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The more we traveled, the more I couldn’t help but warm up towards Martin. He kept leaving little tokens to show his affection, like making sure ice cream was delivered by a servant to me after a particularly long day of travel. That single bowl of ice cream was part of my winding down ritual back in the Flip Side, allowing me to sit down for a few minutes and enjoy something cold and sweet after a long, hot day. Cathy preferred reading, and Mari preferred spouting random facts while I patiently listened and stirred my slowly-melting ice cream. When I asked why I’d been brought the ice cream, all I was told was that someone from my own party had requested that I get this, and that his name not be mentioned. It didn’t take much work to guess Martin was behind the spontaneous gesture. When a book on human cells was delivered shortly thereafter, a subject Cathy had spoken about earlier that day, with a note in familiar handwriting gifting it to her, it only confirmed my suspicions. She stayed up late reading it. Martin hadn’t forgotten her love of science.
I had forgotten, or hadn’t realized, how well Martin knew me. After each formal greeting at each country, I was granted an excuse to slip out, despite that there were plenty of other guards who weren’t also diplomats and were capable of watching my sister and Mari. Charlene was still in charge of Mari, but she was usually placed in one of the furthest rooms from mine, and I was always with the girls. Coincidentally, Martin’s was usually one of the closest, or at least stationed to where I’d have to pass by and see him. I wasn’t quite sure how he managed it, but I was pretty sure he was getting help. And whenever I passed by, he was always ready with some question or comment about work so I couldn’t refuse to speak to him. In fact, I was starting to warm up to him with each conversation, especially when Charlene didn’t interrupt us.
Charlene knew what Martin was doing, and made it clear she wasn’t finished with him yet. She was so busy chasing Martin that she didn’t quite make it to help Mari dress every morning, especially if it had been a long travel day or she’d stayed up a bit too late at a ball. Martin, who could have been excused from one or two balls, showed up at every single one, and stayed at least as long as I did. He didn’t have a date to the Pailio ball, the Rilly ball, or the Frondionian ball, and neither did I. Charlene still came after him, but it was hard to make myself remember that he still wasn’t mine whenever we danced. He always claimed one dance at each ball and he always gave me a flower to match my dress, usually a lily.
When we reached the border of Cantralin, the country that claimed Kentucky, Tennessee, Virginia, and North Carolina, I discovered our new mode of transportation. Before, we’d ridden passenger trains, which was set up for primarily day travel. This was meant to be lived on. Their railway system ran straight through Cantralin, Unti, and Untili. The only time we would have to get off were when we switched trains at the borders. We slept on the trains, taking turns in the showers at our stops to refuel or switch tracks since there wasn’t a shower on the train, even as luxurious as it was. We would only ride our horses from the train to the castles and back, which was a twenty-minute ride at best, or so I was told.
There had been a few instances to cause worry, though I did my best to hide Mari and Cathy from anything unpleasant or threatening. We passed by a few protests, not just by the Light Bearers, who scattered as soon as guards exited the train to chase them, but by people of the countries who didn’t appreciate the expense that apparently went into the peace conference every three years.
“How expensive is it?” I asked, watching an overripe tomato slide down the window, leaving a trail behind. Most of the food they threw was rotten or otherwise inedible, but there wasn’t much flying. I was afraid they’d start throwing rocks next.
“Not as expensive for them. The two countries with the biggest expense are the country that carries the invitation to the peace conference, and Geidy, since they host it every year.”
“Every year?” I asked, turning to look at Liam.
He nodded. “Every peace conference for the past sixty years has been held at Geidy. There hasn’t been a huge demand for anyone else to take it, or so we’ve heard.”
“So why are they complaining?” I asked, pointing out the window. The signs and angry protestors had actually blocked the tracks, forcing the train we were on to halt.
“They always do. Money that’s spent on the peace conference could be put to better use elsewhere, or so they claim.”
“It’s not just getting there,” Randall added, entering the carriage. “It’s who gets chosen to go with the royal family, the new outfits, the ball hosted by the country, and the money spent while in Geidy. Queen Florinda would like you two to join them,” he said, nodding to Martin and me. “The crowd’s getting bigger and the Cantralin guards are getting anxious.”
