Princess of Death (Three Provinces Book 1) (3 page)

There were purple roses that smelled of decay, and dark orange lilacs that ate bugs, white narcissuses that only opened under the moon, black ivy moved in the darkness, the sound like snakes hissing. There was a bleeding pomegranate tree and several other fruit trees that if you ate, would make you hallucinate. It was fun in the summer to eat the apricots and plums while lying in the cemetery and lose ourselves in sensation. 
Nam and I spent several hours doing just that the year we were 15, until Mylitta found out.

She lectured that people from Adura were not affected as much by the weird fruits and veggies that grew in the dark, but the ones that still could affect us were powerful and shouldn’t be abused.  So
Nam and I had to start sneaking around and not eating the magic plums or apricots as often.

The closer we got to the sunlight the more I wanted to hide. Granted, I never had to leave Adura, but all the light bothered my eyes. Namtar stood behind me as I walked to the boundary.  A foot from me was the glowing light of Nannaru. There was sunshine and I could feel the warmth of a perfect day. The grass was bright green and there were the sounds of bubbling brooks and the song of bees and birds. It made me want to vomit a little.

Honeysuckle and jasmine grew everywhere and among them there were Golden Mums that when picked, actually turned into gold, bright pink pansies that when smelled gave you half an hour of good luck. I winced as I heard the Singing Lavender, it sang whenever anyone walked by. A few feet from me were berry bushes, the berries neon green and gave energy. I used to convince Mash to pick them for me so Nam and I could play even longer in the cemetery.

I looked up hearing footsteps as Mash came into view. He was tall with broad shoulders, his skin sun kissed. His hair was wavy and he kept it short, it was the color of shiny brass and his eyes sparkled like clean blue water. I knew he was very handsome in a classic way. Girls from Nannaru and Biri fawned over him. He was the perfect prince.

“Hey Mash, I’ll trade you an apricot for Green B’s”

“Not today little sis.” His smile put the sun to shame.

“Did you hear?” My question made him frown, like a summer storm coming in silently and suddenly.

“Yes. I confronted Mylitta when Namtar sent his missive. I asked Aya, she didn’t know anything.” The relief in his voice was plain. Aya was his version of
Nam, his best friend and companion.

“Did Ishtar know?” I wondered aloud, I mean how could she not, and how could she keep it a secret?

“No. Mylitta says that they kept it under wraps because there have been problems.” Mash said.

“What kind of problems?” I sat down, Namtar next to me. Mash sat across, playing with the grass next to him.

“People complaining. Nannarus want me to rule and Adurans want you. They think another Biri ruler might be a mistake. But it doesn’t matter, tradition is tradition.”

I bit my lip and thought for a few moments. I didn’t want to rule, but I knew Mash did.

“What are they going to do with us if Ishtar gets married?”

“The betrothal is supposed to be a year long. I guess they’ll send us to the estates in the East and West, you know like governors or something. That way we can help keep an eye on things. We’ll be mini rulers.” Mash rolled his eyes, “better than nothing I guess.” There was something in his expression that made me think he wasn’t telling me everything.

We all sat in sat in silence for what seemed like forever. Things had changed and too fast. Ishtar married within the year? Me forced to live the rest of my long life in an estate in Adura, ruling under my parents and then my little sister and her husband? I didn’t like it one bit.

“I’ll get to come with you, right?”
Namtar sounded as worried as I felt, his presence in my mind was always familiar and welcome.

“Of course, nothing separates us,”
I confirmed. Then I heard my name being called from behind me.

“We’re being summoned.” Mash said, he too had heard his name called.

“Let’s go get this over with.” Nam helped me stand and we made our way back through the shadows of the Adura garden, I grabbed a plum on our way.

Chapter 3

As I walked into the palace I spotted Mylitta waving from the Biri section nearest to me.  I wasn’t surprised, how could I be? Father and Mother must want to speak to all three of us about the changes about to be made.

“Come on, they want to see you in the throne room.”

“This better not take long, I have dinner plans,” I grumbled, moving faster to catch up with her.
Nam stayed behind.

“I heard the Alu Prince is quite handsome for a demon,” Mylitta gave a rather girly snigger.

I almost ran into Mash at the double doors, he grimaced down at me, both of us feeling uncomfortable outside of our homes.  Pushing open the doors, we entered.

Both our parents sat in their thrones, looking cool and unreachable as usual. Ishtar stood in front of them, her face forlorn. I guess the news shocked her as well as us. I went to her side, wrapping an arm around her waist, she sagged into me. Mash chose to stand right behind us, tall and golden.

Ishtar was the spitting image of our mother; except where Ishtar had warmth to her smile and laughter in her eyes, mom did not. She gazed at us like horses, sizing our breed and stamina.

“Oh Ereshkigal, where are your glasses. I cannot bear to have your sight focused on me.” Her voice slapped at me from across the room. Hurriedly Mylitta tossed me a pair she always kept in her smock and I shoved them onto my face, fuming.

