Rubies and Rumors

Chapter Ten

            A thin band of light ran across the bottom of the bed, illuminated tangled sheets and a pale foot wriggling like fish fighting to make its way upstream. The pillows scattered on the floor were further evidence of Tai Yi's restless night.

Junseo ran the back of two fingers along the younger boy's chin line then jumped back when the boy flung out an arm to swat whatever was interrupting his sleep. "Come on friend. We don't have a lot of time. You can nap more in your afternoon lessons."

"Jun-issi?" The young boy sat up and rubbed his eyes, "You made it?"

"Just like I promised." Junseo put his hand out to help hoist his young friend out of the pile of sheets and cloths. "I thought you stopped making dens."

"I did. Or mostly, I guess I was worrying."

"Right. So, is it safe to talk here or should we do tour the grounds after you get cleaned up?"

"Umm." Tai Yi shifted from one foot to the other and shot an apologetic look at the servant hovering in the doorway.

"Come on. I'm missing practice at the temple this morning but we can still run through the first salutation. You get ready and I will scrounge up some snacks." Junseo reached over and rubbed the top of Tai Yi's head then jumped away before the boy had a chance to respond.

They found a quiet spot along one of the canals that ran through the main gardens and ran through a short form to greet the day. They settled on a couple of stones to share the pack of food the servant had prepared.

"Thanks for coming." Tai Yi said quietly.

"I'm sorry I couldn't make it last night. I knew it must be important since you send so many messengers to find me but I couldn't get away. General Tan wanted to discuss protocols for the team when we travel outside the capital."

"Oh, I bet the Knight-Master was pleased." Tai Yi grinned knowing full well how the suggestions would be received.

"Yes, well it took us most of the evening to calm him down."

"Park Sen Dou was impressed the General signed off the release request. I was grateful for his company so I hope he is not in too much trouble with his drill-sergeant."

"They are bound to be curious but I am sure the General will shut that down."

"He would do that for Sen Dou?"

"He likes Park Sen Dou but I think he likes tweaking the noses of the masters at the yard more." Junseo grinned then repeated some of the choice names General Tan used to describe the approach the prince's yard took to training. Junseo also explained the man was still furious over the yard's failure to provide proper support for his nephew's friends and training partners.

"But things are better now. I mean they caught the conspirators."

"Most of them, yes. Knight-Master Lie thinks there may be others who are better hidden. Manager Doak is not sure. He says lots of people may express sympathies with no intention of ever acting on them." Junseo shrugged.

"It could be a bit of both. At least if we are talking about the northern court." Tai Yi fiddled with his jacket, tucked his hands up into his sleeves. Junseo waited silently sipping the cool tea.

"I got a notice I am being recalled by my brother. They are organizing an inspection team and will probably want to negotiate different surety terms." Tai Yi shrank into his jacket even more.

"I see. Do we know when to expect the team?"

"In the next couple of weeks. There was some sort of conflict for the High Priestess. Not sure why they wanted her to come but she is making them wait." Tai Yi shrugged and then plunged into his true worry. "My brother also sent me a note asking me to consider a marriage alliance."

"Congratulations?" Junseo tried to hide his grin.

"You don't get it."

"Not really. I mean my friend Go San Jin has been promised since he was like twelve years old and assures me it's just fine. To be honest I have seen arranged matches that seem to suit both partners very well and love matches that really make you wonder what they were thinking. I guess it all depends on your family's customs."

"I have always expected an arranged match. It's just this message feels like a bit of a trap. The girl may be fine, but Papa warned us about how ambitious her clan is, and how little he trusted them. I can't say no to a direct request but it doesn't feel prudent to get more involved with that family. Not if we can avoid it."

"I wish San Jin was here. He seems to know ways around such pitfalls. Let me think." Junseo tapped his lips a couple of times. "I guess we don't really know is this is your brother's idea or if it got filtered through his new council. Too bad it wasn't a matter for the protocol office they are so good at polite dodges. Is there anyway to play for a bit time?"

"Maybe. It is more awkward since the last time one of the Regents was here, he hinted my brother's injuries make it likely I will be the one who has to continue the family name. I hope it isn't true, but with my brother in mourning both his wife and our father, I expect I will be continuing as heir for more than a little while."

"So, you are still the official heir? And your estates host the northern court's spring sessions? Wouldn't the Prince or Princess have to approve your match?"

"I knew you would think of something!" Tai Yi jumped up and gave his friend a big smile. "Can you help with the wording? Something others will find acceptable but can remind my brother of Dad's concerns."

"Okay. But your tutor?"

"He will just have to wait. This is too important not to get sorted. Besides, I have danced to his tune long enough," Tai Yi stuck out his chin and marched them back to his quarters. His bravado evaporated when readied his pens and ink and pulled out the most recent letters from home. "You know, I haven't seen anything written in my brother's own hand yet. The closest are these dispatches from our family scribe."

"Well, let's mark what you are sending back, personal. It probably won't stay that way but it will give you more leeway for your tone. Make it respectful but put some warmth into it."

"Ok, here goes. My Brother" Tai Yi formed the characters carefully.

"Good. Now add, My Liege." Junseo suggested and then responded to the boy's questioning look. "You are telling him, and any nosy noodles, you are his to command."

"The handfasting was framed as a request." Tai Yi sounded a doubtful.

"And you are both humbled and grateful for the care your family is showing for your future happiness."

"Ah, I think I get it. We will give them layers to unravel."

"Do you think it would be too painful for you to remind your brother about times you might have heard your father's advice? Or maybe the northern court's blessing for your brother's union? Would that seem too crass?"

"No, I think I know what to say. Let me give it a shot and you can see if it seems alright."

Tai Yi labored over the letter, drafting and re-drafting sentences and moving pieces around until they were both satisfied. When he read over the fine copy for the last time he shook his head, saying, "My brother is going to think coming south has turned me into a courtier."

"Isn't that what they expected? Maybe not at my uncle's school but surely once you were being tutored in the palace, they had to know you were bound pick up some bad habits."

"Oh, you!" Tai Yi pretended to punch Junseo's arm.

"Me, nothing. I think we are due a workout at the practice court. What do you think?"

"Awesome!" the young boy jumped up to lead the way.