Pathfinder (3)

Aslan chuckled, seeing her spiritless display, and said, "You already know much about Xxene's history from your studies of the Classics. But are you also willing to study subjects such as politics and economics?"

Emeravwe's instinctive response was heck 'No!'

She set her mind on the king because she wanted an easier life, yet it seemed winning him was going to be more trouble than she anticipated.

But if she wanted to enter the Bureau of Court Affairs, she conceded, then studying was a necessary evil. So she raised her head and said, instead, "Maidens are not instructed on topics such as politics and economics. I have no means to learn these."

Aslan scanned her face for resolve, then said, "I can help you gain access to the Eunuchs' Library. There are books there on these subjects."

Emeravwe's eyes widened. "But Maidens are seldom allowed in the Eunuchs' Compound, much less the Eunuchs' Library!"

Aslan tilted his head. "Yet you continue to visit me in this garden each night without fail. We need but proceed in the same manner."

A grin spread across her face as she saw his meaning.

He stood. "Let us waste no time. I shall meet you tomorrow night at the first hour of the guard exchange. Within the gates to the Eunuchs' Compound, facing the Court of Celestial Wonders."

"Oh, Aslan! Miguo! Miguo!" she jumped to her feet and thanked him.

"Vrendo," he answered. "But make no mistake. I am not helping you because I support your plans to woo the Orodje. But because as a servant of the kingdom, it is imperative that you are aware of its state."

Emeravwe could care less about being a servant of the kingdom! But she thought it wise to keep this sentiment to herself. She beamed at him, nodding agreeably.

Seeing her insincere smile, Aslan sighed. "Very well, it is late. You should return."

"Mm!" she agreed immediately. She was boiling with joy, but was afraid Aslan would change his mind if she seemed too excited in front of him. She turned to leave, and practically bounced out of the garden with glee.

****

As Emeravwe exited the garden through the path at one end, Eunuch Iroro emerged from the shadows of the trees at the other end. He approached Aslan, who continued to stare after Emeravwe, whose figure had already disappeared.

He picked up the cylindrical glass lantern beside the bench, then stood to observe Aslan's thoughtful gaze.

After a moment, he asked, "Does Ovye truly mean to allow the lady to enter the Bureau of Court Affairs? Although work in the Bureau of Halls and Chambers is arduous, it is the safest place for her, after all. As Ovye knows, the Bureau of Court Affairs' activities often come in contact with sensitive matters of the kingdom."

There was silence, and Aslan's pensive stare slowly became solemn.

Eunuch Iroro watched him quietly. He had been watching over Aslan since the day of his birth. When he, at the age of eleven, was appointed as Aslan's Chief Eunuch and aide.

Aslan was born heir to the Mik-Jiban Onomavwe Royal House. Thus, the position of his Chief Eunuch was a position only a royal kinsman could hold. Eunuch Iroro, as the son of the Royal Princess Imoni, the only sibling of the late king, was the most eligible to stand by his side.

As he had carefully watched over Aslan for many years, Eunuch Iroro knew him better than anyone else. He could even guess his moods and thoughts at a glance. And from Aslan's grave expression now, he knew letting Emeravwe enter the Bureau of Court Affairs was not a decision he made lightly.

Finally, Aslan said, his eyes still fixed at a distance, "We know, Iroro. That is precisely why we shall allow her to join the bureau. We cannot keep the events from eight years ago a secret forever. Nor do we intend to."

"However—"

"Iroro," Aslan interrupted him, "the world may not know of her identity and existence, but we do." His voice became low, and his eyes narrowed slightly as he uttered with resolve, "And we have our own plans."

Silence permeated the garden once more. It was quickly penetrated by the raised voices of crickets and clamorous rustling of leaves as a sudden breeze surged past. As if the world, indeed, recognized the foreboding hidden in his words, and stirred with unease.

Aslan's brown Eunuchs' robes fluttered in the breeze, but his erect posture stood unmoved. His gaze did not waver, and Eunuch Iroro could see the staunch determination in the firm set of his jaw.

