Characters of note:
Ogaric-Nee's brother and King
Manana-Nee's sister
Emeric-Prince of Renselaeus
Larisa-Manana's friend; was picked on by Ogaric
Iman-Larisa's brother
Lehan-Lord of Tlanth; Nee's uncle
Macina-Lehan's lover
Red-Nee's sadistic gelding
Henric-Nee's spy
Chapter Eight
Manana, Cenorek, a lord she was dallying with, Larisa, Flauvic, and a pair of Court ladies I was not familiar with, arrived in Tlanth in short order.
My sister and I had a long, involved discussion about how best to deal with Renselaeus. Changing advisors without offering insult was a tricky business.
We eventually agreed that the best course of action was to slowly ease Flauvic into the role. The Renselaeus' would know what we were up to, but they could not suddenly withdraw support from me without cause. Otherwise, the houses loyal to them would refuse to cooperate with them, dissipating much of their power and rendering them unable to take the throne.
Uncle Lehan was privy to Henric's news. The rumors about him and Macina kept him out of politics and Court affairs. Because he was removed from the passions and rivalries of Court, he could often see a solution that completely eluded Manana and I.
The mood in Tlanth was cheerful. Macina was the Countess of Tlanth in everything but name and the people adored her. She and Lehan had been lovers since they were young, but the imperceptible boundary between nobles and commoners had not allowed them to marry.
Courtiers gossiped about their relationship when no other topic presented itself. They scornfully speculated about when Lehan would drop "that wench" and move on to a proper noble girl. I suspected that there would be a brief flood of rumors over Macina's baby despite our efforts to stop them.
A bout of casual entertainments ensued. I enjoyed the relaxed rules and lack of frivolity this far from Court. I managed to avoid being caught alone by Flauvic for a week before my luck ran out.
I exercised Red over the mountain trails early every morning. The cool air and the sound of the world waking up invigorated me. I was not too surprised to see Flauvic waiting in the middle of the trail, astride a magnificent blue roan mare.
"Greetings, Princess." He inclined his torso as much as the saddle allowed.
"Hello, Flauvic. Imagine seeing you here." I said.
"I thought we might have a discussion. I must say, I am very impressed that you figured out Renselaeus' game. I was beginning to fear you had begun to allow your emotions to rule your head."
That man! He always knocked me off balance.
"I thought you preferred truth with style." I knew I was being rude, but so was he!
"I prefer what makes people uncomfortable. Blunt speech gives a person unpredictability, something that you do not like."
Red saved me from having to reply by trying to take a chunk out of Flauvic's leg. I could not resist a smile when Red's teeth ripped a hole in the expensive material of his breeches.
"I suppose I deserve that. Let us go someplace where you do not have to supervise that demon and try to argue with me at the same time."
I was too curious to refuse, so I led Flauvic to a small clearing where the horses could eat grass and we could talk.
After we had seated ourselves on two slightly bumpy rocks, Flauvic ran his fingers through his hair, a sign of nervousness.
"It is going to be as difficult for me as it is for you to keep my emotions out of things."
"Why do say that?" I asked.
He studied his fingernails, then said, his voice losing its musical tone, "I doubt you will believe me as you believe little I say, but I care for you very much."
I felt embarrassed and shy at his confession and could only cough out a puny "Oh."
"Now, back to business." His voice was brisk, "I thought your signal to the Renselaeus' was rather brilliant. What are you going to do with Emeric? He is a crafty man. You must watch your step with him."
"I am going to ease him out of my confidence and ease you in."
"Smart course of action. If I am going to help you though, I must know your goals. Are you thinking about an overthrow?"
"No, the competing Court is just a power show. I hope I can cow him into listening to me. I think Ogaric could still be a good King. He is more inept than evil."
"Good observation. Has there been any communication between you since Athanarel?"
"I have written to him but have received no replies."
"What do you write?"