My father was friendlier to see as it was my mother’s side that ruling was passed down from. My father’s family was just a part of the aristocracy. He was a tall, homely-looking ginger with sea green eyes, but at least my memories of him were fonder than mother.

“I believe you have all heard the news,” he said, voice solemn, “we have chosen a member of the Biri elite to betroth Ishtar to.”

Ishtar started to weep and I drew her closer to myself. “That isn’t fair Papa. Ishtar should be able to choose her own husband.”

“She is to be queen of Salas.  Unlike you and your brother, she does not have that luxury,” Mother’s voice was icy.

Mash’s head whipped up so fast I swore I heard his neck crack.

“Then choose me instead Mare. I would welcome an arranged marriage for the chance to be King.”

“You were not Biri born. There is no argument on this matter.” And like always her word was law.

“I do not want to marry a stranger,” Ishtar’s voice was weak, but I was proud she’d spoken.

“I know dearest,” father cajoled, “but he will not be a stranger for long. You shall meet him at a private dinner with just the four of us tonight. Then after the betrothal ceremony you will have a year before the wedding.”

This did not seem to make my sister feel any better and big, fat tears began to leak from her eyes.

“And just who is this person anyway?” I asked.

“Lord Dumuzi.”

Ishtar drew in a breath, and it was not an unhappy sound. Lord Dumuzi came from one of the wealthiest families of all the Biri aristocracy. He was handsome and young, having just passed his 18th summer. His magic had to do with vegetation. I myself had only seen him a handful of times.

“That is a good match, Ishtar.” Mash said slowly, I could tell he was contemplating things.

“But... I…” She stuttered. Stiffening I touched her mind with mine.

“
Now is not the time, save your arguing for when you can win.”

She nodded.

“Can I make a suggestion?” Mash had that tone in his voice, the bartering one.

“You can. I do not know if we will accept it,” Mother responded.

“Should Ishtar hate Lord Dumuzi, should she despise him or he makes her uncomfortable in any way I think it is only right that you break off the betrothal.”

“Absurd! She will marry him no matter what; he will make the perfect Salas King!” I grimaced at mother’s shrieking tone.

“Dearest, I think Shamash’s request is a good one.” Thank the Gods for father’s level head.

“What does he know about this sort of thing any way?” Mother speared him with a harsh glance. I wanted to unleash some serious destruction on her ass.

“I know that Nannaru people would more willingly follow me and a revolution could only be months away. I would personally feel better knowing that Ishtar is with someone she could learn to love.”

With Mash’s words silence filled the room. He had just seriously threatened our parents. I didn’t know he had the balls.  Mother looked at him for the longest minute of my life and then nodded her head. For the first time I saw a light that had to be pride fill her face as she stared at her son.

“Yes Shamash. I think we can use your request. Ishtar, does that make you feel better? If you do not like Lord Dumuzi we shall find someone else.”

“Yes Mare, it does,” my sister curtseyed and I wanted to gag.

“Then is there anything else you need me for? I have plans tonight.” Head held high I waited for their response.

“Oh yes I heard the Alu Prince came to pay you his respects,” father looked at mother imploringly.

“That’s excellent; yes by all means, you and Mash are excused.” Mash and I didn’t want to leave Ishtar there, but we had no choice, Mylitta shooed us out the door, closing it behind us.

“I’m going to dinner myself; you two don’t get into any trouble,” she warned before disappearing down a gray Biri hallway.

“That sucks.” I groaned, ripping the sunglasses from my face and crushing them beneath my foot, and then began to scratch my arm, which was no use since the itching tingling had to do with Biri and not my skin.

“Yes, but there’s nothing we can do. It is Ishtar’s lot to bear now.” Mash shook his head.

“Wait.  Where did all that crap about a revolution come from? How did you know it would work?”

“Because I know Mare. I knew she’d see it as something she could work with. It’s easy to say no to pleading and tears. My argument was a true one.”

“But you wouldn’t really go through with it, would you?” It was like he wasn’t even my brother. When had he grown up and become a man?

“Yes. I am the first born, how do you think it makes me feel to know that I’ll be sent to some estate and forgotten about? It’s about time that Salas be turned into three individual kingdoms instead of one.” I could tell he wanted to say more but we both heard a noise behind him, looking I saw there was a girl standing in the shadows.

“What are you doing here Aya?” Mash’s voice went from harsh to kind in less than a second. 

Aya, my brother’s companion, was not as powerful as us so it must have been almost painful for her to be in the hall. Aya had been with my brother since they were toddlers, always at his side, in his shadow. She held powers similar to his, just less potent; I had watched her bloom even the deadest of flowers. She was a lovely thing; thin, blonde and glowing.

“Waiting on you Shamash, I did not like that you left Nannaru.” Musical notes, that’s what her voice reminded me of.

“Well come on, you must hate it here.” He frowned at her and with one last smile at me they both ran off to the golden carpets of the Nannaru wing.  Rolling my eyes I made my way to where Namtar was left standing. Quickly, I informed him of what had occurred.

“Your poor sister. I cannot imagine them trying to force you into such an arrangement.” His laughter was full of sarcasm, just how I liked it.

