CHAPTER TWO

"How did the court accept Lady Ava?" Vilandra asked one of her closest nobles, Lady Jennifer. "Have you spoken with the ladies?"

"Yes, a bit," Jennifer replied. She had come to visit Vilandra before the princess left for her lunch. She was wearing a maroon dress; her dark blonde curls braided back and pulled into a plait. Vilandra was being dressed by her attendants, eager to spend a day with Ava, whom she found refreshing and different from the other nobles.

"And?" Vilandra said, looking at Jennifer's reflection. "Do they like her?"

Jennifer tensed a little bit, playing with her felt purse. "They believe that she was accepted very quickly," she said. "Too quickly."

"What do you mean?" Vilandra asked. Everywhere she went, there were rumors. Gossip and malicious talk. One could not escape it.

"Molly proposed the idea that maybe she bewitched the royal four and the royal family," Jennifer said. She rolled her dark eyes. "I told her it was an absurd idea, but the other girls joined in, saying that it was evident that Lady Ava had some sort of enchanting powers." She waved her hand. Vilandra had known Jennifer for years, and could tell by the look in the courtier's eyes that she was debating it to herself.

"That is nonsense," Vilandra said. "If she had enchanting powers, she would not blush every moment a high-born person talked to her and she would certainly not dare to try to enchant any of the royal family, especially the Royal Four. They are highly guarded, with their own powers and each other's." She paused, thinking about the Royal Four, a tradition that had been carried on for years.

There were four people in power, their power spread out between the four of them and they were linked, magically, emotionally and spiritually. She would be a part of the future Royal Four, along with her brother. Who the other two of the four were to be was unclear. Obviously, it was up to the king and queen, although her brother had a say when it came to whom he was going to marry. There was Soldier Rath, Lady Jennifer, Lord Nicholai, and Lady Hailey. There was also Kivar, but he hadn't been fully accepted by court yet. If Vilandra had any say in it at all, and, of course, she did, she would certainly put Lady Ava into the competition; if the lunch today went all right.

"That's what I told them," Jennifer said, leaning on Vilandra's bureau with finesse. Jennifer had been born in a high family. Her father was one of the highest generals in the army and her mother was a well-distinguished noble, who had almost been chosen for the Royal Four before she married. Jennifer always held herself with complete confidence and poise, so that she looked like she could be royalty. Next to Vilandra, they almost looked like equals. Almost. "None of them believed me."

Vilandra rolled her eyes. "I'll wear my hair down today," she told her maid. "Just clip it back."

"Yes, your highness," the maid replied.

Jennifer and Vilandra talked no more of the rumors of Ava. Vilandra bid Jennifer good well, for Jennifer was going on her own carriage to lunch, then got into a carriage to go to the manor of Duke Canlier.

When she showed up at the manor, the heat was almost unbearable. Vilandra was escorted into the house as she fanned herself. The servants and attendants stared, amazed that the princess showed up at their own manor.

Duchess Beatrice rushed in, a smile on her extravagant face. "Vilandra!" she exclaimed. She walked forward, kissing Vilandra's cheek. Vilandra returned the kiss, smiling. "You look beautiful, as always."

"Thank you," Vilandra said. "I would return the compliment, but you know you look amazing. Where's Ava?"

On cue, Ava walked into the room. She was wearing a light green dress with gold ribbons in her hair and along her dress. She smiled at the princess, curtsying. "Your highness," she said politely. She looked so small and. . .cute in that dress.

"You are so adorable," Vilandra said. She walked forward, taking Ava's hand. "Come, come, we'll be late for lunch." She looked back at Beatrice as she walked out of the manor. "Beatrice, we must do something. I'll plan for something tomorrow!"

"Yes, your highness," Beatrice replied, smiling.

Vilandra and Ava got into Vilandra's carriage and Vilandra ordered the carriage-driver to Kivar's house. "Kivar?" Ava asked. "Kivar of Cardinaeu?"

"Yes," Vilandra replied. "He is one of my suitors. He invited me to lunch yesterday, at the party, and I told him I would come, but would bring a few friends along. Soldier Rath and Lady Jennifer are going to meet us there." She brought a small mirror out of her purse, looking over lips. "Think of it as a test." Then she winked at Ava, smiling.