"I tell him I love him despite our differences of opinion. Father thinks Ogaric has begun to listen to him. I am told he is not as wild as he was when I was there."
"Allow us to think of our next course of action. I believe I will strike up a flirtation with Manana. It will serve as an excuse for your increased contact with me."
"Brilliant. I am sure Manana will be willing to comply. Is there anything else we need to discuss?"
"There is one more thing." Flauvic stared at the grass, swallowed and opened his mouth. When no sound emerged, he smiled at me and said in a choked voice, "Well, perhaps that thing can wait. Let us return to Castle Tlanth."
He rose and walked to his horse before I could insist he tell me. Why did I always leave a meeting with Flauvic with more questions than answers?
We returned to Renselaeus a week later. My relations with the Renselaeus family did not change much. Now that I was aware of Emeric's intentions, I noticed how much of his advice steered me closer to rebellion.
A courier arrived with a message from Ogaric. He wanted me to return to Athanarel.
Not surprisingly, Emeric wanted me to demand payment for the injustice I suffered. I had enough power that Ogaric could not deny me. Flauvic suggested that I back off this time, maintain good relations with my brother, and use my influence for more important things like the Tax Relief System.
For the first time in public, I followed Flauvic's advice.
Shortly after that episode, I was introduced to Iman, Larisa's brother. He seldom attended Court because he was running his family's lands while his brother looked for a wife at Court. I immediately liked the look of him. He was casual and outgoing, careless with his gestures and clothing yet careful with his jokes and drink.
I was at a ball that was being thrown by Renselaeus. Flauvic and I were chatting of nothing in particular, an art at which we are both adept, when Manana and Larisa joined us with an unfamiliar young man trailing at Larisa's arm. Larisa introduced us and Iman asked me to dance in a light easy tone that I later discovered he always used.
The dance was relatively simple and slow and involved no changing of partners.
After we had been dancing for a few minutes, him cracking jokes and I responding appropriately, he looked down at me seriously and said, "The real reason I asked you to dance was not to twirl you about, though it has been a very pleasant experience. I want to thank you for defending Larisa in front of Ogaric. You have no idea how miserable he was making her. The letters she wrote.you saved her from social disaster."
I felt warm blood rush to my cheeks, "You are welcome, though frankly I wish I had not taken the action I took that afternoon. There were so many other ways I could have shown my disapproval."
"Sometimes you just have to grab a person's attention." He said, suddenly his tone changed back to lightheartedness, "So, what do you think of the latest dance. What is it called again?"
I told him the name and we continued discussing entertainments and fashions for the rest of the evening.
That evening I was reminded that every action has a reaction. I was just relieved that this action had won me an ally.
My last week at Renselaeus was spent cajoling nobles. Either Flauvic or Manana was constantly at my side as I dined with Lady This or consulted with Lord That.
Finally, the preparations were made and I was off for Athanarel.
This time, there was no official greeting party. Ogaric, Father and a few other Courtiers were present.
I approached and curtsied to Ogaric. When he allowed me to rise, I kissed him on the cheek, then did the same to my father. Flauvic and I had spent a long time planning this moment. I had wanted to both embrace and kiss my brother, but Flauvic told me that too much warmth would give the impression that I came back with my tail between my legs. Eventually, we compromised.
Ogaric had regained much of his old charm. His lips lost their white, pinched look. His comments carried less acid. I appraised him with pleasure. He would be a good king after all.
Iman soon became my partner at social affairs. His humor eased many a strained social occasion. I quietly gathered from gossip that Iman was much more skilled at running his lands than his brother. The longer I knew him, the more I realized that his easygoing attitude was a cover for an intense, focused intelligence.
I barely noticed when Iman and I slid into an earnest courtship. My mind was too full of politics and schemes to worry about romance. Flauvic, Manana and I were always having emergency meetings about the latest crises.
