Chapter 6: Uncertain Alliances

The following morning, Kara awoke with a sense of anticipation tingling in her veins, fueled by the prospect of seeing Henri once again. As she rose from the bed, thoughts of exploring the vibrant city of Eithra together filled her mind. There were countless wonders awaiting her, and she yearned to experience them by his side.

However, her musings were abruptly interrupted by the presence of Chione, the ever-watchful attendant, whose observant gaze fixated upon her.

"My lady, please forgive me," Chione began, her voice laced with deference. "His Majesty has instructed me to remain by your side."

Kara's eyes flickered to the delicate pink lace dress laid out beside the grand bed, a visual cue of the day's agenda.

"He wishes for your presence in the throne room," Chione informed her, her tone respectful yet devoid of any personal opinion.

So, that's what the dress is for, Kara thought to herself, connecting the dots. She glanced toward the imposing bathtub positioned at the center of the room, its inviting waters seemingly whispering promises of relaxation and escape.

"I have prepared a bath for you," Chione continued, her voice as gentle as a morning breeze. "The King requested that you be ready as soon as you woke up."

"Ready me," Kara mused inwardly, a hint of indignation tinting her thoughts. "As if he considers me a mere object in his grand design."

Without uttering a word, Kara lowered herself into the tub, a sigh of contentment escaping her lips as the warmth of the water enveloped her body.

The tales she had heard of such luxurious baths now became a tangible reality, a small respite amidst the hardships endured by the people of Javeni. During the darkest times when other kingdoms shunned them for their inability to conceive girls, such indulgences had become scarce, almost mythical in their rarity.

Seventy years of isolation, ridicule, and suffering had marked their existence. Many family lines had met their end, their legacies fading into oblivion. The survival of their lineage teetered on the edge of extinction until Kara, the miracle child, was born—a glimmer of hope amidst the shadows.

Emerging from the comforting embrace of the bath, Kara allowed Chione to assist her in the meticulous process of preparing for the day.

"Remember to hide my ears," Kara said to her as she worked on her hair.

As her nimble fingers worked on Kara's hair, the young attendant skillfully styled it, unveiling a graceful neck and delicate collarbones that had previously gone unnoticed. A surge of newfound confidence coursed through Kara's veins, fueled by the subtle transformation occurring before her very eyes.

"You have such lovely skin," Chione commented, her voice filled with genuine admiration as she delicately applied makeup to Kara's face. "It's surprising for someone from..." Her voice trailed off, a fleeting hint of hesitation coloring her words, as if sensing the invisible barrier of tension in the room.

Kara's gaze sharpened, a silent command, daring Chione to complete her thought.

“I’m sorry, my lady,” she apologized meekly, acknowledging the line that had been crossed.

The air crackled with unspoken words, yet Kara chose not to dwell on it. She had a purpose, a mission to fulfill. Today was not about Chione or her other foes in the palace; it was about the proceedings that awaited her in the throne room.

"You look stunning," Chione finally offered, her voice carrying a note of genuine admiration as she finished with Kara's hair. "His Majesty will surely be pleased."

With an air of regal grace, Kara strode ahead of Chione, a subtle yet potent reminder of her position. Her pace quickened, driven by an eagerness to reach the throne room, to conclude the formalities swiftly, and to finally reunite with Henri, whose presence had become a balm to her restless soul.

As Kara stepped into the magnificent throne room, her gaze immediately sought out the familiar green eyes and dark hair of Henri. He stood by the King's side, engrossed in the scrolls before him.

A rush of excitement surged through her as their eyes locked, confirming that their intimate encounter from the previous night was indeed real. She offered him a warm smile, but he averted his gaze, his demeanor distant and cold. Her heart sank.

Had she unknowingly done something wrong? Could it be because of the King's presence?

The King regarded them both with suspicion. Quickly, Kara composed herself and spoke with deference.

"You sent for me, my Lord?"

"You retired early yesterday," Eerik remarked, casting a wary glance at Henri. "We did not have the opportunity to properly acquaint ourselves. Therefore, I have arranged a stroll for us, if you would be so kind as to accompany me."

