Princess Reviled

by Butler, J. M.

  Naatos laughed. He had wondered how long it would take for this line of thought to arrive. "Well…" he said, looking to WroOth. "The decision is hardly mine. Reltux is WroOth's."

  WroOth tore off a piece of meat from the tray. "Yes." He shook his head again as if to dislodge the sleep. "It is. So…blessings and protection for Libysha…" He wobbled his hand. "I fail to see what we gain."

  "It would protect Amelia. You would no longer be Libysha's enemies but Libysha's allies, and there would be reassurances against invasions and massacres."

  WroOth tapped his fingers to his cheek. "I feel that this is ground that has been covered before. Was there not a council of elders that said Naatos and Amelia were to be together? Blessings and everything, if I recall. But the problem is and always will be Amelia. Not to mention, I was looking forward to crushing this nation. Almost all of you without exception have been remarkably annoying and tedious. So unless you can convince her to say yes and to completely and fully cooperate, I see no reason to agree."

  "I will explain to Amelia that this will mean the safety and protection of Libysha. She can settle out the rest later."

  Naatos scoffed. "You do not know Amelia as much as you think you do. I have made my demands countless times, and her response is only if I give up the Tue-Rahs and the conquest of the worlds."

  "Brother…" WroOth shook his head. "You might at least do a better impression of her." He set his hands on his hips and spoke in a higher pitch. "I will never cooperate ever ever ever unless you give up this arrogant path of destruction and devastation. If you want access to my temple, you must give up the Tue-Rah temples." He settled on the bench laughing. "Worse still, I'm fairly certain she means it."

  Naatos arched an eyebrow, giving WroOth a silencing look. The shock on King Theol's face was almost worth it though. "Amelia knows what I require. If she is willing to cooperate fully, then…"

  WroOth shrugged. "That'll be the day." He leaned back and crossed his arms behind his head. "And yes, I'll be the good brother. If she does all that Naatos requires, then very well. Libysha may become my…servant state. It will not be obliterated with fire and stone. They will have essentially their independence though certain assurances may also be required. And they will be protected..."

  King Theol glanced from Naatos to WroOth. "I will speak to her."

  "Ah, one more thing." WroOth stood quickly. He leaned against the cell bars, holding up one finger. "You will have that absolutely repugnant elder commander apologize to her for calling her a pinchat, a traitor, a whore, a coward, and whatever other foul unimaginative slurs he may have uttered. There was no misunderstanding. If anyone deserved a chair broken over his head, it was him. He deserved far more. And I do not tolerate anyone speaking that way about my sister. Even if it were true, I would still have issues. But the fact that those statements are blatant lies only increases my ire."

  "An apology with the understanding of course that his debt is far from paid. I will deal with him in person." Naatos actually looked forward to that. He would see to it that the man suffered. Not in front of Amelia though. The last thing he wanted was another source for arguments.

  "That goes without saying." WroOth grinned at King Theol. "But I want to see this apology. Have him do it out in the courtyard publicly. Make sure there are plenty of witnesses in attendance. We can see it well enough through those windows. If we're still here at least." He winked. "Best make it in the next few hours. I'm not planning to stay more than a night. Maybe two. If you're lucky, we'll extend our stay for a week."

  Naatos let the smile curl over his lips. Flexing his hand, he stared at the muscles tightening and loosening. It was somewhat disorienting having the effects of the huanna coursing through his veins like this.

  "I will speak to her about this matter. But swear also that you will kill no guards or attendants," King Theol said.

  "None of us will swear to that. We are not your allies, and anyone who comes here aside from Amelia will die." Naatos waved his hand dismissively. "This interrogation has concluded. You may leave."

  "Yes." WroOth nodded. "Dismissed." He sat back on the bench, propping up his feet and crossing them at the ankles.

  King Theol hesitated, then shook his head and left abruptly. Naatos chuckled as he disappeared.

