The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms - By N. K. Jemisin Page 0,21

followed the aide down the longest hallway in the city, or so it felt, because now that Id stood my bladder had become most insistent about being emptied. When we at last reached the small chamberthe door was marked Private in Senmite, and I took it to mean for the highest-ranking Salon guests onlyit took all my willpower not to rush undignified into the very large, roomlike stall.

My business completed, I was beginning the complicated process of reassembling my Amn underclothes when I heard the outer chamber door open. Scimina, I thought, and stifled both annoyance and a hint of trepidation.

Yet when I emerged from the stall, I was surprised to see Ras Onchi beside the sinks, obviously waiting for me.

For a moment I considered letting my confusion show, then decided against it. I inclined my head instead and said in Nirvathe common tongue of the north long before the Arameri had imposed Senmite on the worldGood afternoon to you, Auntie.

She smiled, flashing a mouth that was nearly toothless. Her voice lacked for nothing, though, when she spoke. And to you, she said in the same language, though Im no auntie of yours. Youre Arameri, and I am nothing.

I flinched before I could stop myself. What does one say to something like that? What did Arameri say? I didnt want to know. To break the awkwardness, I moved past her and began to wash my hands.

She watched me in the mirror. You dont look much like your mother.

I frowned up at her. What was she about? So Ive been told.

We were ordered not to speak to her, or your people, she said quietly. Wohi and I, and Wohis predecessor. The words came from the Consortium Overseer, but the sentiment? She smiled. Who knows? I just thought you might want to know.

This was rapidly beginning to feel like an entirely different conversation. I rinsed my hands, picked up a towel, and turned to her. Have you got something to say to me, Old Aunt?

Ras shrugged and turned to head for the door. As she turned, a necklace that she wore caught the light. It had an odd sort of pendant: like a tiny gold treenut or cherrystone. I hadnt noticed it before because it was half-hidden on a chain that dipped below her neckline. A link of chain had caught on her clothing, though, pulling the pendant up into view. I found myself staring at it rather than her.

I have nothing to tell you that you dont already know, she said, as she walked away. If youre Arameri, that is.

I scowled after her. And if Im not?

She paused at the door and turned back to me, giving me a very shrewd look. Unthinkingly I straightened, so that she would think better of me. Such was her presence.

If youre not Arameri, she said after a moment, then well speak again. With that, she left.

I went back to Sky alone, feeling more out of place than ever.

* * *

I had been given three nations to oversee, as Tvril reminded me that afternoon, when he came to continue my hurried education in Arameri life.

Each of the three lands was bigger than my Darr. Each also had its own perfectly competent rulers, which meant that I had very little to do with regard to their management. They paid me a regular stipend for the privilege of my oversight, which they probably resented deeply, and which instantly made me wealthier than Id ever been.

I was given another magic thing, a silvery orb that would, on command, show me the face of any person I requested. If I tapped the orb a certain way, they would see my face, hovering in the air like some sort of decapitated spirit. I had been the recipient of such messages beforeit was how Id gotten the invitation from Grandfather Dekartaand I found them unnerving. Still, this would allow me to communicate with my lands rulers whenever I wished.

Id like to arrange a meeting with my lord cousin Relad as soon as possible, I said after Tvril finished showing me how to use the orb. I dont know if hell be any friendlier than Scimina, but I take heart in the fact that he hasnt tried to kill me yet.

Wait, Tvril muttered.

Not promising. Still, I had a half-formed strategy in my head, and I wanted to pursue it. The problem was that I did not know the rules of this Arameri game of inheritance. How did one win when Dekarta himself