During this period, Ogaric was on his best behavior. He curbed his tongue and listened to me half the time at Petitioner's Court. He was not the Ogaric of my childhood, but he was much improved from the petulant fool I had left a few months ago.
A month and a half after I returned home, Henric sent a message saying that he had found some very important information that he needed to deliver verbally and in person, preferably where I could be alone afterwards.
I arranged for a leatherworker, which was Henric's "trade", to talk to me in my room about a new bridle I wanted for my filly.
When he entered, he strode nervously about the room, checking here and there for eavesdroppers. Finally, he sat down and cleared his throat.
"You are not going to like my news, Princess." He began hoarsely. He piddled with his fingers and refused to meet my eyes.
"I cannot imagine anything worse than Renselaeus' betrayal." I said, hoping to ease his anxiety.
"This is much worse than Renselaeus."
He met my eyes and I took a deep breath, steeling myself for the worst.
AN:
Yes, I know this chapter is short, but please don't kill me! You will understand its brevity in the next chapter.
I tried Felsong's advice of being kind and encouraging. Now it's time for extortion. I will not update again until I have a total of twenty reviews, that's only like five more. You had better be snappy though, because I am going to be on vacation for three weeks and I do not know if I will be able to update after I leave.
I made a sketch of Nimiar and Flauvicthe other day. If anyone is interested in looking at it, tell me in your review and leave an email address.
I am considering putting up a Tamora Pierce fanfic, but I am hesitant to do so because I am afraid the material may be a bit risque. There are no sex scenes, major violence, or homosexuality, but I would appreciate it if someone would be willing to take a look and tell me if it is a bit too much.
Oswari- I hope you are happy now! I am sorry, but you will probably have to wait awhile on the next chapter.
Aqualyne- I can't answer a lot of that stuff. You will just have to wait for me to get there. I hope this chapter answered all of your questions and, yes, I planned it this way (sort of). I love questions and criticism. Give me more!
Charmgirl- It is nice to know my fic is actually different.
Felsong- Thanks for sticking with me on every chapter.
Ogaric-Nee's brother and King
Manana-Nee's sister
Emeric-Prince of Renselaeus
Larisa-Manana's friend; was picked on by Ogaric
Iman-Larisa's brother
Lehan-Lord of Tlanth; Nee's uncle
Macina-Lehan's lover
Red-Nee's sadistic gelding
Henric-Nee's spy
Chapter Eight
Manana, Cenorek, a lord she was dallying with, Larisa, Flauvic, and a pair of Court ladies I was not familiar with, arrived in Tlanth in short order.
My sister and I had a long, involved discussion about how best to deal with Renselaeus. Changing advisors without offering insult was a tricky business.
We eventually agreed that the best course of action was to slowly ease Flauvic into the role. The Renselaeus' would know what we were up to, but they could not suddenly withdraw support from me without cause. Otherwise, the houses loyal to them would refuse to cooperate with them, dissipating much of their power and rendering them unable to take the throne.
Uncle Lehan was privy to Henric's news. The rumors about him and Macina kept him out of politics and Court affairs. Because he was removed from the passions and rivalries of Court, he could often see a solution that completely eluded Manana and I.
The mood in Tlanth was cheerful. Macina was the Countess of Tlanth in everything but name and the people adored her. She and Lehan had been lovers since they were young, but the imperceptible boundary between nobles and commoners had not allowed them to marry.
Courtiers gossiped about their relationship when no other topic presented itself. They scornfully speculated about when Lehan would drop "that wench" and move on to a proper noble girl. I suspected that there would be a brief flood of rumors over Macina's baby despite our efforts to stop them.
A bout of casual entertainments ensued. I enjoyed the relaxed rules and lack of frivolity this far from Court. I managed to avoid being caught alone by Flauvic for a week before my luck ran out.
I exercised Red over the mountain trails early every morning. The cool air and the sound of the world waking up invigorated me. I was not too surprised to see Flauvic waiting in the middle of the trail, astride a magnificent blue roan mare.
