The Empty Ones (Fantasy Romance)

25. Painting the future

He is looking intensely at me, at us.

Salma retracts her hand. She seems to know better than blatantly disobeying an order. Her husband is likely a monster.

"We should go, Mahrani," he says and extends his arm, not paying any attention to Salma.

She bows frightened and walks away.

"Your Highness, I think we need to talk."

"We most certainly do."

"I think some things need to change," I say decisively. There's no time like the present.

"I agree," he answers plainly. He agrees. He truly looks like salvation in the blazing lights of the feast. We are going to change so many lives together.

It's a fleeting moment though because seated back in the alcove I am the one who gets to have the least of his attention. There are many courtiers and even a few foreign ambassadors, battling to address him.

"I am honored to stand by your side," I say to the two other girls and the Empress. Hopefully they won't mind that much my cowardly retreat.

"I am certain you are something, but I am not sure honored is the word," answers Laini. "I am in return really curious about you. It's not like his Highness shares a lot of his thoughts and plans with us but this wedding was a surprise. Where do you come from?"

"I... My parents were friends of His Grace. It was for me an equal surprise but nonetheless a great honor." I am again at a point in my life when I don't know how much is wise to be revealed about my history. "And you?" I turn the question.

"I am the daughter of one of the four ruling families of The Independent Realm of Tajir. Our marriage assured an alliance for many star-circles to come between our countries." Laini smiles self-secure.

But Tajir is a co-ruled realm. Even if her father is one of the rulers, it's still one; it can facilitate alliances but not assure them.

What weird thoughts are these, Zara. What can you do for his Highness? Likely nothing at all. You are just a charity case.

"That is interesting. I have never been to Tajir but read a lot about the political system. It's very interesting and progressive, how you have a series of changing high offices based on experience and merit."

The smile on her lips is odd. It is actually an honest compliment; I am not sure why she doesn't embrace it.

"Lately, it's the best place to live for the common folk. Since the discovery of Nanite and the Azure Route, Tajir became the political power it always ought to be on the continent."

And again I have no idea what she is talking about. Likely my mimic is very easy to read because she smiles again with that edge of malice.

"You have no idea what I am talking about, isn't it? I thought you said you were educated. What other surprises are we ought to expect, that you lick grease from your fingers after eating?"

Blood is creeping in my cheeks.

"No. I... It's just..."

"Not all families see education as something that should include political matters. It's also not really important for a maid. The most important thing is to bear powerful children. For all you know, she could have been raised in The Priory of the White Stones, and you are mocking her. By doing that, you are mocking the faith of Zenith that is your faith now too. It teaches us to be merciful and kind while you are neither. And by mocking her you question the choice of our lord husband which you shouldn't do either," said the other girl, called Paisa. Then she turned to me "Nanite and the Azure Route are rather new, discovered only two star-circles ago. Rather interesting discoveries, I must admit."