótar," I said. "I feel better now."
"Good," he said.
Protection
We were to have two more full days in Lopéna, and then it would be time to continue our travels. Alta and I spent most of the next day and evening together, growing even closer and far more comfortable with each other.
She touched me a lot, and I found myself returning her touches. We hugged a lot, held hands a lot, and wrapped arms around each other as we walked together. I was going to miss her when it was time to leave, but I tried not to think about that.
She dropped me off in the late afternoon but said she'd be back for dinner.
"Let them do what they want to you," she said.
"That again? They practically wore me out last time."
She laughed. "Right. I'll see you in an hour or so."
Juleena and Margaletta arrived just a few minutes later. I hadn't even moved to my rooms yet, but was sitting with my feet up and my eyes closed, smiling and relaxing, feeling pretty good about everything. But then Juleena and Margaletta stepped into the library, and Margaletta said simply, "We need to speak with Lady Yallameenara. The rest of you: out. Go to her quarters, and we'll send her up shortly."
My eyes snapped open at that. Everyone had frozen at Margaletta's harsh tone, and I asked, "Did I do something wrong?"
"No. But I require privacy."
I checked with Naddí and Féla. They both nodded subtly to me, and so I said, "I'll be up when we're done here."
They filed out, and Juleena watched the door until they were all out of sight. Then she closed the door, and the two of them took chairs facing me.
"That was abrupt and rude," I said. "I assume there's a good reason."
"I made a mistake," Margaletta said.
"Oh hell. A bad one?"
"I opened the gate to you, and I gave up too much leverage."
"And now you want me to climb back into the gatehouse?"
"No. I want the High Priestess to attend the talks tomorrow. And I want her to make one hell of an entrance. And I want her to scream at all of us."
"All right," I said cheerfully. "I can do that."
"But can you do it without giving anyone a hint to expect you?"
"Sure."
"You're seeing Alta tonight?"
"Yes, but I won't say a word. How do you want me to dress?"
"Whatever you want," she replied.
"All right. I'll arrive, what, an hour after you start?"
"Perfect."
* * * *
Ten minutes later, I told Larien and Terél, "Tomorrow morning I want to go over the solstice ceremonies again. It will be difficult to do it on the road, and it's been too long."
"What about Alta?"
"We'll meet with her later, maybe beginning at lunch. I'll tell her tonight."
"Very good."
* * * *
Alta arrived. She took me to dinner and a comedy show afterwards. I don't think I ever laughed so hard. We held hands the entire time, and I think I half squeezed hers off while laughin
g, but she did the same to me.
Later, we walked home. It was chilly, but I'd been growing accustomed to it.
"I have special plans tomorrow," she said. "I've told Naddiqualestra how we're all dressing."
"All right, but I need to do High Priestess things in the morning. I have to practice the solstice ceremony with Terél and Larien. Does that ruin your plans?"
"No. Mine are in the afternoon, right after lunch. Will you let me collect you?"
"Perfect," I said. "Or maybe I'll show up at the palace and you can show me those bars on your windows."
She laughed. "If I don't hear from you, I'll collect you for lunch."
"Perfect."
After that, we walked quietly, but I found myself leaning my head on her shoulder. "I'm going to miss you," I told her after a while.
"We have one more day together," she said. "And you're coming to dinner tomorrow. My brother won't be there this time. You got along better, but he's still a source of stress, and not just for you."
"I'll be there," I said.
We reached Margaletta's townhouse. Alta turned me towards her and then moved closer, brushing my hair behind one ear and caressing my cheek in the process. "I'm glad we had this time together, Yalla."
"Me, too."
And then, without really thinking, we leaned forward and kissed cheeks. But before I pulled away from her, she turned, and she brushed her lips across mine, just an innocent little brush. And then I watched her as she turned and walked away, heading towards the palace. I watched until she turned a corner, and was gone.
"She's an amazing woman," Larien said from beside me.
"I think you're right," I agreed.
"You should consider something."
"What's that?"
"Inviting her into our household."
"What?" I turned to her. "She must have duties."
"She and the prince don't get along. She doesn't really have duties. She's stifled here."
"She talked about that petition," I said. "Do you think she's going to ask? What would I have her do? I can't ask her just to be my companion, a Muranna replacement."
"You could, but I imagine she could do many things for you. I just wanted you to think about it. You don't have to decide anything now. She'll still be here when we're back, next summer. Maybe talk to the Goddess about her."
"Maybe I will," I said.
* * * *
In the morning over breakfast, as soon as Juleena and Margaletta were gone, I said, "I lied to some of you yesterday."
"We're not practicing the solstice ceremony, are we?" Terél said.
"We're party crashing the meetings," I said. "Three of us in our vestments. We'll have to come back and change before going to lunch, assuming Alta doesn't retract her invitation."
Larien shook her head. "You lied. High Priestess, I'm not sure what to say."
"Are you teasing me, or have I really upset you?"
"I think I'm actually upset. High Priestess, our loyalty is to you. And the Goddess, of course. You need to know you can trust us."
I considered carefully. "All right. I'm sorry about that. But I also don't know how good of actresses you all are. I didn't want Alta to catch wind. Her loyalty is rightfully to the king and queen, after all, and I wouldn't have wanted her to give us away."
"Who fooled you for weeks?" asked Terél.
"She tells me she didn't lie with her heart," I said. "But you're right. I won't do it again. I'm sorry."
We finished breakfast and then moved back to our quarters. The maids took care of the three of us then dressed themselves. When we were done, I asked, "Do I look commanding?"
