[Fordim Hedgethistle]

The Emissary bowed slightly from the waist and returned the Princess’s greetings. “I am honoured to speak with you, lady, and happy for the opportunity to apologise in person for my misstep. As I explained to your brother, I am not yet familiar with the ways of your land.”

Gjeelea inclined her head somewhat but remained icy. “Familiar or not, I do not think it wise for an ambassador to try and make policy in a strange land.”

The Emissary’s brow knitted but he did not respond at first. When he did, it was clear that he was unsure of what was happening, but that he was determined to try and carry it off as well as he could. “I assure you lady that I did not mean to make policy. I misspoke from ignorance only. I did not mean to express any preference on my part or on the part of my Lord Annatar. Far be it for me to do so, who am but new to the place!” He could see that his words were a little better received by the Princess, but that she remained coldly, politely hostile. He was not aware of the corrupted version of his words that were making their way through the hall.

As the Emissary and his daughter spoke together, Faroz took the opportunity to have a few quiet words with his wife. “Well my lady,” he said quickly, casting his voice into a lower register to avoid being overheard by those nearby, “what think you of the Emissary now?”

Bekah’s eyes strayed quickly to the man and she paused for a moment in thought before answering. When she did, Faroz could tell that she was keeping at least some portion of her opinion to herself. He was disappointed by this, for in the past his wife had always been open with him; their relations, always so formal, had at least been honest and frank. He had never understood until now how much that had meant to him. “I still think it too early to judge him fully, my lord. His manners and bearing are fair and pleasing, and he seems only to wish our friendship and goodwill.”

“And yet…” he prompted her, hoping for the full truth.

Again she looked at the Emissary, worried perhaps that he might overhear. Faroz was not concerned about that, and had in fact chosen to speak with Bekah now rather than later as he sensed already a growing silence and secrecy in the court as pertained to Ashnaz. There were too many whisperings and hidden glances already for the King’s liking. There was a time and a place for such conduct, but for the moment he wished to pierce the veils that his people were attempting to hide behind. He saw now how unwise it had been to become so openly intimate with the Emissary this day, for it had driven his people away from him. It had done nothing but foster jealousy and mistrust, and was preventing honest and open discussion of the man and of his mission. It was in part for this reason that he had turned to his wife now, as he had thought that he could depend upon her for a clear statement. He was frustrated that he had not received it immediately. “And yet,” Bekah said slowly, echoing Faroz’s words, “He seems almost too interested in garnering our good opinion, my lord. He speaks often, but does not say much about his Lord Annatar, or why he should seek to ally himself with us. I would know this before I speak further of his mission.”

Faroz nodded and, looking into his wife’s eyes as though to search them out, said, “You are offended by his words to Siamak. You do not like that he has made your son uncomfortable and driven him from the hall.” Faroz struggled to keep the disapproval that he felt at this retreat from his voice. “He is your favourite, and, I think, would be your choice for my heir, but you do not relish the idea of the Emissary’s having put our son forward in such a manner.” As he spoke, Faroz’s finger once more found its way into the folds of his clothing where he stroked the gold ring given him by Ashnaz. As he did so, his voice took on a new tenor, and he saw Bekah shiver slightly, as though a chill wind had crept into the hall and now curled its way about her.

Bekah returned his gaze. For a long moment there was a silence about them alone as the rest of the hall seemed to drop away. “Majesty,” she began formally, “I do not presume to choose the next heir to your throne,” and she inclined her head somewhat, but her eyes remained locked on his.

Faroz leaned forward, as though to kiss her once more, but instead he spoke so quietly and closely that she felt the flutter of his breath upon her brow. “The time may come, my Queen, when you will have more say in such matters than you suppose.” She looked at him in surprise, but Faroz had already turned his attention back to the hall. The sounds of the banquet came over them both once more, and they were aware of the people about them. “Where is my son?” the King asked the Chamberlain Jarult.

“He is in the courtyard, Majesty. Shall I fetch him?”

“Yes,” Faroz said. The Chamberlain disappeared but soon returned with the Prince. Faroz had seen his son departing, quickly to be followed by the High Priestess. The girl had returned alone, but Faroz had known that she had gone after Siamak to speak with him. It was an interesting thing to observe – an intimate relationship with the High Priestess could be extremely beneficial to his son.

Soon, Siamak was back at the table. He bowed to the King and resumed his seat upon the cushions but did not say anything. Faroz raised his voice to capture the attention of those about him. He did not seek to claim the attention of the entire hall, but he could tell that most of the people there were watching as he spoke. “Now that the Prince has returned and the Princess is with us, I would like to ask you all to here witness the burden of choice that I shall place upon them. You all know why my friend the Emissary has come to us. His master, the Lord Annatar, wishes to ally himself with us. I have spoken with the Emissary this day and I find him to be an honourable man, and for his part I would offer up our friendship unreservedly. But the alliance is not with him, but with his king, and it is not an alliance that I alone make, but one that I must choose for all Pashtians. It seems to me, however, that this is a choice that will be made on the behalf of those not yet born, for as the Emissary has told me, there are no wars in his land, and we ourselves are – for the time being – at a state of tranquility. Since this will be a decision that will affect the future of our realm, let it be made by the harbingers of that future. My children, to you do I give the choice of accepting or rejecting the alliance of the Lord Annatar. Take whatever counsel you wish, but be patient in doing so. When you have reached your decision you shall announce it at the court, and so shall our country be governed.”