The Eighth Saimar: Chapter One

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Naydyn huffed into the room, throwing her traveling bag on the floor. A chambermaid, holding Naydyn’s hat and cloak, followed in her wake. Naydyn stopped and watched the maid, an almost sadistic smile playing on the corners of her lips as she took off her boots and threw them to opposite corners of the room as soon as the maid bent to pick up the discarded bag.

Enovi looked back to her sewing as Naydyn flung herself into a red velvet chair situated near the fireplace. "Did the visit to Ayst go well?" She glanced up again.

"Council meetings are more boring than you can imagine," Naydyn replied, glaring as the maid approached her. "What do you want? Leave me." The maid gave a brief curtsy and left the room, still burdened with hat, cloak, bag, and boots.

"Boring?" said Enovi. "You’ve been wanting to go to the meetings with Da for years."

"They didn’t talk about anything interesting," said Naydyn. She eyed the remains of Enovi’s dinner, which had been put aside shortly before, and helped herself to a biscuit off the plate. "Or at least not when I was in the room. Da made me leave sometimes, though, and I suspect that’s when the council was talking about interesting things."

"Secret things?" asked Enovi.

Naydyn turned sideways in the chair, curling her knees around the armrest. She was still wearing her riding pants, which were dusty and leaving spots of dirt on the red velvet. "Like I said, interesting."

Enovi bit her lip before she could say what she really wanted. "Why do you think they made you leave?" She knew Naydyn was working up to a good rant, and in times like this it was best to prompt her on and get it over with. Otherwise she would be fuming all night.

"I don’t know," said Naydyn, sitting up and swinging her feet around to rest on the floor again. "It’s not fair. I’m sixteen, I’m the Albreyasen, I’m going to have to learn about these things at some point, right? I begged and begged Da to let me say, but he said I was too young. Too young! He’s made plans to marry me off before the year is over, but he still treats me like a child."

"Marry?" asked Enovi, surprised. She had known for as long as she could remember that Naydyn was promised to Andran fidh Shald, the son of the Korenmar of Fyonth, but she hadn’t realized it was to happen so soon. It made sense, though. Naydyn was sixteen and a woman. Their own mother had been no older when she married their father.

Naydyn glared at her. "Yes, married, and don’t change the subject."

Enovi thought, based on the way Naydyn had said "married" that she was in for two rants that night. It’s too bad she can’t do both at the same time and get it over with, she thought. But Naydyn would not be distracted from the topic at hand until she had exhausted her sense of outrage.

"I almost caught them saying something secret," said Naydyn, sighing.

"Daruved fidh Dego–he’s the First Saimar–started talking about something or someone called Jasmara. But then Da looked at me kind of sideways, the way he does when he thinks we shouldn’t be around, and made Daruved be quiet, and then he practically shoved me out of the room. I waited half the day in the kitchens with the servants before the meeting ended. He didn’t even let me go with him the next day. He told me to go shopping at the market. Shopping! I tried to explain to him slowly that I detest shopping and that I didn’t give a horse’s ass if Ayst had the finest markets in the world. But he wouldn’t listen. So then I reminded him that I’m his heir and that it was important I be included on the meetings, but that’s when he started all the nonsense about how I was too young to have my delicate sensibilities burdened with the realities of rulership."

Enovi coughed to hide an undignified snort of laughter. Naydyn hadn’t been delicate since the day she learned how to talk, and probably not before that, either.

Naydyn continued, apparently oblivious to her sister’s reaction. "The rest of the time was spent talking about stupid things, like how much grain we’ll need to get from Madeve this year and whether we should renew the trade agreement with Vymeth. So utterly boring." She fell silent. Enovi waited, wondering if Naydyn was truly finished, or if she was just taking a break.

When her sister didn’t say anything for several more moments, Enovi sighed and picked her sewing back up. "But I guess those things are important," she said.

"I know they’re important," Naydyn replied. "It just would have been nice to have known about the more interesting things as well."

She was definitely calmer now. Enovi smiled and focused on her sampler.

"I mean, the only interesting part was when I met the Saimara for the first time."

Apparently she wasn’t done. Without looking up Enovi said, "So tell me about them."

Naydyn sat up straight, staring into the fireplace. "I’ve already mentioned Daruved. He’s lovely. I’m being entirely sarcastic, of course. He disagreed with Da on everything, and I caught him shooting horrid looks at him several times. I think he believes he can run the empire better than Da. Someone needs to remind him he was born to House Dego, not House Tierlach. The Second Saimar is a woman, the only one on the council. Her name’s Mairyn, and she’s one of the few I think I could actually bear for more than a day."

"Why only one woman?" asked Enovi.

