Princess of Death (Three Provinces Book 1) (17 page)

“Fall out?” Nergal looked clueless, but on him it was adorable. Eeek, had I really just thought that, dark goddess, it must be love after all.

“Yeah, a bunch of your people are about to drop dead,” Nam said, the voice of tact, as always.
 At that moment Ekur showed up carrying several skins and slabs of meat.

“What were they?” I asked.

“Three rabbits, a deer and a squirrel, I buried the squirrel, they do not taste good.” Ekur’s face stayed straight and I couldn’t tell if he was joking or not.

“Well, get a Stay Fresh and a Non-Rotting spell on that shit and let’s get out of here,” I was ready, ready to deal with more death and see if the charm had worked on the Asylum.

We packed up and began the walk back to Bet Pagri. As we past the Asylum it seemed quieter and I could see the shimmer of the Bubble surrounding it and I hoped Ahhazu would be able to make the antidote. The spell would last about six months and then I would either have to redo it, which I wasn’t looking forward to, or he’d be lost to the P.O.T. like everyone else.

It didn’t take us more than two and a half hours to get back to Bet Pagri and the sounds coming from within met us just as soon as it came into view. I could hear cheers and sobbing. And the place reeked of sickness and death. The magic I had done had worked. I could tell, and hope sprang up inside of me. Maybe I really could be Adura’s queen, especially if I could help others like I had done Nergal’s people.

“You have saved us my Best Beloved One,” Nergal’s hand crept around my waist and he kissed my cheek. There was happiness glimmering in his green eyes, “thank you.”

“I am just glad I could help.” Which was the truth, I was very proud of myself and of everyone, actually. As we made our way through the gates I could smell Funeral Oil being created and I watched as many males were taking wood down a narrow corridor underneath the courtyard.

“What’s going on?” I asked.

“There is a crypt underneath our home. We burn Alus and then place their ashes in urns and they line the walls.” Ekur explained.

“Where does the smoke go” Nam asked.

“There are pipes that come up from the crematory; the smoke is released high above the compound,” Ekur sounded very pleased.

I also saw what looked like the starting of a celebration, “you celebrate death as well?” This excited me, I had always thought death should be respected and celebrated. In the old days they had been called Death Wakes; parties to celebrate the cycle of life.  My parents had been traditional doom and gloom funeral people. Blah.

“Yes and now we can, thanks to you.”
 

Chapter 17

Adad was leaning against the inside of the wall just feet from us, I curtseyed. I genuinely liked Nergal’s dad, even if I felt he’d let things go on too long before seeking aid.

“We have much to celebrate and mourn and we are grateful to you, Princess Ereshkigal,”he said, coming forward, and taking my hands, he kissed the palm of each one and tears were shining in his eyes.

“Like I’ve said, I’m just glad that I could help you,” I repeated.

“Geshti and I would like to hold a party in your honor; however it will take at least a week or two to get through the funerals and the Death Wakes,” offering me his arm. As he escorted us back into the main castle, many Alus praised my name, some came to thank me personally.

“I have to ask you to leave as soon as possible, though.” Adad stopped walking as we reached the throne room where Geshti sat, looking as cool as she had the first time I’d met her.

“What? After all she just did for you? There are still sick here!” Nam exclaimed. I was a little worried they wouldn’t take his outburst well, but I agreed with him and I was a little hurt.

“Yes. Which is why with your Princess’ permission, we would like to ask you to stay Namtar and help with some of the diseases that have remained. And to see if with your gift you could possibly help Lilu,” Adad said, releasing my arm and going to sit in his throne.

“You cannot ask her to leave and request her best friend to stay.” Nergal was trying to back me up, it was so cute.

“You know the laws, Nergal. She is not one of us or mated to one of us, she cannot stay during the funerals,” Geshti said firmly.

“Then neither can Nam. If you are going to invoke the Healer Law, then Ereshkigal should qualify,” Nergal argued. I placed a hand on his shoulder. I didn’t understand all that was going on but I was tired and I did want to go home, even if my feelings were hurt.

“Don’t worry about it, I’ll go. But I expect to have supplies provided for me since I cannot shadow walk back,” I conceded.

“But Eshie…” Nam tried to butt in.

“No. You stay here and help. I have things to attend to at home.” My voice turned frosty as I addressed Adad and Geshti, “thank you for the hospitality while I stayed here.”

I stomped off, pissed and weary, walking out the doors and into the hallway, letting the large wooden door slam behind me. I rested against the wall for a moment fighting back tears. Princesses so did NOT cry. Or at least, I thought as I dashed away tears, they tried really hard not to.

Just as I got myself under control, Nergal came out. He opened his arms to me and I just melted into them, trying not to sob out my frustrations.

“I am so sorry Best Beloved O
ne. I did not think they would treat you that way; they are old fashioned,” he murmured into my hair, the fleeting thought passed through me that I needed a damn bath.

“Fine, but when we get married I…”

“
When
we get married?” He interrupted, tilting my chin so he could look in my eyes, “did you say when?”

I tried to lower my head, embarrassed I’d slipped up. I had been thinking about it, I just hadn’t meant to tell him so soon. He wouldn’t let me, just kept eye contact, so intense that I felt the weight of his stare down into my core.

“Yes.” It was the only word I could think of saying.

“Yes,” he whispered, kissing me softly.

“I think I’m going to throw up,” a voice said from behind us.

“Lilu, what are you doing up here?” Nergal asked, holding onto me, tightly. Lilu looked pretty horrible, her cobalt skin was pale and grey tinged, eyes too bright and large in her skull. Her navy hair was a huge rat’s nest.

