by Robin Roseau
“He is invited, and your other close family,” Mother said.
“It is not the tradition to send out last-minute invitations,” Valsine added. “Nor is it the tradition to give away the remaining events, until they give themselves away.”
“Today,” Shalendra said. “Yes.”
“Then you worry about nothing else,” Valsine said. “All is handled. Shortly, Darfelsa’s family will take you in one direction, and yours will take her in another. Ahm will go with you, Sumina, to guide, and to serve you. This is an ancient tradition, and the bride’s family does not always know the groom. This can be your first time to question him, and then later, you have an opportunity to deny the marriage. In reality, we’ll have tea and a little more wine. When the guests are assembled, then you will bring Darfelsa. Someone will warn you when it is time, and Ahm will guide you.”
And so, we shared the wine, and then Valsine signaled. Ahlianna and Mother took Shalendra’s arms and guided her from the room. Sumina and Zenthra saw this and took my arms, and Ahm led the way.
They took me to Mother and Father’s room. I would learn later they took Shalendra to Valsine’s. We arrived, and there was a note waiting. Ahm retrieved it and handed it to Sumina. She opened, read it, then passed it to Zenthra. I wasn’t sure what it said, but they began to smile.
“The rest of the tradition?” I asked.
“Perhaps not all of it, but it explains how we may use this time,” Sumina said. “Darfelsa, Shalendra has tried to explain children to me, but I would like to hear it from you?”
“Hmm. A simple topic. Children are small people. They begin so small you carry them in your arms, but eventually they grow.”
“So, the first thing we have learned,” said Zenthra, “is that my sister intends to marry a smart ass.”
I smiled at her. “Perhaps,” I agreed. “And perhaps there is a second lesson as well.”
“Am I likely to guess?”
“No. I am telling you I wish us to all be comfortable together, as we will be one family.”
“Oh,” she said. “I like that.”
“We can sit,” I said. I gestured. “Ahm, a little more wine for me, but then I will wish tea.”
“Yes, Princess.”
We sat. I smiled. “I am sure Shalendra has explained just fine.” I talked about the magic, and how our children would still be from both of us, as if one were the mother and one the father. “It is magic, and I don’t understand it, but I am assured, and somehow the Ressaline women produce children without a single man inside their borders.”
We talked for a few minutes. When Zenthra realized she was able to also ask questions, she had a few for me, but then they both trailed off. “I don’t know what else to ask you.”
“Has Shalendra explained about Ressaline customs to you?” I asked her.
“Yes. I didn’t believe it at first.”
“In the future, if you wish to travel with us, you could, but you will experience them for yourself.”
“I don’t know if I could do that,” she replied. “But I’ll think about it.”
“Good.”
“Why did you do things this way, Darfelsa?”
“For several reasons. First, and most simply, when I said I’ve wanted it this way for a long time, that was true. I didn’t understand the entire tradition, and it was several years later before I did. But for a long time, I envisioned myself being prepared like Shalendra was, and the ceremony later. I also wanted three more things. I wanted her surprised. I wanted my grandmother and some of the traditionalists in our country to realize I wasn’t abandoning tradition, I was only putting my own flavor on it. And once we were decided, I didn’t want to wait any longer. Of the traditions I could have chosen, this is the only one that lets me ask her and get married the same day.”
Sumina laughed. “I understand entirely.”
We talked. We drank wine, and then tea. Ahm saw to our needs. And I could tell both were curious about her. “Ahm,” I said. “Would you mind if they touched your arm?”
“No, Princess Darfelsa.” She knelt before them and offered an arm. They both eyed her for a moment, and then Sumina reached out tentative fingers and brushed them along Ahm’s arm. She did it a second time, somewhat more decisively, and then Zenthra did it.
“Oh,” Sumina said. “That feels odd.”
“You may do it more,” Ahm offered. “It feels nice to me.”
“She’s a slave,” Zenthra asked.