"Absolutely commanding," Terél said. "Now, what are we doing?"
"Talks are stalled. We're browbeating everyone."
"Everyone?" Larien asked. "As in, everyone, everyone?"
I thought. "I suppose if I'm going to trust you, I should trust you, right?"
"I think that is what we agreed earlier."
"Margaletta invited us."
She paused but then laughed. "Oh, please let me by the one to browbeat her."
"I think we'll take turns," I said. "I wish Vérundia were here to help."
"We'll just make do," Terél declared.
* * * *
Naddí and Féla led us through the palace, bringing us to the same set of doors before. And surprisingly, the same guards were there.
"Corporal," I said. "Pleased to see me?"
"Good morning, High Priestess," he replied. "The prince said they aren't to be disturbed." And then both guards pointedly took two steps to the side. I reached over and patted one cheek, and then the other.
Then Larien and Terél stepped past me, clasped the door handles, and then burst both doors opened, slamming them into the interior walls.
"Huh," I said. "They haven't learned to lock them." And then I stepped forward, my priestesses flanking me.
I'm not entirely sure whom we startled the most this time, but just like we had earlier in the week, we had the attention of everyone in the room. I strode forth and didn't come to a stop until I stood at the head of the table. I heard the doors close gently behind me, but I ignored that.
The prince turned to glare at his sister, standing along the wall in back, but she held up her hands defensively. "I didn't know this time," she said.
"Lady Yallameenara," said the king. "How pleased we are to see you."
"I rather doubt that," I replied. "Has an agreement been reached?"
"I'm afraid not," said the queen. "Lady Margaletta is being most unreasonable."
"They know there's a deadline and think I'm going to blink first," Margaletta said. "I don't personally care whether the deadline comes and goes, and I never blink."
I looked back and forth. I hadn't really planned this beyond my entrance. I thought I could come in, yell at everyone, and walk out. But I thought that was unlikely. I needed to understand more than I did.
"Someone explain the purpose of this meeting,” I demanded.
"We are discussing the normalization of relationships," said the queen. "Due to the stress between our countries, it is not an easy process."
"So we're discussing the start. An exchange of embassies?"
"No," said Margaletta. "An acceptance of a fresh diplomatic mission. It's not the same thing."
"Is that sufficient?" I asked. "Is Queen Ralalta serious about this process? Are you, King Tradódid and Queen Mesenorié?"
"We are," said the king.
"As is Queen Ralalta,” confirmed Margaletta.
"And so, I ask again. Is this fresh diplomatic mission sufficient, or should the conversation be about embassies? Or something else entirely?"
There were five of them seated at the table, and they looked back and forth between each other. Finally the king said, "Alteara would be overjoyed to reopen our embassy in Marport, and for Framara to reopen the embassy here."
"Is that a better step than what is being discussed?"
"We believe so," said the king. "It is a bigger step."
"Lady Margaletta, I do not know how much authority you have."
In turn, she glanced at Juleena, and I realized she had nearly all the authority she needed seated beside her. But then she turned to me. "That is not what we've been discussing."
"And have you made any headway in what you have been discussing?"
She paused before answering. "No."
"Well then, perhaps you aren't discussing everything that should be discussed," I suggested. I paused. "I thought about coming in here and yelling at all of you, and then storming out. I thought about setting a deadline. I thought about stomping my feet like a petulant child. But I think instead I'll ask a question. Lady Margaletta, in your best judgment, what should you be discussing?"
"Opening the embassies is too large a first step," she said. "There are too many hard feelings on both sides of the border, and the embassies become a symbol to rally dissent. It wouldn't happen officially, but their are
always agents provocateur."
"Do you agree?" I asked, looking at the king and queen.
"That is a fair point," said the king.
"Then what should we be discussing?"
He sighed. "A diplomatic mission."
"And?"
None of them had any idea what I was talking about. I waited for someone to at least suggest something, but they all just looked at me.
"I require this diplomatic mission," I stated. "And I require a resumption of all humanitarian trade. By that I mean medicine and any other necessities. I do not know what else might be on the list. And in my mind, that includes veterinarian medicines. What say you, Lady Margaletta? If they give you what you want, can you give them that?"
She stared at me for a while, and then slowly she nodded.
"Do you need Princess Juleena's approval?"
"If I made no other promises, Queen Ralalta would ratify such an agreement," she replied. "However, they would need to give me everything I want. If I compromise, then I require Princess Juleena."
"Someone tell me what the chances are that's going to happen?"
Again, there were a lot of looks. And then from in back, Alta said, "Almost none, unless Lady Margaletta is able to remove some of the most egregious requirements."
I nodded. That's about what I thought.
"Fine. Your Majesties, other than what I have already stated, what else do you require most immediately?"
"A cessation of cross border banditry."
I stared, a little sick inside, and finally said, "Princess Juleena has experience with that," I said dryly. Juleena snorted. "That was an inside joke, perhaps. I was originally part of a peace treaty due to similar banditry."
"Oh," said the queen. "Of course."
"Is there banditry operating in both directions?"
"Not so far," Juleena said. "Well, there is always some, but we've had agreements in the past."
"What has been the nature of those agreements?"
"It is nearly impossible to patrol a border the length of ours," she said. "And so it has been agreed in the past that small military forces were allowed to cross the border in pursuit of criminals. The border was not there to provide refuge. In all cases, notification was sent to the other government, and forces withdrew if asked."
"But I cannot allow Altearan military forces to cross the border," Margaletta said. "Absolutely not."
