The East Wing Parlor was the most luxurious room Tás had ever seen. His parents seemed to agree with him. Their jaws dropped the instant they stepped in the room. Plush couches were set in every corner of the parlor and fresh mountain flowers were placed in vases everywhere. Tás walked about the room and discovered plaques made of bronze in one corner of the parlor in which stories and poems were etched. He read a few and said:
"This is beautiful ballad. Who wrote it?"
"Why my son, Kóen wrote it. He's a wonderful writer." Queen Casta was very proud that her son shared her love of writing.
In the center of the parlor, a large table was being set for lunch. Once all the children, with the exception of Níya, joined them, that sat down to lunch.
"My dear Queen Casta, where is your daughter now? She couldn't still be up in the Temple at this hour. I hear the peaks get very hot at noon. I'm beginning to doubt her existence."
"I'm terribly sorry, Queen Lúrahí. I'll send a guard to go find her."
"Mom, Níya is in her chamber. I saw her running there about an hour ago. She needed to tell Mású something. When she's done, I bet she'll come. If not, we'll just have to wait." Kóen knew his sister had a secret and he didn't want to expose it. Níya would be very unhappy with him. Anyone who knew her was aware that they should not upset her. Her temper was not easily lost, but Takadí save you if she loses it.
This was the perfect opportunity for Tás to meet Princess Níya. He didn't want their meeting to be diplomatic or elegant or however two royals were supposed to meet. He wanted to show up without warning. She might act different in private than if she was with nobles or royalty.
"Would it be possible for me to see her in private? I have something I want to speak to her about."
"Yes, you may. Kóen, would you show Prince Tás to Níya's chamber after lunch?"
"Of course, father. I'll also bring her something to eat."
When they finished their meal, Kóen grabbed some food for his sister and led Tás down the hall to Níya's room.
Tás grew nervous with excitement as he and Kóen drew closer and closer to Níya's chamber. Once there, Kóen knocked on the door.
"Niya, it's me. I have a surprise for you."
"Come in, Kóen."
"Go ahead, Tás. I'm going back to the parlor. She seems to be in a good mood." He gave him Níya's lunch and walked down the hall. Tás was not sure he liked the last part of what Kóen said. Nonetheless, he opened the door and walked into the foyer.
Níya was sitting on the floor with her legs crossed and hands on her knees. Her head was slightly bowed and Tás assumed her eyes were closed.
"So, brother, what is my surprise?" Níya didn't turn around.
Tás recognized her voice. He stepped in front of her and almost fell backward. It's her, that Sálin girl from the stables.
"You aren't Kóen. He would have said something already." She placed her hand at her belt where a long knife was sheathed. Níya's eyes were still closed. "Who are you?"
"Why don't you open your eyes and find out?" Tás walked in front of where Níya was sitting and stared down at her. She really is beautiful.
"I don't need to open my eyes to know who you are, Prince Tás. I knew it was only a matter of time before you found me. Where's my brother?" She smiled and removed her hand from her hilt.
"He went back to the East Wing Parlor. I told him I wanted to talk to you alone."
Níya continued to smile and opened her eyes. She remained sitting and stared up at him.
"Alright Tás, what would you like to know about me? That is why you and your family are here, right? To find out what I'm like? To see if all the rumors about me are true?" She stood up, removed her cloak, laid it across the arm of her sofa, and sat down. Tás took off his cloak as well and sat next to her on the couch.
"My parents want me to flatter you and offer you extravagant gifts, hoping you will choose to ally Súria with Dákó. I've tried to convince them that you wouldn't accept bribes for something you would rather die than see happen. That was one rumor I heard about you, that you don't believe in allies because it creates enemies. Still, they insisted I bring you Calé. I was kind of glad to give her to you. She is an amazing creature. You deserve her."
"I was wondering. Would you like to go back to the stables with me and present her to me? I'm sure you had this whole elaborate speech to give. I would like to hear it." Tás nodded and the two royals left the chamber.