“I know, I know,” wrapping an arm around his waist we made our way to the East Wing dining room. It was just about time for me to meet up with Nergal for dinner and I was looking forward to it.

“Do you think there is something going on between Aya and my brother?” I wondered as we stopped in front of the emerald colored doors that led to the dining room. Nam suddenly looked like he was choking on something, eyes watering he gasped for air. I pounded him on the back.

“What?”

“Of course! It’s all most of the staff have been gossiping about for a month, I’m surprised you didn’t know.” Nam wiped tears of laughter from his eyes and straightened up.

“Really?”

“Yes.  They were seen snuggling in the Sun Room last month, apparently it has been going on for some time now, but they are keeping it very secretive.” Namtar shrugged.

“Oh, well at least now he can take her to the Nannaru Estate and they might be happy together.” I was a little shocked. First, that Mash would date someone beneath his station, that wasn’t like him, and second that I hadn’t had a clue. Maybe Aya would be as good for him in the wife capacity as she had in the companion one.

“Enough of this, I’m starving.” We entered the room and found Nergal and Ekur both already sitting, plates filled with food, goblets with drink.

“Oh, I am so sorry, are we late?” I exclaimed rushing to the table and taking my seat;
Nam sat next to me much to their surprise.

“No, we are early, but once we sat down your kitchen staffed served us.” Nergal explained.

“Excuse me, I do not mean to be rude but, your servant is allowed to eat at the table with you?” Ekur’s question made Nam bristle next to me.

“There are not very many people I could eat with in the East Wing, and
Nam is more a friend than a servant, he could leave any time he chose. So yes, he dines with me.”

“Ah, this is how we are as well; everyone eats together no matter their station.” Ekur looked proud of his people and it made me think better of them as well.  As I finished my thought, platters were brought out filled with Namtar and mine’s favorite foods, plus a glass of chilled pomegranate wine. A staple in Aduran cuisine.

“How do you like the castle?” I asked between bites.

“Your garden is beautiful.  Some of the plants you have only grow this close to the Biri border. We can keep them thriving in Bet Pagri, but they do not grow naturally or reproduce well.” Nergal sounded wistful.

“Anything in particular” Nam asked, he too had a fondness for the gardens.

“Yes, the Lullaby Lilies.”
             

“My prince has always found semi sentient beings fascinating,” Ekur chuckled. Lullaby Lilies were dark blue flowers that sang when hungry, lonely or during pollination season.  If allowed to sing too long their song would put you into a sleep that eventually killed you. The only way to stop their song was to offer them a drink, usually blood and usually your own.  They only did well in family groups of three or more.

“Not my favorite flower in the garden.” We had other more deadly and prettier, that caused much sweeter destruction.

“You also have a great library and the cemetery has very beautiful architecture,” Nergal said, between bites. I enjoyed watching him eat; he took his food like he was savoring every bite. It was creepy how much I enjoyed staring at his mouth.

Forcing my eyes away from his lips, “so tell me about your home Nergal.”

“I cannot even begin to tell you the beauty of Bet Pagri. You must come, Ereshkigal, and see it for yourself.”

“That might be something I can arrange in the future, especially now that my sister is to be married.”

“It is a shame that she was not allowed to choose her own mate,” Ekur commented.

“She’s a princess to be queen,” Namtar looked confused.

“Alus are allowed to marry whomever or whatever they choose,” Ekur gave me a pointed look. Blushing, I glanced down at my plate. Dinner resumed with minimal chit chat for the next half an hour.

“We are turning in for the night. Would you care to break your fast with me tomorrow morn, alone?” Nergal stood up, his eyes catching mine and holding them.

“Yes, of course.”

“Then I shall see you tomorrow. Ekur?” Ekur stood and they left, swiftly and quietly.

“Ooooh, he like likes you,”
Nam nudged me, joking.

“Oh, shut up, I’m going to my room.” Scowling I got up and began to leave.

“Dear Diary, today I met the most handsome demon ever,” Nam followed close behind, mocking me. I swiveled and stopped him dead in his tracks.

“You’ll pay for that.” I hissed.  He squealed like a girl as I launched myself at him, tickling him, he fell to the ground, laughter filling the East Wing.

When I was done torturing the poor boy he and I went to our own rooms. I was a little out of breath, but humming to myself, happy. Entering my room I saw Puabi hanging upside down from her new silver perch next to my bed, her pink wings draped around herself.

Did you have a good afternoon?
Her sweet voice filled my head.

“Yes, actually.”

I heard from the chatty little maid, your sister is getting married.
She peeked out a head to stare at me as I got into my pajamas.

“Yes, not much I can do about that.”

You smell like my home. Did you see Nergal?

“Uh huh…. We’re having breakfast together tomorrow.” I couldn’t keep the grin off my face.

Be careful. Bet Pagri has been having problems. They think you are their only hope and the solution.

I took a moment in the bathroom to process her words. Brushing my hair I considered how nice it would be to have something else to do. While, yes, of course, it bugged me that Nergal might only like me because he thought I could help with something. He might also need me. I might be useful for once in my life.