Martin and I rose. Most of the problems so far had been dealt with effortlessly without Valerian guards stepping in, but unrest was higher in Cantralin thanks to a struggling economy and a bit of money mishandling, or so the rumors said. We’d already passed by two protests, and this was our third. The Cantralin guards seemed as uneasy as their people. Favoritism promotions had left Cantralin without good leaders among the upper levels of their security branches. I’d chosen to sit with the other guards because I despised their captain, and he stayed with Alan and Florinda. I would have stayed with Cathy and Mari, but it was Charlene’s turn in what Cathy had dubbed ‘shared custody’. Since Chelsea had joined us on our messenger journey, once Hillarie had convinced her sister that I needed someone to be in essence my lady’s maid, she stayed with the girls when it was Charlene’s turn.
Mari, Cathy, and Charlene had joined Alan and Florinda, and Captain Celcin of Cantralin was trying to convince them that a quick attack would clear the tracks.
“Nevertheless, I am not comfortable asking you to attack your own people without good reason,” Florinda was saying as we were granted entry.
“They’re gaining in numbers, Your Highness,” Captain Celcin returned. “If we’re going to attack, we need to strike while we have the advantage.”
“Is that really our only option?” I demanded. “I thought this was a peace conference. It’s not going to look good if people get hurt by those carrying the invitation to the peace conference.”
“If you have another idea, I’d be willing to listen,” Celcin said, his expression clear he had no interest in listening to any other idea. I had no idea what favors he’d called to get to this position, but I understood the demoralized troops as they took bad orders from a man who clearly didn’t deserve this position.
“Sir, if someone was to talk to them...,” began one of the black-haired guards at the entrance.
“Do they look like they’re willing to talk?” Celcin snapped.
I bristled at his ignorance and turned to that very guard. “What was your name?” I inquired.
He hadn’t quite controlled the scowl, and his voice was clipped. “Green, ma’am.”
“Joan,” I corrected. “If you were given the opportunity to talk, Guardsman Green, what would you say?”
He shifted uncomfortably. “It’s not me they want to talk to, ma’am.”
“Joan,” I corrected a second time. “Who then?”
He glanced at Celcin. Since obviously they wouldn’t want to talk to Celcin, Green had to be worried about backlash from his boss.
I stepped closer, blocking his view. “They’re obviously upset over something. What has upset them?”
He seemed to straighten a little. “They want to be heard,” he said with passion. “Most of the people out there were laid off because of this peace conference. Money had to come from somewhere, and with the bad economy, wages were cut this month and next. We’re all taking a pay cut until after the peace conference. People don’t have enough saved to live on until then, and there’s no way to get more money unless they work outside of Cantralin, and that’s so heavily taxed it won’t do much good.”
“Say one more word, Green, and I’ll have you arrested for treason,” Celcin growled. “You were brought along to keep your people under control, not complain about the orders from the royal family.”
I didn’t want to put Green’s career in jeopardy, but I needed to know what would calm the crowd outside. “So why have they stopped our train?” I pressed.
Green shook his head, his eyes downcast. “I couldn’t say, ma’am,” he muttered into his moustache.
I turned to my sister, sitting next to Mari. “Cathy, do you have any idea why they would stop our train?”
Cathy shook her head, looking confused. “To make a statement?” she ventured forth timidly.
I glanced at Green, who still wouldn’t meet my gaze. Celcin was busy drilling him with a glare in case he had second thoughts about keeping his silence. “Mari, are you interested in knowing why the protestors would stop our train when we have nothing to do with the Cantralin economy?”
She nodded.
I turned to Green. “Princess Mari is interested in knowing why, Guardsman Green.”
He glanced up at me, then muttered, “Because it gets attention.”
“Green, you’d better quit now...”
“And whose attention are they looking to get?” I interrupted. When he didn’t answer, I shot a glance to Mari.
“Whose attention are they looking to get?” Mari repeated obediently.
However much he may not have wanted to answer in front of Celcin, he knew better than to refuse a princess’s question. “The royal family of Cantralin, Your Highness.”
“That’s it! Green, I want you...”
I rounded on Celcin. “You would punish a man for answering a question given by the royal family? Or are you going to order him to disobey a royal command?”
Celcin gritted his teeth. “We have no need for the opinions of the uninformed.”
“You said you brought Guardsman Green along because he had a way to reach the people outside. At the moment, I feel his opinion is worth listening to. If these are his people outside, he would know what’s going through their minds, and how to reach them. Until his opinions are no longer useful, I want him to give his honest opinion. If you aren’t interested in hearing it, then make your way to the other end of the train and ensure the conductor at the other engine is ready to pull out that direction should we need to leave quickly.”
