The Unfortunate, стр. 34
“Jenn?”
It was not until her mother had spoken that she ceased her daydreaming.
“Jenn, you have not spoken much during your visit, and this is your last day.”
“There is nothing to report,” she fibbed. Of course there is something. She had planned to use the visit as an opportunity to further Queen Marlisa’s plan.
“Nothing to report? There must be some news. You are a handmaiden for the queen of Armania! Would you have me believe you know nothing?” Her mother stopped and grasped her arm. “You are my child, Jenn! Your business has always been my concern. Now tell me what is bothering you.”
She smiled meekly. “Thank you for caring, but …” The young woman resumed her silence and looked away.
“This is about Prince Banan, no?”
Jenn nodded. “He is to marry King Ryce’s daughter, Princess Eadlin, to strengthen relations with Yorcia.”
Her mother offered a compassionate smile. “I know your feelings for him, but Banan is a noble, a prince. He is heir to the throne, and you are a servant. Was this not expected?”
Silence lingered as Queen Marlisa’s words echoed in the young woman’s mind. Fate has blessed you and Banan with a bond only it can dissolve, but there are individuals who will not accept this. The handmaiden dismissed the memory and eventually nodded before finally acknowledging, “Yes, but it could have been different. We could have been different.”
“Hush, Jenniver!” her mother exclaimed and frowned. “You cannot speak of such! Not even here.” She paused and looked around for any indication the suggestive words had been overheard. Then her mother looked back and concluded, “You must be careful. These are troubling times.”
“But it is the truth,” the young woman was quick to add. The handmaiden had been careful all her life. It had been necessary to remain distanced from her true identity, but now there was an opportunity.
“The only truth is your comments are nonsense.”
“If my words are nonsense”—Jenn countered, placing extreme emphasis on the word her mother had used—“why then did you hush me?”
As expected there was no reply.
“I understand your concern, but you cannot, and you should not deny the truth.”
“I am not denying the truth.” Her mother again glanced around to see if anyone was close before she continued, “I am well aware who we are, but that is not my concern.”
“Then what is?”
Her mother sighed heavily before answering, “What am I supposed to think of your sudden recklessness with words? You may have the love of an heir prince, and you may be in the queen’s favor, but that does not make you untouchable.”
Jenn again smiled. “You are correct,” she answered at last but not in response to her mother’s warning. “These are troubling times, but we shall have more hardships before it improves.”
“What is that supposed to imply?” The elder woman’s brow became even more wrinkled.
As she had intended, the bait had been taken. Her mother’s curiosity had been peaked, and Jenn waited for a cart to pass before she answered, “There is something you should know. There is to be a war.”
“War?” The word had been repeated in a loud whisper, and its implications hung heavy in the air.
“Yes, between our native Drunacht and Yorcia.”
“What of our current homeland?”
“Armania will also be involved.”
“How do you know this?”
“Queen Marlisa.”
“She tells you about her husband’s affairs?”
Jenn again smiled. This was her favorite part and her favorite words of the explanation. “King Beadurof does not know about this conflict, but that is for the best.”
“This is the queen’s doing?”
She nodded with pride.
The elder woman shook her head. “This is a dangerous game.”
“So is life. It is a game, and we are but the pawns.” Jenn could sense a slight understanding on her mother’s part, but she was not certain if it also included willingness. “Nothing is ever certain,” she added with a smile. “But when provided opportunity, one must be prepared to take chances.”
“Opportunity? Chances?” her mother exclaimed, obviously no longer concerned who heard. “Do you not hear yourself? You are not suggesting a way for a better life. You are describing treason!”
“It is not treason if the individual in power approves.”
“I thought you claimed King Beadurof knows nothing.” The confusion had returned. “The king allows this?”
Jenn’s smile broadened as she replied, “No, but his regent does.”
Her mother remained silent, and it was difficult to determine her thoughts. Knowing more convincing was required, Jenn added, “I know you are uncertain about this, but you will not alter my decision. Soon, if not already, it will be too late to turn back. If you do not wish to take part, I understand. I shall not involve you any more than I have, but you would serve as an asset to the cause.”
With reluctance, but also a hint of intrigue, her mother sighed. “What cause?”
The true answer was the plan, in the least, would delay if not annual Banan’s wedding and, if everything occurred as intended, would allow Jenn and the prince to be together. But first they needed support. They needed someone within Drunacht’s nobility who could assist their cause. That was the reason Jenn needed her mother’s support. It was still too early to reveal all, however, so the young woman carefully fashioned her answer. “Redemption and regaining what was stolen from us.” She took her mother’s hand. “I know you have not forgotten, and I know you still have support in Drunacht. Call on them. Implore them to help.”
The elder woman did not reply, but it was clear she understood.
“Please,” Jenn begged, doing her best to overwhelm any reluctance. “If for no other reason, do this for me.”
✽ ✽ ✽
As Jenn approached the castle’s great hall, she could hear muffled voices. Although she could not distinguish individual tones, the handmaiden knew one of them was Banan’s. She continued