The Courier’s Collection

Chapter 37

37

Jak and Rasha didn’t have to go far to find the council. The guard that showed them the way knocked on the door once and then the doors swung open. Though it was still very early, they were all summoned into the chamber of the council, accompanied by Prince Bashir and Chiza.

“Ah, there they are, Rasha, Jak, welcome. We’ve been expecting you.”

Rasha raised her eyebrows in question.

“We’ll explain everything, please join us at the table.” The oval table made of marble and stone dominated the room. A member from almost every nation stood around the table.

The Chilalian raised a fist to his chest and bowed to Rasha as she approached. It made her insides squirm as it always did when someone recognized her. She gave the purple man a nod.

“We’re honored that you are here with us, Princess Rasha, and that you and your friends were here to protect the kingdom from the beasts of the north.”

“The honor is ours,” she addressed the red Karmirian councilman as he spoke for the others.

“The group you see here represents what’s left of the council and the royals.”

“Let’s dispense with the pleasantries for now. We have a request to make of you.” This came from the man with pale skin and brown hair with grey at the temples. He was from the seventh kingdom, Winaka. “It won’t be easy and we ask that you consider our proposal before you give us your answer.”

Rasha nodded, though the knots in her stomach doubled.

“You may or may not have heard the king and queen of Adalu perished last night in the dining hall.”

“Yes, I remember, I was there.” Rasha was growing impatient.

“The servants are busy preparing the dead for a ceremonial cremation,” the Karmirian councilman added. He looked to one of the female council, a mermaid. Her multicolored hair and turquoise skin was radiant even in the limited lighting of the chamber.

"Princess Rasha Jenchat Indari, we the council of Adalu, along with the remaining royals ask, no, beg you to consider being our princess incumbent,” she said.

“What?” Rasha took a step back from the table and toward the door.

“You would be princess and council member only until the threat against the royal family is ended. No one outside this room knows Prince Bashir and Princess Chiza live.”

Rasha’s mind was racing. Why her? What about Chiza and Bashir? “I don’t understand.” She would have taken another step back if Jak hadn’t used his body to block her.

“What purpose would that serve?” Jak asked.

“The ten kingdoms are about to go to war with the beasts of the north. We cannot remain united and defeat them without leadership,” the councilman from Winaka replied.

“Constancy,” the mermaid added. “If the people knew there were no royals, or worse, if the last of the royals were attacked and killed, the people could lose hope. You are both strong and able. We can keep the real prince and princess in hiding during their,” she looked over at Chiza and the prince, “grief.”

“Both?” Jak asked and stepped forward. “What have I to do with this business? I’m no prince.”

“On the contrary. You are,” the man from Winaka countered. “You know nothing of your biological father. He is a pure Winakan, once a prince himself. Your mother is also a pure Winakan. She would have been a princess at the time of The Choosing had they needed females. You are as much a prince as any of us.”

The council murmured agreement and Rasha looked up at him, seeing him for the first time as royalty. She wanted to laugh when she thought of how her parents had treated him. If they had only known. She couldn’t stifle her laughter. They all looked up at her, puzzled.

“I’m sorry, this is ludicrous,” Rasha laughed.

“I beg your pardon, your highness,” the Chilalian said to her. “On the contrary, this is what the council has debated most of the night. We feel this is the best way to keep the royals safe. You have already sworn a duty to all ten kingdoms as a courier. Is this so different?”

“Somewhat different, yes,” Rasha said wiping the tears from her eyes as she got control of the hysterical laughter.

“Perhaps,” the mermaid replied, “but will you at least take the time to grieve and return to us with an answer? Your kingdom still needs you. This role may not be what you’re used to, but it is a noble one.”

The Karmirian raised a hand. “That is all for now. The council is dismissed. I regret, Your Grace, that you and Princess Chiza cannot attend the ceremony for your parents, but our thoughts and prayers are with you and your future bride."

Rasha looked at Chiza, then put her own feelings aside and remembered what she’d been through. She’d lost the love of her life and now was promised to another all in one day. She’d be in hiding until the war with the beasts was over. Her suffering must weigh heavy on her shoulders.

Rasha walked over to Chiza before they disappeared behind the chamber wall.

“I’m so sorry.” Rasha placed her hand on Chiza’s back but to her surprise, Chiza embraced her. Rasha patted her back gently.

“You’re a good friend. I know you’ll help us.” Chiza sniffled and then was ushered along by Prince Bashir, who nodded to Rasha before turning to go. He hadn’t said more than a word to her or anyone else since his parents’ death. He seemed resigned to stay with Chiza and hadn’t made any more advances in her direction. Maybe it was because of Jak and the roles they were being asked to play.

The dark rings under Bashir’s eyes said he wasn’t done grieving for his lost family. He and Chiza would have a lot of time together. She hoped it served them well. The kingdom would need them again.

The only question left was what would she do? Would she stay and be a princess alongside Jak? Would Jak even accept it? He was speaking now with one of the council, the Winakan, and it didn’t appear that he liked what he was hearing.