It
was quiet in the shuttle for the longest time. Unan seemed lacking for any
further words, and even Ian’s telepathic voice was absent. Either her best
friend had become wholly immersed in his mother’s primed lecture, or perhaps he
had found his father’s arguments regrettably persuasive. No doubt Ian was aware
of every point of opposition resounding in her thoughts.
“Sweetheart,”
Unan uttered in a soft, apologetic whisper, “I’m sorry. I had no intention of
lecturing you today. I truly don’t wish to ruin your birthday.”
The
young queen wiped at her moist cheeks, head bowed to hide her face. She didn’t
know what to say.
“I
understand that Derian’s loss left a painful void in your life. And as
comforting and attentive as my son has been towards you, I can understand how
easy it is to fill that emptiness with feelings for Ian. But….you’re
emotionally vulnerable, Eena. I don’t know that you should trust those feelings
just yet.”
“I
love him, Unan.” The statement was both sure and sincere. Even though her head remained
lowered, her words were adamant enough to stand on their own. “I have loved your
son for a very long time, but he refused me because of his promise to Angelle.”
“My
son loved Angelle.”
“Yes,
I know he did,” Eena agreed. Her eyes finally flickered up to look at the old
man. “And I loved Derian with all my heart. I still do. But you’re right, Unan,
you absolutely can fall in love with more than one person. I know it because I
love Ian too. I’ll admit our love is different. It’s calmer and gentler, founded
on friendship and the personal link that exists between us. But it’s real. It’s
not something that just recently developed because of Derian’s loss.”
Unan
sighed his disappointment. “This is because he intruded in your dreams.”
“No.
I had feelings for your son long before he revealed himself to me in my dreams.
That only made our friendship stronger.”
The
old protector shook his head, his features a tangle of anxiety. “It’s just not
a good idea.”
“In
all honesty, Unan, I’m not sure I care.”
“Well,
you should. Ian needs to concentrate on his calling, which is to protect
Moccobatra’s greatest treasure…” It was the same argument, and the young Sha
had no desire to hear it repeated.
“Then
let someone else do it! Assign me a new guard, or a handful of guards, or an
army, I don’t care!”
When
her adopted father stopped to stare at her with knitted eyebrows, a pang of
guilt made her look away.
“I’m
sorry,” she breathed.
Her
ears picked up a deep inhale followed by a bleak exhale. Unan stood up from the
pilot’s chair. “We should go. The council is waiting for you.”
Eena
led the way to the bottom floor of city hall where eight elderly council
members—Harrowbeth’s respected governing legislature—were gathered together in a
meeting chamber. They were seated around a long, oval table discussing the day’s
schedule of events while awaiting their queen.
Unan
followed Eena at an arm’s pace as she made her way down twisted corridors
inside of city hall. When they arrived at a miniature foyer, she stopped beneath
a domed ceiling to stare at the heavy, wooden door ahead. Its dark face was
engraved with Harrowbeth’s national crest, a magnificent crioness carrying a
seven-pointed star. The crest reminded her of the day she was carried over
ocean waters in the talons of one of those great birds. It had been a
frightening ordeal—nearly as frightening as what she was currently contemplating.
Nervous
about standing alone, she called for Ian in her mind but without any luck. The
whole time, Unan waited patiently, never urging his queen forward. When she
finally reached for the door handle, the old protector helped pull it open, allowing
her to duck inside the room. Minister Jorban, Harrowbeth’s head councilor, stood
up from his chair directly.
“Sha
Eena,” he bowed. “It is wonderful to see you.”
The
seven other councilors rose from their seats as well and offered the same
respectful welcome, collectively chiming “Sha Eena.”
“And
a happy birthday to you!”
Eena
managed a smile and a “thank you” for Mia Rahn before Minister Jorban voiced an
observation.
“Ian’s
not accompanying you today?”
“No,
sir, I’m afraid not.” Her grumbled reply made it clear she wasn’t happy about the
fact. Unan piped in at once, offering an explanation.
“My
son is assisting his mother and Nischeen with preparations for the afternoon
banquet. She was in need of a strong pair of arms.”