“We decided she was no longer a threat, she is dying and we do not see the harm in allowing her freedom,” Adad said coming into the hallway. Geshti, Ekur and Nam followed him.

“Speak for yourself my love,” Geshti was not happy, “I voted she be put to death at once.” The look he gave her was not friendly.

“I agree,” Nergal’s response shocked me.

“What would your mother say if she were here?” Adad speared him with a dark look.

“She would say that Lilu is ill and in pain. Letting her suffer is a worse punishment than death,” Nergal sounded calm. Adad didn’t like that response and chose to ignore his son’s words.

“Lilu, your magic is all but gone. You are dying, child. Soon you shall be with your mother.” Adad tried to kiss her forehead, but she hissed at him and the guards had to grab her arms before she could lash out. Saddened, I watched Adad take Geshti’s arm and lead her from the corridor.

“Your mother must have been amazing for him to treat her like this,” I commented.

“The First Queen was a kind, good woman, sweet in nature and beautiful,” Ekur told me.

“Don’t you speak of my mother,” Lilu growled.

“I am not trying to heal that bitch; your father can deal,” Nam shook his head, emphatically.

“Could you heal her, do you think?” I asked him. I did pity her, Hallow Syndrome could happen to anyone.

“I could try, but I don’t think so. Hallow Syndrome isn’t a virus or a bacteria. It is a mental disorder.” Nam frowned.

“There is nothing wrong with me!” Lilu screeched as the guards pulled her away.

“So they will what? Just let her wander around under constant supervision under she dies?” I thought it was really unkind.

“I suppose. My father does not understand that her brain is deteriorating, he has never seen the end stages of Hallow Syndrome; when she will take to her bed from headaches and eventually fall into a coma and die.” Nergal sighed.

“Then he should wander into your fabulous library once in a while and pick up a damn book,” Nam retorted.

None of us had actually seen someone die from HS but we’d all read and seen pictures. In the end, every orifice in her body would leak blood, the pain from the headaches would drive her further into insanity until finally sleep claimed her and then death.

“I will try to talk to him again later tonight, and to my step mother, perhaps combined, we can weaken his resolve to keep her alive.”  Nergal took my hand and kissed my palm. It sent shivers up and down my spine.

“I am sorry Best Beloved One, but you have to leave. I will send Namtar back to you as soon as he is done helping with our sick.” I could tell he didn’t want me to leave and that thought allowed me to push the tears back and hold onto my anger. I still could not believe that after all I had done they were basically kicking me out.

“I don’t have to stay, Eshie, I can come back with you. They can deal with the illness themselves.” Nam gave me a worried look.

“No, I know you’re interested. You’ve never seen some of this sickness up close and personal before.”  I also knew healing would add to his power base.

I packed quickly and efficiently, and within the hour I was waiting on an Adureed with Puabi flying around my head and Lahar sitting, patiently, next to me.

“I will come to you as soon as I can,” Nergal said, kissing me sweetly as the Adureed came galloping up to us.

“Take your time, I know there is a lot going on. Plus I think I will be busy trying to manage things at home,” I told him. I feathered my lips across his jaw line and mounted the steed.

I did not look back. It was time now to focus on Adura and my Estate and think about what was to come.

I took my time going home. I was lonely, though Puabi was entertaining and camping, as always, I found tedious and trying. The Adureed dropped me off about two moon rises later.

Sarlu greeted me at the front door and I was pleasantly surprised at the changes that had taken place during my absence. The house was completely settled, everything cleaned, stocked, uncovered and unpacked.

Since the moon had only just risen, my staff was bustling around with morning chores. I could smell breakfast cooking and a maid humming as she dusted,

“Sarlu, you have done a great job!” I praised her as she led me into the library. I sat down and almost as soon as my butt hit the chair a cheerful dark maid brought me tea and toast.

“Thank you Princess, I am glad you approve. While you were gone I brought on a Healer. She is married to an animal doctor and I have put them in the free standing servant’s quarters behind the house with the gardeners.” She seemed very pleased with herself.

“Good. The staff is fully functioning now? You have all the help you need?” I asked her, sipping the tea carefully, it was made just the way I liked it with milk and sugar.

“Yes, this house is ready to be your home now. A place of pride for all of us.”

“Were there any messages while I was gone?” I was curious as to whether my parents or siblings had bothered to find out what I had been doing.

“Yes. Your brother
scried while you were helping the Alus.” I loved that Sarlu spoke plainly and factually, without fluff, it was refreshing.

“I’ll give him a call after I eat, bathe and change.” I decided.

“There are several maids from whom to choose a lady’s maid, Princess, and they are quite anxious for you to do so.” There was laughter in her voice.

“Why?”

“Because being the future Queen of Adura’s lady-in-waiting will give them a great honor.”

“How many am I supposed to be looking at?” I had never had great people skills and I didn’t want to hurt some poor girl’s feelings.

“You have five maids, three of them are up for consideration,” Sarlu answered in her normal no nonsense way.

“Why not all five?”

“The scullery and kitchen maid do not have the qualifications.”

“Well, let’s get it over with.” I set my small breakfast down and pulled my legs underneath me, hugging my knees. I was tired and didn’t really want to deal with this sort of power struggle. I knew whichever maid I chose would probably lord it over the others. Staff politics were almost as bad and any other.

“Alright, girls!” Sarlu called for them.

As if they had been waiting, they all came rushing in at once and bowed low to me, ugh.

“Please don’t, I really hate that custom,” I grimaced; they stood up quickly as I looked them over.

They were all about my age; so young and pretty, each flowed with vibrancy and energy which was a good sign.

“Okay… so…what now?” I looked questioningly Sarlu.

“Girls.” It was a one word command.