  "She'll never agree to it." WroOth sighed. "I have never met anyone so stubborn. Not even her mother was this bad."

  "If this doesn't bring her around, then…" Naatos let his voice trail off. He examined the food on the platter. As when Amelia had dined with them in the temple, it was mostly meat with some eggs and nuts. She hadn't tried to slip vegetables in at least.

  "How long before they turn on her?" WroOth asked.

  "They're already turning."

  WroOth nodded. "Do you recall what happened when they transported us? I remember something about strengthening huanna, but after that, nothing."

  The meat tasted good. Not overly salty but well-seasoned with other herbs. Naatos finished the first piece and started on the second. "No. No memories." He watched AaQar's cell. So far, AaQar had not even stirred. Surely the huanna sleep would have worn off by this point.

  WroOth grunted. "I don't know how I feel about that."

  Naatos stood. "Can you see if AaQar is moving?" He crossed to the farthest edge of the cell. Both he and WroOth had cells on the same side of the room and AaQar's was on the other.

  "AaQar." WroOth frowned too and then rose from the bench. He whistled sharply. "Wake up, ancient one. That's enough sleep for you."

  AaQar did not move.

  Naatos struck his hand against the bars. "AaQar. AaQar, get up.

  AaQar remained motionless, his face to the wall, his body curled beneath the blanket.

  14

  Mistrust

  Amelia remained by the door, her head to her knees, crying and thinking. The warm afternoon sun slowly shifted, lengthening the shadows. But the tears did little more than release the pressure and tension, creating room for even more to build. At last, Amelia let the small worn rabbit fall to the ground and stood, forcing herself to take in everything about this place.

  Her room wasn't supposed to have changed. It would have been strange if it had. Yet at the same time, the little dresses, stockings, and sketchbooks all reminded her of what she had once been and what she had wanted.

  All she had really wanted was a friend.

  Carefully, Amelia picked up one of the books Queen Alita had made her. She'd cut out the parchment and laced the pages together with different color threads. This was the last one Amelia had colored in. She'd lettered her name with thick inky letters, and inside was the picture of a bird transforming into a man.

  WroOth had seemed so kind that day. The perfect friend. In some strange ways, he was still a friend. Bizarrely a better brother than she imagined having. But far more dangerous than she ever thought possible.

  Amelia ran her finger along the paper's uneven edge. She remembered it vividly, that life-giving hope she had found someone to help. Someone who understood who she would be and knew how to handle the three Paras. That had been true only in part. She wiped the tears from her eyes and slid the booklet in her pocket. "Elonumato," she whispered. "I don't even know what I'm going to do with those three. I hardly know what to do at all."

  A knock sounded.

  "I don't want anything to eat." Amelia wiped her eyes again, clearing her throat. Her stomach hadn't stopped knotting and churning for the past three hours.

  "The king and queen wish to see you, your Highness. They are waiting for you in the sun chamber."

  Amelia frowned, surprised at this invitation. The last meeting with King Theol hadn't gone particularly well. She wasn't expecting him to want to talk again so soon. Then again after the exchange between Naatos and King Theol, she shouldn't have been so surprised. As much as her parents did not know her, she did not know them. "A minute, please."

  She stooped down and peered into the small vanity mirror. Using the tiny pr
essed handkerchiefs, she cleaned her face as best she could, drew a deep breath, and left.

  The attendant had already departed. In fact, none of the maids or servants were anywhere to be seen. Only faint foot impressions in the dark blue rug lining the center of the hall indicated anyone had even been by.

  Making her way up the curved staircase, her hand on the slick wooden rail, Amelia wondered what her adopted parents would say. She reached the door carved with all sorts of ivies and flowers and Libyshan ornamentations and found it ajar. Pressing it back, she peered inside.

  King Theol and Queen Alita stood near the seven-sided balcony looking out over the primary garden. Queen Alita's eyes were red and her makeup streaked as if she had been crying. King Theol kept her hand clasped between his, whispering something to her.