“Ah,
I see.” Jorban raised a curious eyebrow but didn’t pry further. Eena threw out
a comment anyway.
“Ian
said he would join me later. I’m sure he will.” She didn’t care if Unan
objected or not, she wasn’t about to spend her entire birthday without her best
friend.
During
this exchange, Jorban made his way to an empty chair at one head of the oval
table. He pulled it out, offering the seat to their young queen. She seemed
unwilling to budge, having planted her feet just beyond the doorway.
“Is
something bothering you, Sha Eena?”
“Well,
yes, actually. It just seems there are an awful lot of people gathered in the
streets today.”
Jorban
smiled. “They are all here in honor of your birthday.”
“My
eighteenth birthday,” she clarified.
“Yes,”
he nodded.
She
noticed an exchange of furtive glances by the other councilors in the room. All
had remained standing. Eena dropped her hands to her sides, realizing she was nervously
kneading her fingers.
“Moccobatra
appears to be very interested in my eighteenth birthday. And that is because…” She
left the sentence hanging, hoping someone might finish it for her. Jorban did
so without hesitation.
“Because
it is a special age. It is customary that a Sha wed within her eighteenth year.
Traditionally, it is when a young Sha announces her intent to marry and selects
a date on which the grand occasion will occur. In your case, given Derian’s recent
passing, there is no such expectation. You needn’t worry.”
Scanning
the faces of all eight dignitaries, Eena was touched by a collective show of
compassion. Bravely, she went on speaking knowing their expressions would likely
turn sour.
“I still
plan to marry within the year,” she announced.
There
were sounds of surprise mixed with expressions of relief.
“That
is good news,” Jorban remarked. “Come, sit. We will discuss the matter
further.” The old minister gestured for the council to take their seats as
well, which they did.
Eena
didn’t budge. She glanced at Unan, now standing dutifully against the wall
beside her. His mouth was set in a knowing frown.
(Ian?)
she tried again, wishing for his support. There was no response.
Courageously—and
perhaps rashly—she blurted out her message before an acute case of nerves could
convince her to renege. “I’ve already found someone. We would like to marry soon.”
“Soon?
As in….out of necessity?” The wrinkles on Jorban’s forehead creased together in
a fretful manner. The other council members assumed similar expressions. It
took a moment for the young queen to understand their thinking—a presumption she
immediately denied.
“No!
No, no we don’t need to marry soon. We just want to get married soon.”
She mumbled a line of added information. “It’s sort of an untraditional
pairing.”
Kai
Launi was the first to react, rising brusquely from her chair. Eena groaned. It
wasn’t surprising that Kai Launi would be the one with big enough ears to
overhear.
“You
will not be marrying a Mishmorat! That is absolutely out of the
question! This is exactly what happens when you make friends with wayward women
like Kira, that pompous little, nuisance!” The tetchy councilwoman pointed a
stern finger at the standing minister, telling him, “I warned you, Jorban. That
good-for-nothing, blotch-skinned, troublemaker should have been taken off the
streets and locked up for good!”
“Hey!”
Eena exclaimed. “There’s nothing wrong with Kira! She’s a wonderful friend and
as good to me as any Harrowbethian! And anyway, I don’t want to marry a
Mishmorat.”
“You
aren’t seriously considering a Viidun?” Maxillium was instantly up beside the
still-fuming councilwoman, voicing his guess at what an “untraditional pairing”
meant. “Those barbarians are not even from our world!”
“No,
I’m not interested in the Viiduns either. It’s no one from outside Moccobatra.”
Kai
Luani broke in again before Eena could explain herself. “Oh please tell
me you haven’t stooped so low as to consider a Semmian suitor!”
“That’s
enough, Kai Launi!” It was Jorban objecting, narrowing his eyes at the
insulting suggestion from the lady councilor. The old woman snapped her mouth
shut, jutting out her chin at the same time.
Jorban
stole a discreet glance at Unan before returning his attention to the young
queen. She was certain he had guessed to whom she was referring. Her own quick
glimpse at the old protector found him shamefaced and eyeing the floor. It was
almost enough to halt her resolve. But the thought of giving up both Derian and
Ian was too painful.
“Sha
Eena,” Jorban said in a most inviting tone of voice. “Who is it that you desire
to marry?”