A test, yes. A test to find out if Kivar was a decent host, a test to see how Ava acted at smaller social events, at test to see if Rath really was allergic to strawberry wine, a test to see is Kivar truly enjoyed her own company more than Jennifer's. So many things were wrapped into one simple lunch date. When one was princess, that was necessary.

At Kivar's house, he had a lunch set out in the sun-room, a room with glass walls and ceilings, but none of the horrid heat. He had servants and attendants around the room, fanning and performing and serving. Since Vilandra and Ava were fashionably late, the others were waiting for them to arrive to start eating. Rath and Kivar stood when the two ladies entered the room. Both of them kissed the ladies hands.

The five of them sat down to lunch and Kivar immediately went into an amusing story about his servants this morning. He was such a charming fellow. Older than her, by at least six or seven years, but that had never stopped anyone in Persan. Vilandra could only wonder why he wasn't married yet. She knew that many nobles at court had had eyes on him for perhaps years. He never seemed to stray from Vilandra, however. Even when she was fourteen, he told her parents he planned on waiting for her to mature so he could woo her.

After the story was done, his guests were laughing and eating fine food. "Why didn't you invite your brother?" Kivar asked Vilandra.

"He had classes today," Vilandra replied.

"Classes for what?" Ava asked politely.

"For kingship," Vilandra said shortly. "He's taken them since he was eight years old."

"Oh, I see," Ava said, nodding.

"Does the chosen queen take classes?" Jennifer asked.

"Ambitious, aren't you," Kivar said to the blonde, smiling.

"No!" Jennifer said, blushing. She looked at Vilandra. "I was only wondering, your highness."

"Yes, she takes classes for a year," Vilandra replied. "Then they marry."

"You must wait a year?" Ava asked, raising her eyebrows.

"Yes, unless there is an emergency," Vilandra said. She was beginning to feel testy. She hated talking about subjects related to her brother's future position on the throne. She had felt bitter about it since she was young. She was the older of the two of them. But she had never let it go to her head.

Rath seemed to sense her discomfort because he started a new conversation, about the party last night. Vilandra glanced at Kivar and caught his dark eyes on her. She gave him a sly smile, then continued to stir her soup.

Thirty minutes later, a servant came into the room, announcing the arrival of Jennifer's carriage. "Oh, dear, I've lost track of the time," Jennifer said, standing up. The men stood up. She smiled at the others, brushing off her dress. Ava and Vilandra stood to say good-bye to the blonde courier and Rath kissed Jennifer's hand. "Thank you for having me, Kivar."

"Anytime, my lady," Kivar said. "Thank you for coming."

Jennifer walked out, cool and composed. "I'm quite famished," Ava said, a smile coming unto her face. "Sir Kivar, give my thanks to your cooks."

"But of course, my lady," Kivar said.

"Would you escort me on a walk outside, Lady Ava?" Rath asked Ava.

Ava had a slightly surprised look on her face as she looked at Rath, the blood rushing to her cheeks. "I'd love to," she said. Rath extended his arm and she hooked her own arm around Rath's.

"You don't mind, do you, Kivar?" Rath asked.

"Not at all," Kivar replied, half-glancing at Vilandra. "My servant Gorgio will escort you to the gardens." A servant took the two of them out, Rath's armor slightly clanging and Ava's fan already fluttering to fan her petite face.

"They're going to burn up," Vilandra said lightly, looking at Kivar. She paused, swallowing a little bit. "The weather has been terribly hot outside lately."

Kivar chuckled, walking over to Vilandra. He waved his hand to his servants and they left the room. Vilandra raised an eyebrow at Kivar. "What is your meaning, sir?" she asked, taking a step away from the man.

"Your highness, I only wish to speak to you alone," Kivar said, putting his hands up, almost in surrender. "Please, sit."

Vilandra looked around the highly furnished room and sat in a cushiony chair in the corner. She fluttered with her hair for a moment, then looked up at Kivar. "About what did you want to speak to me, sir Kivar?" she asked.

