Free The Vlakan King (Book 3) by Jim Greenfield Page B

children his heirs, but not Richard."
    "Whew! Glad there's just me," said Krysta.
    "Yes, but you will have to marry someday and the nobles will have a say in that," said Jahnn. "You will fulfill your duty to your kingdom."
    "Great. Now I'm not hungry anymore."
    "Oh, don't listen to Jahnn," said Merie. "He's so gloomy. It wouldn't kill you to smile once in a while."
    "I smile," said Jahnn with a grimace.
    "Oh, was that a smile?" asked Krysta.
    "Krysta," said King Kalen. "Be polite to the guests."
    Krysta rolled her eyes and Merie giggled. Jahnn grimaced.
     
    The kings took a walk through the artist's booths after lunch and King Hal greeted the Eslendian artists warmly and made note of their names. The royal teenagers followed and Krysta pointed out a great many items of interest. After a while she led her charges down a different path and to the glassblower's booth. Raeind Arayr did not look up or acknowledge their presence. They watched him in silence for a few minutes. When it became apparent that Krysta was in no hurry to leave, Merie walked a few paces away.
    "Will there be many musicians?" asked Merie.
    "She always chases the singers," said Jahnn.
    "I do not." She punched her brother.
    "There are a fair number of them," said Krysta. "They usually show up around evening when the real drinking begins. So many artists drink a lot of wine. Masina probably sells a quarter of the annual production of wine during the festival. The Serbetan Red is my favorite although King Kal tries to keep me on the straight and narrow."
    "How old are you Krysta?" asked Merie.
    "I'm eighteen."
    "We're sixteen," said Merie. "I didn't think you were older."
    "You are tall for a woman," said Krysta. She turned to Jahnn. "And you have your grandfather's height."
    "Well, I will be king," said Jahnn.
    "Ah, and that will help?"
    "Well, I will be respected."
    "And I won't be respected when I am queen?" asked Krysta. "Hmm, I'll have to do something about that."
    "Oh, he didn't mean…"
    "I'll handle this Merie," said Jahnn. "Princess, a king has more power and responsibility than a mere queen."
    "Really? When I am queen there will be no king of Masina. How would I have less power?"
    "Masina will be less respected than Eslenda."
    "Jahnn, I think you should drop this subject," said Merie.
    "No, Merie. Let him talk. I am quite interested in his opinions. It will help me deal with him when he is the mighty king of Eslenda." Krysta walked back to the glass booth and sat down on a bench. She noticed Raeind Arayr watching her and he smiled. She smiled back, her guests forgotten for the moment.
    "Like it or not," said Jahnn. "This is a world led by men. Very few queens have had any impact as a sole ruler."
    "Probably because her staff were all men," said Krysta.
    "Do you insult your guests?" snapped Jahnn.
    "Do be quiet," said Merie.
    "You are grandfather's guest, not mine. I daresay such a pig-headed king would poorly serve Eslenda. King Hal did not choose his heir carefully enough."
    "I won't stand for this!"
    "Hush Jahnn," said Merie. "We are out in public. Wait until we are inside and you can shout like a king at her then."
    "I would not allow that," said Krysta. "He can complain once he's across the border, but not in Masina."
    "Pardon me," said Raeind Arayr. "I would think both King Hal and King Kalen would be disheartened by this display. The continued friendship of Eslenda and Masina depend upon you three. I do not belong to either realm, yet my livelihood depends on this festival. The lives of so many are determined by your actions."
    "Do you allow commoners to speak to you this way?" asked Jahnn.
    "I accept good advice from everywhere," said Krysta. "There is no shame in regaining the proper path."
    "You are very wise for one so young," said Raeind. He spoke softly so Jahnn and Merie couldn't hear his words. "You will be a great queen. Eslenda must hope Prince Jahnn matures before his grandfather passes on."
    "Everyone is pleased you have returned to