"That was magnificent!" Biechta exclaimed as Othen led her from the theater.

She had started the rehearsal quietly, taking everything in. But eventually her excitement and curiosity built enough to where she was asking questions and pointing things out to Othen.

"Yes, they are very talented. I am excited for you to see the entire performance on opening night."

"When will they rehearse again? Can we return?"

"I'd be happy to accompany you to another rehearsal. I'll find out and let you know."

"Oh I just can't believe it!" She said as she clasped her hands together, her eyes staring off into the distance as if she were reliving the entire rehearsal in her mind.

"Do you have time to join me in the music hall?"

"Can we, Othen?" She said as she turned and smiled at him in excitement.

He nodded in return as he led her that direction. When they arrived, musicians were returning from the rehearsal, cleaning or adjusting their instruments, and putting them away. Othen introduced Biechta to several of them and he watched as she greeted each one in her usual subdued way, but he could see the twinkle in her eyes as she spoke. She was thoroughly enjoying herself.

"I wanted to ask you about something." Othen told her as he escorted her to the percussion room as the musicians were leaving for the day.

"Yes, my lord?" Biechta asked as she followed him into the room, a smile still on her face.

He took a seat on the piano bench and looked up at her. "I admit I'm disappointed, Lady Biechta."

"Oh?" Her features changed from joy to concern. "Have I offended you in some way, my lord? I apologize."

"Quite so, my lady." He said as he scooted to the side of the bench and motioned for her to sit beside him. He had removed the standard bench and placed a longer one in its place in anticipation of this moment.

"My lord?"

"I thought we were friends, my lady."

"I.... Yes, I would like that, my lord."

"Right." He said as he began playing a slow tune softly. "And I thought we had agreed that friends could forgo the formalities. Yet you continue to call me my lord." He tsked teasingly. "I imagine I'll have to do better to win your friendship in the future."

"Oh! I apologize, my lo- .... I mean...". She sighed and nodded. "You do not have to try harder, you have already been more of a friend to me than anyone. I can't thank you enough for your hospitality and your patience. Your kindness."

"Now, call me Othen. Without the lord in front of it. Just try it out. For me."

"Ok...." She spoke softly. "Thank you... Othen." She smiled slightly and turned her eyes down to watch his hands as they moved across the keys.

"You're very welcome Biechta. It has genuinely been my pleasure." They sat and listened to him play for a moment before he ended the song. "Now. Watch what I do."

He took a single finger and played a simple tune, one of the first he'd learned as a child. After six notes it repeated. He went through the short melody several times before he stopped. "Now. You try."

"Me?!" She jumped and he had to place a hand on her back to keep her from falling off the bench.

"Yes." He chuckled. "You can do it."

"I..." she said as she looked down at the keys in front of her. She timidly raised a hand over the keys, getting close but not touching them, before quickly pulling her hand down to her lap. "I'm sorry, my lo-... Othen." She paused to correct herself. "I'm sorry Othen, but I can not do this."

"It is a simple tune. I will help you."

"No. I mean I shouldn't."

"Why not?"

"I am already doing so much against my family's wishes." She kept her eyes on the piano keys in front of her, her back incredibly straight. Her years of training evident in how she carried herself. "If my uncle, or my mother and father, saw me just sitting here in this room I'd be afraid to imagine what they would do." She stood and walked over to the window across the room and looked out of it silently.

He came and stood beside her, waiting a moment before speaking. "Are they cruel to you, Biechta?"

Her eyes rounded as she stared at him, mouth open in shock, before she clamped it shut and drew in a deep breath through her nostrils. "Of course not. They want what is best for me. For my future."

"And what exactly is that?" He said as he turned and leaned his shoulder against the wall next to the window. "What future have they decided is best for you."

She turned and looked back out of the window. "You know why I am here, do you not?"

"You came by invitation from the queen as a potential suitor for my eldest brother."

She slowly nodded.

"He is to be king."

She paused for a moment then again nodded.

"Do you share their aspirations for your future?"

"Any Qarthan woman would be elated to be chosen as queen. There is no higher honor."

"So that's all you want in life?" He said as he turned his back against the wall and crossed his arms, looking away from her and the window. "Honor and power?"

"I never said I wanted power."