“She is,” I confirmed. “Ahm, do you love Gionna?”
“Yes. I have for a long time.”
“Will you and Shalendra have slaves?”
“Temporary slaves are likely,” I said. “There are practice challenges, and real ones. It is quite unlikely we will have permanent ones.”
“Are they expensive?”
I explained that and a few other questions. They were left puzzled, and finally I said, “It’s nearly impossible to truly understand until you experience it yourself. I’m sorry. No one really believes until she has had her First.” I changed the subject, and then there was a knock.
* * * *
Not everyone understood the significance. Shalendra and I entered the ballroom from separate doors. But they grew quiet. The room was full, and most people should have arrived expecting a birthday celebration for the princess. I didn’t know how many had to be cajoled to attend, and how many had come willingly, but the room really was rather full.
My family, including Grandmother, was at the front of the room. I saw Allium, Valsine, and Gionna. My eyes sought for and found Shalendra’s parents, standing with a few other people I didn’t know. To one side: my staff.
Spread throughout the room, several of Father’s ministers.
And then, a gasp, and whispers. Then more whispers, here and there. Most of the people here wouldn’t recognize the tradition, but I thought perhaps some did, and word appeared to spread in a buzz.
Sumina and I came before Father. We both curtsied and stayed there.
“Welcome,” Father said loudly. “Princess Darfelsa, I imagine very few in the room recognize this costume you are wearing.”
“I imagine not, Father,” I replied. “In the ancient tradition of my mother’s people, as old as time itself, I have asked Shalendra to become my wife.”
There were fresh gasps around the room, but they weren’t as bad as they could have been. The writing had been on the wall long enough, after all.
“And has she answered, my daughter?”
“I would have her answer for herself,” I said. “Shalendra, will you marry me on this day?”
“I will!”
Father ignored the fresh noise. “My wife,” he said. “Do you approve of this joining?”
“I do, my husband.”
“In recognition of her place as our future monarch,” Father said, “Crown Princess Ahlianna, future queen of Flarvor, do you support this joining?”
“I do, Father.”
“Shalendra, are your parents in attendance, or someone to speak for your family?”
“My parents, Your Majesty.”
“My husband and I approve this joining!”
“Then rise,” Father said. “Face each other.” He waited until we were facing each other, holding hands. “My daughter, Princess Darfelsa Cinnabar of Flarvor, what would you like to declare, before all gathered here?”
“Shalendra Robella,” I said. “I vow myself to you. Together, we will build a home and a family. I will love, cherish, care for, and protect you and our children.”
Father lowered his voice. Those closest might hear, but no further. “She’s had time to think about this. You can simply say you will be her wife.” Then he raised his voice again. “Shalendra Robella, what would you like to declare, before all gathered here?”
“Darfelsa Cinnabar! I will be your wife. I will help to build a home and a family. I love you now and forever more. I will raise our daughters and support you in your duties to our countr
y.”
“Very good,” Father said. “I approve this joining. May you be forever more married! You may kiss.”
I pulled her to me, and as we came together, it was Mother that began the undulating cheer specific to Sharden. Grandmother, Ahlianna, and Valsine immediately joined in, and a few other voices. And then others also joined in, some that perhaps were already familiar with this particular cheer, and others who attempted to emulated it.
For his part, Father produced a staff. I didn’t see where it had been, but he lifted it and thumped it against the floor. By the third time, people throughout the room were joining in. I presumed most of them were members of the Royal Guard, thumping their halberds, but there were also booted feet and even some people clapping.
All that happened around us, but all I could think about was this woman in my arms, this woman I was kissing.
I was married. We were married. We were married! Father approved. Mother and Ahlianna approved. Even Grandmother was supporting us.
* * * *
The rest of the evening was a celebration. There wasn’t a formal dinner. Instead, food was set out on tables, and people could collect what they wanted, finding somewhere to sit. Shalendra and I stood, with Mother and Father to one side, and her parents to the other, and people came to speak to us. Ahlianna and Zenthra brought a combined plate of food to share, and servants brought food for our parents.
