“But you won't be a queen, Naxa, you'll be a queen consort,” it's Marianna that lets that slip out, quiet enough as if she hoped I wouldn’t hear it. But I did, and she's right. What is the status of a queen consort? And prior to that, what power will I hold as just as a princess? A foreign princess.
I clear my throat. “It doesn't matter, I am a child of the Great Goddess and she always has a plan, she will protect me.” At least I hope she does, but even I’m starting to worry if she can protect me in such a land.
fourteen
THYLAS
Asmirk spreads across my face as my left fist connects with Rhenor's jaw. It's short-lived as a sharp pain pierces my ribs as he lowers himself and hits me there. My heartbeat thumps loudly in my ears as adrenaline pulses through me.
I lean down, narrowly missing another punch from Rhenor, as I sidestep out of the way and throw my hands up in defense again. Unfortunately for me, the man knows my routine and simply kicks his leg out, tripping me.
I fall flat on my back and suck in air, unable to find any.
“And they say I'm getting old.” Rhenor sticks his hand out to help pull me up and I crouch with my hands on my knees trying to catch my breath.
“You are.” I wipe the sweat from my brow.
Rhenor laughs, “But you know what they say, ‘with old age comes wisdom.’”
He grabs water from his canteen and throws mine at me, I catch it mid-air. The arena is not what many would expect from a peaceful nation. It's large, towering actually. The walls reach high into the sky with the opening at the top letting in the light as the sun makes its way into the sky. It was built during the Great War, but now is only used for training in the event war is needed again. Peace doesn't just happen, it's forged through blood, and we try hard not to forget that.
“What's gotten you off your game today?” Rhenor asks as we gather our things for the day.
I side-eye him and pull my hair up to the top of my head securing it with a leather band.
“Do you really have to ask that,oh wise one?”
Rhenor laughs and shakes his head. “No, I guess not. Worried about the trip to Shaston? I've been there before, it's like a different world but you should be okay. Or is it your new title?”
I just roll my eyes, I didn’t choose to be the ambassador. I don’t want it, and would love for Siphonie to be the one to take the title. She truly would do what is best for Antalis, despite her free-willed nature. She is family and the position should be hers. “I still don’t understand why he chose me.”
He shrugs. “You're smart, you’re young, you’ve been raised by him and me, so he knows you can be trusted. Plus, you're a man, that'll go a lot farther in that society than being a woman.”
“Which is bullshit.” We walk toward the door, kicking the sand off our boots before walking onto the cobblestones of the cityroads. “How can a woman belong to a man when it is the Great Goddess who gives us all life and life comes from women? It should be Siphonie in this position. As soon as I am able, I’m giving it to her.”
Rhenor wipes sweat from his brow with the back of his hand. “For now, I’m happy she isn’t. Shaston really doesn’t tolerate women in power. She’ll be safer without the title, just like you will be safer with it. I hope you heeded my advice about learning about the culture and people before you go north. I told Siphonie the same. If we are to follow Carnaxa there for the wedding and all, I need Siphonie to know what is expected of her. I know she took the girls to the library the other day.”
“So I heard. They came home speaking of sex women and how apparently the King of Shaston only ever has one heir or something.” I swat at a fly buzzing near my ear, the pesky things coming out because the weather is showing signs of rain. They always seem to know the weather better than anyone else, but then again most of the animals do.
“That's not a lie. Shastonian kings only ever have one son, and the current king does have a harem of women. But all the women there have no say over their own sexual endeavors. And there is nothing the women can do about it, they aren’t even allowed to leave the borders. Heads up.” He tilts his head forward, and I see the reason for his pause.
Prince Ereon and two of his guards walk this way.Kosæ! It's too late to turn around, he's already seen us. He stands a little straighter and his eyes connect with mine. Yeah, he's definitely seen us.
“BêlRhenor, Captain ...” He stops in front of us.
We bow and I have to grind my teeth to keep from wanting to spit on his shiny, black boots in front of me. And yet here I am about to follow him across kingdoms and live in his homeland.
“What a beautiful day already, I think I will miss this land at times.BêlRhenor, will you be accompanying us?”
“Yes, Your Grace, I will. My wife,B?litSiphonie, and I will be a part of the traveling company with Princess Carnaxa. Captain Thylas, as you know, will also be attending as ambassador.”
He grunts at the mention of my name. The way I wish my fist could do the talking instead. He smirks at me before acknowledging, “Oh yes, I have heard how you are the new ambassador. That's a lot of control for someone so ... inexperienced. I mean, from what I've heard you aren't even from Antalis so why is it that King Clennom feels the need to put you in such a position of power?”
Rhenor places his hand on my shoulder in solidarity. “Thylas isn't from here. Princess Carnaxa found him when he was a boy, but this is his home. He grew up in this castle, and I see him as a son and as a brother of Antalis, but most importantly someone who is as loyal to Antalis just as much as anyone born here.”
Looking toward Rhenor, he knows I'm thankful for his support. Over the years I've had my fair share of bullying from others because I'm not from Antalis. I washed up on the shore like a clump of seaweed when I was only eleven, the first moment I saw myNohæ.
“And where are you from?” Ereon steps toward me. “Maybe it is time that you find yourself back home, surely they miss you.” His face shows his arrogance. Because of his title, he thinks he can get away with saying far more to me than I would let most men. I can’t argue using my fist, so words will have to do.