The
room fell silent.
“I
uh...” Again, she glanced at the disgruntled form of her adopted father. “Minister
Jorban, I know it’s not customary, but….I would like to marry Ian.”
As
expected, the room erupted with an array of reactions. It was Jorban’s response
that interested Eena most, which made his complete lack of expression
troublesome. He seemed capable of hiding his emotions as well as Pallador. Or,
perhaps, he had suspected the truth. Ian had said that the old minister did wonder
about them.
Voices
mingled as the debate grew louder and more heated. Maxillium and Kai Launi were
up on their feet objecting as a pair. Zerom had joined them, although it
appeared he was arguing, not agreeing, with their opinions. Eena tuned in to
the loudest voice in the room—Kai Launi’s, of course.
“Such
a thing isn’t even proper to suggest, let alone be granted actual consideration!
Ian is a protector, and therefore he cannot
be her husband! This is outrageous! It is entirely against Harrowbethian
tradition!”
Maxillium
threw in his opinion when the complaining councilwoman stopped for a necessary
breath. “There are at least a dozen more qualified, available suitors willing
to step in as Shen. My youngest son happens to be one of them.”
Zerom
groaned at Maxillium’s attempt to throw his offspring into the spotlight. “And
I suppose you’re eager to assign your son to the position of Shen, regardless
of how our young Sha feels about the man?”
“We
are speaking of a very important position here. Shen of Harrowbeth is not a
calling to be taken lightly! Ian is just a protector. He hasn’t the
training my son has in dealing tactfully with foreign dignitaries.”
Offended
by their rudeness, Eena raised her voice to speak over the argument. “Oh, and I
suppose your grand display of diplomatic behavior here stems from years of skillful
training!”
Both
Kai Launi and Maxillium glared daggers at the young lady, although she caught a
humored smirk on Zerom’s lips. Mia Rahn took advantage of the momentary break
in conversation.
“Sha
Eena, what you are asking for is an alteration to centuries of tradition.”
“What
I’m asking for is to be allowed to marry the man I love.”
Ander,
seated beside Mia Rahn, spoke up next. “I do feel for you, Sha Eena, but you
need to understand…” He paused and shook his head uncertainly. “I’m not sure
how Harrowbeth would react to such an uncustomary marriage arrangement.”
“Why
would they care? It’s my marriage, my husband. Shouldn’t it be my decision?”
“That’s
not how these engagements work in Harrowbeth.” It was Jorban who took the reins
on the conversation. His hand continued to grip at the chair he had pulled out
for the young queen. “Promises are made when we are young. We honor those promises,
making the most of the unions decided on by wise and caring parents.”
“Derian
was my promised one,” Eena reminded them. “I would gladly marry him, but I
can’t. He’s gone.”
“No
thanks to you.” A chorus of objectionable gasps followed Kai Launi’s callous
remark.
“That
is enough!” Jorban warned. He cast a
stern glare at the woman.
Eena
felt her cheeks burn with a sudden onset of tears. She blinked them back.
Stepping
forward to take their young queen by the arm, Jorban tugged gently, urging her
to move to the table along with him. He managed to guide her to the waiting
chair, speaking softly the entire time.
“Sha
Eena, child. I am sure that your feelings for Ian are genuine, and I’m sure his
feelings for you are the same. But his position denies him the right to seek
your hand in marriage. However, there are many handsome, thoughtful, available
suitors already assembled to meet you today.”
Her
eyes shot up ready to object, but the old man’s head shook away the notion.
“My
dear, the position of Shen and that of protector are two enormously important callings.
It is necessary that they be filled by two separate, capable Harrowbethian men.
Ian is a wonderful protector and performs his duties remarkably well. He has
watched over you since the day you were born and has never let you down. You
need him as your protector, Sha Eena. We, as Moccobatrans, need him completely
and utterly devoted to the job of protecting our planet’s greatest asset. You. The
burdens of a Shen would be far too much to place on top of his already
demanding duties.” Jorban patted her hand as he stopped the young Sha beside
her chair. “You will fall in love with another. There are many wonderful
gentlemen you have yet to meet. No one will pressure you to choose hastily. We
will wait.”