There was no set order people could offer their wishes. It was the custom that the nearest family would not take priority, but it was long before my staff approached, as a group. There were hugs, comments on the body paint we each wore, and well wishes.
A minister stopped by, and members of Ahlianna’s staff.
It was some time later that Gionna approached, and when she did, she spoke for all near us to hear. “Princess Darfelsa,” she said. “Shalendra. My mother, Queen Lisdee, would want me to offer her blessing of this joining, and to wish you the best. For myself, I offer my continued love and friendship, now and forever.” She brushed cheeks with me and whispered, “I know you’ll be so happy.”
“Thank you, Gionna. I can’t tell you how happy I am you could be here.”
Allium and Valsine came together. Allium wished me the best. To Valsine, I said, “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome,” she replied. “I’ve always wanted to be part of that tradition. It’s way, way too old fashioned for me, but you wear it well, Princess Cousin.”
I laughed and kissed her cheek.
It was late by the time we made it to my room. Ahm was waiting. She had creams, warm waters, and towels. Without words, I turned to Shalendra and began undressing her, one piece at a time. Ahm took the pieces from me, hanging them up for me. Soon, Shalendra stood before me, wearing not a stitch. She reached for me, but I waved a finger.
“But-”
“It will be my turn soon enough, My Wife,” I said.
At that, her eyes glistened. She nodded. Ahm gave me a small pot of the creams, and I began working on my wife’s skin, removing the paints. “Oh,” she said, when she realized. I used the cream, and warm, wet towels, and carefully removed every bit of the paint.
Which also gave me opportunity to touch and stroke every inch of her skin. Then Shalendra said, “I do believe it is your turn.”
“Perhaps you are right.”
I stood straight and tall, watching her, hungry for her, and I could see her own hunger, her lips parted lightly, the pulse in her neck. Like I had, she removed the clothing, handing the pieces to Ahm, and then she worked slowly and methodically, cleaning the paint, and leaving my skin clean and refreshed. “I think I like this custom,” she said.
“I was so young when I first saw it,” I replied. “I only remember the bride was so beautiful, and it was her special day. I didn’t really understand everything, but it became my dream. Perhaps you had another.”
“I did, but I like yours more than mine.” She kissed a place she had finished cleaning.
I was quite atremble by the time she was done. She handed the final towel to Ahm, and I said, “Thank you, Ahm. You have helped to make this day special for us.”
“You are welcome, Darfelsa. Congratulations, Shalendra.”
“Thank you, Ahm,” Shalendra replied.
Gionna’s pleasure slave headed for the door, but then she turned. “Princess Darfelsa, thank you so much for allowing me to assist you today. It isn’t only Ressaline that has beautiful customs for two women to share.”
“No, Ahm,” I agreed. “It is not. And you are welcome.”
She slipped from the room, and then Shalendra and I turned to each other. She stepped closer, her hand reaching to brush my side. I smiled and set my hands on her shoulders. “I can’t believe it,” she said. “You caught me entirely by surprise. We’re really married?”
“The king declared it,” I said. “I guess we are.”
“Darfelsa,” she said, a little disapprovingly.
“We are truly married,” I said. “There are papers to sign, a formality. We are expected to eventually appear sometime tomorrow to do so. There are things we haven’t talked about.” I brushed her cheek with my fingers. “The papers will show you with a new name.”
“I am now known as Sha-shi?”
“Brat,” I said. “Shalendra Cinnabar.”
“Oh. It never occurred to me to wonder.” She smiled. “From proposal to the wedding bed inside a half day.” She shook her head. “When you make a decision, you can be very, very decisive.” She took my hand and began walking backwards towards the bed. Someone, possibly Ahm, had already turned down the covers, and so the bed was quite welcoming to us. We came together for a minute of touching and sweet kisses, then she pulled us both down to lie on our sides, our heads sharing one pillow. “We’re really married.”
