Princess of Death (Three Provinces Book 1) (18 page)

The first curtseyed, I let it go, she was just trying to be polite, after all. She was tiny, very delicate looking. With skin quite black and eyes that were dazzling sliver. Her hair shimmered silver and white, literally sparkling. She kept her hair short and it was cut in an almost boyish way.  I noticed Sarlu had chosen to keep the uniforms basic and modest. Each girl wore a simple black, short sleeved shift dress that cinched their waist and came to their knees with matching flats. Though this one had an apron that matched her hair.

“You are an
Astariae.
” I don’t know if I could have sounded more surprised.

“Well, I am half Star Nymph, I am called Igigi. I am much honored to retain a place in your household.” Her words were formal, voice clear and bright.

“I hired many Half Borns. It seemed a good idea to show that we did not discriminate.” Sarlu explained.

I agreed with her decision, I was just surprised. In our society while the natural creatures of Salas were treated with equality, respect and dignity, those born from two races, as we called them, Half Borns, sometimes were looked down upon. I had never really cared, but my family only hired Full Borns. They didn’t care of what, per say.

“I am Tiamat, Princess, and I’m really happy to be here as well. Sarlu pretty much rescued me from an arranged marriage, which would have really sucked.” The next girl rambled, I liked that. She seemed much more relaxed than the other two. Her hair was fire red, pulled back curls; there were two tiny green horns on the top of her head. She had deep green eyes that were very almond shaped and her skin was white with a faint shimmering of iridescent green.

“Are you a Dragon Demon?” I asked, standing up and moving towards her. Demons, aside from Alus, were uncommon. They did not tend to live together and when they did, were more like close knit small family groups.

“Yes!” she exclaimed.             

“Sarlu saved you from an arranged marriage?” I gave Sarlu a puzzled look, she just shrugged.

“Yes, because I am Half Born, most normal Dragons will not take me because I am deformed. But a rich Marmos offered to pay my father handsomely for me, it was a good choice, but this is better.”

I could not help but laugh. Dragons from Adura loved nothing more than money and chaos, Dragons in Nannaru were money and fire, while Biri Dragons tended to just be about the gaining of riches and hoarding. Fairly predictable.

“You are not deformed, Tiamat,” the last girl said sharply.

“I am, Beletseri, but you are nice to say it isn’t so,” Tiamat grinned. She bounced around and shook her firm back side at me, “see no tail,” facing me again she held out hands, “no claws and I cannot shape shift.”

I chuckled at her, “I think you will fit in nicely.” Focusing my attention on Beletseri.

“And what is your story?”

“Tiamat wouldn’t come without me; we grew up in the same village. We are best friends.” Her voice sounded familiar.

“Beletseri’s mom and step dad run one of the major funeral parlors!” Tiamat’s words just seemed to burst from her.

“You are not a Half Born.” It was pretty obvious. She was the tallest and roundest of the three. Her skin was a pretty peaches and cream complexion, not quite Aduran.

“I am, kind of. My real father is a sailor from Nannaru.”

Well, that explained the complexion and the eyes, which were the pale purple of Singing Lavender. Her hair, though and I suspected her magic was all Aduran. Her hair was so black it had blue highlights. It was not the loose curls of Tiamat, but tightly wound ones, a waterfall of them down her back.

“He did not want you?” It was a hard question, but she had made me curious. I had not spent a lot of time with girls my own age before.

“He did…does…but my magic…it is Aduran based and I cannot survive elsewhere. He comes once a year and takes me with him on his ship for a week.” She glowed as she spoke of her real father. I wished Namtar was there, he would love to hear about someone who had been on the water.

“It wasn’t scary?” Igigi asked.

“No, I love it, it’s thrilling,” she answered.

“What is your magic, you feel familiar to me…. Death?” That had to be it.

“Yes, very minor and it only works sometimes. But I get visions or omens before people I know die. I can feel it when they do, feel their soul pass into the underworld. It is like part of my brain is taking records of how many deaths we have each year. My mother put me in charge of the obituaries and death records because of it.”

“And you would rather be here than somewhere you can use your magic on a daily basis.” I could not understand that.

“I would rather be with Tiamat, doing something, anything else, somewhere, anywhere else.”

THAT, I could totally understand.

“Okay the. While all three of you are awesome. I think Beletseri and I will complement each other better. But I want you guys all to know this is your home. Feel free to come to me, Sarlu, or even my companion Namtar if you have questions or concerns.” I really wanted to have a family environment for my staff.