“But
Jorban,” she uttered, nearly whining.
“Now,
now, shush.” He patted her hand again in a tender, fatherly fashion. “Take a
seat. This isn’t a matter that must be decided presently.”
She
felt defeated. Humiliated. Her eyes refused to meet those of the council. How
could she stand the arrogant way in which Kai Launi and Maxillium would stare
back at her? Her head hung low as she wondered whether or not to take her chair.
It felt as if sinking into the cushion would be the same as giving in. She had
expected opposition, but not from Jorban. Not after Ian had told her he had
read the minister’s thoughts. Had he not said that Jorban suspected she was
growing close to her protector? What happened to Ian’s prediction that the old
councilor would feel a desire to grant her what she wanted in return for all
she had done to save Harrowbeth? Had he changed his mind that quickly?
(Eena,
he just wants to know how badly you really want this.)
(Ian!
Where have you been?)
(I’ve
been busy with Mother. She’s worse than Kai Launi, if you can imagine that.)
(They
won’t listen to me, Ian, I need you.)
(Eena,
Jorban’s testing you to see if you’ll give in or if you’ll fight for what you
want. He’s trying to find out how serious you are. Look, if you don’t want to
marry me, I’ll stand down, I swear. I can sense your reservations to cause any
more problems. But if you want this—I mean, if you truly want to marry me—then
don’t take a seat. Stand your ground. I love you, you know I do, but I’ll live
with whatever you decide.)
(Ian,
I need you here now,) she begged. (I don’t know what to say to them.)
(I’m
on my way. Just don’t quit arguing, Eena. I know you can do this. You were
always good for a heated argument with Derian.)
It
was pure conviction that made her head rise. Her hazel eyes constricted in
response to Kai Launi’s condescending stare. She stepped away from the chair,
causing Jorban to release his hold on her arm. An uneasy inhale proceeded her
standby argument.
“I
can take care of myself. I don’t need a constant protector.” There was a mix of
impatient groans and exasperated huffs that followed.
“This
is preposterous!” Maxillium declared.
Kai
Launi addressed the head councilman right off. “Jorban, you already put an end
to this ridiculous discussion, must we continue this pointless jabbering?”
“Well,
apparently we must,” the minister hummed, placing a contemplative finger on his
chin. “Our queen seems to have more to say.”
“I
do,” Eena insisted. She caught a hint of amusement twitch the corners of
Jorban’s lips. Boldly addressing the council, she went on. “I can’t understand
what all the fuss is about.”
Maxillium
snorted, “We told you, had you been listening, that Ian cannot fill two
callings…”
Braga
broke in with a louder voice, though more emotionally controlled. “This
marriage you seek would destroy centuries of tradition. The same valued
tradition your parents gave their lives to defend. Would you dishonor their
sacrifice this way?”
Eena
stood up taller, her voice strong and adamant. “I am in no way dishonoring my
parents. I do honor the traditions of Harrowbeth, but I believe there
must be room at times for flexibility. Allowances should be made for unusual
circumstances.” Her eyes shifted from one council member to the next as she implored
their understanding. “Ian would gladly marry his promised one, Angelle, if she
were alive. And I would give anything to marry Derian. We both intended to
honor the promises made by our parents in leu of tradition, but the opportunity
was stolen from us. Our situation is unusual, and it leaves us both alone
without promised mates. What does it matter if the rules are altered slightly for
an altered situation?”
“Oh,
just marry someone else!” Kai Launi exclaimed impatiently.
“No!”
Eena retorted stubbornly.
“Then
you don’t truly honor our traditions.”
Angry
and bitter, Eena verbally attacked the councilwoman. “If that’s true, then it’s
your fault! I was raised to value Earth traditions because you left me on that
planet for the majority of my life! If you don’t like the fact that I see the
world through alien eyes, then you have only yourselves to blame for it!”
Jorban’s
calm voice of authority cut in, urging everyone to settle down. Eena finished
her thought with more composure.
“I
was raised on Earth in a culture where freedom of choice is highly valued. People
there choose who they want to marry. I always believed I would grow up to have
that same opportunity. I had no idea that the culture I was raised in—the
values I took to heart—were not to be mine forever.”
