A Tale Of Queens

Queen Inuo {Part Two}

Sa-Alti was shocked.

Her mother never told her that.

“You knew Ifika?”

“I did. I'm just surprised that your father took the baby in.”

“He didn't tell you?”

“Tell me what?”

“Vileytna is his daughter.”

The Queen's heart skipped a beat.

“Ifika was your mother's sister...”

“Yes.”

“So your father...gods... ”

She had just assumed that Ifika was a relative of theirs and the father of the child was not in the picture. So this was why Ifika acted strangely anytime Phelon's name was mentioned. She wondered why exactly she was sent away. Especially just after a miscarriage. It was probably Alti's doing.

“I can not believe I never put the pieces together. In retrospect, a lot of things now make sense. I'm really surprised that Phelon would do that to your mother.”

“He was a good man.” Sa-Alti felt the need to defend him.

Queen Inuo raised a brow at her.

“I never said he wasn't. I think your parents tried to make good of a bad situation. Your mother especially. I could not imagine going through such a thing and still raising the child as my own.”

Sa-Alti nodded. She had to agree.

“It's getting late. Let us talk about this Geleu problem. Tell me exactly what is happening. I need all the details.”

+*+*+*+*+

When she was finished, the older woman closed her eyes to think for a moment. Then she opened them.

“Sati, what exactly do you want me to help you with?”

“I just want my sister back. We can tear up that agreement and stop the exchange but I need Vileytna back with us unharmed.”

“I have to ask. What about your mother?”

“Right now, things aren't very good between us. And you know her; she has everybody eating from the palm of her hand. I have little to no authority –”

“No.”

“No?”

“No. You can choose to fold under your mother's influence. Or choose to take your place as the queen. Her time is over, whether she was the driving force behind your coronation or not. The crown now rests on your head. If she cannot understand that, then you must make her.”

“What do you suggest I do?”

“That is simple. You take control of this situation and let things happen on your own terms. Most importantly, stop hiding this issue and carry your people along.”

“How do I do that? We are in too deep.”

“You are a bright woman. When the time comes, I know you will figure out how to go about it. Now, to prepare for that time, I need to know if the end justifies any means.”

“What?”

“Are you willing to get your hands dirty for your sister's sake? To fight?”

“Like a battle? If we were able to go to battle at the first threat, all this would not have been happening now.”

“I know. Khelet has not gone to battle in ages. But what if I assisted you? Got you a warrior to train your men?”

Sa-Alti was beginning see it.

“That would be wonderful. But we no longer have weapons. At least, that I know of.”

“That is a small issue. Are you still receiving iron from Geleu?”

“Yes, we are.”

“How good are your blacksmiths?”

“Excellent.”

“Perfect. Then it is settled. I lend you some swords and they can make copies. My people are mainly swordsmen, you see.”

Sa-Alti smiled at her gratefully.

“I really appreciate this. I think everything may be coming together. Although, I must  know who this trainer is.”

“Oh, you'll be meeting him in the morning so there's no need to worry.”

Sa-Alti yawned, only just realising how tired she was.

“We should retire,” suggested the Queen.

“I agree.”

They bade each other good night.