The Will of the Empress - By Tamora Pierce Page 0,49

nobles that had formed around the empress. They noticed her and turned, opening the path between Sandry and Berenene.

"Sandry, we've been discussing some entertainments for you," Berenene said with a smile. "Of course, there are parties, but which do you prefer for daytime: picnics, hunting, rides?"

Sandry dipped a curtsy. "Forgive me, Cousin, but I must beg your indulgence and ask you to reconsider your plans," she said quietly. "I have promised my cousin Ambros that I would inspect my home estates as soon as I had recovered from our journey here. My friends and I will be leaving for Landreg tomorrow morning."

Briar, Daja, and Tris, who were nearby, traded looks. This was news to them.

The tiniest of frowns knit the empress's chestnut eyebrows.

"I do apologize," Sandry continued, "but I really had no chance to mention it earlier. If I don't go soon, it will be a slap in the face to my cousin, who has worked so long and hard in my interest, as well as to my tenants and servants. You yourself, Imperial Majesty, have told me that I have neglected my estates. To come to Namorn after so many years away, and not tend to my obligations immediately ... I know you would not like me to further shirk my duty."

For a very long moment no one spoke or moved. They're afraid, Sandry realized, listening for clues from the people around her. They're afraid of Berenene when she loses her temper. I'd better keep that in mind. She's all sweetness now, but that's not how she's remained the sole ruler of Namorn for twenty-odd years.

"What can I say?" asked Berenene with a gentle shrug. "Duty is duty. I can hardly reproach you for making the visit I urged you to make in my own letters. But please, return to us soon, dearest cousin. We have weeks of delights to share. And of course we hope that your friends share in them, too. I certainly would like to avail myself of Viynain Briar's expertise in my gardens."

She extended a soft, ivory hand. Sandry kissed it and curtsied deep, hearing Tris's skirts rustle and Daja's and Briar's tunics whisper as they bid their own farewells.

"I know!" said Berenene, a broad smile on her lips. "We shall send some of our young people with you, to guard you and entertain you. Jak, Fin, um . .." She bit her lower lip in thought, then added, "Rizu and Caidlene. I can surely spare the four of you. Yes, even Rizu," she told the smiling maid. Berenene waved off any protests Sandry was about to utter. "I insist. They will be agreeable company for you. Caidlene is a cousin by marriage of Ambros fer Landreg — I'm certain he will not object. They will meet you tomorrow morning."

"Your Imperial Majesty, I mean to leave at dawn," argued Sandry. Wonderful! She thought. There's no way I can refuse without being thought rude, and now I have two of her husband-candidates to pester me! Illogically she wondered, Why didn't she add that nice Shan? She continued aloud, "We'll have guards, and Cousin Ambros to guide us —"

"Then you certainly need livelier people for your party," Berenene interrupted. "Saghad Landreg is a wonderful man, but ... sober. And my young people will be there at dawn." She looked at each of the four nobles she had named. "Will you not, my pets?"

What can any of them say? wondered Sandry as the men bowed and the two ladies curtsied. And what can I say? If I kick up any more of a fuss, she will get angry. There's no sense in picking a fight this early in the summer. Aloud, she said, "Cousin, you are too generous. Of course I will welcome your friends."

A footman guided them to a courtyard where hostlers stood with the horses, talking with Shan. He, too, held a horse's reins, a glossy black stallion's. When he saw them, he grinned. "I thought I'd accompany you home, so you wouldn't get lost." Since they had only two miles of High Street to ride, this was clearly a joke. "I wish I could go with you, but we have hunts scheduled for a delegation from Olart and one of the empress's cousins from Lairan. It would be nice to get home for a visit." When Sandry raised her eyebrows in a question, Shan explained, "My parents' estate is only ten miles south of Landreg."

"She can't spare you even for a visit home?" Sandry asked