When
her gaze strayed to the others surrounding the table, she noted more somber
expressions. Nannock, who had remained silent up to this point, addressed her
next.
“Sha
Eena, I would like to know…do you intend to pass on these Earth traditions to
your posterity?”
The
worry in his aged features softened her disposition. “No, sir. I plan to raise
my children in the ways of Harrowbeth.”
“And
you will promise your children to appropriate suitors?”
“Yes,
I intend to.”
“Could
we expect an heir soon after your marriage then?” It was Ander daring the delicate
question.
Eena
could feel the heat of embarrassment prickle her cheeks. It seemed an awfully
bold inquiry. She was surprised by an equally bold answer from behind.
“If
we were to marry, there would be no reason to wait.”
The
young queen twisted her neck to spot Ian entering the chamber. As excited as
she was at his arrival, she held back showing it.
(Took
you long enough.)
(Sorry.
Mother was pretty harsh with me.)
(Unfortunately,
you may find this crowd to be just as harsh.)
“Ahh,
Ian. You made it.” Minister Jorban walked over to the young man, stealing a glance
at Unan in the process. Displeasure was noted on the old protector’s face.
“We
have been discussing a request by our queen to marry her protector. Now, I’m
sure you are aware that such a union would be highly uncustomary.”
“Yes,
sir,” Ian nodded.
“And
yet you both insist on pursuing it?”
“If
Sha Eena wishes to marry me, then yes, sir.” The young pair swapped the tiniest
smile, a gesture caught by every onlooker.
“I
am curious, Ian. How did Sha Eena come to this decision? Was it her idea? Or
was it…”
“I
asked her to marry me.” His bold, unapologetic admission received murmurs of
disapproval from members of the council.
“I
see,” said Jorban. “I assume this was against your parent’s wishes?” His eyes
strayed to Unan for an answer before Ian gave one.
“Yes,
sir.”
Kai
Launi slapped a hand on the table, grabbing attention from one and all before once
again voicing her opinion loud and clear.
“This
irreprehensible behavior is deserving of a severe reprimand! To pursue a
position of authority in this way, knowing full well our standing traditions on
the matter, is a violation of all that is proper and honorable within our
laws!”
Mia
Rahn stood up for the first time and, for the unusually quiet councilor she
was, retorted rather loudly, “A Sha marrying her protector may be unheard of
and contrary to our normal customs, but it is not against any established laws,
Kai Launi. You cannot justify punishing this young man simply for falling in
love. And besides…” She paused momentarily to glance at every member at the
table. “I believe we owe our queen for her hand in protecting Moccobatra from
the wicked intentions of those immortal beings whom she managed to overpower
and defeat in a way no one else in this room could have. Do you not remember how
our Sha risked her life to save the world? Or are your memories really that
short?”
Mia
Rahn sat herself down, arching a daring eyebrow at anyone brave enough to throw
her an objectionable look. That’s when Jorban returned to the table and gestured
for the council to hush. It was silent during the time it took for him to
rummage through his thoughts. Eventually he spoke.
“Traditionally,
when a queen makes a request from her acting council, the matter is discussed
and a vote is cast. I believe this matter has been discussed adequately.” He
scanned the room for any objections. When no one spoke up, he continued. “Then
it is time to put it to a vote.”
Jorban
started off calling for the votes of which he was certain. First, the Director
of Science, Technology, and Education.
“Kai
Launi?”
The
ill-tempered woman stood up in one swift move and announced her view
obdurately. “I am most certainly against this union. Ian is a protector, and
protectors cannot be suitors for the Shas. Even if he were not such, I find him
to be unfit for the position of Shen due to his blatant disregard for our
cherished Harrowbethian traditions. His actions are dishonorable and highly
unworthy of a king’s standing.” The councilwoman sat herself down in a huff.
Jorban
called for the next vote. “Maxillium?”
Rising
from his seat a little less abruptly, Harrowbeth’s Military and Defense
Coordinator voiced his opinion strongly. “I stand by Kai Launi. There are
plenty of available, worthy suitors willing to fill the role of Shen. If Sha
Eena were to take the time to get to know these other men, I’m sure she would
find one to her liking. My son is a perfect candidate, being just a couple
years Derian’s senior.”
