The negotiations with the Calormenes went over fairly well. What they wanted was direct trading with Narnia’s islands, to make sure that their produce was actually getting to other destinations besides the mainland. I remained silent as my father and the Tisroc’s men argued about what should be done, so I could learn how to deal with Calormenes when I became Queen.
Though, as negotiations went on, a certain Tarkaan that was present kept staring at me and wouldn’t stop. Not even when I gave him a look that said, “Don’t toy with me, you’ll regret it” would he stop staring. So I decided to try to ignore him, and to keep on listening to my father and the Tisroc’s men debate. They finally came to an agreement after an hour or so of bickering (which, according to Dad, was rather fast).
The Calormenes agreed to limit direct trading with the islands, but their slaves were not allowed on the islands. However, it took my father a while to convince the Calormenes that they would have to leave their slaves on their ships. But the agreement was signed by both countries, and my father and I then left for our rooms to relax a bit and to get ready for the party the Tisroc had planned in our honor.
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The party began at six o’clock sharp. My dress was red with gold flaring sleeves – Dad said it was fitting for the Princess of Narnia to wear the colors of her country. I also wore my Miraculous Medal, as always, and my Lion ring that I got for my thirteenth birthday from Mum and Dad. At almost the exact moment I entered the room, most men’s eyes were upon me. I did my best to ignore the gawking, though it seemed that I attracted more attention by doing so.
Dad went to go talk to some other dignitaries that were there, and I went to talk to some of the Calormen women. Shream followed Dad, and Famina followed me. My little chat with them could’ve been better, for at every chance they had, they would say something to make Narnia look terrible. It took considerable control on my part not to let my temper get the best of me.
“. . . And with all those barbaric beasts running wild! How in the name of Tash do you keep them under control?” one Tarkeena asked with a laugh.
As I hesitated on how to answer, I heard a very low growl from Famina. Then I said, “Well, Tarkeena, you know Narnia does not. Just because there are not as many humans as there are Talking Animals, Centaurs, Dwarfs, Fauns, Satyrs, Nymphs, Dryads, and Merfolk, does not mean they run wild. If my parents and I, or any other Son of Adam or Daughter of Eve, were not put on the throne by Aslan’s Grace, then yes, they probably would run wild. But they do not. They let us rule them because they love us, and because they love Aslan.”
I silenced the group of women with my response, and during that silence, I left the group. As soon as I was alone, however, a Tarkaan caught me and asked me to dance. I obliged him, for it was only proper. Song after song, a new Tarkaan would ask me to dance. After about ten dances, Famina herded me to a chair near some refreshments, and stood on guard so no more Tarkaans would ask me to dance until she felt I was rested enough.
Once I ate and drank some and rested my feet (about fifteen minutes), Famina moved so she wouldn’t give the impression that I was still off-limits to the Tarkaans. Thankfully, no Tarkaan immediately came to ask me to dance, so I talked to Famina about how she and Shream were doing. We were a few minutes into the conversation when the Tarkaan that had been staring at me during the negotiations approached the refreshment table I sat near. He acted as if he was just getting some food, but I could see that he was after something more (like me). He looked like a typical Calormene: tall, dark, and handsome, but there was something more, I could tell, by the way he side-glanced at Famina and me.
Famina had had enough of his stalling, and so she went over to him and, to my embarrassment, said, “Tarkaan, if you wish to speak with the Princess of Narnia, then do so. You will gain nothing by just standing here and staring at her.”
Coughing in surprise and then blushing, he nodded and came towards me. I rose from my chair, and when he was about arm’s length away, I curtsied, which he answered with a bow.
“Allow me to introduce myself, I am Amesh Tarkaan.”
“I am Princess Swanwhite of Narnia,” I said, offering my hand. “How do you do?”
Taking my hand, Amesh kissed it lightly and let it drop gently. “How do you do? It is a great honor to meet you, Your Majesty.”
“It’s an honor to meet you as well, my lord. Might I ask a question of you?”
“Whatever is it you wish to know? I will do my utmost to tell you what your great mind desires.”
“I wish to know why you persisted to stare at me during the negotiations.”
At this, he ducked his head bashfully. “Ah, that is because, O Beautiful one, I have never seen one such as you. And when you entered the room, I was not able to stop taking in your everlasting beauty,” Amesh explained.
I couldn’t help blushing a little. “You flatter me, Tarkaan. But tell me, what were you expecting a Narnian woman to look like?”
“I did not know how to picture such beauty from the descriptions of a traveling tutor that came to the dazzling town I lived in many moons ago.”
“Oh? What did this tutor tell you about Narnia?” I asked, truly interested.
“He explained to me that all the Creatures that we Calormenes find to be barbaric are citizens. I was informed that many an animal can talk – much like your guard. He also told me of the Great Lion they admire . . . I do not remember the name I was given.”
“Aslan.”
“Yes, that’s it. The tutor also told me of numerous places, and the castle . . . Cair Paravel. I was sad to see him go.”
“Well, you should come and visit Narnia sometime then,” I suggested.
“That would be a great adventure. I look forward to visiting your fascinating country.”
We then talked about everything from favorite foods to problems in our countries. I found out that Amesh was twenty-two, held a governing position in one of the nearby towns, and had an interest in astronomy. While we talked, I noticed a few times that Famina stole some food from the table, which was understandable because she needs to eat, too.
After about twenty minutes or so (according to Famina), Dad came over with Shream. “Well the two of you must be talking about something interesting – I haven’t seen you out on the dance floor yet,” Dad said with a wink.
“Oh Father, may I present Amesh Tarkaan. Amesh Tarkaan, may I present my father King Gabriel of Narnia.”
The two bowed to each other. “Your beautiful daughter has been telling me about Narnia, You’re Majesty. It sounds like a place that deserves to be visited more.”
“Oh? I never thought I would hear a Calormene say that about my country,” Dad replied.
“I was able to learn about this intriguing country while I was a mere child, before I could develop any views against her.”
“I’m sure that my daughter has already invited you, but you are welcome to visit Narnia anytime.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty.”
The last song of the night started to play, and it seemed to have a slight Narnian beat to it. I tried to keep still, but Dad (and Shream and Famina) could see that I longed to dance to this last song. I caught Dad’s eye; he gave me a sideways smile and directed my eyes toward Amesh. Before I could say anything, Dad spoke up.
“My lord, I have observed that you and the Princess have not made one move to dance at all tonight. Why not dance to this last song?”
I closed my eyes, and let out a small exhale of annoyance at Dad’s scheming as I waited for the Tarkaan’s answer.
“Princess?” Amesh started, then paused.
I looked into his black eyes, which were full of hope, and I smiled. “I’d love to.”
I offered him my hand, and he led me out onto the dance floor. Amesh asked me to lead him in a Narnian dance, so I picked an easy waltz. He was quick to learn the stepping pattern, and was soon spinning and twisting me with as much grace as an expert dancer. We didn’t talk much during the dance, unless I needed to explain how to perform a move. Instead we focused on each other and the music.
The song finished, and Amesh escorted me off the dance floor to my dad. As we walked, the Tarkaan asked if I’d be here tomorrow as well.
“I’m afraid I won’t be. My father and I are leaving in the morning.”
“I’m sorry to hear that. I was looking forward to spending more time with you, Princess.”
A small blush crept into my cheeks. “I suppose to do that, you would need to come to Narnia.”
We reached Dad, and bade each other good night, and then we all headed to our chambers. I fell asleep as soon as my head hit the pillow, thinking of Amesh.