Perhaps she really did love him.
“You’re alive!” She ran to him and threw her arms around his neck. They were a strong contrast: her white, pale skin and pastel colored dress against his dark brown skin and black sailing suit. Much to my relief, they didn’t kiss in front of everyone. I’d seen them kiss before, and relief filled me that I wouldn’t have to witness that again. “I thought you were gone.”
Tavo held her, but I saw a flash of doubt in his eyes, as if he weren’t sure he really wanted to hold her.
“I missed you so much,” she breathed, and an audible “aww” quietly passed through the room.
I think she’s lying.Aulani’s voice cut straight to my mind and, in the midst of the tension, thick as poi before adding water, I had to hold back a laugh. She must’ve caught onto the fact it was funny, because she added,I’d rather face a sea serpent in a hurricane than have to endure watching this.
I quickly stood a little straighter, grateful for Aulani’s distraction. As long as I had her intrusive thoughts, I told myself I’d be fine.
I announceda welcome home banquet the following day, so the palace was busy with preparations for that, and I had meetings to attend. Cressida was going to be brought in for questioning, and Tavo wanted to attend my political meetings.
But I denied him entrance.
I had to speak with my counselors and advisorsalone.Partway through the day, I invited him in, and what he wanted to do blew me away.
He wanted to bring in foreigners to cultivate the land, raise more plantations and crops, and completely change our government to mirror that of others’ structures. There were some aspects of it I liked, but others? Well… it just felt like he was abandoningourways, and trying to control the land. There was no sense of respect for the ‘aina, no acknowledgement or even desire to preserve it, protect it, and cultivate it for generations to come.
He was like the businessmen who came to our islands, who only had gold in their eyes. Essentially, he wanted to turn our kingdom into a factory that then pumped out sugarcane, pineapple, and other exotic fruits and goods to ship off to other lands.
I was all about trade, but only at a wise and steady pace, one that respected our land and people.
“We’re going to allow foreigners in atourpace,” I finally said, cutting Tavo off. Half of the room was listening with interest, while the other half looked relieved at my interruption. "I dismiss you, Tavo.”
He slammed his fist on the table. “Stop wasting time, Ezra! If you cared about our people and our island, you would bring in the snakes to get rid of the frogs, build up plantations, modernize with the times, and trade with foreign markets!”
Silence. I took a slow, quiet breath and looked around. “I think we’ve been in meetings long enough today. The meeting is adjourned till tomorrow.”
With that, I stood and approached my brother. His jaw clenched. “Listen to me, Ezra,” he said so only I could hear. “Youmayhave had the luck of being given the throne, but it belongs to me.Iknow how to rule this people. You never learned. Father wantedmeto rule.”
“Did you visit father’s grave?” I asked. After father’s death became known, people erected a memorial. I’d visited it several times since coming back from my frog form.
Tavo let out a breath.
Of course he hadn’t visited father’s grave.
Our conversation today was done. He shook his head and strode out.
I unfastenedthe clasp at my throat and let the yellow and red feathered cloak fall. It was too hot for this time of year, and felt much too heavy. Everything felt heavy.
They’re siding with him.I could see it in the eyes of my counselors and advisors. Tavo spoke of alliances like trade and people like numbers. I hated how diplomacy tasted like swallowing sea salt.
The wind was cooler here beneath the kukui tree. Its leaves rustled softly, silver undersides flashing in the island breeze. My grandfather planted it, and I used to sit beneath it as a boy, believing if I sat still long enough, it would whisper my grandfather’s wisdom to me.
But there was nothing. Not today. Not ever, really.
Grandfather probably liked Tavo better.
Your majesty.A sing-songy, bright voice came from behind the low garden wall.You’re going to wrinkle your face if you keep frowning like that. Is that how kings get old so fast?
I didn’t turn.No. We earn them from kissing mermaids.
She hopped over the wall–graceful as ever, barefoot and wild-haired–and plopped beside me like we were children. I didn’t stop her. I never did.
You were more hop-ful when you were a frog,she teased.
I was quieter then.