Naydyn shrugged. "How should I know? The Third and Fourth Saimara, Iormad and Indagus, are both crusty old men, completely useless to everyone including themselves. You know Lyran, the Fifth, of course."

Enovi nodded. Lyran fidh Calum was a good friend of her father’s, and had often come to the palace to visit.

"The Sixth Saimar, Arisano, is loud and irritating. He doesn’t come from a House. They say his family came here from Anandyr years ago, but I don’t know if that’s true."

"Really?" said Enovi. She had never met anyone from the continent across the sea, mostly because Anandyr and Artesia loathed each other at the best of times.

Naydyn shot her an annoyed look. "I just said I didn’t know. But he’s certainly irritating enough to be one of them."

"His name is odd, too," said Enovi.

"I don’t know about that," said Naydyn. "Then there’s the Seventh Saimar." She got a faraway look in her eyes, and a small smile appeared on her face. "Cowall fidh Staidh. He’s the youngest."

Naydyn fell silent, and Enovi looked up from her sampler, eyebrows raised. "Is that all?"

Naydyn blinked and looked at her sister. “Of course that’s all. I’m going to bed." She leaped up off the chair.

"Good night," called Enovi as Naydyn left the room. She received a grunt in reply and, smiling, turned back to her sewing.

#

Several days later the announcement ran through the palace that Andran fidh Shald and his father, the Korenmar of Fyonth, were arriving for a visit. Enovi figured it had something to do with Naydyn’s impending marriage, which both her parents and her sister were being tight-lipped about. All Enovi knew was that Andran was eighteen, two years older than Naydyn, and their closeness in age had seemed to be the only consideration when the match was made. Fyonth had been so long under Artesian rule that there was no political reason for the marriage, unlike her mother’s union with her father soon after Cadiress had been absorbed into the empire. Times were peaceful.

On the morning of Andran’s arrival, Enovi and Naydyn were dressed in their finest clothing: Enovi in the finest blue velvet from Ayst, her long, straight blonde hair tied back with matching ribbons and a thin wreath of pearls–another import from Vymeth–around her neck; Naydyn in a flowing red silk gown reflecting the latest style in Artesia, with a gold sash around her waist and matching gold necklaces and armlets. Her auburn hair had been carefully packed into rollers the night before, and the next day the curls were brushed out so that they swung gracefully around her face. She was even decorated with a small bit of face paint, which she didn’t want, but her mother insisted.

Enovi watched the fuss being made over Naydyn with a growing jealousy. It was easy to forget, when Naydyn preferred wearing shapeless boys’ clothes, going without jewelry, and tying her hair back into a simple knot most days, that she was actually quite beautiful, far lovelier than Enovi could ever hope to be.

Once Naydyn had managed to chase the maids away, she approached Enovi, looking profoundly unhappy. She tugged uncomfortably at the front of her gown, though it fit her figure perfectly. "I hate this," she said. "When I become Albrey I think I’ll ban dresses."

"It looks beautiful on you," said Enovi, her voice hushed. She looked down at her own blue velvet dress, which barely covered the tops of her black leather shoes. She envied the short, elegant train on Naydyn’s gown.

"Yours is nice, too," said Naydyn.

"For a child of five, perhaps," Enovi sighed. She knew she shouldn’t feel jealous of Naydyn. Her sister was an adult, and should be allowed to dress like one. And Andran was Naydyn’s future husband, so she was the one who had to impress him. Enovi was just the little sister.

But Enovi also knew that while she might get a gown with a train when she was sixteen and ready to meet her betrothed, she wouldn’t look nearly as stunning as Naydyn. Enovi’s hair was too limp to curl properly, she was thin and feared she would never develop a figure, and her face was pale and often looked washed-out, except for her black eyebrows which made an unflattering contrast with her hair and skin. Enovi had been hoping since she was seven that she would one day wake up and be as beautiful as her sister. It had never happened. The thought had crossed her mind more than once that she would never get married, that no eligible man would ever have her.

"I would trade you," said Naydyn. "Better yet, I would get rid of this all together, forget meeting Andran, and go riding."

"Aren’t you excited to meet your betrothed?" asked Enovi.

"No," said Naydyn, her features marred by a deep frown. "I don’t understand why I have to get married at all."

"You might like Andran," said Enovi, trying to be helpful. "I suppose you don’t want to marry him because you don’t know him."

"It has nothing to do with Andran," said Naydyn. "I don’t think I would want to marry anyone, not even if he was my best friend." She glanced around the room as if to check for eavesdroppers, then moved closer to Enovi. "I don’t want to marry," she whispered. "I don’t want to have children. I don’t want to . . ." She stopped.

