Chapter 17

"We have to do something," Eliena told Kaddar. "I am not going to sit around and wait for a ransom note. That's it." It had been two days since Daine had gone missing.

"Knowing uncle, he'll want you to marry me," Kaddar replied.

Eliena shuddered. "No offense, Kaddar, but… no way."

"I know how you feel." Kaddar grinned. "But didn't your Lord Martin say-"

"Stop right there," Eli interrupted. "Any sentence containing 'didn't you Lord Martin say' shouldn't be finished."

"You're terrible," Kaddar told her.

Eliena tossed her hair. "I know. Now. What are we going to do about-"

"Eliena!" Thayet called. She hurried over.

"What is it?" Eliena asked worriedly. Thayet handed her an official-looking parchment.

By decree of His Most Serene Imperial Majesty Emperor Ozorne Muhassin of Carthak,

Master Numair Salmalín is to be executed for crimes against the Carthaki Empire, including, but not limited to, treason, violating pardon terms, and escaping prison sentence.

"Oh, gods," Eliena breathed. "This is bad. Very bad." Kaddar read it and frowned.

"And this." Thayet handed Eliena a much less official note:

If you ever wish to see Veralidaine Sarrasri again, Princess Eliena of Conté will marry Kaddar Iliniat.

"Mithros, Mynoss, and Shakith!" Eliena cried, channeling Numair. "That-" Eliena went off into a slew of curses- "emperor is really starting to bug me!"

"But what can we do?" Thayet asked. "Retaliating would be inviting war upon us."

"Fine!" Eliena replied. "I'd rather have a war than get married and give away my country!"

"This is no time to concern yourself with Tortall, Eli," Kaddar told her gently. "Your friend's life is at stake." Eliena froze. Daine's life was at stake? Could she kill Daine for Tortall without killing herself? But could she give away Tortall for the sake of one of her closest friends?

And how soon could she have an answer?

"Goddess help me," Eliena murmured. "What am I supposed to do? Daine will die if I say no, but my people would hate me if I say yes." She buried her face in her hands. "I wish I weren't me."

"Oh, no, Eli," Thayet said. "Never wish to be anything but you are." (A/N- that's from Thumbelina!) "Every princess has her moments when she wishes she weren't one. It comes with the title."

"Thayet, what am I supposed to do? If I say no, Daine will die. And if I say yes…" her voice drifted off. "Do you have any idea how upset mother would be? She might never speak to me again."

"Your mother would understand," Thayet assured her.

"And, Eliena, if you say yes, we might be able to save Numair," Kaddar put in. He blushed slightly. "Look, I know that I'm not your first choice to marry, that you'd rather have love, but it wouldn't be a hardship. And we're friends, right? Think about it. You marry one friend to save two more."

Marry one friend to save two more. The prospect was enticing. But, still. Alanna would be so upset. She was strong, and Eliena wanted to be like her. Her mother wouldn't just agree, she'd fight to save Daine and Numair. But, no matter what Eliena wanted, she wasn't the Lioness and she had a duty to two separate, conflicting things.

She drew in a deep breath. "So, Kaddar. When should we set a date?"

Author's Note- oh! I UPDATED! Oh yeah! Anyway. I'll try to get back into the story and write more ASAP. Now, REVIEW. And check out my new fic, Fears, Truths, and Loves, which is like "Always."