"No, but that is what your family wants. It seems by extension what they want is what you want." He heard her turn to look at him so he turned and faced her again, locking eyes. "Tell me, Biechta. Once you are queen, do you still plan to do everything your uncle tells you? Or do you plan to follow my brothers every order like a good little puppet without a single thought for herself?"

She gasped and took a step away from him.

He stood from the wall and straightened himself. "I apologize, I don't know what came over me. I didn't mean to be so crass. I just want to help you, I-"

"No." She shook her head and took another step back before schooling her features into the impassive but pleasant demeanor she'd first arrived with at the grand hall. "You must excuse me, my lord. I have taken up enough of your time." She moved to walk past him and out the door but he followed her.

"Biechta, please. I didn't mean to upset you."

"I would appreciate it if you did not speak to me so informally, my lord. Good afternoon." She gave him a nod and went out the door of the music hall, quickly leaving him behind.



~~~~~~~~~~

My Dearest Thuq,

Eighteen days have gone by since I moved out of the grand hall. You know it hasn't been the easiest adjustment for me, but without a doubt my biggest regret is not seeing you as often as I'd like.

Lately I have been reminiscing on how we would sneak moments to be together throughout the day anytime we had a few minutes to spare. I understand you wanting to put some space between us after the ruckus I caused, to protect your reputation and position. But short visits once every week or so has been tough. I hope you'll indulge me and respond to my letter.

Although I do not plan to stay here forever and wish to return to my former position as soon as I am able, I wanted to let you know that I'm making progress in adjusting to my new situation. I think I may be making friends. We seem to have similar interests but it is early days yet. We've run into each other a few times, but I am hopeful to be accepted into the group of friends soon. It will help me not to feel so isolated out here.

It is so different from what we're used to. Perhaps with time I will learn and grow from my experience here and will be able to rejoin you in the grand hall as a wiser and more disciplined female.

Although I imagine I will never fully lose my rebellious streak. Do you remember that time I came to visit you directly after my run instead of going to my dwelling to change attire first? I thought your eyes might bulge out of your head! I am laughing now thinking about it. But it was worth it, to see you drooling over my appearance. A female does love to be appreciated in such ways.

I hope you will return my letter and keep me updated on what is happening in your life these days, so I can have something to get me through until the next time I can see you in person.

I miss you.

Lana.

Rahn reread the letter a few times to make sure it would suffice. She was starting with a mild message to test the waters, not reporting anything major. She had spoken with Butok a few times and even seen Huko, the female again. The last time they'd all three sat and conversed together in a dark corner of a tavern. Rahn was confident she'd be moving on to the next level soon. She gave the letter one final glance over, smirking at her comments about Kahal seeing her half naked, and then sealed the electronic message to send "securely" to Thuq.

Kahal had assured Rahn that his administrator would hand any messages from her to him without reading them. But she couldn't be sure. She'd barely spoken to the man aside from the customary greeting and goodbye each time she'd entered Kahal's study through Thuq's office. The only time she'd had more interaction with him was the time she sat down and grilled him for an hour to get enough information about him and for them to align their stories enough for her cover to not be blown.

With one final sigh and a silent prayer, she hit send.



~~~~~~~~~~

Kahal's eyes scanned over the letter as soon as he dismissed Thuq from the room. He read it three times. The first time, he had smiled and enjoyed the memory of Rahn walking into his study in her running outfit, back straight and chin up as if she was daring him to say anything about her attire. He knew right then she was a force to be reckoned with.

But now he was disappointed. "There's not much here. She was supposed to use this for urgent news.." Disappointment filled him. "Perhaps this was more of a trial run." At least she seemed to be making progress in earning their trust. The fact that they were still speaking with her was a good sign.

He sighed and moved from the chair behind his desk to the lounge sofa across the room, getting comfortable and running his fingers over his temples. He was so tired. Too much to do, too little time. It would only become worse when he was king.

He sighed again. His parents were right. He couldn't do this alone. He would exhaust himself and burn out quickly, which wasn't the type of leader their people deserved. He would schedule something with Lady Biechta tomorrow and give her one more try. After that... there were no good prospects. He groaned and covered his eyes with his forearm as he realized he would have to begin actually putting in effort to seek out a suitable partner.