Responsibility Ch. 10

"Of course, Madam," Rahela replied.

At the stables, there were several handsome horses grazing and relaxing, but among them there was indeed a white and brown spotted mule that Rahela had never seen before. She was certainly new, but she seemed friendly and curious. When Rahela petted her, the mule showed no distrust nor fear. The young stable boy in charge of her would give only the strongest compliments about the creature. She was also a bit tall, but not too tall for Rahela to mount.

The maids and ladies-in-waiting mounted gentle, easy going mares while Princess Tuya mounted what apparently her favorite mare. "She was so stubborn when I first met her," the princess had said with a proud tone.

Rahela went onto the mule. "I'm not sure what to name this creature." She let Princess Tuya take the lead. The rest of the women and girls followed her out of the paddock. A stable boy had opened the gate for them.

"Choose something fanciful and sweet," Princess Tuya said without looking behind herself. Her shoulder-length veil fluttered very nicely over her cloak.

Noting the charming way her mule's ears flickered about, Rahela said, "I'm not sure what could be appropriate."

Princess Tuya's shoulders seemed to jerk up a little. Then she said with what sounded like a chuckle, "You'll have a name soon. I'll give one to you if I must."

There was a route to a great forest past one of the gates. That was where the Imperial Family, their guests, and some people with carefully granted permits went to do some hunting. It was also a good place to have a ride. However, the group wasn't going there. They only wanted to carefully ride around the castle. The almost lavish roads made the activity loud but easy.

One of Rahela's ears seemed to focus on her new mule's breathing and click clopping on the path. The other ear focused on Princess Tuya's words. She was talking quite a bit, many little stories and opinions. Soon, that princess had to pull a flask of water up to wet her throat. This was fine, all fine. Rahela couldn't find an offense.

After a time, Rahela thought she had a name for the mule, but just when she thought there was an opening to speak, Princess Tuya brightly announced, "I have a name for your new pet."

Right after an exhale, Rahela said, "Oh? Please tell me."

Looking back for only a moment, smirking, her golden eyes very proud, Princess Tuya said, "Pitnisty."

Rahela's fingers tightened on her reins, but she certainly didn't show any other hint of an emotion. "That's a well chosen name, but I believe I now have another one."

Looking back ahead, flicking her fingers, even making a tsk sort of noise with her teeth and tongue, Princess Tuya said, "You don't need that other one. I've given you one."

Rahela shrugged. "I want to call this mule Ureche."

For the first time, Rahela heard what she thought could be called an insult from Princess Tuya. Her eyelids drew back a bit once she heard it. It was snappy and almost offended.

"She doesn't need such an odd sounding name. Pitnisty will be used instead."

This was another risk.

But Rahela was going to take it.

She didn't verbally respond to Princess Tuya's statement, but she had an idea of how to take care of it. In fact, when she happened to spy the Emperor near the barracks, the idea was only reinforced in her mind. The man was with his boys, and they were all squatting a bit on the ground. Why? To punch the earth, that's why. It was one of the many exercises a typical warrior might have on their list.

Suddenly, quite loudly, Rahela laughed and said, "Oh, my Ureche's spots look like splattered gravy!" She didn't like the way Princess Tuya jerked her head back again to give her a blank, perhaps even disbelieving expression.

It was that moment when the Emperor noticed them and got up from his exercising. Then he waved at the group of female riders and cheerfully called out, "I see you've found the mule!" The group had their beasts halt for a moment so the Emperor could approach. He did so very eagerly, leaving the boys behind.

Rahela didn't know if Princess Tuya had anything to say, but she didn't want to give her to chance to say it first. As if she was in a rush to express herself, Rahela looked down to the Emperor, which was a rare thing indeed, and she said, "My Lord, I've named her Ureche. She's a good natured creature, and I'm so pleased to have named her."

His smile broadening, his teeth seeming unusually bright, the Emperor said, "What a tender little name. You've a clever mind." One of his hands went to a hip. Rahela saw a few buds of blood and some dirt there. "I know you've been studious every day. I didn't want you to stay indoors with your poisons for what little time you have for personal diversions. I thought word of a well-disposed mule would tempt you."

"Oh My Lord," Rahela said with a tilt of her head, "there was no temptation. I chose to visit the stables before I knew of this kind gift." She purposely looked over to the mule's head. "With the way her ears move, she seems naive and adorable."

His bleeding hand moving up to swipe some hair behind his ear, the Emperor said, "Tend to her well. Animals can be excellent friends."

"That's a predictable statement from you, My Lord." Rahela looked back at him. "You work with animals so well."

As if a spark bounced in his mind, the Emperor suddenly snapped his fingers as his face lit up even more. "Ah! Now I remember what I wanted to say! After my birthday, I want you to attend the Imperial Court."

Rahela thought she heard Princess Tuya make a slight huff in her throat, but she couldn't be certain.

"Will I be ready by then?" Rahela asked.

"At this rate, you certainly will be," the Emperor said. "Besides, I won't have you in any vital role. You sit with the scholars to help them find relevant laws among their scrolls and tablets."

"My Betrothed is frighteningly thoughtful," Rahela said. "That position will have me learning by participation without the risk of causing any damage."

Stepping back, the Emperor said, "Yes, yes. Now enjoy your ride." He looked over to Princess Tuya. "Be soft with her. She's working like an ant."

Princess Tuya smiled and nodded at him.

Rahela didn't like that smile of hers. It was too perfect.

***