War of the Heart

Merari

An invitation to dinner with the king wasn't a surprise, rather the fact that she seemed to be the only attendee. She'd checked with the other Eseterrians and no-one had received an invitation. Her family hadn't, though asking them had taken some guts. Isadore had asked way too many questions about Detruienn, Anise had been sulking in the corner and Eula had been salting her tea with tears. While Emmett, Luella and their father had returned to the estate, Cleo's departure hadn't been planned. As much as none of them wanted to believe it, the most likely explanation was allegiance to Detruienn.

When she approached the royal private dinning room, she wondered whether Cleo was the reason just she was invited. The moment the guards opened the door for her though, she knew Sutoku wasn't in any state to entertain any guests that weren't among his close friends. In a way, Merari felt flattered to be permitted to witness him mopey and distracted. The rest of her found it rather pathetic really, even though she could relate.

She lingered at the door, waiting for him to notice her until her patience diffused. 'Sutoku?'

He quickly cast his gaze away from the wall and beamed at her. 'Merari! Take a seat. I hope you don't, uh, mind joining me.'

'Depends on why.'

She contently collapsed at the opposite end of the table. It was a small table, only long enough to sit six people. It felt rather cramped to Merari, but she appreciated the wonderfully cushioned seats and the simple decorative touches.

The servants served the first course: little tidbits and samples of this and that, intending to prepare their palettes for the courses ahead. While they were there, Sutoku forced himself to maintain an agreeable smile, but it soon faded.

'Now that I'm king, Akwokwe has issued orders to ensure I don't evade full, multiple course meals. I've tried telling the servants not to, but Akwokwe's wrath has proven it to be a foolhardy pursuit.'

'She has my support. We don't want our king looking like a plucked turkey,' remarked Merari.

That left him looking rather downcast. 'Your king...'

'I'm sorry it happened so soon, and that it had to be such an unpleasant business. Detruienn is vile.'

'Detruienn was my friend.' He smiled sadly. 'It's strange really. He always gave me an honest opinion and I admired that about him. "It takes some guts," I always thought. Turns out none of it was truthful.'

Merari longed to squeeze his hand to give him some comfort, but the table was too long. Stupid court customs.

'What about Matteo? I know he's blinded by love, but...'

'How do you know that?'

'I've grown up beside you. I was essentially thrust at you as a toddler in the hope you would fall for me. I may seem stupid sometimes, but I'd say I know a fair amount about Sutoku.' With a sheepish grin, she added, 'Also, Arcane told me.'

Sutoku smiled and shook his head. 'That's in the past.'

'Sutoku... Why'd you invite me?' She couldn't help but be slightly afraid of his answer. This man had better not have fallen for her. As great a queen as she would make, she wasn't ready for that.

'Merari, as you said, you know me. You've also been raised in this court. As a Minka, you should know about duty.'

'Yeah, my mother used to remind me every birthday. That was very fun. Do not recommend.'

'When a king gets married, is his happiness or the political implications more important? Be honest. Please.'

Oh boy. Merari finished the last of her wine. Such conversations could not be had when sober.