by Robin Roseau
“Oh. So how long is the list now?”
“I believe only one name.”
“Other than mine.”
“It might grow again,” I said. “But no, not other than yours. One name.”
“Oh, my,” she said. She began to grin, which wasn’t at all surprising. “Um.”
“You look awfully pleased. You promised you wouldn’t.”
“I made no such promise.” She turned her head. “What happened?”
“Mother may add or subtract men if she thinks I need one for an event,” I said. “The other woman removed herself.”
“Foolish woman. Doesn’t she know what she’s missing?”
“Like, the debauchery in Ressaline?”
“Oh.” Shalendra’s grin grew even wider. “This is my sober, not at all pleased face,” she said with a gesture.
“Right.”
“Are you all right?”
“I liked her. Like her. But as Ahlianna put it, I have decades of travel ahead of me, and whoever my consort will be, she needs to be ready for that.” I paused. “Shalendra, this isn’t a competition.”
“Of course, it is.”
“No. Listen to me. Winning, only to become miserable, isn’t winning at all.”
“Who said anything about being miserable?”
“Do you understand what I’m saying?”
I watched her think about it. “If I’m going to let what is probably a big part of your life get in the way, I should be honest about it.”
“Yes, but even more than that. If you can’t embrace it, Shalendra. It’s not enough to suffer through stoically.”
We talked for an hour. At the end, I wasn’t sure how she felt, but I knew I’d given her things to consider.
Part Five
Greeting
It was a larger group that crossed the Verlies River with me than the last time I crossed it. I had no Royal Couriers this time, but it was the identical Royal Guard that had traveled to Dennaholst with me. Renishta, Terla, Selzen, Tess, and Talith were with me, along with Rosaniya and Lyeneru.
But added to that was Ella Norvaris, the niece of the antiquities merchant who had been offended on behalf of his son’s treatment. She had more samples of goods with her, and we’d informed Lady Olivia, via Allium, that the Norvaris family hoped to rescue their lost goods. Lady Olivia had been noncommittal, which I thought was the right choice.
And, of course, Shalendra was with me, nervous as nervous could be. But she was with me, and I didn’t blame her for being nervous.
Waiting on the bridge… I smiled. “Allium.” I dropped from my mount. “I will cross at the fore, Sergeant Felist.”
“Very good, Your Highness.”
“Anyone who wants to ride may wait until I’ve fully crossed, but I’m walking.”
“Why?” Shalendra asked. “And if I walk, will you hold my hand?”
I laughed. “It has become the tradition, and yes, I will.”
She dropped to the ground and stepped beside me. And so, together, with others handling our carriage and mounts, we stepped onto the bridge.
Allium waited at the midpoint, smiling broadly. As I drew closer, she opened her arms, and I couldn’t help it. I dropped Shalendra’s hand and ran to the ambassador.
We brushed cheeks. We kissed ears, and we hugged tightly. “I am so, so happy you’re here, Darfelsa. I have missed you, and I’ve been so worried for my friend.”
“I’m sorry for worrying you. I have adventures to tell you.”
“I can’t wait to hear them.”
Then we separated, and by then, Shalendra had caught up. “If your name is Gretchena…” she said.
I laughed. “Ambassador Allium Cuprite, this is my suitor, Shalendra Robella.”
“Oh,” Shalendra said. “Do I curtsey to an ambassador?”
“I’m standing on the Ressaline side of this bridge,” Allium replied. She was smirking. “You shall not pass unless you know the secret greeting.”
Shalendra laughed, stepped forward, and brushed cheeks. No ears were kissed, but whispers were exchanged.
“I’m sorry,” I said. “We’re nearly two days late. The roads…”
“We’ve had a nice time waiting for you,” Allium said. “Bunch of debauched… somethings. I don’t even know what word to use.”
I laughed again. “That looks like a lot of people.”
“The queen’s emissary didn’t want to wait for you.”
“Emissary?”
“Yes. And Valsine is in red. Again.”