Kivar sat down next to her. He wore dark, wealthy clothes that all matched, down to the last thread. "Your highness, have your parents told you that as soon as I turned of age, I asked for your hand in marriage?" he asked.

Was this about their potential marriage, then? Vilandra nodded, trying to look aloof though her heart was beating. "Yes, they did," she said. "But my father declined the offer, since I was only eleven."

"Yes," Kivar nodded. "Every year, at the same time, I came back to the palace, asking your hand in marriage."

"And for the last two years, my parents have told you my brother needed to betrothed before I could be," Vilandra stated.

"Yes," Kivar repeated. "You are of age, and your brother has been of age for a year. But he mules about from girl to girl, noble to noble, none of them are good enough for him."

Vilandra paused. What was he getting to? She must make sure that whatever deal he had for her would benefit her. "The position of queen is a very difficult position to fill," she said, then realized she had set herself up for Kivar's trap, whether he had planned it that way or not.

"A position you yourself could fill," Kivar said. "I know what the laws say, that your brother is the rightful heir. But he is younger than you are and more foolish."

Vilandra stood. Kivar also stood, as a right gentleman should. "Sir Kivar, I do not appreciate this," she said fiercely. "What you are saying will be put to rest this very instant."

Kivar looked into her eyes and held her gaze steadily. "Think of the power you would have," he said in a low voice. "Think of the good of Antar and your future."

"I have," Vilandra said shortly. "I do not see how a Cardinaeun plans to help me, and I do not want a Cardinaeun ruining the future that I have now, nor my brother's future, nor Antar's future."

"I can help you," Kivar whispered.

"That is treason," Vilandra said, jutting her chin out.

"Not yet."

Rath and Ava walked out of Kivar's sun-room. They were escorted down a few corridors in silence, then entered the garden, a wave of heat meeting them. Two servants rushed to walk over them with umbrellas. "Do you enjoy the company of the other guests and the host?" Rath asked.

"Yes, I quite do," Ava said, nodding as she fanned herself. "I've had such a lovely time. Have you?"

"Yes," Rath said, nodding also. He looked down at Ava, who was looking up at him. She blushed and looked away. She was very pretty, he had to admit that. Prince Zan certainly thought so. After the party, Rath had been in Zan's quarters until dead hours of the night, the two of them talking, mainly about Lady Ava, Prince Larek and the future of Antar. But, honestly, mainly about Lady Ava. Zan was taken with her. Rath could not blame him. He waved a hand at the servant and asked them to leave.

"Oh, Rath, it is so hot," Ava said, fanning herself more fervently. She blushed. "I'm sorry, should I not call you by your first name?"

"Of course you should," Rath gave her a smile. "If I may call you by yours."

"Oh, of course," Ava said, blushing more.

"Come, we'll come into the shade under the trees," Rath said. He led her unto a path that led into Kivar's small forest in the courtyard. He glanced around, letting go of Ava's arm. "I do not trust Kivar."

Ava's fan stilled and she looked up at Rath with large blue eyes. "What? Why not?" she asked.

"I don't know," Rath said. He looked around the trees. "But I do not. He's too charming, too friendly, too wealthy. He looks at the princess too fondly." He looked back down at Ava and her blues eyes were still on his face as she studied him.

"I do not know him well enough," she finally said in an earnest tone.

"The Cardinaeuns have had a rivalry with the Persan's for years," Rath said, his lips pursing. "Perhaps he wants to strike up an alliance, but I can't bring myself to believe that. The Cardinaeuns have never agreed that the Royal City should be in Persan. I just don't trust him."

"What is your history?" Ava suddenly asked.

"What?" Rath asked her.

"What is your history? Where are you from?" Ava asked.

Rath paused. No had been interested in his past, only his present; his war stories, his thoughts on Lady Hailey. "I'm a pure Persan," he said. "My mother was a waitress at a bar in lower Persan, in a city called Herdan. My father was a farmer. They were both killed in a fire when I was fifteen and I ran away to join the army. Now, I'm here."