Igigi looked let down and excused herself quickly, but Tiamat squealed and hugged her BFF.

“I just knew she would pick you!”

“Princess, are you sure? Tiamat has so…so..so much more…personality then I do.” Beletseri whispered over Tiamat’s shoulder.

“I am sure.”

Tiamat released her friend, squeezed her hand and then stepped away.

“Tiamat, I believe that you may go and start your other chores with Igigi.” Sarlu dismissed her. The Dragon girl danced off.

“Well, at least life will never be boring with her around,” I mentioned.

“Never. We’ve been best friends since…well, always. It is a quality I have always wished I held,” my new Lady’s Maid told me.

“Alright. I will be calling my brother in the morning so make sure my mirror is clean. Have the Healer’s husband look at Lahar and Puabi and then make sure they are fed and settled in. I don’t need you to start my bath, that is what I am going to do, but I will need assistance dressing my hair. You can do a decent braid, yes?” as I rattled off instructions; she looked a little overwhelmed for a second, then nodded and took off.

“Again, Sarlu, you did an excellent job with the hiring. I cannot wait to see if the rest of the staff is as…unique.” I yawned. Have I mentioned I do not like to sleep outdoors? I have? Huh. Well, what I really wanted was a bath and then a nap in my soft comfy bed.

“They are. I tailored the staff to your personality. I told you this sort of work is my specialty, my magic.” Sarlu raised an eyebrow at me.

“Good. I think I will leave you to do, well whatever it is you do, and go to my room.” I yawned again.

“Princess, do not forget I will also need your food and meal preferences,” she called after me.

I didn’t really respond, just grumbled. See, being a Princess isn’t all jewels and parties, magic and adventure.

Chapter 18

“Should I bring the mirror in now?” Beletseri asked as she removed the remnants of my breakfast from the little table near my bed.

“Yes, please.” Standing, I shrugged into a black robe and took a moment to make sure I didn’t look totally disheveled. My hair was piled high on my head under the circlet Mash has sent me. I looked relaxed yet regal.

Sitting on the end of my bed I waited for Beletseri. She brought in a full length mirror that Sarlu had bought specifically for this type of calling. It was in a black filigree patterned frame, five or six feet high and two feet wide. Sarlu had wheels installed on the bottom of the stand that held it up.

“Is there anything else you require of me?” my new maid asked.

“Not right now, thanks.”  I gave her my friendliest smile and turned my attention to the mirror.

Leaning in I touched the cold surface, said a Word and the mirror blurred as a face appeared, spectral and distorted, swirling from the beyond. I was a little shocked; usually what talks is the bit of personality the magic maker has installed in the mirror. And the magic Word just activates it. Sarlu, however, had purchased a mirror with a Mirror Spirit trapped in it.

“Your Majesty. How may I help you?” the distant echoing voice of the Mirror Spirit asked.

“I need to place a call to the Princess Ishtar.”

The face in my mirror rose what I thought were eyebrows at me, “this may be difficult; Biri mirrors have been refusing Aduran calls of late.”

“I think my sister’s mirror will be more hospitable.” Though the information was helpful.

“I will try. When you are done however, we must discuss the arrangements of my use.” It disappeared before I could comment. Mirror Spirits were a pain in the ass.

Within minutes the mirror blurred and then my sister’s image appeared in the glass.

“Eshie!” she exclaimed, scooting forward so her nose was almost touching the glass. She looked just like I pictured her in my mind. She was in a pale blue nightgown with a high collar and I could see her breakfast tray next to her, half eaten waffles, cooling.

“Oh, Ishtar! I am so glad to see you. How are you, is everything ok at home?” firing questions at her, I moved closer, losing my composure.

“Things here are crazy! The weddings plans are way more than I can handle so Mare and Lord Dumuzi’s mom are taking care of most of it. I haven’t had much to do. It’s lonely here without you and Mash,” she rambled. There was this look in her eyes however, and I wished we could speak telepathically.

“You should force your opinion on them; this is going to be your wedding after all.” I smiled at her, sometimes she was still so young, as we all were.

“I can’t. You know how Mare is.” She sighed, leaning back a little, “will you be coming to the wedding?”

“I do not think so… Things in Adura are…complicated.” My throat felt tight as I told her. I didn’t want to miss my baby sister’s wedding. But I did not think I would be allowed back into Biri any time soon.