"We both know that from the moment she entered the Sun's Court, certain matters became inevitable. Since she has now willingly chosen this path without our prodding, we shall guide her silently from behind. She is currently a Maiden, but she cannot remain ignorant of the state of the kingdom."

Eunuch Iroro, of course, understood. Maidens were daughters of the nobility, and as such, they were given an education in the palace. But it was not necessary for this education to encompass subjects beyond literacy and the arts, computations, and the kingdom's history. Thus, they remained unaware of affairs of the kingdom, and were also ignorant of the world in general.

Emeravwe, however, intended to become Aslan's consort. Whether this was possible was something Eunuch Iroro did not wish to speculate on. Even if her background ceased to be an issue, Aslan was now already betrothed. Though, as Ovye, he could have as many concubines as he desired, he could only have one wife. And that wife may not tolerate her.

Nonetheless, Emeravwe's goal was to marry the king. So though she currently lacked the proper carriage and dignity of a royal consort, it would not do for her to be lacking in knowledge, as well. If she joined the Bureau of Court Affairs, she would be made aware of the affairs of the kingdom.

But more importantly, it was an opportunity for Aslan to personally guide her in an unforced manner, and groom her into a form more suited for him, and for his throne.

Still, Eunuch Iroro had his doubts. Because nothing was for certain.

Four years ago, after the incident with Royal Tutor Edojah, Aslan vowed to change things. He no longer took a defensive position in court, in which he only submitted to the Queen Dowager's rule. Instead, he took the offense, and marched forward with bull effort.

Over the past few years, he had not only started to take the lead during court assembly, but he also monitored the activities of the ministries personally. As a result, he built more trust with the officials and gained more support.

But it was not just the order of the court that changed.

From a young age, Aslan was a sentimental child. Although it could not be said that he received motherly love, as the heir to the throne, he was pampered by his attendants and well nurtured by the late king and late prime minister. When they were alive, Aslan could always be found by their side; they kept him close and taught him with meticulous attention. And as both were men with strong sentiments and romantic ideas, Aslan was strongly influenced.

He grew to be warm and thoughtful. Intelligent, but considerate. Yet, a kingdom was a burden too heavy for the small shoulders of a twelve-year-old boy. Especially one as vast as Xxene, and especially when this boy had just lost the two most important figures in his life, one after the other.

Eunuch Iroro felt uncomfortable as he remembered how Aslan struggled through that period. Only a child, yet he quickly ascended the throne and was faced with the Queen Dowager's oppressive dominance.

In fact, with the pressure of the throne and his mother as his opposition, it was no surprise he had changed in recent years.

Perhaps Aslan, himself, did not notice it, but Eunuch Iroro, who always watched him, saw it clearly. He still treated those around him with general warmth, and was especially attentive to Emeravwe and his siblings. But he had become more calculating in the way he handled matters.

Even Emeravwe, who Eunuch Iroro knew he was the least on guard against, was now within his calculations.

Yet, when it came to Emeravwe, Eunuch Iroro could not be at peace. He knew no matter how much Aslan calculated, she was not a problem he could easily solve. There were too many variables involved. Now, Aslan's own feelings were included, making things even more troublesome.

Eunuch Iroro tried again to dissuade him, "But if, by entering the bureau, the lady learns of the events, she may not be willing..."

Aslan glanced at Eunuch Iroro. His expression was as calm as a mountain lake, but the glint which shone from the depths of his amber eyes was just as cold.

Eunuch Iroro maintained silence. This was another change in Aslan. The warm, approachable boy he had always known had become a man who could transform his aura in an instant. And when he did, he became a king whose authority brooks no defiance.

Still, Eunuch Iroro wanted to caution him regarding Emeravwe.

He had always treated Emeravwe with care, but this was previously out of duty. Duty was something that was drilled into Aslan from a young age, so he always took his responsibilities seriously. Emeravwe was one of them, and he attended to her much more after she entered the palace. Even taking such efforts to disguise himself as a Eunuch and visit her in this garden almost nightly.

Eunuch Iroro thought this was more than enough. Yet, over the past few years, the change in Aslan's feelings for Emeravwe was apparent.

Aslan said slowly, "Sovereignty has rarely taken into consideration whether or not one is willing."