“Is she becoming a resin slave?”
“No. Just far, far too cocky.”
“Whose is she now?”
“The emissary’s.”
I laughed. “Perfect. Allium, I have a lot of people with me.”
“You don’t need all those guards.”
“They want their Firsts, and it’s important to Father. When we get to Charth, we’re going to need Lady Olivia’s help.”
“She’ll be pleased,” Allium replied. “Shall we cross and finish greetings there?”
“Sure.”
And so we turned. I found myself with Shalendra on one side, Allium on the other, both holding an arm. Shalendra saw that and asked, “Not that I’m territorial, but is there something I should know?”
“Yes,” Allium said. “You’re in Ressaline now.”
“I am fairly sure, Ambassador, that you know that’s not the question I’m asking.”
“And yet, I actually answered the question you really were asking,” Allium replied. “And I’ve half a mind not to be clearer, but you’ll just pester Darfelsa if I’m not. You have now witnessed, for the most part, the most intimately the princess and I have ever touched.”
“For the most part?”
“I think if we add the time she held me while I screamed my heart out, that would cover the rest,” I added.
“Due to Gretchena?”
“Yes.”
“Oh. Then I withdraw any implied complaint, Ambassador.”
“Good, but understand that I’m not the only person who is going to treat her with far more intimacy than you’re accustomed to seeing,” Allium said. “And call me Allium.”
“Shalendra.”
“Excellent,” Allium said. “So. Gandeet was a success.”
“Only because of your teaching, Allium,” I said. I laughed. “I was a complete hard ass.”
“You didn't start a war.”
“I nearly closed the embassy.”
“You got things done. Oh, I’m so glad I’m here rather than there.”
“Charth suits you,” I said. I grinned at Shalendra then watched her as I said, “Mother has told me not to worry if this one doesn’t work out.”
“I am working out. I promise you, I am working out.”
“I think you’re going somewhere,” Allium observed.
“Yes. Mother says if Shalendra doesn’t work out, she’ll just make you marry me.”
Shalendra’s jaw dropped. “She said no such thing!”
“She’s teasing,” Allium said. “I’m just unsure which of us.”
“It is the absolute truth. Mother’s exact words.”
“Darfelsa,” Allium said. “There is no way your mother said that, not even as a joke.”
I yanked us to a stop, and they both ended up turning towards me. “Frankly, I don’t know if it was a joke or not.” I relayed the rest of the conversation, grinning when I got to the part about Valsine, watching Allium carefully. She simply laughed, but didn’t give anything away, which I found frustrating.
“Shalendra, in case the queen was serious, I really do hope you work out.”
“Count on it,” Shalendra replied. “So that means you’re on my side.”
“I am the ambassador. I’m on everyone’s side.”
“Wait,” I complained. “You don’t want to marry me, Allium?”
They both laughed.
* * * *
There were a lot of women
wearing red. Allium said they’d been particularly debauched. She hadn’t been kidding, I decided.
Then as we drew closer, I could make out individuals. I gave a scream and began running again. “Gionna!”
I was out of breath by the time I reached her, but she caught me, and we exchanged greetings, then I clung tightly, catching my breath. She laughed in my ear, and then turned playful.
And I just turned my head a little, giving her more access to do whatever she wanted. She giggled and took advantage of it.
Behind me, I heard Allium say something about, “Complain,” and “I’ll be marrying a princess.”
I decided not to worry about that.
Gionna eventually released me, and then I found myself yanked away, and before I could even respond, Bee was kissing me.
And that woman could kiss.
Bee kissed me, then Dee took me away and kissed me, and then Bee once more before the two wrapped around me together, holding me tightly.
And then Olivia said, “Girls, when I gave you permission to kiss her, I rather thought you would ask her first. You both know better.”
I laughed. “Girls, you may kiss me as often as Olivia gives permission.”
And I heard Allium whispering to Shalendra again.