Celcin nearly snarled at me, but left, sending a glare that promised retribution on Green.
“I’m sorry for putting you in that position, Guardsman,” I apologized. “But we need information, and we need it quickly. What are the intentions of the crowd outside? Give me your complete honesty, and I’ll speak to the royal family on your behalf.”
“They’d never hurt you,” he said quickly. “They just want to keep you here. Hold up your progress. It makes the country look bad.”
“And they want that because?” I prompted.
“Because they’re hoping it’ll make other countries put pressure on them to spend Cantralin’s money on their workers. People used to work outside of Cantralin because they made more money, but with the new tax on anyone who doesn’t work inside Cantralin, workers make less sometimes than they did if they just worked here.”
“How long do they intend to hold us here? Because as comfortable as this train is, there are a limited number of bathrooms and I have a feeling I’ll get claustrophobic really soon.”
He shrugged. “Until they make people listen or the military forces them to leave. They’re just hungry, ma’am. And tired. And they think nobody’s listening to them. Everyone’s paying attention because...well, you’re on the train, ma’am,” he said frankly. “The royal family of Valeria with the invitation to the peace conference, that attracts attention, but everyone’s following your progress and the royal families want your good opinion. When the royal family of Zou heard that you helped the current king of Lendia, went to his crowning and stood in a place of honor, they opened trade with Lendia again.”
I shot a glance to Florinda and Alan. “I thought that was because of you.”
“You have influence, dear,” Florinda said, glancing out the window at the crowd outside. “Valeria has prospered because of your ties to our country.”
My brow wrinkled. “Why?”
“Because of the impossibility of you being here.” Randall knew I was missing the reason why I had so much power. “You shouldn’t be able to be here. You shouldn’t be able to cross through the gate. That you can intrigues them. You caught the world’s attention when you came here. Your actions beyond that have kept their attention on you.”
“But what does that have to do with this?” I asked, pointing out the window at the crowd.
“Do you know how many green-handled knives were sold since last summer?” Martin asked dryly. “How many girls wear their hair in a braid like you? The number of females who signed up to train as guards is higher than it has ever been, in every country. Many of them claim you as inspiration. There are many people who sing your praises to anyone who will listen. Lady Marlena has plenty of connections and influence, and her husband, Jason, knows that the kitchen servants can spread a story faster than a noble like Lord Horner can stop it.”
Charlene looked less than pleased to hear this. I shook my head. “You all are real hung up on this age thing, aren’t you?”
“So they’re holding us here because of Joan?” Cathy piped up.
“The royal families want Joan’s good opinion because the people admire her. You,” Green said, addressing me again. “And threatening you and the royal family of Valeria is the quickest way to get the attention they want.”
I was quiet for a minute, contemplating, while the crowd shouted chants outside. “What would it take to make them think someone’s listening?” I asked finally. “Would they calm down if I went out and spoke to them?”
His eyes widened. “You?”
“You?” Cathy repeated, aghast.
“Would I make them think someone’s listening?” I pressed.
He nodded slowly. “Yes, ma’am. I think if you went out there, they’d listen.”
“If you call me ma’am one more time, I’m going to invent a formal reprimand for excessive formality.” I turned to Martin. “Do you think it’s worth the risk if I go talk to them?”
He was all business, glancing outside at the milling people. “I think it’s risky to go near them at this point.”
“I’m not planning to. There’s a roof hatch somewhere on this train, right? I’ll talk to them from there. If you think it’s not going well, tell the engineer at the back end of the train to get moving and we’ll go that way. But I don’t like the outcome of us sitting here and waiting.”
He was silent a moment. “As it is your plan and you are the one taking the risk and reasonable precautions are being made, I think it is our best option.”
“You will be careful,” Florinda said. “And that’s an order, Joan.”
There was a sudden thump on the side of the train, and Cathy let out a shriek as the train started rocking. Out the window, I could see a man give a nasty grin as he did it again, others joining him and rocking the train.
Green scowled. “That one will be to blame if anything goes wrong.”
Striding to the window, I flung it open and grabbed the man by his shirt, stopping the rocking. “Listen, troublemaker, I’m planning on coming out to talk to you, but you’re scaring my sister and I don’t appreciate it.”
“We don’t appreciate not getting paid and treated like dirt!” he shouted in my face. “And a guard ain’t gonna give us what we want!
I tapped the diamond pin on my shoulder. “How about the diplomat from the Flip Side?” I inquired. “Would she do?”