Kara wondered why the King was suddenly playing the gracious host, but she had no intention of going anywhere with him. She turned to Henri, seeking confirmation. Surely, he would want to spend the day together as they had planned the previous night.

Eerik seemed to notice the interaction as he turned his gaze toward Henri once more.

"Allow me to introduce my cousin, Henri, to you, Lady Kara. I believe you two have not yet had the pleasure of meeting," he said, his eyes fixed on his cousin.

Kara understood the King's intentions. This introduction was a test—a means for Eerik to gauge the true nature of the looks that had passed between them. But Henri skillfully avoided meeting her gaze, his focus completely absorbed by the scrolls in his hands.

"It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance," he replied, still engrossed in the documents.

Hurt by Henri’s pretense, Kara forced a strained smile and replied in a steady voice. "You as well, sir." She then faced the King. "I’d be honored to join you, my Lord."

"Then we shall be on our way," he declared, passing the scroll to Henri. "Inform Lord Baniti of my decision," King Eerik instructed. Satisfied with how the introduction had unfolded, he guided Kara out of the throne room.

They walked together, side by side, maintaining a formal acquaintanceship. A part of Kara yearned to turn back and confront Henri about the apparent issue between them, but reason prevailed, urging her to refrain from such action.

"How are you finding the palace so far?" he inquired as they stepped into the gardens.

Kara studied the vibrant flowers attentively before responding. "It is truly magnificent, my Lord."

"Call me Eerik. Considering our impending marriage, it would be wise for us to become better acquainted," he suggested.

"Acquainted? I was unaware you intended to address me directly," Kara remarked, her tone edged with skepticism.

He emitted a dry chuckle. "Our union is a matter of convenience for both of us, but I have no intention of confining you against your will."

"What do you mean?" she pressed, as he advanced and locked eyes with her.

"I am not a saint," he confessed, his gaze unyielding. "Neither am I a thoughtless savage. However, I do treat those who prove useful to me with respect."

"Am I to assume that my people hold no value to you? Judging by how they were treated last night," Kara retorted, her voice laced with determination for a verbal battle.

He waved his hand dismissively and continued. "I will present you with two choices. Firstly, you may opt to remain here and devote yourself entirely to me. In doing so, I would treat you as befitting a Queen, and all previous negotiations would be honored.”

“Alternatively, you may choose to marry a man of your choosing, but in that case, you must return to Javeni with your people, under the obvious impression that you had failed and you would be held responsible for ruining your people’s chances at a better future. However, only your brothers would be granted wives of lower status, naturally."

"What about the timber, everything we need to rebuild our village, and trading rights? Would we forfeit those as well?" Kara inquired, the frustration growing.

"I consider myself rather generous by allowing wives for your brothers," he replied with a hint of self-satisfaction.

Kara found herself uncertain of what course of action to take. As Queen, she could provide for her people and oversee the reconstruction of their village.

Yet, if she chose the second option, she would be trapped in Eithra without her family, and they would be the last remnants of the Javeni village.

What about love? Memories of her encounter with Henri from the previous night surged through Kara’s mind. If she were to choose the second option, would true happiness await her? Then she recollected Henri’s distant behavior in the throne room. Could she truly fault him? Perhaps he didn’t want Eerik to suspect what had occurred between them. But she believed that was no excuse. Henri could have at least spared her a single glance.

No matter which choice she made, Kara knew she would be sacrificing something. However, she reasoned that she should select the option that offered the greatest security for herself and her people, shouldn’t she?

Eerik stood before her, patiently awaiting her response.

Kara recognized what she had to do, and with conviction, she declared, "You are aware that I would do anything for the well-being of my people, which is why you have trapped me in this situation today. I shall be yours, King Eerik, for as long as we both shall live."

A flicker of warmth momentarily softened the coldness in his eyes, and for an instant, she thought he might draw her into an embrace. Yet, he merely nodded curtly and continued his solitary stroll through the garden. Kara observed his retreating figure, wondering how many times she would have to witness him walking away from her.

‘Did I make the right choice?’ Kara pondered as she turned away from him, filled with uncertainty.