Chapter 6: Duty First. Self Last.

Each of the delegates had brought a list it seemed. The ambassadors from Nun wanted more grain from Wenhe. The Laoshians wanted to increase their quota of wood from Kumai. Those from Seom wanted better ocean transport between Seom and Canku. The Dixian representative even opened her mouth to request more Cankurian guards for the temple at Mofa.

Everyone seemed to want something and she wasn't even Queen yet. The only delegate to remain quiet was Prince Armel. Instead, he simply stared at her as she mediated between the various tribes. His focus on her made her feel uneasy. She couldn't help but compare herself to her mother; she'd watched the late Kumari negotiate with the tribes more times than she could remember. She wondered if he was comparing her too.

A whisper in her ear reminded her that time was of the essence just as she glanced towards the delegates from Dixia Muxue who were beginning to look restless.

Her eyes returned to Prince Armel. "And Prince Armel what would you ask for?"

If he was surprised that she knew his name or that she was addressing him directly, he did not show it, instead he appeared to consider the question, turning his head slightly to the side, his eyes never once leaving hers.

"We ask the Kumari to allow us to explore beyond the Realm."

She was not quick to respond.

Adelaide whispered in her ear, "you can't."

Bae glared at her sister. It was not that she wanted to say yes but she certainly didn't accept that her advisors could tell her what to do. Their job was to advise. Instead of replying to the Prince she turned towards Adelaide.

"There's nothing that can't be done."

Her sister did not shrink back from the censure; nodding her head in response she said, "yes, Kumari."

"How many times has this request been made, Adelaide?" she asked, knowing herself of at least ten times in her own lifetime.

"Fifty-seven, Kumari."

"And what do we know of the lands beyond the Kaiyo?" The Kaiyo was the ocean to the south west of the realm, just beyond Canku.

"Very little," Adelaide admitted, "but..."

Bae raised a hand. She knew what Adelaide was going to say. It was the same thing that was written across her father's face. The prophecy... the secret... What lay beyond the Kaiyo may be the destiny that would destroy her but equally it could save the realm. She returned her attention to Armel.

"What size expedition are you thinking?"

"At least twenty Cankurians but we would hope that some from each tribe would be willing to join us."

The other delegates showed a mixture of excitement and hesitation at the prospect of an expedition out of the realm.

"Kumari," her father tried. Without looking she knew that the worry lines across his forehead would be more pronounced. "The prophecy." He mouthed the words, wary of saying them out loud.

"Father, you more than anyone else here know the importance of duty."

"Duty first, self last," he said, although his tone made it clear that on this occasion he resented the words.

"I will not promise that the exhibition will happen soon," she began. The prince opened his mouth as if to push the matter further, but she held up her hand. "However, I give you my word that I will support you if you take it before the council of elders."

The prince didn't hide his surprise at Bae's concession.

"Bae!" she heard her brother gasp out behind her. He approached her, breaking rank. "I beg you reconsider." His words were harsh, a muddle of his brotherly worry and his dutiful concern.

Before Bae could reply, the main delegate from Dixia Muxue spoke, "she will not."

"Excuse me?" Kael asked, anger dripping from his words.

"It is destined as you well know, Protector."

"It is also destined that I should watch her die," he spat out, "but I won't allow that."

"You arrogant boy," the woman retaliated, "you have no control over her destiny any more than you can wield her magic. Do you believe that by postponing exploration beyond the Kaiyo, that you can prevent what is to come?" A hand was placed on the delegate's shoulder, a gentle reminder that time was limited. "We must conclude the introductions."