The Unfortunate, стр. 36

The advisor did not answer, but he did not show any signs of disputing the prince’s comments. He briefly pondered the situation, but he eventually altered the topic slightly by inquiring, “How will this affect Armania?”

“You will know all in good time, but until then you are not to speak of this to anyone.”

“Of course not,” Raedan answered quickly, and his nervousness appeared to intensify as the prince moved closer and added, “Not even my father. Understood?”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

Banan continued to smile.

So, too, did Jenn.

✽ ✽ ✽

Long after Raedan had gone, Jenn and Banan remained in the great hall. A tranquility, a feeling that had never been more than a whisper and was both enthralling and unnerving, encompassed the room. Their plan, while still in its preliminary stages, had already reached the crucial point of no return, and everything hinged on Raedan’s loyalty. There were still many actions remaining and so many factors that could change everything. What if they lost the war? What if Raedan fails to initiate a conflict in time? Worse still, what if the advisor intentionally waits until Banan has been relieved of regent power to make King Beadurof aware of the plotting? Jenn had to force herself from imagining the paths to failure and focus on the present and what could be. Despite the challenges they would encounter, she and Banan had the entire world waiting for them. It was their turn in the game, and an opportunity had presented itself, an opportunity for them to become more than pawns. With Fate’s blessing the world would be theirs for the taking.

She eventually walked to the front of the hall and claimed the throne as her seat. She smiled and remained silent as she continued to study the room’s vastness. If only King Beadurof could have been here to see me. If only he knew. How would he react? What would he think of me sitting on his throne? Me, a mere servant, a wretch, a whore, whatever he would want to call me. What would he think? Jenn smiled because she was none of those. She was a loyal servant because that was the life she had been forced to lead, but she was no wretch, and she was no whore. She was of royal blood. She was the daughter of a monarch, and one day King Beadurof would know.

In addition to her thoughts, Jenn was reminded of her childhood and the myth her mother had told her about the stars.

“It has been claimed there is a star for every soul that has departed this world.”

“Is that true?” she had replied.

Her mother had chuckled. “It is a century’s-old myth like the tales of dragons and giants, but that does not mean you cannot believe.”

“I do believe!” she had been quick to proclaim. “What else does the myth foretell?”

“That when a star falls, it is a sign that the soul has been cast from the heavens as punishment.” A slight chuckle had followed her mother’s reply.

There had been a long pause before the girl had inquired, “So someday I shall be a star?”

“Yes, Jenn.”

“And will my star ever fall?”

“No,” her mother had assured. “You are too beautiful to be cast from the heavens. Yours will outshine all others.”

✽ ✽ ✽

Yes it will! Jenn concluded her memory, closed her eyes, and used her fingers to trace the arms of the throne. She could feel each smooth facet that composed the decorative-carvings, and she opened her eyes to see Banan at her side.

He leaned down, wrapped his arms around her, and inquired, “What are you thinking?”

Jenn took his hand in her own and gently squeezed. “Pondering the situation is all.”

“Are you experiencing second thoughts? There is still time to—”

“No. The war must occur. How else can your marriage be delayed?” Despite her response, however, the wedding was the least of Jenn’s concerns.

“I could forget this life, marry the woman I love, and begin anew.”

“Is that your answer for everything?”

He ignored the handmaiden’s criticism and continued, “We could leave Armania and go far away where no one would ever find us, where they will not even know us.”

“I am speaking of a serious matter,” she insisted. “You and I both are aware there is no where we could go that we would not be followed. You are not only your father’s heir. You are the only one who can further his bloodline. He would never allow you to leave. Security of his lineage and Armania are his only concerns!” Although she had not done so intentionally, Jenn’s tone had become more animated, but it had been necessary.

He nodded. “There must be a war, but if Armania’s involvement is too great a risk …”

“Part of me thinks it is,” she sighed. “But what is it you always claim? Greater risk, greater reward. It is necessary for Armania to provide support to Yorcia. Armania must be involved if we are to succeed, if we intend to fulfill the ultimate dream.”

There was another moment of silence before the prince added, “There is still something you are not telling me.”

She again sighed. Banan knew her too well, and he would eventually learn the truth. “It is nothing,” she finally admitted with a reluctant sigh. “I am thinking about my mother is all.”

“You told her about the plan?” The prince acted neither surprised nor angered.

“Only what was necessary, as you suggested.”

“And?”

“She was initially averse to the idea, but I managed to gain her favor. I think.”

“You think?” He smiled, but his expression offered the slightest hint of discontent.

It was an understandable reaction. Even though support from Drunacht’s nobles was not essential, it undoubtedly would help. “How certain are you she will assist the cause?”

The handmaiden smiled, and using her most assuring tone, she answered, “My mother will do her part to convince the officials in Drunacht when the time arrives.”

“And she is certain these officials will support her?”

“Yes.”

“And she is certain we