Page 124 of Requiem of Silence

—THE HARMONY OF BEING

Jasminda’s feet, which were supposed to be taking her toward the dungeon, instead veered off. She found herself standing in front of Camm’s and Ilysara’s desks with no real recollection of how she’d gotten there. She blinked rapidly and avoided both of her assistants’ curious gazes before ducking into her office.

Then she peeked her head back out. “I’d like to not be disturbed.” Camm, seated closest to her, nodded, bemused.

Certainly she could spare a few minutes to gather her thoughts before heading down to the dungeon. She dreaded seeing Biddell’s smug face, dreaded asking anything of him, but it was the right choice. He had proved his superior skill in wrangling the people and affecting their opinions. He would no doubt be able to do it again—that is, if he agreed.

She fell into her favorite armchair near the fireplace, the fire’s crackling light bringing warmth to the drafty room. The consequences of her actions were coming back upon her. She still had no regrets about incarcerating Biddell, but there was a heavy price inherent in being a ruler. Give and take, and compromises, and pounds of flesh to be collected.

Before her on the coffee table, someone had spread out the day’s newspapers. The headlines had not grown more complimentary, at least not where she was concerned. The vote results were emblazoned upon every front page. Her failure in large black print for the world to see. She sat back heavily in the chair and closed her eyes, breathing deeply.

The office door opened. She sighed dramatically, knowing that neither Camm nor Ilysara would have interrupted her had it not been extremely important. But the heft of the new presence began to weigh upon her. She opened her eyes to find Oola, Yllis, and Mooriah walking in together.

She sat up straight, blinking in surprise. They looked like a family, the resemblance clear now that they stood side by side before her. Loomed was more like it. Part of her wanted to stand and assert her meager authority, but what really was the point amongst these ancient people?

“To what do I owe this visit?”

“May we sit?” Yllis asked.

“I’m quite sure you may do what you like, but please.” Jasminda motioned to the couch. Oola and Yllis sat together, while Mooriah chose to hike a hip onto the arm and perch herself there.

“Would you like some refreshment?” Jasminda’s voice held humor if only to diffuse the tension building in the air.

Though the reunion appeared to have gone well, Jasminda had experienced some of Oola’s memories, knew of Her love for the man beside Her. Knew also of the pain between them from long ago as the war with Her brother and their mutual guilt for their part in Eero’s downfall had slowly driven a wedge between them. Whether the old wounds had faded with time or a reckoning was still on its way, she did not know. But it was obvious they had something important to share with her.

“Has something new happened?” Apprehension rose as three grim faces regarded her.

“No.” Oola’s voice was resonant as ever, and Jasminda released a relieved breath.

“My mother has something she wishes to tell you.” Mooriah’s matter-of-fact way of expressing herself further put Jasminda at ease. The woman looked at her mother expectantly.

Oola’s chin tilted up. “You have often wondered why I made you queen.”

Jasminda stiffened. “Yes.”

“You doubt your ability. Your right to rule.” Dark eyes bored into her like a drill.

“Yes, I have.”

“Do you doubt Jaqros’s?”

The question caught her off-guard. “An Alliaseen has been the ruler of Elsira ever since you left. He was raised to rule.”

“Yes.” Yllis nudged Her and She glared at him. But the corners ofhis lips cracked a fraction. Such strange relationships these people had. So much said without uttering a word. Jasminda wished she could interpret it.

“Yllis installed an Alliaseen as regent of the land to act in my stead. But their blood is no more royal than my own. Than ours.” Oola took Yllis’s hand in Hers and returned Her intense gaze to Jasminda. “If it is destiny for a descendant of royalty to rule, then it is your destiny as well.”

Jasminda swallowed. She did not speak, waiting for Oola to continue. But it was Mooriah who spoke.

“Six generations ago, my great-great-great-grandchildren left the caves and found their way into Lagrimar. They took the name of my father. The House of Eagles—Sarifor. They kept the secrets, spread the lies, and remembered the truths, just as I’d instructed. Two branches of that tree remain: your father and his children, and Kyara. If my mother was queen, if our line is royal, then so are you.”

Oola smiled slightly. “You have long suspected as much, I believe.”

Jasminda couldn’t deny it, though Oola had never explicitly stated it before and it was too much to hope for. Too much to believe. “And you never told me because you thought it would do me no good to know?”

Oola pursed Her lips and looked away, sighing. “Indeed. But my… family have convinced me that my logic in that regard has some detriments.” Yllis snorted and Mooriah rolled her eyes.

Oola’s expression turned apologetic. “You are unique, Jasminda. You empathize with the lost and abandoned. You have felt the wrath and the pain of isolation and separation. You grew up weak and so use your new strength with care. You are generous andkind, steely and determined, stubborn and purposeful. You are much like me, flaws and all.”

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