His eyes darted to the pin. Others stopped pushing on the train. Silence fell in the area where we were as they realized who was in front of them.
“Green!” I called, letting go of the man’s shirt. “Where’s that hatch?”
“There are three of them. I can get any of them unlocked,” he replied.
“You’re coming to talk to us?” the troublemaker challenged.
“In five minutes. So behave yourself.” I straightened and closed the window.
“Joan, you can’t!” Cathy raced over to me, grabbing my arm. “You can’t go out there!”
I pressed a kiss to her forehead. “It’s all right, sis. I’ll have the other guards nearby. If anything starts to go wrong, I’ll come back inside immediately. But holding us here is the only way they feel they have power, and a lot of people are going to get hurt if someone doesn’t convince them there’s a better way to go about this.”
“But they nearly tipped the train over!”
“People do crazy things when they’re scared. I’ll be okay. You can be with the other guards under the hatch to keep an eye on me.” I turned to Tatum. “Suggestions?”
“Don’t go out as a guard. They have a negative view of the uniform at this moment.”
I shrugged out of the jacket, making sure to keep the pin. “Anything else?”
“Don’t show fear, but don’t show anger. Any anger will be amplified and likely turned back on you. Provide calm and a solution, even if temporary, and they may well disperse on their own.” He offered a white jacket. “This jacket symbolizes someone carrying a message of peace. It should help to protect you.”
I pulled the jacket on and put the diamond pin in place. “We usually carry a white flag in the Flip Side.” I looked at Green. “I’m ready.”
He led the way. As we passed by, the Elite Guard left their seats to join us, Cathy by my side, Martin following.
“What is the meaning of this?” Celcin barked.
“We’re going to try negotiating,” Martin informed him. “Is the engineer ready?”
“Waiting for my command.”
“Then be ready to give it.”
“You first,” I said when Green unhooked the latch. “You’re someone they know. I want them to see a friendly face before they have to listen to someone they don’t know.”
“You sure about this? Last time you faced an angry crowd, you were stoned,” Liam warned.
“You were stoned?” Cathy repeated, appalled.
“I can duck this time. And if it’s anything serious, that’s what Joe’s for, right?” I asked, climbing up after Green.
The crowd fell silent when I straightened. Seizing the moment of silence, I bowed to them. “Greetings from the Flip Side. I’m Joan Ilion.” I leaned towards Green. “Who would I want to speak to?” I asked softly.
“Elvis.”
My gaze shot to him. “Elvis?” I repeated. “As in the singer? Elvis Presley?”
“He’s named after Elvis. His music is very popular here.”
I spoke louder, over the slight buzz. “May I have the honor of speaking to Elvis?”
I heard the snort from below and knew Cathy had heard me.
There was a slight parting in the crowd, and a man pushed his way through. I could see the moustache ran in the family, because this man looked like an older version of Guardsman Green. I bowed to him. He bowed back, if a bit grudgingly. “You’re here to speak with us?” he asked.
“Actually, I’m here to listen.” And I sat down on the train, keeping my eyes on Elvis. “And Guardsman Green is here as my witness. Whatever you say to me will be repeated to the royal family of Cantralin when I see them.”
“And you think they’ll listen to you when they won’t listen to their own people?” he demanded, jabbing a finger at me.
“I think they’d listen to me say the alphabet,” I said frankly. “You were willing to listen to me. I’m hoping they’ll do the same.”
“And what will you say?”
“What do you want me to say?”
“That we’re hungry.”
There were mutters and nods at that, and a few that said louder, “That’s right!”
“That we’re fighting for our next meal. That they’re spending more money on clothes than they are on their own people!”
Louder mutters at this.
“That if they won’t pay their own people what they deserve, that they at least have the decency of letting us earn a living in other countries that will!”
There was almost a unanimous shout of, “Aye!” at that.
I resisted the urge to start speaking Shakespearian and kept my calm tone. “I’m afraid I am not fully apprised of the situation. Have you not taken these complaints before the royal family?”
Frustration was evident on Elvis’s face. “They won’t let us through the door. Our complaints must be sent through the chain of command, and the chain doesn’t go to the royal family. We’ve sent letters and gone in person, and we haven’t made it inside the castle yet. We have to get approval to go before the king and queen, or get the disapproval overturned by a judge, and all we’ve heard is they’re considering our request.”