Eena
felt disgusted and naturally scrunched her nose. She could only imagine how
intolerable it would be to live with a younger version of Maxillium.
The
defense coordinator went on with his suggestions. “Jerin, the newest head of
our national security, is also an available and well-suited possibility. Is he
not a friend of yours?”
“Well,
uh, yes, he’s a friend, but Jerin isn’t interested in marriage. He’s still very
much in love with his wife.”
“His
late wife,” Maxillium corrected. “And I know for a fact he would be more
than willing to do the honorable thing for Harrowbeth and accept the position
of Shen.”
“I’m
not interested in Jerin,” Eena declared.
“He
would be good to you, for Derian’s sake.”
“A
charity marriage?”
“Do
you not care to honor Kahm Derian’s wishes?”
“Yes,
I care for Derian’s wishes, but he never wished for me to marry Jerin.”
“Well,
I assure you,” Maxillium stated quite emphatically, “that he would be hard
pressed to ever wish for you to marry Ian! Those two never got along; everyone
knows that.”
“Derian
and Ian were good friends,” Eena insisted. “We were all good friends. And
Derian would wish for my happiness above anything else. That I do know.”
Maxillium
grabbed at the hem of his jacket and yanked the creases straight. He boldly stated,
“You are young, naïve, impetuous, and above all selfish!”
Jorban
chided the councilor, who took his seat while Eena grumbled lowly, “Tell me
something I haven’t heard.”
Shifting
his attention to the other end of table, the minister called for the next vote.
“Mia Rahn, what have you to say?”
The
Minister of International Affairs stood up, tapping her fingers lightly on the
marbled table. She smiled at the young queen and her protector.
“Sha
Eena, I will have you know that I honor the traditions of Harrowbeth, and I respect
how strongly your parents felt about defending those traditions. Being a good
friend to your mother, I also know for a fact that Sha Tashi wasn’t beyond
bending the rules every now and then to accommodate her own desires.” Mia
slipped in an impish grin before continuing. “I am certain Sha Tashi and Shen
Laynn would be proud of your decision to marry Derian, thus carrying out the
promise they arranged when you were an infant. However, considering the
impossibility of that now, I believe your parents would wish for your happiness
above all else. I’m sure they would feel it appropriate at your age to choose
for yourself. If marrying Ian makes you happy, then it seems to me that bending
a minor custom is a small thing to ask. Especially given all we owe you.”
Mia
Rahn took her seat, and Jorban asked her friend Ander for his vote. The
Agricultural Director stood to take his turn.
“I’m
in full agreement with Mia Rahn,” he said, his slender frame towering above the
others. “And for the record, I believe Ian will make a very fine Shen. He comes
from a long line of highly respectable, exceptionally capable men.”
Eena
couldn’t help but flicker a glance at Unan. She caught genuine pride in the old
protector’s eyes.
Jorban
called on the Director of Business, Commerce, and Trade for the next vote. Nonnack
took his time getting to his feet. Concern weighed heavily in his features. After
clearing his throat, he spoke directly to the young protector.
“Ian,
young man, I have nothing against you personally, and I am inclined to want to
agree to our Sha’s request. However, it troubles me to know that your
acceptance as Shen of Harrowbeth will leave her unprotected at times. Granted, she
has pointed out her ability to defend herself quite capably, but…” Nonnack drew
in a tentative breath and let it out gradually. His brow pulled taut as he
hesitated. “I just believe that the safety of our Sha should overrule all other
concerns. I’m sorry, but she needs a watchful protector by her side at all times.”
“I
will be there for her,” Ian insisted. “Her safety is my top priority.”
“It
is now,” Nonnack agreed, “because it is your only job. I don’t think you realize
how often your attention and your presence will be called away from her with
the added duties of a Shen.”
Ian came
back with an immediate answer. “I will assign guards to look after her in my
absence.”
“Rubbish!”
Nonnack pursed his lips into a frown, unsatisfied that mere guards were enough.
“Lots
and lots of guards,” Ian added, exposing
a hint of desperation. Eena looked up at him, worry swimming in her eyes. Then
they heard an unexpected voice cut in to offer a better solution.