  Amelia hesitated. It was like looking into an old picture. The gentle affection in King Theol's eyes as he spoke, the slump of his shoulders, the weariness in Queen's Alita's face warmed and saddened Amelia at once. The last few days had been difficult for everyone. But in her heart of hearts, she feared it would only worsen. She cleared her throat. "You wanted to speak to me?"

  "Inale." The smile reached Queen Alita's eyes. She crossed over to her, the soft lavender outer robe parting to reveal the pale pink gown beneath. She clasped Amelia close, her cheeks wet with tears.

  Queen Alita was so frail compared to her even though the queen was taller and younger. It was like hugging one of the interns from the vet's office after she finished her tasks for the summer and was returning to a difficult semester. "It's good to see you again," Amelia whispered.

  King Theol embraced them both. He kissed her on the top of the head. "You are looking even better than before, Inale."

  Amelia nodded as she pulled back from the hug, noting that he too had gone back to her old name.

  Queen Alita motioned to the satchel and a stack of books. "This had some women's clothing in it as well as books about the Neyeb. It was left in the dungeon. Your father assumed it was yours so he had it brought up here." She lowered her gaze to the floor. "The dresses are lovely."

  "Yes." Amelia didn't think it was necessary to point out that Naatos had them made for her. It didn't take being a mindreader to know that would not go over well. "And the books will be helpful for my learning how to be a Neyeb."

  Awkward silence filled the room. Amelia kept her hands pressed together, not wanting to feel the tension. "Are you both all right?"

  "Yes, far better than could be expected." Queen Alita shook her head. She wiped a tear from the corner of her eye, forcing a smile. "It's been confusing though. I thought you and Shon…the look I saw…"

  Amelia flinched, but she pressed her lips together. "It isn't particularly confusing so much as it just didn't work out. I wasn't aware that I was already married to Naatos. And there were other complications. We were never officially engaged though."

  "It is unfortunate." King Theol gestured to the plush ivory chairs that sat alongside the balcony. "Please, Inale. Alita. Let's sit. There is much to discuss."

  "It certainly seems that way." Amelia chose the seat nearest the door. She had never been allowed to play in here though she had often wanted to. Occasionally she had been allowed up to see her adopted parents and sometimes listen to a story. As a child, she had believed that it was because so much of the room was white and cream with pale blue and rich cerulean. That having a blood curse meant she would somehow destroy it all the way that she'd forever stained her dress when she'd fallen and cut her knees. But there was none of the joy or excitement or hope that her younger self would have anticipated in being here, nor was there any of the safety she had craved. It was more like the night she had run into the bedroom and discovered her parents gone and Naatos lurking. She shifted her hands to her knees. "Where do we even start?"

  Queen Alita sat as well. She maintained perfect form though her brow was wrinkled with concern. The sad softness in her eyes remained. "This marriage of yours to Naatos…is it a happy one?" She folded her hands. "Does he treat you well?"

  "Well enough." Amelia tugged absently at her long opalescent sleeve, grateful that it hid the spider bites and scars. "We're still enemies, but he has not intentionally hurt me since he realized who I was. Except I guess for the fight at the end. He might have then, but I was trying to stop him and so it's understandable."

  "And are you happy?" Queen Alita glanced from Amelia to King Theol quickly as if to make sure she was asking the right question. "Would you be happy remaining with Naatos?"

  Amelia frowned. This wasn't the question she expected. "I don't think happiness has anything to do with this. Naatos is my husband, no matter what I do or don't do. I accepted it, and I attended the Ceremony of the Viskaro and made my oaths. I'm not going to risk any other romantic relationships. There's nothing to be done about this. And it isn't as if I have time to look for someone else. Besides, I did promise."

  Tears welled in Queen Alita's eyes. She hugged herself, leaning forward as if that somehow shielded her from the pain. "I can't give my blessing, Theol," she whispered. "It's so cruel."