I laughed. “We’re really married. Regrets?”
“Don’t be silly,” she replied. “The last I checked, you had two other suitors.”
“I told them I would be inviting you to marriage, but asked them not to tell the world until I had done so. Then we began planning this.”
“Your Grandmother?”
“Arranged the women who helped us this afternoon. There are a few other things you need to know.”
“Oh?”
I spent a minute stroking her smooth, lovely skin. “The most important is quite simple. I love you, and I will do my best to ensure you have a good life, along with our daughters.”
“I know you will,” she whispered. “I love you, and I will do my best to ensure a harmonious household, and to do the things I can to help you in your duties.”
“I know you will,” I replied. “Ahlianna, hmm. I wouldn’t say she ordered this.”
She opened her eyes. “Oh, this is going to be interesting.”
I put on a voice. “I want you married, sooner rather than later, and I want to see you plump with child.”
Shalendra laughed. “I do believe I owe her thanks.”
“Probably, and Grandmother was gracious.”
“That’s probably about the last word you thought you’d use to describe her.”
“Pretty much,” I agreed. “There’s one more thing. I have to carry our first child, and while it was left undecided, I think in Ahlianna’s mind, it is decided I will carry our second. No one believes the public will believe a child you carry is also mine.”
She smiled. “I’m going to enjoy seeing you waddle.”
“There’s one more thing. We’ll probably be leaving Barrish soon and may not be back until shortly before Ahlianna’s birthday.”
“Are we going to Ressaline?”
“Sharden. I have domestic issues to address.”
“Ahlianna’s problem-solver.”
“Yes.”
“I think that’s enough talking tonight,” she said. Her hand moved to my breast, and she began to tease a nipple. “I want you, Darfelsa.”
“Good,” I replied.
She took control, which I enjoye
d. She touched, and she kissed. She nipped, and she teased. And I was already quite ready for her, but I became lost to what we did together.
“I love you,” she whispered to me as I began to shudder. “I love you, My Wife.”
Travels
We wore each other out, and then we slept. In the morning, we made quieter, easier love, then lightly bathed before dressing in casual clothing to emerge from my quarters.
We found people in the small family dining room. “They’re alive,” Valsine declared.
“Someone missed her morning training session,” Gionna added. “Ahlianna, I think you should order Shalendra not to let that become a habit.”
“What’s the matter?” I asked. “Didn’t care for Mariya’s sole attention?”
“Not particularly, no.” There were several chuckles.
“Shalendra, Gionna is right,” Ahlianna said.
Shalendra turned her gaze to my sister. I quietly whispered, “Stand up for yourself.” She nodded without taking her gaze from Ahlianna. “That didn’t sound like an order,” she said slowly. “Nor did it sound entirely fair. I am fairly certain I am not Darfelsa’s keeper.”
“You’re right,” Ahlianna said. “It wasn’t an order. I find it unlikely I’ll ever need to order anything from you. If you’re as right for your new role in Darfelsa’s life as I believe, nothing more than a suggestion is ever going to be required.”
“You’re right about that part,” Shalendra said.
“We don’t know each other well,” Ahlianna said. “You’re both being teased a little, but it’s in joy. I put it that way, however, so that when Darfelsa returns to that particular habit, you know it’s not done casually, and to suggest telling her ‘just five more minutes’ is the wrong reaction.”
Shalendra paused. “You’re right, and I’m not sure I would have realized that last part. I could easily see myself saying that. Thank you, Sister-in-law.”
“You’re welcome,” Ahlianna said. “Welcome to the family.”
“There’s food,” Valsine said. “Gionna ate all the best parts.”
“Guilty,” Gionna said. “It’s been winter in Ressaline City for two months. There are no fresh fruits left of any style. And we have berries picked yesterday.”