“I
could step in as her protector. That is, if Ian and Sha Eena were to marry.”
The collective
attention turned to Unan who stood calmly beside the wall. He met incredulous
stares from everyone.
(What
is he doing?) Ian questioned, both surprised and skeptical.
Eena’s
face brightened as she realized, (He’s offering his help, Ian. He’s supporting
us!)
“I am
technically still a protector,” Unan reminded everyone, “and I would welcome
the opportunity to look after Harrowbeth’s queen once again. It is our family’s
calling and our right.”
Nonnack
appeared to relax from head to toe as he announced, “Jorban, in light of this
new offer, I have decided to fully support our queen’s decision to marry her
protector. I mean the first one. The young one. Ian, not Unan. You know what I
mean.”
“Yes,
Nonnack,” Jorban chuckled. He looked across the table at the Minister of
Internal Affairs. “Braga, what is your vote?”
The
dark-haired minister stood up slowly, his face deeply troubled. The wrinkled
flesh pulled down in puckered lines around his mouth. His speech was low and
humble.
“Regardless
of my sympathies, I strongly believe that bending our rules, our standards, or our
traditions, even if only the slightest bit, threatens the very foundation of
our society. These customs which amount to our very way of life have persisted
for centuries only because our ancestors allowed no deviation from the set
standards that we continue to adhere to today. I don’t feel it would be for the
good of all to allow this disregard of propriety. I’m sorry, Sha Eena.” Braga
sat himself down quietly.
“Very
well,” Jorban acknowledged. He looked to the other side of Mia Rahn and
addressed the councilman seated there. “Zerom, you’re next. What are your
thoughts?”
“Hmm.”
The Minister of Interplanetary Affairs didn’t bother to stand. He sucked in a
deep breath before lifting his chin and boldly announcing, “I, for one, say we
should be thankful she came to us with a Harrowbethian suitor. Forgive me, Sha
Eena, but it would not have surprised me to see you follow in the footsteps of
your friend, Jinatta.” His eyes swept across the council as he asked, “Could
you imagine the next Sha being half Viidun?”
There
was a mix of groans and stifled chuckles.
Zerom
continued, leaning back decisively in his chair. “I say we count our blessings
and let the girl have her Harrowbethian man.”
It
was Jorban’s turn. Eena was fully aware that as Harrowbeth’s Chief Judge, his
vote outweighed all others, even in circumstances where the council was
unanimous. He had the power to overrule the majority so long as he could back
his decision on legal grounds. His vote would be final regardless of who agreed
or disagreed.
Itching
with anticipation, Eena asked Ian for some insight into the minister’s
thoughts. (What has he decided?)
(He
hasn’t yet. He’s deliberating in his head; both points of view concern him.)
The
young queen opened her mouth to say something before the final vote was cast, something
persuasive enough to convey what Ian meant to her. She spoke the minister’s
name, but no words took form. Her mind went blank. She found herself uttering
what her heart was screaming. “Please, please, Jorban, please.”
It
was impossible to tell from the old man’s expression whether her plea moved him
or not. Every eye in the room was either resting on the minister, or flickering
his way repeatedly for a clue as to his stance on the matter. A long period of
agonizing silence slugged by before the head councilman finally said something.
When he did, he asked a question.
“Ian,
does your mother support your decision to marry Sha Eena?”
The
young protector frowned. “No, sir. But I believe she would be supportive if the
council agreed to it.”
“Hmm.
And you would be prepared to step into a highly-demanding calling? To devote
your time and talents learning to perform the functions of a Shen? Harrowbeth
expects much from its leaders, as do our surrounding neighbors.”
Ian
nodded. “I understand, sir. I would do all that is required. More if necessary.”
“Hmm.”
The Jorban's wondering eyes shifted to the queen. “Sha Eena,” he said,
pausing, “you realize that an heir is the ultimate goal we all seek.”
Eena
squirmed under the minister's serious regard. “Yes, sir.”
“It
would be comforting for Harrowbeth to have an heir before long. Another Sha
alive and well. A symbol of hope and security for our future. A child who would
be raised with respect for proper Harrowbethian tradition.”
