Arrangements

Chapter 9

Everyone settles in their seats from yesterday. Kion makes note of my dark bags and slightly slouched posture with a critical eye so I set his mind at ease. Long night, the treaty is translated, phase two complete. Even Corin notices my exhaustion with a raised brow, but I shake my head with a tired smile. Yarsin frowns at me and pats my hands. No one mentions my misdemeanor from the evening for which I am eternally grateful. The eyes are much more critical this morning and I make an effort to sit straighter.

Zahar nuzzles my side with his nose and I stroke him reassuringly. No one speaks the thick layer of mistrust and anger is suffocating. For once I attempt to dispel it. "I was considering an offer for a while now. You are more than welcome to decline, but I thought it could be a show of good will...would you like to have your military trained by me."

The proposition intrigues almost everyone, "You think we need your lessons?!" Jaric's irritation isn't even slightly masked, "I meant nothing of the sort. I simply thought it would be a good way for your people to grow more comfortable with me and maybe get out some deep-seeded anger."

You couldn't possibly mean...

Yes, it will be beneficial I promise.

The queen seems horrified, "You would let them attack you?"

"That had been my intention, yes. With wooden, bunted swords, of course."

"Calm now, Kiana. It was my belief we would not be returning to war, Princess."

"Of course, we wouldn't, but many of my techniques are compatible for hunting as well." Jaric is simmering in the corner a dark flaming aura seems to surround him, "This is ludicrous! I refuse to be taught by a child! She can't teach me anything I don't already know. Besides she's young, it's immoral."

I can feel Corin shaking beside me, "a rather close-minded view, general. Besides I didn't seem to me that you had much of a problem with age on the battlefield."

I hurry to end the argument, "It was just a thought, you don't have to accept." Many of what I believe to be military officials, including Captain Colman, finish their conversation. One of the more decorated men cuts in, "If it wouldn't be too much of a bother we would be delighted to learn a few of your maneuvers, did you have a time in mind?" I breathe a silent sigh of relief even as Jaric sulks. "Any time you are ready, after lunch perhaps?" They nod their acceptance. The remainder of breakfast is silent save for the sounds of silverware. Corin holds my hand under the table the entire time.

As everyone begins to file out the king requests Corin and I stay behind. "There is the matter of the wedding to handle." I sigh it was inevitable, certainly, but that doesn't mean I must be any more enthusiastic of the topic. "Indeed, what did you have in mind?"

"Would your plans be complete by months' end?"

"Absolutely."

"Then that will be the date, is there anyone you would like here? We can use our ships and have them within a week." I'm not sure of their reaction should I voice my wish, but it is a necessary risk, "My family and the seven generals, can it be done?" the king tenses obviously, my father was a required guest since he would need to be here to sign the agreement, but I'm doubtful he anticipated seven more war tainted and trained men and women. There is a weariness in his eyes, "Worry not all but my mother and father are aware of the coup." That loosens him slightly, but the hesitance remains, "I know you do not trust me, you have every right not to, but I'm asking you to have faith in me. I swear on my honor as a warrior that what I tell you is the truth."

"I will do my best."

"That is all I ask." Then comes the part I dread admitting, "I do not know any of your wedding traditions." The king laughs, actually laughs, "I thought as much, Queen Kiana has offered her assistance."