I knew a waiting game when I heard it. I’d gone through several of these, with companies promising I’d hear from them soon, or that the manager had just stepped out for lunch, or that the person I most needed to talk to was gone for the day. I had some sympathy for the crowd of people who were frustrated, needing answers and getting none. “And all you want is to talk?”
“Talking would be progress. Talking would mean someone was paying attention.”
I had never been a diplomat before, but I thought this sounded reasonable. I climbed to my feet. “One moment.”
I felt their limited patience slipping away as I crouched over the hatch. “Ask King Alan and Queen Florinda if it would be possible to bring a few representatives from the crowd to join us on our trip to the castle.”
“What?” Celcin bellowed.
I ignored him. “I believe if we have a few who know they’re guaranteed a visit with the royal family, they’ll clear the tracks and let us pass.”
Remy left to dispatch the message.
“Does that man look like Elvis Presley?” Cathy asked while Celcin fumed.
I sent her a smile. “He does have black hair.”
She giggled.
“If they agree to it, do we have a compartment we could put five people in with some Valerian guards?” I asked Martin.
He nodded. “I’ll ask for volunteers.”
“I’m one of them. If we’re going to keep this peaceful until we get to the castle, I’ll stay with them.”
“They’ll be searched for weapons.”
I glanced at Green. “I’m hoping that won’t be too much of a problem.”
Remy came quickly back. “Their words were, and I quote, ‘As long as Joan realizes she is staying an extra hour at the ball and our security is not a concern’.”
“They’d better appreciate this,” I muttered. Then, composing my expression, I rose and faced the crowd. “I’d like to extend an invitation,” I announced. “If there are five among you who would like to join our company, you may have your time to express your complaints with the royal family of Cantralin.”
“At the sentencing,” the troublemaker from before sneered.
I didn’t flinch. “I give you my word that you will walk unharmed in front of the royal family and that your case will be presented to them. I will stay with you until you are seen by your royal family.”
“You have no ties to us! After you leave, you’ll probably never return to Cantralin! How can we trust your word?” another shouted.
“Because I don’t break my promises. And if you don’t believe me, then ask any Valerian on this train. If you step on this train, I’ll keep my promises. You’ll arrive unharmed, free to leave or walk inside the castle, and I will personally guarantee your health and safety while in my protection. And I’ll promise you that if one of you intentionally harms anyone on this train while we take you to our destination, I will throw you off the train. If you harm my sister or her best friend, I’ll beat you to a bloody pulp before I throw you off the train.”
Though I knew that last threat could turn against me, it seemed to have the right touch. Elvis crossed his arms, and nodded abruptly. “I believe you. I’ll go.”
“Would you like to choose the other four, or would you like your father to?” I muttered to Green.
Green’s gaze darted to me, but he didn’t deny the family tie. “Let him,” he said. “He knows them best and he won’t pick anyone who might have ties to the Light Bearers.”
“You’ll check them for weapons.” To Elvis Green, I said, “Choose four to come with you and present your case. Guardsman Green will meet you at the door.” Then I lowered myself inside.
Celcin got in my face immediately, poking me hard with fat finger. “You have just placed everyone inside this train at risk! I will not have you placing those clotpoles among my people on my train!”
Martin suddenly moved, slamming Celcin into the far wall, his tone hard. “You will do whatever the king and queen order, and their orders are to follow what she says. If you do not like it, you may disembark at any time. Lay your hand on her again, and I will throw you off the train myself.”
Celcin’s face grew red, but he knew better than to answer. Shoving Martin’s arm, he stormed down to the other end of the train. “I’ll be sure to let Their Majesties know whose idea this was,” he threw behind him.
“Thanks,” I said when Celcin had gone.
“You’re welcome,” he replied. “Neal, go with Guardsman Green and make sure the five who board are unarmed and escort them personally to their compartment. I don’t want Celcin or another Cantralin guard starting something.”
“What’s a clotpole?” I wanted to know as Neal and Green headed in the same direction Celcin had.
“It generally means idiot.”
“Funny. That’s how I would have described Celcin.” I smiled at Cathy. “See, sis? I’m just fine.”
“Can I sit with you?” she asked.
“And leave Mari to play checkers with herself?” I asked.
“You need backup,” she said seriously.
I hugged her. “I’ll have it. You and Randall need to keep an eye on Mari now that I’ll be busy. The train ride shouldn’t take too much longer. Hopefully it won’t, or Celcin will get an idea.”
“Let me know if he touches you. I really want to throw him off the train,” Martin said darkly. “Preferably while it’s moving.”