“But let me greet the others, Girls,” I said. “Oh, I’m so happy to see you.”
“We missed you, Darfelsa,” Bee said. “Olivia said you’ll be here all summer, and we’re all traveling to Ressaline City with you!”
“If you challenge Olivia, we can do a lot more than kiss,” Dee added.
“I’m not sure that’s going to happen,” I said.
I shrugged out of their grip and turned to Olivia. We smiled at each other before offering proper greetings, and then she held me tightly. “Someone is glaring at the girls,” she whispered to me.
“Allium is handling it,” I replied. “I had intended to ease her in a little more gently, but sink or swim works.”
“I don't understand.”
“Ah. One way to learn to swim: get pushed in. Either you learn to swim very quickly, or you sink.”
She laughed. “That’s terrible.”
“I don’t think anyone actually does it. I’m sorry for the journey, but I’m so glad you’re here, Olivia.”
“I’m glad that you’re glad.”
I separated from her then said, “We’ll do introductions in a minute, after I finish greetings, but I need to say this. My last visit here was … challenging. I am sorry for my part. You are three of my favorite friends, and I’m so happy we’re all together, at least for a while.”
Olivia pulled me back into a hug, and then Gionna took me from her, hugged me, then pushed me into Allium’s arms.
We separated, and I looked around. “Allium, did you leave anyone behind?”
“Not a single person,” Allium said. “The embassy stands empty, guarded by the city guards.”
“Bess is in charge,” Olivia added.
“Then it will all be waiting for us.” I moved between my old friends, the ones who weren’t wearing red at least, and then I gestured. “How did all this happen?”
“In the usual way,” Gionna said. “Valsine began talking trash. It proceeded from there.”
“Good job, Va,” I said to her. I put two and two together. “Gionna, you’re the queen’s emissary.”
“At your service.”
“How did you get here during the winter?”
“Who said anything about winter? I left last fall. I’ve been in Charth all winter, and believe me, it was far, far more pleasant.”
“You’ve been away from your mother for six months?”
“I’m sure she barely noticed,” Gionna said with a smile. “Perhaps it’s time for introductions.”
“Perhaps it is,” I agreed. I looked around. “Okay, there are far, far too many people. About two thirds of you know each other, but I’m going to do everyone. I’m going to start with this woman.” I stepped over to Shalendra, who looked unhappy. “This is Shalendra Robella, my suitor. Shalendra is learning what it means to support me on the road.” I paused. “Olivia, I’m the only member of my party who has had her First. I hope you have a lot of women available to help fix that.”
“I can find a few,” she said.
“Shalendra, I’m starting over. First, everyone, this is Ambassador Allium Cuprite. You’ve all heard of her. You should consider Allium’s word as law, and if anyone tries to go around her, you’ll be deeply unhappy with her response, or mine.” I introduced the rest, skipping the slaves. And then I waited.
“You skipped nearly half the people here,” Shalendra said, “including the two who were kissing you. And why are they dressed like that?”
“I am fairly certain I’ve explained how things work here,” I said. “To all of you. I was as open as I knew how. Really, Olivia, this must be terrible for you. You explain it over and over, and they still don’t get it.”
“Darfelsa,” Olivia said.
I sighed. “You’re right. I’m being a little flip. I’m nervous.” I offered a small curtsey. “Shalendra, the women in red are pleasure slaves. Anyone you see dressed in similar material is a slave; the type of slave can be determined by the color.”
“Red for pleasure.”
“Sometimes orange,” I said. “Yes.”
“They’re slaves.”
“Yes. Unless I’m mistaken, only Bee and Dee are permanent slaves. They belong to Lady Olivia. In spite of the greeting you witnessed, you should assume slaves are hands off unless their owner says otherwise.”
“They’re property.”
“Yes,” I said. “Bee, Dee. Would you like to cross the bridge and be free women?”
“We love Flarvor,” Dee said. “But we only want to go when Olivia brings us.”