"What?"

"You know, be in bed with him," she finished so quickly and in such a low voice Enovi had to strain to hear.

"Oh!" said Enovi. "Why not? What if he’s handsome?"

"I don’t care if he’s the most handsome man in the world," said Naydyn. "I just don’t think I would like it very much, that’s all."

"Are you scared?" asked Enovi.

Naydyn straightened up to her full height, her eyes turning scornful. "Of course not. I just bet he’s going to be ugly and boring and spend his time gloating that he’s going to be the Brey because of a lucky birthdate." She narrowed her eyes. "I loathe him already."

"You’ll be the primary ruler," Enovi reminded her. "He’s joining House Tierlach. You’re not joining his House."

"Still," said Naydyn. "Even if does nothing but sit around all day and take no hand in ruling, like Mother, he’ll still be able to call himself Brey, and I don’t like the thought of anyone but Da calling himself Brey."

"Da can’t be Brey forever," said Enovi.

"I know!" Naydyn snapped. She turned as a knock came at the door and a maid entered.

"The Korenmar of Fyonth and his son have arrived," said the maid, bowing her head. "You are both required in the front hall."

"Let’s go," Naydyn sighed, gathering up her long gown so that she wouldn’t trip on it going down the staircase. "Let’s meet Andran the lucky Breyasen."

#

Andran turned out to be quite handsome, with short black hair, tanned skin, and the sort of broad nose common to those from Fyonth. He entered the room behind his father, who was a complete spectacle. Dressed in layers of gold and dripping in jewelry, walking slowly and pompously down the purple carpet set out for his arrival, the Korenmar of Fyonth made a sharp contrast to Aidan, who was dressed elegantly but simply in royal blue robes. Enovi thought the Korenmar looked foolish.

Andran was altogether different. Dressed in black with silver claspings, a purple cape hung about his shoulders, it was possible to completely lose the son next to the father.

"Thank the spirits he doesn’t dress like his father," Enovi whispered to Naydyn, staring at the Korenmar with horrified fascination. She had never, even growing up among the riches of Untoreld Palace, seen so much gold in one place before.

"He’s wearing a purple cape," said Naydyn, looking at Andran with something bordering on hate. "As if he’s royalty already."

"Quiet, girls," said their mother, her face frozen into a smile. "Enovi, don’t stare."

Introductions were made. Enovi, despite her mother’s admonition, couldn’t help but sneak furtive glances at the Korenmar’s outlandish clothing. Andran, true to protocol, kissed Turelli’s hand, then Enovi’s in turn.

"Albreyast Enovi nidh Tierlach," he said, falling to one knee to match her height. He was very tall, more so than even Aidan. "I am honored by your presence and request your favor."

They were rote words, the same ones he had said to Enovi’s mother only a moment before, but Enovi was struck with how smooth his voice sounded, how strange and good his hand on hers felt. He looked at her with the deepest brown eyes she had ever seen and bent his head to kiss her hand. When his lips touched her skin she felt a thrill roll through her, unlike anything she had experienced before. She suddenly grew very warm, and was sorry when Andran turned away from her, dropping her hand.

She watched him as he approached Naydyn. Her sister limply held out one hand, sighing with impatience as he repeated the words to her and looking off to the side of the room, seemingly bored, when he kissed her hand. Then he stood, leaned over, and tried to kiss her cheek, but Naydyn jerked away so quickly she nearly tripped backwards over her gown.

"Excuse me," she said, regaining her dignity in the way only she could. "I
don’t believe we’re married yet."

Andran looked embarrassed, two bright red spots appearing on his cheeks underneath his tan. "Forgive me," he said. "It is tradition in Fyonth . . ."

"We’re not in Fyonth," said Naydyn coldly.

"Naydyn," said Aidan, a note of warning in his voice. "There’s no need to get so upset. It was an innocent mistake, and he has apologized."

Enovi noticed that all the adults looked uncomfortable. She felt furious. What did Naydyn mean to give Andran such a cold welcome? He seemed like a nice man. Enovi felt sure she wouldn’t have turned away from his kiss. Based on how his mouth on her hand had felt, she thought she would have
given anything for another.

Fortunately a servant chose that time to enter and announce that dinner was ready to begin. The two families moved silently to the small dining hall, which was as formal as the hall the Brey kept for dances and dinner parties in the palace, but smaller and more suited for conversation among a few people.

Enovi remembered little of the actual dinner. She ate without noticing what she ate, spending much of the time staring at Andran, hoping he would turn her way and give her one of his gorgeous smiles. But his attention and his smiles were focused completely on Naydyn, whom he kept trying to engage in conversation. Enovi’s sister refused all his attempts to get her attention, shoveling food in her mouth so she couldn’t talk and pretending to listen to the conversation among the adults with such rapt attention that nothing else could intrude.