  King Theol shook his head. His face had become even more somber, and the lines of aging and concern now pressed harder upon him.

  "Blessing for what?" Amelia asked.

  "Amelia," King Theol said, sighing. He placed his hand on Queen Alita's knee to comfort her. "Naatos has allowed one concession. He has agreed that if you cooperate with him completely and fully, then WroOth will spare and protect Libysha and perhaps even her allies so long as they do not cause trouble. We will be permitted to retain some form of independence. Otherwise…you know what will happen if they gain an immunity and escape."

  Amelia leaned back, covering her eyes with her hand. "He and I have had this conversation many times already. Total cooperation means I help him restore and conquer the Tue-Rahs. That I make him stronger."

  "It's more a matter of strategy than actual cooperation." King Theol spoke with a more measured and calm tone than his actual feelings suggested. It was odd to feel the contrast between the two rippling out. "We need a way to legitimize your relationship with Naatos. I am deeply pained at the antagonism you have faced from our people, but their suspicion can scarcely be blamed. Their fear as well. You have made it clear and the Machat have confirmed that we can only hope to contain the former Paras for a short time, and even then we will have to find a way to get them to Ecekom to restore that Tue-Rah and to restore Eiram's as well if we wish to avoid any casualties. Elder Commander Vorec would rather we break them and ensure that they are loyal to us, but I am inclined to agree that that could not be done in the time we have."

  Amelia studied King Theol, wondering where he would stand on the issue if the odds had not been so stacked against him. He was not evil but burdened and conflicted, incapable of seeing her perspective.

  King Theol continued, his manner diplomatic. "It would seem then that it may be appropriate to agree to what he asks. At least for now."

  "So…I tell Naatos that I have changed my mind and I am going to give him everything he wants and will go along with him until the third Tue-Rah is restored. At which point, all hell breaks loose, and he and I fight to the death. In the meantime, Libysha becomes a servant state, receiving protection and limited independence while the others…burn." Amelia struggled to keep her tone neutral. She understood why they wanted this, why it appealed despite what it would mean for the other nations and worlds.

  "Our first concern is to Libysha, and then her allies. You should be concerned for Libysha and all these people as well," King Theol said.

  "I am. I'm also concerned about the others." Amelia released a tight breath. She did not want to tell them about her eyes and what happened when she lied. That was by far the most compelling reason that she could not follow such a plan, and Naatos was sure to demand that she say it to his face while meeting his gaze because he knew her racial tell. But there were other problems with their solution as well. "My agreeing to do as
he desires would make him stronger. And that will make him harder to beat. And millions will most likely die. Perhaps not Libyshans. But people nonetheless."

  "I understand," King Theol said. "After seeing my own father's cruelty with blade and boot, I have little desire for such conquests and brutality. But you perhaps underestimate yourself. As Naatos's wife and with him believing that you are on his side, you will have great influence. You could convince him against such savage and brutish methods." King Theol gave Queen Alita's hand a light squeeze as he looked at her, a smile pressing out from the somberness. "Your mother has done much to guide me, and I am grateful for her counsel."

  "It is not as easy as that." Queen Alita kissed his fingers, but the sorrow hung about her like a veil. "You listen. Does this skinchanger listen? You desire to both rule and serve, to be good and king. And you are aware of your purpose and the tasks before you, that you are merely a steward of this power. What you suggest Inale do is a heavy task to place upon anyone, and it is one that countless women over the eons have borne. Not always to success or even to the continuation of their own lives, I am afraid. But you cannot influence someone to change when that individual has no desire to change. We must always be aware of how we aid even in ways that seem innocent. Naatos will not listen, and he may draw strength in her presence rather than being influenced to more merciful courses."

  "He claims affection for Amelia. With love and affection come influence. I agree that it is not easy, but it is one of the only avenues left to us," King Theol said. "Our allies will not make this simple if we have nothing to offer. We can only ask so much of them."