The Shattered Way (Champions of the Crystal Book 7)

Chapter 24.4

Mara spoke during most of the meal, giving her children an overview of the threats recently uncovered and what they might mean to the immediate future. "So you can see," she said as the dessert course was served, "that some of you will have to make changes to your lifestyles. Your personal safety is no longer simply a concern to the family, but to the Realm. If any one of you were captured by the Kyan, it could make the threat we face even more dire. Let us all resolve that they will not learn any more about us."

There was a long pause. Then Hyannoria said, "You're saying we have to live here permanently."

"For the duration of this threat, yes," Mara said. "Here meaning Praxatillus. Most of you own property here; those of you who choose to remain in Dansestari are welcome to do so. All of you must accept a constant security presence. This is not a matter of personal preference, but a matter of your duty to the Realm."

Yirdahn said, "I was scheduled to go to Lthos to work at the embassy there. Would that be secure enough?"

"Possibly," Mara said. "That will be up to Commander Kimta. Katiri, your assignments will be altered so that you remain within secure Realm space; I have already discussed it with Commander Mukryilla. Other exceptions might be made for those of you with duties and commitments to the government on a case-by-case basis, but I will not permit exceptions for strictly personal reasons."

Hyannoria said, "If we're to have a constant security presence anyway, may I present my petition to the Council of Trême to marry Aselin?"

"Who?" Mara asked blankly.

"Captain Aselin Kadir," Hyannoria said indignantly. "My bodyguard."

"No!" Kashmia said. "It is my turn next, Hyan, and you are well aware of it! You must wait until I have presented my petition to marry Urdun!"

"The Avestaran Councilor?" Mara said faintly, looking between her two eldest daughters. Then she looked at Ford.

"Don't look at me," he said. "I had nothing to do with it. But I do insist that they wait until after our state wedding!"

Hyan began, "I don't see why we have to do things in turns!"

"Marriage," Kashmia said, "is not something to be scrambled into!"

"Not all of us pick out husbands like we pick out clothes!" Hyan shot back.

"Children!" Mara reproved. She took a deep breath, then let it out. "You are setting a bad example for your younger siblings. You may remain after dinner and tell me more about the petitions you wish to present. I would also like to meet the men in question before making any decision. And I do not think now is the time to be contemplating any large-scale gatherings, other than Niavar and Sabrina's state wedding, which we are already committed to."

"I plan to marry on Avestar," Kashmia said.

"And I don't care about the ceremony," Hyan put in.

"We will discuss it later," Mara said firmly. "Do any of the rest of you have potential petitions to discuss?" She looked hopefully at Baldaran, making his siblings grin.

"No, Mother," he said with a rueful smile.

—————————-

After dinner, Ford steered Sabrina out of the room while Hyan and Kashmia vied for Mara's attention.

"I think Mara might have wanted us to stay," Sabrina remarked, but she didn't resist as they made their escape into the courtyard outside the Residence.

"She can talk to us tomorrow," Ford said. "Anyway, Kashmia and Hyan weren't going to let us get a word in edgewise."

"True. And I'm tired."