Halithra nods. “My spies have heard rumors of the armies of Othirain looking to our borders and wondering if now is the time for them to try their luck against an uncrowned monarch and a weakened nation.”
“We are not weak!” I slap my palm on the table then suddenly still, conscious of the silence which falls over the room. “We are not weak, are we?”
Kareth’s lips purse. “We are not as strong as we were when your father and mother took the throne, oh, Light of the Sun.”
Oh gods. My throat is tight. Have I let my people down? My stubborn refusal to choose a suitor is purely selfish. It is only that I cannot stand the thought of a husband ruling over me, controlling me. And how could any man who thinks to be solharan not be determined to rule?
“I see. And the coronation would help put people’s minds at ease?”
They all nod.
I sigh. “Then I suppose you should send the files to my rooms tonight so I may review my suitors.”
“Actually, Light of the Sun, you may not need to go to the trouble.” Master Vahn gives me an unsettling smile. “After the last time we spoke, I took the liberty of asking the council to review the options for you. Since you were still processing the death of your father, may his light live forever. If it pleases you, we have narrowed down the pile to one option we feel best meets the needs of Vathira.”
“Oh.” I’m hesitant to reprimand him since it seems they did this out of concern for me. It is true that when they first brought up the topic of my marriage, I did not react well. So I can understand why they might have taken this step. “Who do you… recommend?” I’m almost afraid to know their answer.
Masters Vahn and Harmer share a look. The spymaster adjusts the sleeve of his gown. “Prince Aurelion of Tarquenor represents the strongest political match, and he has the advantage of being closest to your own age, Highness. Indeed, being our nearest neighbor means he can wait on you at short notice.”
“Oh, I see.” I do not feel ready to meet with the prince, but I suppose I will have to make myself ready. It seems Vathira cannot wait.
“May I send a messenger requesting a royal visit?” Master Harmer looks ready to leap up from the table and go himself.
I sigh. “Very well. But let me have the files anyway. I would like to review all the options myself in case we are not compatible.”
“As you wish, Light of the Sun.” He inclines his head, and I catch the hint of a smile which wasn’t there before.
At least someone is happy about this situation.
Unable to deal with any more, I stand and dismiss the council. I consider returning to my garden, but I don’t like to take my sour moods there. I have a theory that it stunts my plants’ growth.
Instead, I climb to the top of the tower and step into the heat of the desert wind on the balcony to look out over the city. The sun is setting, and the sky’s last color is fading from the horizon as the stars begin to wink into life. Far in the distance, I can just make out the city walls and beyond, the haze of the desert.
Are these my last days of freedom before I commit to a marriage and a life with a man I cannot love? It feels harsh to judge a stranger without ever having met him face to face, but the truth is, I find none of the haughty courtiers and nobles or foreign princes and kings I’ve ever seen appealing. All of them leave me cold as a night exposed on the dunes.
My skin crawls, and I rub uselessly at my arms, trying to rid myself of the feeling. If only I could escape this. Just for one night. I know it can’t be forever. My people need me to make a match and take the throne.
But what if I could have one night of freedom?
My gaze falls to the vine which clings to the exposed wall of my tower, teasing me with its snaking form which twists all the wayto the plant and ground below. Will it hold my weight? I have never tested it. Do I dare?
If I do not risk it tonight, I may be throwing away my last chance.
Turning from the balcony, I hurry to the door of my rooms and call the waiting servant. “Please ask the kitchens to send up no dinner tonight. I am not feeling well. I will dress now for bed and retire early.”
She bows. “Yes, oh, Light of the Sun.”
A short time later, I am dressed in the most practical outfit I could assemble: flowing trousers, flat, unadorned slippers, and a simple tunic. I sling my leg over the balustrade and stretch until my toes touch the vine. My heart pounds in my chest as I slip down the tower and through the dark gardens toward the palace gates.
Kaelun
I pull the dark scarf a little higher over my face without moving from my position hidden behind the pillar, caressed by shadows. As I crouch lower, they gather as if crowding close for comfort. The night sky is clear and cloudless.
The elaborately carved door of the mansion I’m watching opens, and a servant steps out to hold it for his master and mistress. The lady lifts a hand to brush her fingertips over the carefully arranged hairstyle piled high on her head, fiddling with one of the ridiculous ornaments sprouting there. Her husband slides on jeweled slippers and holds his wife’s hand while she puts on her own.
He looks around. “Where is our chair?”
The servant shifts uncomfortably. “I am sorry, radiance. There was an obstruction in the street. It is waiting around the corner.” He gestures to the narrow alleyway I blocked earlier to prevent the men carrying the chair from getting to the door.
