Back | Next
Contents

Chapter 45

All the people of Lok called her Radamantha the Wise. That name had been earned.

Her rule thus far had been one of peace and prosperity. The regular pronouncements of the scholarly Orders were eagerly anticipated by every house and caste, as ancient knowledge was continually sent out into the world. She had no tolerance for sloth or corruption within her government, and the Law was administered in a manner that was just and fair for all.

But it took a mighty amount of effort to keep it that way.

It was a cool day by Capitol standards, as Rada sat in the shade upon one of the many balconies of her palace with her recently arrived honored guest, while their children played together in the gardens below.

“Pari is turning into a lovely young lady.”

“That she is,” Phontho Jagdish agreed as only the proudest of fathers could. When his daughter violently tackled the next Maharaja and they both went crashing into the carefully trimmed flowers, he winced. “Ah, that’s the warrior caste side. She gets that from me, I’m afraid. She’s a champion at dirt war.”

“Oh, he’ll be fine,” Rada said, and that was confirmed as both children promptly got up and continued giggling and chasing each other.

“Young Devedas is the spitting image of his father.”

She smiled at that compliment, because it was obviously true. He would certainly be as handsome as his father, though this Devedas wasn’t being raised in a land of ice and cruelty after being manipulated by black steel. This Devedas was disciplined, educated, and loved. Her husband’s birthright had been taken from him. She would do everything in her power to secure her son’s.

“So how many children do you and Lady Shakti have now?”

“With the twins now, five. We keep going at this rate and I’ll able to obligate an infantry paltan off just my sons. My apologies Shakti couldn’t make the journey.”

From what her spies told her, Shakti basically ran the entire court of Bhadramunda Vadal, while Jagdish remained the beloved and respected supreme commander of the most powerful warrior caste in the world. Despite being the only great house lacking an ancestor blade, under their leadership Vadal had grown stronger than ever.

“I understand. The two of you have been rather busy.”

“It was the babies that kept her home, not the politics. I assure you Shakti would much rather be here, and only relented after I promised I’d make it to the Capitol in time to represent our family at your celebration.”

“You honor me, Jagdish.”

“It’s only fair. You came to my wedding.”

“Your wedding night was interrupted by assassins and then my husband declared war on your house the next day.”

Jagdish snorted. “Then here’s to hoping yours is a bit less eventful!”

Vadal had been an ally to her rule, but more important than that, Jagdish had been a true friend, and one of the only people in the world she could confide in.

Rada grew somber as she spoke. “We live in tumultuous times. Everything is in a constant state of change. I’ve tried to dole out the ancient’s wisdom in a way that would make this an Age of Reason. New houses rise. Old traditions die. The Law evolves. But that offends many. Sometimes I’m jealous of Thera Vane, because I wish I knew what the future holds.”

“Don’t be jealous. I saw that cruel Voice in action. It didn’t deserve someone as good as her. I think it’s better to work toward the fate you desire, than to be imprisoned by a fate imposed on you. Even her gods couldn’t know everything. They made their bets and cast their die.”

“You talk as if an intricate plan a thousand years in the making is no different than a soldier’s gambling.”

“Isn’t it, though?” Jagdish pulled out his little pocket watch, examined it, and sighed. “Sadly, Your Highness, I must go. My Thakoor has commanded that while I’m here I might as well give a speech to the Vadal contingent of your Army of Many Houses today. Apparently, my war stories are good for their morale.”

“You’ll do fine,” she assured him, for Jagdish told the best stories. “I’ll see you at tomorrow’s feast, then?”

“Of course, Maharani. I wouldn’t miss it.”

As Jagdish got up and went to collect his daughter, Rada called out after him. “Speaking of the future, when you see Lady Shakti again, remind her that it’s still several years away but it’s never too early to start thinking about offers arranging the heir’s marriage.” Rada nodded pointedly toward where Pari was shrieking as Devedas splashed water from a fountain on her.

“Oh…” It was a good thing Jagdish didn’t lock up in combat like he did in politics, because he would’ve gotten himself killed a long time ago. For a moment, it was as if he couldn’t even comprehend what that offer meant to his family. “That’s…You remember Pari is half caste, right?”

“Of course. What better way to tell both warrior and worker that the Capitol respects them as well? Even the fanatics in their mountain cove would be pleased by having a daughter of one of the original Sons of the Black Sword married to the Maharaja in the Capitol. We are cordial with them now, but it’s been hard for them to forget centuries of abuse. Most importantly for the happiness and success of my son, I know her, and I know the character of those who raised her.”

Jagdish nodded slowly, as all the pieces fit. “No wonder they call you Rada the Wise.”

“I thought about having Rada the Merciless be my title, but it didn’t fit quite as well.”

He grinned at the idea. “Then I shall inform Shakti. She loves this sort of thing. Expect many letters full of poetry and compelling arguments.”

Sometime after Jagdish had left to tell tall tales and buy drinks for his warriors, Karno joined her on the balcony. When he had answered her summons, he had been dressed in rough worker attire. Now he wore the finest robes, appropriate for a Maharani’s consort. Though she suspected Karno deep down would still be more comfortable in gleaming silver armor than either worker or first caste garb.

The Librarian Queen was known for her wisdom, and that reputation had been well deserved. Rada understood that for her son to be a good ruler, he needed a proper father to teach him how to be an honorable man. She also needed a partner to help her weather the trials of her obligation, and a protector to keep her safe. Enough time had passed for her to mourn Devedas and, more importantly, for the people to mourn the loss of their idealized leader and hero. She had been repeatedly challenged, but once it became clear that her hold on the Capitol was firm, every great house had been quick to offer their best to compete for her hand.

None of those were good enough, because Karno was the most decent and honest man she had ever known…and she had missed him so very much.

Still a man of few words, Karno sat down beside her.

“So, tomorrow begins our wedding celebration,” Rada said.

“I look forward to it.”


Back | Next
Framed