“I didn’t introduce the rest, because one typically doesn’t introduce slaves,” I explained. “And if I do, I should introduce them by their slave names.” I nodded. “Va is yours, Gionna?”
“As I said: she was trash talking.”
I stepped to my cousin. “This is Va. She is my second cousin on my mother’s side. When she hasn’t been talking trash, she’s known as Valsine. How are you, Va?”
“You know me, Darfelsa,” she said with a smile. She turned her gaze to Gionna. “She’s never accepted a challenge from me before.”
“And it’s the last time unless I can catch two,” Gionna said. “She’s making me walk funny.”
“And you love it,” I replied. I smiled at Shalendra. “I wasn’t kidding, you know.”
“Apparently not. This is a lot to take in.”
“I’m going to break protocol and introduce the rest,” I said. I did that, calling them by both their names, but then reminding people to stick to the slave names. Shalendra looked a little stunned by all of it, and the others were awfully quiet.
I provided the remaining introductions, including the guards. When I got to Ella Norvaris, Oliva paid particular attention and made a point of offering a subdued but proper greeting. “Ms. Norvaris. Your brother was not abused.”
“Cousin,” she said. “Princess Darfelsa explained things to me.”
“I want to be clear: if you wish to discuss business of any sort, it will be after your First.”
“She explained that was also likely.”
“You will experience your first with no promises regarding business or the return of goods you feel you are owed.”
Ella inclined her head. “Understood.”
Olivia raised an eyebrow to me. I said nothing but finished introductions. Shalendra had made it back to my side, and she was clasping my hand tightly.
I smiled, looked around, and asked, “Well. Who is in charge now? Her name isn’t Darfelsa.”
There were chuckles. Gionna, Olivia, and Allium looked at each other. “You’re the duchess,” Gionna said to Olivia.
“You’re the queen’s emissary.”
“She’s the ambassador, and th
ese are all Flarvorians,” Gionna said.
“I have no authority once we step outside the embassy,” Allium said. “I’m only along for the ride.
“You need the experience, Gionna,” Olivia said. “You’ve gotten soft. Emissary.”
“I can’t tell if you’re serious.”
“I’m teasing about the soft part.”
“Allium?”
“I wasn’t teasing at all,” Allium said. “If you ask me to assume authority, under your authority as queen’s emissary, I will.”
“I didn’t bring any staff,” Gionna said. “I don’t want to deal with everything, but I have no authority to ask your staff to do a thing.”
“You may use my staff as you require, Queen’s Emissary,” Allium said. “I’ll keep Renalla. Does anyone mind if Gionna offers orders to your slaves?”
Gionna handled it from there, and it wasn’t long before I found myself in the carriage. It was a little crowded, even with Bee and Dee in the other carriage. We got moving, and then Gionna turned to me. “I don’t know how things stand between the two of you.”
“Regarding?”
“The discussion of your mission.”
“Shalendra could become my permanent wife and consort, and she wouldn’t be here if I didn’t think she would be an asset.” I leaned over and kissed her cheek.
“Yes, well,” Gionna said. “She is looking a little shocked. Or maybe she always looks like that?”
I gave a glance. “Not usually, no.”
“That’s the queen’s cousin,” she said, gesturing to Va, cuddled against Gionna. “And she’s now a slave.”
“Temporary slave,” Gionna said. “It was only a practice challenge. Do you want to touch her?”
“I couldn’t.”
“It’s not hard,” Gionna said. “You extend your hand.”
“Gionna,” Olivia said.
“You say our names like a magical incantation,” Gionna said. “Frankly, Mother has taught me to hate that phrase, only because she really, really hates it.”
“Gionna?”
“Seriously, Olivia,” Gionna said. “I couldn’t… do something trivial. What she really means is she somehow thinks it’s forbidden, or should be, or she’s saying she’s not brave enough. I’m quite certain Darfelsa isn’t letting a scared rabbit court her, and she made it this far. But frankly, if she’s put off by me, then she should go home.”