"You skipped five years," Ava said, smirking up at him.

"Those aren't the interesting ones," Rath said, smirking back at her.

"I don't know why you brought me out here," Ava said, fanning her face again. "You brought me into the scalding hot, just so you could tell me you didn't trust Kivar?"

"I won't let him marry Vilandra," Rath said. Ava blinked, looking surprised that he used the princess's first name. "I won't let him in the court. I won't let some fool like Lady Jennifer be queen, either."

"Of whom do you approve?" Ava asked, a teasing smile on her lips.

"Maybe you," Rath said. "Myself. And maybe Lady Hailey. We will talk later." Rath extended his arm. "Let us go back inside."

Ava took his arm and the two of them were escorted back into the sun-room, which was so much cooler than the outdoors.

The four of them sat around the sun-room, making small talk, telling funny stories, gossiping a little bit. Vilandra joked around with Rath about Lady Hailey and Ava told a few amusing stories. As the day went on, she loosened up and blushed less. Rath enjoyed watching her; watching her talk, watching her laugh, watching her smile. She was beautiful, in her own way. Vilandra was an elegant, composed beauty, cool, the kind of beauty that put you in awe. Ava was an alive, ever-moving beauty, warm, the kind of beauty that put you into action. They were both two gorgeous young women that were so different, but very alike in different aspects.

Eventually, Vilandra, Ava and Rath left Kivar's house in the same carriage. Rath was due back to the palace at four o'clock for a meeting and Vilandra also had to meet the ladies of the court. As they approached the Canlier manor, Vilandra began telling Ava of the tournament that would take place in a few days.

"Knights and soldiers all over Persan come to fight for Lady Caroline's hand," Vilandra told her. "I'm sure you've seen a joust, but this is really something." She smiled at Ava. "Shall I send a carriage for you?"

"Oh, nonsense, I can come in my own," Ava said to the princess.

"All right, do so," Vilandra said. The carriage came to a stop.

Rath got out of the carriage to help escort Ava into the manor. "I would come in, dear, but it is so hot!" Vilandra exclaimed, smiling at them. Ava smiled back as she took Rath's arm.

Once inside, Rath leaned in towards Ava and whispered in her ear, "Meet me by the palace doors an hour before the tournament starts and we shall talk in secret."

He felt the lady tense and smirked in spite of himself. He kissed her cheek and pulled away. "Thank you for dining with us," Rath said.

"Thank you for being such a gentleman," Ava curtsied to him. She gave him a small smile that looked almost nervous.

"Give your relatives my greetings," Rath said. He left the manor, holding a smile back. He got back into the carriage and Vilandra was waiting for him patiently, a serious look on her face. "It was a wonderful dinner, your highness."

"Don't call me that," Vilandra told him. The carriage started to move again. "I am still confused about Lady Jennifer, I don't know if I can trust her."

Rath didn't respond. Vilandra gave him a look, tilting her head. "Do you?" she asked.

"No," Rath said shortly.

Vilandra pursed her lips. "Please say more," she said. "Tell me what you think of her."

"She's not smart enough to hurt any of you much," Rath said. "She's not smart enough to do anything. She's a pretty face and she'll be a good wife and a good mother, but she's not fit for queen."

Vilandra was silent for a moment, studying Rath's face. "You're right," she said. "She's not."

"You're easily swayed," Rath said.

"Your opinion matters to me, Rath," Vilandra said lightly. "You have seen many things in your life, and I trust your judgment."

"Thank you, your highness," Rath said, nodding his head a little bit.

"Oh, please, stop," Vilandra said, shaking her head. She broke her serious glance and gave him a smile. "You like her, don't you?"

"Who?" Rath raised his eyebrows.

"I do, too," Vilandra replied, smiling at him. "She's seems sensible and she's very pleasant. I don't know if she can be queen, though."

"Your highness, you've only known her for a few days," Rath said.

Vilandra didn't reply to this, only smiled more. They pulled up to the palace ten minutes later and the two of them went their separate ways.

In the next chapter . . . two sit-ins (which are kind of old-fashioned dates), another party at the palace, and a kiss.