“Oh,” tears welled in her chocolate colored eyes and I watched her struggle to hold them back, “Mash said he couldn’t come either.”

“I am so sorry Ishtar, truly I am. But you should know things in Salas are changing and you should be prepared for it. Don’t let mother and father control you. One day you will be queen of Biri, be a queen you can be proud of.”  I was not sure how much I should tell her, but her eyes widened and she looked behind the mirror to where I could not see. I was afraid she was being monitored.

“I know, Eshie. Don’t worry about me. I am going to be fine. Lord Dumuzi is handsome and really nice to me.” She changed the subject, eyes wary. I always knew she was smarter than she acted.

“Of course he is. You exude love, and he was putty in your hands the moment he agreed to marry you. Not only will he love you forever but you guys will have dozens of babies,” following the change of subject. For the next half an hour we gossiped just like we always had, talking about people we knew, her clothes and her upcoming wedding.

Right before I told her goodbye she leaned in quickly and placed her hand against the mirror, “Eshie, do not come back to the castle. No matter what.” Her voice was so soft I almost didn’t catch it. Then she straightened, “Love you, Eshie. Talk to you soon.” And the mirror went blank.

“Well, that was interesting,” the Mirror Spirit commented, coming back into view.

“It was, wasn’t it?” Pride laced my voice and I turned my attention to the thing in the glass, “now, you…. terms.”

“I have…..what you might consider siblings….they are locked away in the attic of the castle. I will serve you more loyally than anyone. All I request is that you rescue them and put them to use.” Worry laced its otherworldly voice.

“Are they trapped in a specific mirror, or if I created a new place will they be able to settle in with proper binding?” Like Ishtar, I too, was smarter than I looked. Rescuing full sized mirrors from my parents’ castle would be time consuming and tricky.

“No. If you can find a suitable replacement they can just be transferred. Though I have never come in contact with anyone who has the power to do it,” as it looked at me curiously.

“I do. It might take me a little bit of time and I will want your opinion on the new vessels, agreed?” Bargaining was easy and something I was getting good at and used to.

“Yes,” the word was hissed from the glass.

“How many? And would you care if I sent them out afterwards?” An idea was brewing.

“Two, and no. What is important is that they are of use.”

“Alright. Now will you please call my brother?” I straightened my coronet and settled again to wait for Mash to come on the line.

He did, fully dressed and armed with a Light Sword, which startled me a bit. He was in his throne room and I could hear and see people milling about.

“Ereshkigal,” His voice was formal; he wore not just a coronet, but a full crown.

“Shamash,” I greeted him, a little sad by the realization he was treating me as another ruler and not his sister.

“What news have you from Adura?” he asked.

“Not much. Dark business as per usual. Have you any news from Nannaru?” I gave him nothing. He was looking for something specific and I wanted him to ask me for it.

“That is sad to hear, sister. I had hoped to form an alliance against Biri.” He was studying me, a small smile played on his lips.

“And why would you need such an alliance, brother dear?” Oh yeah, I was totally mocking him.

“I have sent a message to Mare and Father, challenging them for the rule of Nannaru. Letting them know I have cut off all trade routes and roads through Nannaru and anyone coming into Nannaru without my consent will be considered hostile.” Mash was quite grim.

“What about those people in North Biri? They can only reach the south by travelling through Nannaru or Adura.” I was a little shocked at his hostility.

“They will have to have permission. I am not planning on being cruel Ereshkigal, only safe and proactive.”

“What was their response?” My question was very hushed.

“Disbelief.  Until I arrested several members of Biri Guardsmen when they strayed into Nannaru. Mare and Father have now closed the borders on their side and my people say they are being patrolled. There has been no formal communication yet from our parents. Then again, this only happened a few days ago,” he explained.

“Alright. Then it has started.” I sighed, this seemed way more than what I could be expected to handle.

“I need to know whose side you are on, sister.”

“I am on Adura’s side, Mash,” I made a point to use his nickname, “I did not want to make a decision like this so soon. I will need a little time. Give me a week and I will get back to you.” It was the best I could offer him.

He nodded his head, “I understand and respect your hesitation. I look forward to speaking with you in seven days time.” The mirror went blank. Even the Mirror Spirit knew not to approach me.

Well, what are you going to do now?
Puabi flapped her wings a few times to get my attention.

