Chapter 3: what the hell?
Deciding it was safest to let him go, Kalasin dropped Kaddar, where he lay on the floor gasping. He looked bewildered, like he had never been touched this way before. He probably hadn't, Kalasin thought. Being a prince for most of his life, than an emperor, nobody had ever choked him.
"Sorry." Kaddar said, sounding sane. Kalasin warily offered him a hand up, ready to flip him if he tried anything. "I only act like this about Daine. One of the reasons I supported Tortall in the immortals' war was because I knew Daine was my uncle's target. And I couldn't let him get near her."
"So, do you really love her?"
"It's more like admiration. I would do anything for her, but she doesn't love me. It's the only reason I regret being Emperor."
"You know, if you hadn't tried to rape me that would seem sweet."
Kaddar smiled weakly. "And if you hadn't choked me –great grip- I might have thought you were a distinguished lady. Now, I think you're a crazy, beautiful queen of the jungle. Scary, dangerous, and confined."
Kalasin could think of nothing to say. He had been stop on. She picked up her fallen hair pins, and went to her rooms.
The next morning, Kalasin dressed in a violet dress that showed off her figure. She had a lady in waiting braid her hair and coil it (She could never wear her hair down), and a glass mage had made her gown into a work of art by turning all the embroideries into glass. It made her gown sparkle, while showing of a splendid creation off magic at the same time.
Walking into the throne room, Kalasin wandered around, eating grapes, and chatting with foreign ambassadors. Hoping foolishly never to see Kaddar again, she chatted like crazy about every possible subject, even slavery, which made her want to kill whoever owner slaves. Well, not kill. Maybe just make him understand the pain of being a slave.
Suddenly, the head of the university, which had given her an extremely interesting conversation, bowed low, and left. Feeling a stomach ache coming on from all those grapes, Kalasin faced the newcomer.
Kaddar stood there, handsome in a long cream-colored tunic, with gold embroideries. His breeches, a dark cream, were also gold embroidered. Today he boasted rings on every finger, a hoop on his ear, and bracelets of all shades of gold.
Kalasin wanted nothing more than to get away from this man, who was obviously guarded as well. Feeling her need to puke grow, Kalasin was doubly sure that her sickness had nothing to do with the sweet purple grapes.
Kalasin smiled stiffly, not forgetting what had happened yesterday. Neither did Kaddar, or so it seemed. He had a strange look on his face, confusion, annoyance, and a bit of curiosity, like he was wondering about something.
"My dear, (Kalasin went stiff, her smile disappearing, while Kaddar's smile got wider and he pretended not to notice), I hope you had a good night's rest."
"Yes, snuggle bunny, (The head of the university hid a smile), and it was as sweet as could be. You are so kind for worrying." Kalasin fluttered her lashes, as if she was flirting. In truth she wanted to laugh. She would teach him never to call her dear!
Smiling stiffly, Kaddar went on. "I belie you have never seen the wonders of our city. I am free tomorrow. Would you give me the honor of accompanying me?"
"I would be honored, pumpkin! I'll see you at dawn?"
The rest of the day went somewhat similar. IT was a surprise day-long party from the nobles, and Kalasin and Kaddar spent every moment possible calling each other pet names. The entire court had mixed feelings. Some wanted to puke, like Kalasin, who ate little, and others were barely able to contain their laughter, like the head of the university.
The next morning, Kalasin wore a light red dress, embroidered with orange. Her only jewelry was ruby earrings, and under her floor-length dress, she wore sturdy dress boots. She wouldn't risk having her feet hurt today.
Kaddar waited for her, handsome in white and green. Emeralds shimmered at his ears, and bracelets dotted his wrists.
"We're taking only ten guards and my personal mage." He told her. "That's basically the minimum amount of security I'm allowed, ever. Some spy might decide to end my life, and who would know?"
Kalasin nodded. She had expected fifty armed knights. Considering Tortall, he was under armed.
As they walked into the city, Kalasin looked around. Back home she had rarely been to the city when she was young, and never when she grew up. Mostly, she stayed in the palace, and let rumors of her beauty follow her, just as her father wanted.
A child's cry of pain sounded behind them. Kalasin turned to look, and saw a bleeding young boy of about seven, wearing only a fading loincloth, and with several missing teeth. Breaking out of the circle of guards, she approached the lad.
"What happened, boy?" She asked, reaching for her magic. As invisible strands weaved themselves around the boy, Kalasin inspected him.
"My ma gave me money to pay ol' spit face, who own the building. When I got back, her man had killed her, and was stealing her jewelry. He try to kill me too, but I got away."
Kalasin bit her lip. She saw no magical sign the lad was lying, he hadn't started to glow. If what he said was true, he was an orphan, or his dad had left if his mother was seeing someone. The lad's eye was black, his entire face was bruised, and he had a broken arm.
"Where's your dad, lad?"
A tear slid down the boy's cheek. "He died, four years ago. Now, with mom gone, I'm all alone."
"What's your name lad? I'm going to heal you now, so don't panic." As her hands stated glowing a deep blue, the boy told her his name, tommy. "You're a brave lad, Tommy." Kalasin said as she finally finished. She felt more than a little worn out. "Just be gentle on that arm for a few days, and you'll be fine."
He smiled. "Thank you, lady."
Kalasin smiled. "Wait here." They were still near the palace, and Varice, a mage who worked there, was walking by. Kalasin approached her.
"Hey Varice."
Varice curtsied low. "Hello, your highness. Are you out with the emperor?"
Kalasin smiled. "Something like that. On the way, I met a sweet little orphan named tommy. His parents are dead, and he was hurt badly. I fixed him up, but a life on the streets isn't right for a seven year old. Do you happen to know a kind servant willing to adopt him? I would be forever in your debt."
Varice's eyes filled with tears. "Poor lad. May I meet Tommy?"
As Varice met Tommy, he looked delighted to meet a lady that was willing to get her hands dirty. Varice told him about her gardens, and he told her about his mom.
Kalasin finally had to interrupt. This was getting too long, and Kaddar was getting impatient. As much as the look on his face made her laugh, holding him for an hour was cruel.
Kalasin tapped Varice on the shoulder. "Varice, I must be going now. Could you please make sure that he gets a good home?"
"He'll be getting a wonderful home. Mine." Varice hugged Tommy around the shoulders. Tommy's eyes went wide, and no one was more surprised than Kaddar. "I've always wanted a child, but I've never wanted a husband. The right guy never came along. Tommy's sweet, and I won't leave him to a stranger. He'll be perfectly happy at my house."
Kalasin grinned. "Well, then I'll take my leave." She heard Tommy calling Varice 'mommy two', and saw Kaddar's red face.
"Sorry it took so long."
As Kaddar began to turn pink, Kalasin grinned, and ignored his furious whispering. This country might not be so bad after all.
