Page 50 of Tashama
Listra reached her hand into the pouch tied at her waist, then handed a blue ribbon to Tashama.
“Thank you. I hope that I haven’t been too much of a bother to you.”
“I’ve been given the task of being your lady-in-waiting for the remainder of the time you’ll be here. Many are anxious to serve you.”
“Why?”
Listra ran her hands over her skirt. “Because of your confrontations with the prince. There’s been quite a bit of conversation in the ladies’ chambers concerning this when we turn in for the night. Because of my assignment, my position has been somewhat elevated.”
Tashama laughed. “Well, at least someone appreciates I’m here.” She finished braiding her hair, then set the tail of the braid in her lap. “I heard one of the men call you a princess, though.”
“I’m the prince’s first cousin. My mother was the king’s sister.”
“I would think your position is already quite elevated.”
“There are twenty-two princesses. We are all cousins of Prince Aleron.”
“I see. Then, as one of many of the prince’s first cousins, who would you like to see the prince marry?”
“A woman who will satisfy the prince’s desires so he will be happy in his reign over Maldovia.”
“The prince should please his wife, and in doing so, she will find favor with him.”
Listra smiled. “The ladies find you amusing. You twist our concepts so. It’s difficult to imagine you can be a Karthlander and the ruler of your people with such strange notions.”
“Will you help me with something?”
Listra tied Tashama’s braid. “If I can.”
“I would like to sit in the gazebo.”
“With veils covering your hair.”
Tashama studied the gardens, then finally nodded.
“I’ll have the guards carry you and will sit with you before the meal.”
After Listra appliedveils to Tashama’s hair, she opened the door and made her request known to the guards. Soon Tashama sat with Listra in the lacy white gazebo overlooking a pond she hadn’t noticed before. Orange-scaled fish swam under the hogwort pads. Tashama leaned forward to get a closer look. Suddenly, a water sprite flew into her face, and she sat back, startled.
“Tashama,” the sprite whispered on the breeze as she fluttered about Tashama’s head. “Tashama, they’ve got you again.”
“Go away, you pesky sprite.”
The blue-winged creature giggled and dove into the water as Tashama shook her head. Listra’s mouth dropped open.
“What’s the matter?”
“Did you understand what she said? Could you hear her words?”
“Certainly. They’re annoying, aren't they?”
Listra’s eyes widened.
“Do not tell me that you cannot understand them.”
“Nobody I know can, my lady. They make strange tinkling noises, and like the birds or other animals of the wild, we cannot understand their speech. What did she say?”
“Nothing important. They are like gnats, annoying! By the way, please call me Tashama.”