“What I should have done if I had not gotten caught up in the drama at Bet Pagri, hold a summit.” Butterflies twisted in my stomach. I would call a meeting; representatives of all the different creatures in Adura and each of the town mayors.

Summoning my Lady’s Maid I waited, mind turning over with everything that needed to be done.  Beletseri came in, with a paper and pen in hand.

“Yes, Your Highness?” She didn’t bow, thank the dark goddess.

“I need you to personally hunt down something for me,” I then gave her the specifications of the two mirrors I needed. Before she went to acquire the looking glasses, she helped me dress.

I chose a black skirt of soft cotton that went to my knees, white and black stripped stockings with ankle boots. I had a sleeveless scooped neck white tunic with a black and white striped waist cincher corset. I did my own hair, choosing a simple bun.

Going downstairs I smiled and made small talk with my staff. I found Sarlu speaking with the cook about lunch.

“Sarlu, I need your help.”

“Yes, your highness,” dismissing the cook, she gave me her full attention.

“I need to hold a summit here. All of the major players should be in attendance as soon as possible. I will need your help getting the invitations out and arranging lodging for everyone. I know it is short notice, but the faster we can get people here the better.” I was pacing, there were parts of Adura that were a week’s journey. Not everyone could shadow walk and I did not think I could obtain or make enough transportation amulets in the next few days.

Sarlu seemed stunned, but recovered beautifully, “that should not be a problem. I am sure that we can arrange that. I have a few very useful household spells that will work for lodging and your home has a Necessity Door.”

“Wow, really?” That was pretty cool, and rare, wondering who had built my new home.

“Yes. I just discovered it yesterday,” she led me into the main foyer. She showed me a door which I had thought just to be another closet.

“Until yesterday I could not get this door to open, no matter what myself and the staff did, until I asked it for something specific. Room, I need someplace where over thirty could sit and have a conference comfortably.” She opened the door and I stared into a room with a stage and balcony seating.

Sarlu closed the door, “thank you room.” It seemed to creak in welcome.

“Excellent.
Now should I send into town to see if the inn can hold guests and request food-”

Sarlu cut me off, “That is my job Your Highness. I will speak with the Butler and Cook and see what will be needed. I may need to hire extra staff.”

“Yes, sure, whatever you need, you know I trust you to handle everything. I am going to see what I can do about making sure everyone will be here.” I was not looking forward to it.

“I am sure you will come up with something. Now I have much to attend to. Will you mind if I have a spread of sandwich fixings, fresh fruit and cold tea put out in the conservatory for lunch? It will simplify things.”

“Of course, and please tell the staff to help themselves as well. It will make things run smoother if everyone eats when they can.” I made my way outside after that, knowing Sarlu would take care of everything. Once outside, the moon high in the sky, I looked around at my property, quite happy with the way the gardens looked.

“Your Highness?”

Turning I saw my Head Gardner, “Yes?”

“I wanted to tell you we have finished with the landscaping, and we found something behind the servant’s quarters you may want to take a look at.” His smile was friendly, but there was a secret in his eyes. He motioned to a well lit path that led far from the main house.

“Are your rooms nice?” I asked, before leaving, I had to make sure.

“What?” He seemed taken back.

“Your rooms, the kitchen, everything in the second house. Are they nice?”

“Oh, yes my Lady, they certainly are.”

“If you need anything please tell Sarlu, I will not have my staff uncomfortable.” With that I left him. It was quiet outside, which made me happy.

Wandering down past the staff housing I saw that my gardeners had cleared out some dense forest that had been back there. What I found was very pleasing. Amidst the dark green grass, and smattering of trees and other flora was a tiny cemetery surrounded by a three foot high stone wall with a small gate.

I jumped the wall and the moment my feet touched the ground saturated by death I felt peaceful and so much better. Inky tendrils of my magic swarmed around me, touching each corpse, making a mental map of where all the dead were. While my staff may have discovered this they had not done anything inside the cemetery. There were graves with no markers, head stones that were broken and weeds everywhere. Dropping to my knees I began to pull weeds while trying to work out how to get everyone here in time.

Magic helped and within an hour I had cleared away the weeds in half the cemetery. I was dirty, sweaty and tired. Sitting back on my heels, I thought about Nergal. I missed him and it had only been a
few days. I hated the fact that I had gotten so used to his presence and I didn’t like being by myself anymore. I wondered what married life would be like; would I feel scared, cramped and sick to my stomach all the time? Or would it be fun, passionate and comfortable?