37. Annani

Annani smoothed her hand over the soft silk of her flowing gown as she settled onto the plush couch. Though her heart was racing with excitement, she projected an aura of calm, clutching a steaming teacup in her hands.

This moment had been weeks in the making, and she could scarcely allow her turbulent emotions to overwhelm her now that it had finally arrived.

As the doorbell rang, she watched Oridu usher Kian and Syssi in with Allegra nestled in her stroller.

Hello, Mother. Kian leaned to kiss her cheek. Are you excited?

Of course. She peered down at Allegras peacefully slumbering face, resisting the urge to brush her fingers over the downy curve of her cheek.

To wake her now would only lead to fussing that could disrupt the critical meeting ahead. Annani contented herself with drinking in the sight of her granddaughter. To compensate, tomorrow she would hold her to her chest and kiss her cheeks until the little girl pushed her away.

She is so perfect, Annani whispered.

Kians chest puffed up with fatherly pride. That she is.

You could have left her with Okidu, Annani said. There was no need to interrupt her sleep.

Syssi sat next to her on the couch. Allegra didnt even stir when I transferred her to the stroller. Besides, our excuse for leaving the party early was a fussy baby, so if anyone asks, Allegra demanded to see her Nana.

Annani laughed, some of the tension leaving her shoulders. No one would doubt that story. Allegras demands have to be obeyed, or else.

You make her sound like a spoiled brat. Kian sat down on Annanis other side.

Fates forbid. Annani put a hand on her chest. She is simply assertive, which is important for a future leader.

That seemed to mollify her son, and as he gazed at the sleeping baby, his lips curved in a soft smile. For as long as I can, I will spare her the need to take on the mantle of leadership.

Annani patted Kians knee. I have a feeling that when little Allegra is all grown up, she will be thrilled to ease your burden and take the mantle of leadership upon her shoulders. Leaders are born, Kian. They are not made.

Perhaps. He sighed.

Can I pour tea for you, Mistress Syssi? Oridu bowed nearly in half.

That would be lovely, thank you.

When he was done pouring tea into Syssis cup, Oridu turned to Kian, still in the bowed position. Master Kian?

Yes, please.

When Oridu was done pouring, the doorbell rang again, and Ogidu rushed to open the door.

Aru strode into the room, his brow furrowed in concentration as he bowed to Annani. Good morning, Your Highness. Aria says they will be ready to begin in a few minutes.

Thank you, Aru. She motioned for him to take a seat on the armchair. Would you like some tea?

As he nodded, Oridu hastened to fill his cup and hand it to him.

As she waited for Aru to begin, Annanis heart pounded in her chest. Soon, she would converse with her grandmother for the first time. The matriarch of her lineage, the queen of Anumati, held answers to so many questions that Annani could not think of them all.

She should have written them down, but the truth was that she did not expect to learn much tonight. The queen would want to get the measure of her, which meant that the one answering questions would be Annani.

She did not need to prepare for that.

She had many regrets, but if given a chance for a do-over, she would have most likely done things the same way, even knowing the consequences.

Well, that was not true. She would have never allowed Khiann to leave with the caravan. She would have even involved her father to forbid his departure.

Khianns murder had started the chain of events that led to the gods demise, and all she had needed to do to stop it was be more assertive and less accommodating.

But then, hindsight was always 20-20.

At the time, she had felt that she was doing the right thing by her husband, letting him do the things he loved and not stifling him by confining him to the palace.