"Greetings, Princess." He inclined his torso as much as the saddle allowed.
"Hello, Flauvic. Imagine seeing you here." I said.
"I thought we might have a discussion. I must say, I am very impressed that you figured out Renselaeus' game. I was beginning to fear you had begun to allow your emotions to rule your head."
That man! He always knocked me off balance.
"I thought you preferred truth with style." I knew I was being rude, but so was he!
"I prefer what makes people uncomfortable. Blunt speech gives a person unpredictability, something that you do not like."
Red saved me from having to reply by trying to take a chunk out of Flauvic's leg. I could not resist a smile when Red's teeth ripped a hole in the expensive material of his breeches.
"I suppose I deserve that. Let us go someplace where you do not have to supervise that demon and try to argue with me at the same time."
I was too curious to refuse, so I led Flauvic to a small clearing where the horses could eat grass and we could talk.
After we had seated ourselves on two slightly bumpy rocks, Flauvic ran his fingers through his hair, a sign of nervousness.
"It is going to be as difficult for me as it is for you to keep my emotions out of things."
"Why do say that?" I asked.
He studied his fingernails, then said, his voice losing its musical tone, "I doubt you will believe me as you believe little I say, but I care for you very much."
I felt embarrassed and shy at his confession and could only cough out a puny "Oh."
"Now, back to business." His voice was brisk, "I thought your signal to the Renselaeus' was rather brilliant. What are you going to do with Emeric? He is a crafty man. You must watch your step with him."
"I am going to ease him out of my confidence and ease you in."
"Smart course of action. If I am going to help you though, I must know your goals. Are you thinking about an overthrow?"
"No, the competing Court is just a power show. I hope I can cow him into listening to me. I think Ogaric could still be a good King. He is more inept than evil."
"Good observation. Has there been any communication between you since Athanarel?"
"I have written to him but have received no replies."
"What do you write?"
"I tell him I love him despite our differences of opinion. Father thinks Ogaric has begun to listen to him. I am told he is not as wild as he was when I was there."
"Allow us to think of our next course of action. I believe I will strike up a flirtation with Manana. It will serve as an excuse for your increased contact with me."
"Brilliant. I am sure Manana will be willing to comply. Is there anything else we need to discuss?"
"There is one more thing." Flauvic stared at the grass, swallowed and opened his mouth. When no sound emerged, he smiled at me and said in a choked voice, "Well, perhaps that thing can wait. Let us return to Castle Tlanth."
He rose and walked to his horse before I could insist he tell me. Why did I always leave a meeting with Flauvic with more questions than answers?
We returned to Renselaeus a week later. My relations with the Renselaeus family did not change much. Now that I was aware of Emeric's intentions, I noticed how much of his advice steered me closer to rebellion.
A courier arrived with a message from Ogaric. He wanted me to return to Athanarel.
Not surprisingly, Emeric wanted me to demand payment for the injustice I suffered. I had enough power that Ogaric could not deny me. Flauvic suggested that I back off this time, maintain good relations with my brother, and use my influence for more important things like the Tax Relief System.
For the first time in public, I followed Flauvic's advice.
Shortly after that episode, I was introduced to Iman, Larisa's brother. He seldom attended Court because he was running his family's lands while his brother looked for a wife at Court. I immediately liked the look of him. He was casual and outgoing, careless with his gestures and clothing yet careful with his jokes and drink.
I was at a ball that was being thrown by Renselaeus. Flauvic and I were chatting of nothing in particular, an art at which we are both adept, when Manana and Larisa joined us with an unfamiliar young man trailing at Larisa's arm. Larisa introduced us and Iman asked me to dance in a light easy tone that I later discovered he always used.
The dance was relatively simple and slow and involved no changing of partners.