The only time Enovi heard a word the adults said was at one point during the dinner when the Korenmar turned to his son and asked, "You had some trouble with vagabonds last month, did you not?"

Enovi didn’t know what the adults had been talking about, but she waited for Andran’s answer. She felt could listen to him talk all day about nothing at all and still not get enough.

Andran, looking surprised at being addressed, said, "Yes. I was attacked. Fortunately there were guards with me and the attackers were swiftly dispatched."

The Korenmar nodded in approval. "You see, Brey, it grows worse. The scoundrels probably knew my son is betrothed to the Albreyasen, and sought to end his rule before it began."

"Actually, it’s my rule," said Naydyn, but no one paid attention to her.

"Or they could have simply seen that he was dressed as nobility and thought they could find money on him," said Aidan, leaning back in his chair. "There have been no attempts on Naydyn’s life."

"That is easy for you to say, keeping her sequestered in the palace her whole life."

"I am not sequestered," said Naydyn. Enovi felt a little sorry for her as once again no one seemed to hear.

"Naydyn has accompanied me on numerous trips throughout the empire," argued Aidan. "Most recently she attended the council meetings in Ayst. Of course I do not allow her out alone. She is sixteen and a girl. That is dangerous no matter what House one comes from."

"I can take care of myself," said Naydyn.

The Korenmar shook his head. "I tell you, it was not by chance. They were waiting for him. I suspect they were hired." He gave Aidan a significant look. "You know who I suspect hired them."

Aidan shot a glance at his daughters. "This is neither the time nor the place to discuss this. We can meet privately later tonight, if you wish."

"Now you remember I exist!" Naydyn burst out, and this time everyone turned to look at her. She scowled and pushed her plate away. "I’m done. Can I go?"

"Absolutely not," said Turelli. "We have company."

Naydyn shot Andran a blatant glare. "The company’s boring."

"Naydyn!" cried Aidan and Turelli together. Andran and his father looked scandalized.

"Apologize immediately," said Aidan.

"I’m allowed my opinion," said Naydyn. "And I don’t appreciate being spoken about as if I’m not sitting right here. I’m not a child."

"Then stop acting like one," snapped Enovi, immediately startled by her own words.

Naydyn turned her glare on her sister. "What did you say?"

"You get everything you could ever want and all you do is complain," said Enovi, wanting to stop the words but unable. Before she would continue, however, she was yanked painfully from her chair by her elbow, which Turelli held in a tight grip. Enovi looked at her, surprised. She hadn’t even seen her mother get up.

"Excuse us, Korenmar," said Turelli, nodding her head in his direction. He returned the gesture, and Enovi was unceremoniously pulled from the hall.

"Mama, what?" said Enovi as her mother practically dragged her up the staircase. "What’s wrong?"

"One of you girls is going to be the death of me," said Turelli, her teeth clenched and her face red. "I’d always thought it would be Naydyn, but now I’m not so sure."

Enovi dug in her heels at they reached the top of the stairs. "What do you mean?"

Her mother stopped and looked down at her. "I’m shocked at the rudeness you just demonstrated at dinner. These are not people to offend, Enovi."

"I didn’t do anything," said Enovi, hurrying after her mother as she started off again, taking large, swift strides down the hallway. "Naydyn was the one insulting them. Why didn’t you take her away?"

"Naydyn is a woman grown, and Andran is her betrothed," Turelli said. "It would not do to punish her like a child in front of him. Encouraging her in her tirades does no one any good. Can’t you understand that?" They arrived at the door to Enovi’s chambers and Turelli opened it. "Inside, and don’t you ever embarrass me like that again."

"She doesn’t deserve him," said Enovi hotly, stepping inside. “He’s nice. He should be with someone who deserves him.”

Turelli, who had been turning to leave, stopped. "Is that what this is about?" she asked, understanding flooding her face. It was quickly replaced with anger, and something like fear. "Enovi, promise me you will not get between Naydyn and Andran."

"Mama!" said Enovi, feeling shocked and a little guilty. "I’m only twelve."

"Their marriage may be more important than anyone realizes," said Turelli.

"How so?"

Turelli shook her head. "I cannot answer that. But promise me, Enovi."

Enovi thought about the way Andran had made her feel, and how Naydyn seemed oblivious to his charms. "I promise. But Mama?"

"Yes?"

"I don’t think Naydyn would mind at all if I came between them."

"I know," said Turelli, making ready to shut the door. "That’s what I’m afraid of."

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