In Huck's Hands

Bonus Yana Chapter; Part 2: A Dance of Shadows

Yana stood before the ornate mirror in her chambers, carefully adjusting the intricate golden headdress that crowned her elaborately braided hair. The weight of it felt like a physical manifestation of the expectations placed upon her. Today marked the beginning of the Summer Solstice festivities, a week-long celebration that would see the Mauve Palace teeming with nobles from across Buriti-Vasca and beyond.

For Yana, it was both an opportunity and a minefield. She had spent years cultivating a carefully crafted persona--intelligent enough to be useful, but not so brilliant as to be threatening. Gorgeous, but in a way that didn't outshine the Vascan noblewomen. A perfect chameleon, blending seamlessly into the background of court life as she awaited her freedom.

At eighteen, she faced a new challenge. Whispers had reached her ears of potential suitors eyeing her as a match for their greedy palms. The very thought made her stomach churn in truth. Marriage in Buriti-Vasca was a prison sentence for women, stripping them of what little autonomy they possessed.

As she made her way through the palace corridors, the sound of laughter and music grew louder, She needed allies, she thought, leverage, anything to secure her position without the shackles of matrimony.

The great hall was a riot of color and sound. Nobles in their finest silks twirled across the polished floor, while servants weaved through the crowd with trays laden with exotic delicacies. Yana's eyes scanned the room, cataloging faces and alliances with practiced ease.

Her stare fell upon Princess Kasiha, now a striking young woman of fifteen. The princess stood tall, her chin raised defiantly as she engaged in what appeared to be a heated debate with a cluster of older noblemen. Yana felt a surge of pride mixed with concern. Kasiha's intelligence and passion were undeniable, but they also made her a target in this world that feared strong women.

Smoothly, Yana glid toward the group, positioning herself just within earshot. "But surely, Your Highness," one of the noblemen was saying, his tone dripping with condescension, "you can see that allowing women to own property would upset the natural order of things. It's simply not done...it would be an affront to the scripture!"

Kasiha's eyes flashed dangerously. "And who, pray tell, decided on this 'natural order'? Men, I presume? The same men who benefit from keeping half the population subservient?" She pushed her slender finger into the man's chubby chest.

Yana winced internally. While she agreed wholeheartedly with the princess, she knew such direct confrontation would only breed resentment. It was time to intervene before the noble forgot his place.

"Your Highness," Yana said, stepping forward with a deep curtsy. "Forgive the interruption, but I believe your presence is required by the Tykar ambassador. He was most eager to discuss the new trade routes through the Glass Wastes."

Kasiha's brow furrowed for a moment before understanding dawned in her eyes. "Of course, Lady Yana. Gentlemen, if you'll excuse me." Only giving them an unceremonious nod instead of the traditional salute.

As they moved away from the group, Kasiha whispered, "There is no Tykar ambassador, is there?" Her smile became wide after she spoke.

Yana allowed herself a small smile. "No, Your Highness. But I feared if left unchecked, you might have reduced those men to tears outright. While satisfying, it would do little to advance your cause." Yana mused, pushing her headdress straight after being forced to bow.

Kasiha sighed, some of the tension leaving her shoulders. "You're right, of course. It's just... so frustrating. They refuse to see reason, clinging to their outdated beliefs like a child to a security blanket."