After we had been dancing for a few minutes, him cracking jokes and I responding appropriately, he looked down at me seriously and said, "The real reason I asked you to dance was not to twirl you about, though it has been a very pleasant experience. I want to thank you for defending Larisa in front of Ogaric. You have no idea how miserable he was making her. The letters she wrote.you saved her from social disaster."
I felt warm blood rush to my cheeks, "You are welcome, though frankly I wish I had not taken the action I took that afternoon. There were so many other ways I could have shown my disapproval."
"Sometimes you just have to grab a person's attention." He said, suddenly his tone changed back to lightheartedness, "So, what do you think of the latest dance. What is it called again?"
I told him the name and we continued discussing entertainments and fashions for the rest of the evening.
That evening I was reminded that every action has a reaction. I was just relieved that this action had won me an ally.
My last week at Renselaeus was spent cajoling nobles. Either Flauvic or Manana was constantly at my side as I dined with Lady This or consulted with Lord That.
Finally, the preparations were made and I was off for Athanarel.
This time, there was no official greeting party. Ogaric, Father and a few other Courtiers were present.
I approached and curtsied to Ogaric. When he allowed me to rise, I kissed him on the cheek, then did the same to my father. Flauvic and I had spent a long time planning this moment. I had wanted to both embrace and kiss my brother, but Flauvic told me that too much warmth would give the impression that I came back with my tail between my legs. Eventually, we compromised.
Ogaric had regained much of his old charm. His lips lost their white, pinched look. His comments carried less acid. I appraised him with pleasure. He would be a good king after all.
Iman soon became my partner at social affairs. His humor eased many a strained social occasion. I quietly gathered from gossip that Iman was much more skilled at running his lands than his brother. The longer I knew him, the more I realized that his easygoing attitude was a cover for an intense, focused intelligence.
I barely noticed when Iman and I slid into an earnest courtship. My mind was too full of politics and schemes to worry about romance. Flauvic, Manana and I were always having emergency meetings about the latest crises.
During this period, Ogaric was on his best behavior. He curbed his tongue and listened to me half the time at Petitioner's Court. He was not the Ogaric of my childhood, but he was much improved from the petulant fool I had left a few months ago.
A month and a half after I returned home, Henric sent a message saying that he had found some very important information that he needed to deliver verbally and in person, preferably where I could be alone afterwards.
I arranged for a leatherworker, which was Henric's "trade", to talk to me in my room about a new bridle I wanted for my filly.
When he entered, he strode nervously about the room, checking here and there for eavesdroppers. Finally, he sat down and cleared his throat.
"You are not going to like my news, Princess." He began hoarsely. He piddled with his fingers and refused to meet my eyes.
"I cannot imagine anything worse than Renselaeus' betrayal." I said, hoping to ease his anxiety.
"This is much worse than Renselaeus."
He met my eyes and I took a deep breath, steeling myself for the worst.
AN:
Yes, I know this chapter is short, but please don't kill me! You will understand its brevity in the next chapter.
I tried Felsong's advice of being kind and encouraging. Now it's time for extortion. I will not update again until I have a total of twenty reviews, that's only like five more. You had better be snappy though, because I am going to be on vacation for three weeks and I do not know if I will be able to update after I leave.
I made a sketch of Nimiar and Flauvicthe other day. If anyone is interested in looking at it, tell me in your review and leave an email address.
I am considering putting up a Tamora Pierce fanfic, but I am hesitant to do so because I am afraid the material may be a bit risque. There are no sex scenes, major violence, or homosexuality, but I would appreciate it if someone would be willing to take a look and tell me if it is a bit too much.
Oswari- I hope you are happy now! I am sorry, but you will probably have to wait awhile on the next chapter.
Aqualyne- I can't answer a lot of that stuff. You will just have to wait for me to get there. I hope this chapter answered all of your questions and, yes, I planned it this way (sort of). I love questions and criticism. Give me more!
Charmgirl- It is nice to know my fic is actually different.
Felsong- Thanks for sticking with me on every chapter.