CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT

When you play, do it not with

people’s minds or hearts or feelings.

Play to win, or play the drum,

the horn, the keys.

Play rousing, soothing, raucous, lilting melodies.

—THE HARMONY OF BEING

Jasminda sat stiffly on the ungenerously cushioned chair. She supposed she should call it a throne, but shouldn’t it be more comfortable to achieve such a lofty title? Next to her, Jack’s seat was conspicuously empty.

She’d spent the past two hours calming the staff to the best of her ability and giving out a dozen reassurances to various supervisors that they would be able to successfully handle an impromptu state visit by one of the most notoriously unpleasant leaders of the continent. That they could do in hours what was usually accomplished in weeks.

Too bad there was no one to reassure her.

Guardsmen lined the throne room, standing at attention. The entire Council was here, as well as various aides and a handful of aristocrats. This room seemed like the best place to entertain a royal visitor, though as the bottoms of her thighs lost feeling, she began to rethink the notion. Perhaps something less formal, to create a feeling of congeniality and make King Pia lower her guard somewhat. Then again, such informality may be taken as an insult. Best to lean on decorum and the established protocol for these types of events.

Jack would know. Calladeen likely would, too, but she was firm in her decision not to enlist his assistance. Who knew what he’d want in return for helping her? And she couldn’t risk looking weak before him.

A page ran into view from the back of the room. “She’s on her way, Your Majesty,” the young man said, out of breath.

Jasminda nodded and he dashed away again. No more time for second-guessing, she would just have to do the best she could. She straightened and lifted her chin, affecting her most regal expression. Usher had told her that it made her look quite formidable—she wasn’t sure if he was just being kind, but she took the words to heart.

The double doors of the throne room opened, revealing a group of Guardsmen who marched down the center. Behind them came the Raunian entourage.

The long, narrow space did not allow for a clear view of King Pia for some time. She was shorter than expected, shorter, it appeared, than Ani and probably only rose to the height of Jasminda’s shoulders. Her hair was a cap of pure white, cropped very short without any of the blue or green dye her people were known for. She wore a robe of sapphire and gold with bell sleeves.

On her face lay an intricate web of tattoos. Ani had explained the meanings of her own markings, rank and taxes and shipping rights and family ties and significant accomplishments. From the amount of ink scored onto her cheeks, forehead, and chin, it was clear that King Pia was quite a force to be reckoned with, even if you didn’t know her title.

But even more shocking was the retinue she’d brought. At least fifty men and women entered solemnly behind her. As they filtered in, Camm whispered from in back of the throne.

“She brought a total of one hundred people, Your Majesty.”

Jasminda kept her shock from her face, but just barely. Quite a large retinue for an impromptu foreign visit from such a small country. The island nation had less than half of Elsira’s population. Jack had only brought a half-dozen to Fremia, including his guards. What was the purpose of this? The throne room had never been quite so full.

Her staff’s concerns echoed in her mind. Could they accommodate so large a group within the palace?

“Make sure Usher knows and alerts the staff,” she said, trying not to move her mouth.

“I’m on it.” Camm’s soft footsteps retreated, and Jasminda swallowed.

Though petite in size, King Pia had an energy about her that put Jasminda in mind of a thundercloud. Earthsong revealed that the woman exuded confidence, she was calm, and a bit smug. Jasminda bet Pia knew that she’d caught Elsira off-guard and was happy about that.

Two familiar faces were a part of her entourage: Pia’s son and Ani’s brother, Tai Summerhawk, along with Lizvette Nirall, the current ambassador to Raun. Lizvette’s gaze was contrite and her emotions apologetic and worried, as they should be. She should have given some warning about this visit. Jasminda would be having words with her about this.

Finally, the king completed her long, slow trek down the center of the room to stand before the dais holding the two thrones. Jasminda inclined her head slightly. “King Pia, we are honored to receive you. We trust that your journey here was safe?”

“Quite safe, Your Majesty, thank you.” Her voice was velvet and silver. Like the final chime of a bell before time runs out. Time for what, Jasminda did not know, but she felt the ticking down of the clock anyway.

“And let me congratulate you on both your precipitous rise to power and the return of your lost family members. I know my daughter was greatly gratified by the latter.” Pia’s dark eyes reminded Jasminda of onyx chips, fathomless but with a bright reflection. “Speaking of which, where is my daughter?”

“Please accept my apology, Your Majesty,” Jasminda said. “Had we more notice of your arrival, I’m certain my brother and your daughter would have been here to greet you. They departed yesterday on her ship, the Rapskala. However, I’ve sent a speedboat after them to request that they return.”

Some of the smugness faded from Pia’s expression. “Ah, you must forgive me for the unannounced visit. We intended to undergo a sailing tour of only the surrounding territory of our island, a trip of two days. Then, on a whim, I decided we might as well head east so that you and I could discuss things in person. Ambassador Nirall was quite shocked and implored me to send advanced word, so please don’t blame her.”

Jasminda’s gaze shot to Lizvette, who looked on stoically, but surprise at Pia’s announcement rang through the Earthsong connection.

Pia continued, looking at Lizvette with kindness. “She fervently appealed for me to evaluate Elsira’s new leadership with fresh eyes, and I found her arguments convincing. The rest of my staff”—she waved at the retainers surrounding her—“are well aware of my eccentricities.”

That a two-day tour could turn into a nearly two-week journey across the ocean was more than eccentric, but Jasminda merely nodded. She didn’t know what game Pia was playing, but the woman had calculating eyes—the eyes of someone not only older and wiser, but tougher and shrewder than Jasminda could ever hope to be.

“Well,” she said, rising, and deciding to take another tack. “Let’s not stand on ceremony. You and I have much to discuss regarding the relations that have soured between our two peoples. Let us do so woman to woman, queen to … king.”

Pia smiled and inclined her head in response. Jasminda descended from the dais and approached the other ruler, holding out her hands in greeting. Pia looked at her outstretched hands and raised a brow. Too late, Jasminda realized she’d given the Elsiran greeting. She had no idea how Raunians greeted one another.

Pia did not raise her hands to meet Jasminda’s outstretched palms, leaving her standing there, greeting given but not reciprocated. Jack’s advice to learn more about Raunian culture came back to her along with Calladeen’s exhortations. But she had been focused on other areas, domestic rather than foreign.

Now she stood in her own throne room, embarrassed and shamed. In her peripheral vision, the Council bristled. She could not identify Calladeen and refused to turn her head, but could imagine his expression.

Slowly, Jasminda lowered her arms, not breaking eye contact with Pia. She clasped her hands in front of her, mimicking the other woman’s stance.

The grim line of Pia’s mouth curved ever so slightly. “Woman to woman. It is about time this country got some feminine energy in its leadership,” she said. There was no need to give voice to the slight she had effected. Everyone present had seen it.

Jasminda’s nostrils flared. She couldn’t lift her chin any more and still be able to see, couldn’t mask her expression any more than she already was, but rage and humiliation were an inferno within her. Via Earthsong, she felt the other woman’s satisfaction at landing such a blow.

Very well then, Jasminda thought. If that’s how you want this to go. She produced a voluminous smile and led the way.