A week after her coronation, a letter was sent to Geleu, asking permission for Sa-Alti to visit. No mention of the previous letter was included and the message of Sa-Alti's letter was a request for a simple diplomatic visit. This was at the insistence of Alti, although she gave no explanation as to why.
In the same week, a letter was sent back inviting Sa-Alti to meet with the emperor and so it was settled.
On the eve of her journey, she and her mother discussed in her room as she packed her personal necessities. Her maids had already packed the clothes, jewelry and other accessories she would need. Her visit was not intended to be a long one and there was not much to pack.
Alti instructed her on how one must behave on such visits. How to speak, how to eat, how to remain both entertaining and entertained.
“Subtle flattery is also important, Sa-Alti. But not with flowery words. You must do it with your eyes – make them wide, interested, impressed. As for your voice, keep it bold and confident.”
Sa-Alti's eyes widened.
“Isn't that contradictory?”
“That is the magic, my dear. It is a subconscious game; a play on your expressions. He will either be impressed by the starstruck look in your eyes, or by the unflinching tone of your voice. But you must give him these two options, let him choose.”
“I-I don't think I can do that, Mother.”
“I know you can do it. It's inside. You are a Queen. There are things that you must do.”
“I'm not sure...”
“Look at me. Look at me, Sa-Alti. Before you talk, before you act, you must think of your people. Their lives are at stake here. Put that at the back of your mind. Let that be your drive. Do you understand me?”
“I do,” she said, looking more confident, more assertive.
Alti stood to leave but she got to the door and turned around.
“Child?” Her tone was serious.
“Yes, Mother.”
“You're in charge now. And I expect childish habits to cease.”
“I don't –”
“Your secret visits to your sister. They have to stop.”
Sa-Alti froze with shock.
“How did you –”
“One does rule a kingdom with one eye closed. Listen to me. There are eyes and ears everywhere, scrutinizing your every move. You must keep them uninformed. Nobody but you should know your next course of action.”
“Including you?”
Alti gave her a dry look.
“Good night,” she said, finally taking her leave.
YOU ARE READING
A Tale Of Queens
General FictionAlti is a hard woman. Raised as the scapegoat daughter of two social climbing parents, there is absolutely no other way that she knows how to be. Sa-Alti is named for her mother. In many ways, they are similar. However, the newly crowned Queen find...