“Yes,
I understand.”
“And
your children will be promised into reputable families when born?”
The
young queen found herself nervously looking to Ian who nodded assuredly. “Yes, Jorban,
of course.”
“And
Unan.” The minister moved a quarter turn towards the wall. “You are prepared to
take over as Sha Eena’s protector? A calling that will undoubtedly last for the
duration of your lifetime.”
The
old protector answered confidently. “Yes, Minister, immediately if necessary.”
“And
your wife, Gaila. She will not object to this?”
“I’m
sure she will be supportive, sir. Eventually.”
“Hmm.”
The
old minister shifted his attention back on the hopeful pair. He seemed to stare
right through them for the longest time, contemplating what was on his mind. Unable
to stand the suspense any longer, Eena asked Ian for some insight.
(Tell
me what he’s thinking.)
(He’s
already made up his mind. What he hasn’t decided is whether or not to announce
it today. He’s debating with himself, wondering if he should risk appearing
eager by asking us for a marriage date.)
Eena
tried not to smile, but, as usual, her emotions were impossible to hide. Jorban’s
head inclined, witnessing her sudden joy.
“You
have a thought?” he asked the young queen.
“I
was just thinking…I mean…” her eyes flashed up at Ian, catching his subtle
grin. “If you were to agree to our marriage, we could adhere to eighteenth-birthday
customs and announce a date for the wedding at the festivities today. It would
keep with established Harrowbethian tradition.”
A
deep chuckle sounded in the minister’s throat as he judged suspicious the
eagerness grinning before him.
“You
assume I’ve chosen to grant your request.”
She
bit her lip and admitted, “I’m really hoping so.”
“Well
then, Sha Eena, your hope is not in vain.”
There
was a background rumble of frustration and delight that mixed with Eena’s happy
squeal. She threw her arms around the old minister’s neck, hugging him gratefully
before suddenly backing away, realizing her actions were probably inappropriate
for the circumstances. Feeling Unan’s presence close by, Eena turned to find
the old protector standing in his new position. It was clear he would be taking
his calling very seriously. Ian’s arm slipped comfortably around her waist, and
she leaned into him for a moment. There were readable reactions to their
closeness; only two were openly disapproving.
Moving
things along, Jorban pulled out a second chair and set it beside the first at one
head of the table. He motioned for the young couple to sit. This time they did.
Jorban found his place at the opposite head of the table beside Kai Launi. Eena
tried her best not to be drawn to the councilwoman’s bitter glare,
concentrating instead on the minister.
Jorban
cleared his throat and proceeded with an official start to the meeting. He then
brought up the first item of business.
“Regarding
the upcoming wedding, if an announcement is to be made today, it would be wise
to prepare for a wide range of reactions. Not just from Harrowbeth’s citizens,
but from visiting dignitaries as well.”
Kai
Launi promptly grumbled an objection. “A public announcement would be hasty and
premature, don’t you think? Even if you have given these…children...permission
to wed, I’m not sure boasting about the fact without briefing our allies ahead of
time is such a good idea. What you’re suggesting is borderline reckless,
Jorban.”
The
minister gave a slight nod. “I understand your concerns, Kai Launi. However,
it’s not as if those in attendance today have any say in whom Sha Eena marries.
And besides, the desire for a new heir is great across the face of all the
land. I predict this announcement will generate a widespread sense of reassurance
and relief.”
“The
whole country will think you foolhardy,” the old woman grumbled.
“Oh,
I doubt that,” Jorban said with humor on his lips, “since our young Sha and
future Shen will be making the announcement.” Amusement spread across Jorban’s
face as his attentive eyes caught Eena’s sudden look of shock. Ian’s lack of
readable emotion made the old man raise an impressed eyebrow.
“The
two of you can decide together how you wish to reveal to the world your
intention to marry, including the date of this history-making event. And rest
assured, you do have our support as a collective council.”
It
was Ian who readily agreed. “Yes, sir, we will.”
Eena
looked at her future husband, realizing Jorban had spoken the truth. This would
be the end of a long line of Harrowbethian tradition. Their union would truly
qualify as history in the making.
