He speaks as he exhales. “I didn’t know I would be the only person without a companion, or I would have found one for the evening.”
“Do you have someone in mind?” Natesa’s arch tone implies she has thoughts on the matter.
“One or two ladies of court. They’re on hold for the prince.” Brac sets the hookah mouthpiece against his lower lip. “They’re waiting for him to determine their fates.”
I wince at his phrasing. “They can remain in the palace during the two-year interim after the wedding. I won’t ask them to leave.”
Servants set dishes of food before us. Yatin finishes his chalice of wine and yawns. Natesa leans against his side, also fatigued.
“What will happen after two years?” Brac inquires. “Will you retain them in your court or require that they resign?”
“Whatever is determined, I will not alter their way of life.” This is the ranis’ home, the place many of them bore and raised their children. I would never force them out.
Gemi adjusts the side pleats of her sari, disengaged from the conversation. Her arrival is the ideal pivot point.
“Princess Gemi, tell us more about you.” The second I speak, I recognize my error. Out of everyone at the table, only Yatin and Natesa do not know her well. And myself, of course. Brac spent time with Gemi on his last visit to the isles, and Pons and Indah lived in Lestari at the palace with her for several years.
“I’m an instructor at an all-girls seminary,” she says. “I studied higher learning under several prestigious sages. Now I teach language and reading.”
“What are your favorite literary categories?” I ask, then quickly add, “I also like to read.”
Natesa laughs stridently. “The prince would read constantly if he could.”
Everyone around the table mutters in agreement. I am not offended or ashamed. A fascination with books is not a vice but a hobby.
“Reading is the gateway to learning,” Gemi says, receptive to our shared interest. “My favorite categories to teach are animals and plants. The girls are eager to learn.”
“Those are fascinating subjects to convey to children,” I say.
Gemi casually runs her finger around the rim of her chalice. “I like to watch them discover new things. It gives them a deeper appreciation for our world.”
Brac releases another puff of hookah smoke. “Ashwin, you should show the princess the library.”
“Didn’t you see it during your last visit?” I ask her.
“The door was pointed out on my initial tour,” Gemi replies, “but I was not let in.”
I give undue attention to the smoke curling upward. “I, ah, will have to correct that.”