The Empty Ones (Fantasy Romance)

50. Tea and poetry

Tea with people who dislike you is an interesting affair.

These three ladies aren't even trying to be agreeable, and neither do I.

"It's an honour to be invited here. Thank you!" says Lady Matere. She is still trying to appear polite.

Lady Enisa, on the other hand, says nothing. To me, at least. She is whispering constantly with the girl by her side. That's beyond rude, and it feels a bit like a slap in the face. Sure, I brought it upon myself, and nobody at court respects me now, but the fact that it transpired to the foreign guests too is somehow mortifying.

"Tea? Fruit? Tarts? Or why exactly are you here if not for conversation?" I say drily.

"Because we had to," answers Lady Ajda.

"Which means we already failed at securing the match," whispers Lady Enisa.

"And why do you think that is?" I ask.

They are all a bit stunned and look at each other.

"Because there are conspiracies," says Matere.

I raise an eyebrow.

"Do tell. What sort of conspiracies do you think are there?" She is indeed the most polite, but only because the other two disregard her as... Not so bright.

"They don't want the prince to fall in love with any of us; that's why we were sent here to the most unlikely place to encounter him."

I burst out laughing.

"You are the disgraced Mahrani. You certainly aren't in his or anybody's good graces," says Ajda angrily. I know I am, else you wouldn't dare to talk to me like that.

"That is true, but the prince will, with utmost certainty, not attend any of these events. Sure, if his father commanded him, he would come to his side, but he would be grumpy and sulking all the time and would rather dislike you for being there. And I also know my husband enough to know he will not call for him."

Now they look at me. They are curious, I guess.

"Sure," huffs Enisa.

"He was indeed sulking at the ceremony," says Ajda.

"But the Emperor doesn't even visit her bed chamber anymore because she is barren. What does she know?"

Oh. And right in my face. Wish it were true, but no; he is still trying.

"Look. I don't want to do this either, but we need to stay here for a while to avoid a scandal. Mostly you, because I don't fear that anymore. But you wouldn't want the Emperor to hear that his command was worth nothing to you, do you?"

They are all silent, looking sheepishly away.

"Well then. Let's make this entertaining at least. Each of you, tell me why you think you should be chosen. You start." I point at Matere.

"Because the Isle of Rihl is beautiful, even if not so bountiful, and I think I would make a great wife and give him many children. My sisters each have three already."

"All right. Better than expected. How many of the children bear magic?"

"Two, I guess."

"That's a bit more than a third. Which isn't the worst, but isn't impressive either. Next." I look at Ajda.

"While my province isn't rich, there are good chances I will be the sole heir someday."

"Ah, is that so? Why do you think that?"

I know, I just want her to say it. She is taken aback and I can't help smiling with a bit of malice.

"Because General Yeoh doesn't have an heir."