The crown prince paled, and so did the soldier next to him. Vayu was not as angry as she knew she looked. Once in charge of the children at the monastery, she knew how to glower. She knew how to appear stern and enforce rules. The truth was that she was humiliated, sad, and unsure of where she stood. No, she knew exactly where she stood. If she let herself be stepped all over, she would truly be the kind of garbage that the soldier spoke of. If she crawled her way up to power or complained to the emperor, she would be no different from her stepmother. 

“But this is not Noumin,” she said. “And your soldier is not wrong. I was essentially exiled from court in Noumin. I have no political power there, and few allies. So, your soldier will keep his tongue. I just would like it if I did not have to share space with him, at the moment.” 

The prince nodded, and the soldier quickly left. Vayu took a breath and took a seat on of the diwans in the prince’s sitting room. The whole room was richer than hers, but slightly faded like it was lived in. 

“I apologize for coming here unannounced. I was told that the gardeners are working in the gardens today, and that it might not be ideal for lunch,” she said. “I do have much to say to you, and I’m sure you to me. I thought it would be better to have that conversation sooner than later.” 

“Perfect. Again, I apologize for my friend’s words,” the crown prince, carefully taking a seat in front of the diwan opposite hers. Between them, there was a large tea table made of etched glass and wrought iron. He motioned for his servants to bring refreshments. 

“I hope your travel here was pleasant,” he continued. “We did not have much time for introductions or conversation yesterday, I’m afraid.” 

“My journey was uneventful,” she said. It was certainly not pleasant. She had hoped that she would at least get to see Eshal, but she had traveled directly from Hethyra, joined by Raval at the border between the two countries. It was a small mercy that they did not share a carriage or even words during the journey.

They sat in silence until tea and snacks arrived. With another wave of his hand, he dismissed his servants and they were alone in the room. Alone, together. It was the first time since they had met. The crown prince shifted on the diwan, and something changed. His face was no longer casually nonchalant, his demeanor no longer detached. Instead, he looked curious and cautious. With the change, he looked younger. 

“What questions do you have for me?” Vayu asked. It seemed an easier way to start a conversation than offering information herself. 

The crown prince hesitated. He played with the sleeves of his shirt as he thought. Finally, he looked at her again.

“What do you want?” he asked. 

It was a disarming question. It was her turn to hesitate. 

“I want to become a priestess,” she said. “Although I know how impossible that is. I want to become a priestess, but I’m not asking you to make that happen. That was another life. I did not foresee this wedding, and so I cannot answer your question properly. I do not know what I want from this life.”

Other people had the luxury of putting their desires first. For other people, their desires were not selfish. The crown prince might be a good person, he might be a fool, and he might grant her request. But the consequences would weigh on her forever. If she traveled back to Hethyra, it would give Daivia an excuse to resume the war. Even in the far reaches of Hethyra, she and everyone around her had felt the impact of the war. Small nations did not have deep pockets to draw from, and Noumin would not survive if Daivia unleashed their full strength. 

“I can understand,” the crown prince said. “I can promise you a peaceful life here. You will be free to do as you wish within the castle walls. I can have a shrine built for you near your quarters, for you to pray, if you would like.” 

She did not need a shrine. Her trunk held a little idol of the goddess of waves, Duna, and she preferred her prayers to be private. A new shrine being built would only attract attention, to others in the castle, remind them of the new princess’s otherness. She shook her head. 

“Thank you, but no. I usually pray in my own chambers, and prefer it that way,” she said. “Instead, if it is possible, I would like access to the royal library. I enjoy reading.” 

“That is not something you need request of me. Anywhere within the walls of the keep, you are free to go,” the crown prince said. “You will need to ask your guards regarding going outside and visiting the city, but you shall not have much restrictions regarding that. They simply need to know in order to protect you better.” 

Vayu wondered who she would need to be protected from. Her presence in Daivia had stopped a war, and her brief ride through the city showed her that the people were at least temporarily grateful for the peace she brought with her.

“Who would mean to harm me?” she asked. For years, she had lived in the Barek monastery undisturbed and forgotten. She had walked the streets of the local village without an escort, because those in robes did not have enemies. They usually brought with them the intent to help, and people welcomed them in. 

“More people than you would think,” the crown prince said with a smile. “Don’t worry. You’ll get used to it, and our guards and soldiers are well-trained.” 

Vayu nodded. She picked up the cup of tea in front of her, taking her first sip. It was different from the bitter concoction of herbs she was used to in the monastery. A flower bloomed at the base of her cup, its petals leaking a lavender color. The maids had added honey and cinnamon to the mix. She put it down. It was too sweet for her.

The conversation was going better than she had thought, and infinitely better than what she assumed, coming into the room and hearing herself referred to as garbage. The crown prince appeared kind. It could be a facade, but he gained nothing in pretending to be kind to her. Even if he was cruel or condescending, there was nothing she could do. There was no place she could run. 

“I understand,” she said. “I must thank you for being so considerate towards me. I shall try not to bring you any problems during my time here. I should ask you too, then. What do you want from me?”