The Story of the Trees - Sword, Ring, and Crown Book One

Chapter Fourteen

We walked through a hallway lined with portraits of women, all of them with golden hair and meadow-green eyes like my mother's.  Elsie, and Jeanne were behind us at a deferential distance. 

"What do you know about Yos?" I asked, still feeling a knot of unease in my stomach. Parson had seemed far too eager to offer his son for my court, and something about it didn't sit right with me.

"Ios."

"Whatever. What do you know about him?"

Luke paused, his hands clasped behind his back. "Sir Parson's son has been raised in another realm for most of his life. He only returned to Aleria a few days ago. I've never met him myself, but I hear he's a skilled warrior... and quite beautiful, if that matters to you." He glanced at me, his expression carefully neutral.

I shook my head. "It doesn't. I just find it strange that he arrives right when I do."

Luke nodded slowly, though he offered no further explanation. We walked on, passing more portraits, and I found myself drawn to the sight of another painting of my mother, this time wearing a gleaming tiara of diamonds and gold leaves.

"Why are there only women in these pictures?" I asked, gesturing toward the rows of regal faces. "Where are all the kings?"

Luke stopped beside me, his gaze resting on the portrait. "In Aleria, only women may rule. Men cannot hold the title of Principi." He paused. "That role has always belonged to the women of your family."

"But you're the king now, right?" I challenged, confused by the contradiction.

"No," Luke replied, his tone softer now. "I am simply the regent sovereign, holding the position until you take your rightful place." His gaze met mine. "As a man, I am unworthy to rule in Aleria."

I scoffed. "It's like Earth but in reverse. I don't see why it has to be so... strict."

He bowed his head slightly. "It is tradition, My Lady. I do not expect you to agree, but it is how we live."

We continued walking, and I felt the weight of what he was saying. I was stepping into a world of rules and expectations I barely understood.

"I'm going to need a crash course, aren't I?" I muttered, glancing at Luke as we walked.

"Yes, My Lady," Luke agreed, his expression softening slightly. "There are many things that may seem foreign to you, but they are important in navigating Alerian society and the temple's expectations. You are not just gathering husbands; you are gathering allies, and how you present yourself is critical."

"Tell me then," I said, desperate for information

He paused as if considering where to start. "For one, when in the presence of others, especially those of high station or the Consul, your veil must stay lowered. To lift it is a gesture of trust. In public, your face should remain covered."

I grimaced, remember this already from what Elsie had said. "Great. So I have to wear this thing all the time then?"

"Until the Becoming, yes," he confirmed. "There are also rules about how you interact with men. Here, men are deferential, and while you may command them, you must keep a certain level of formality. Too much familiarity can lead to... misunderstandings."

I frowned. "Misunderstandings?"

"Yes. Casual conversation or any physical contact with a man outside your court could be seen as an invitation," he explained carefully. "If you're too friendly, it might suggest he is to join your household as a consort or concubine."

My eyes widened. "So, if I'm too nice to someone, I might have to make them my... concubine?"

Luke gave a slight nod. "Yes. It would be expected to save face—for both you and him."