Page 25 of Ghosts and Ginger Tea

“Do you know much about the night marchers?” I asked.

Malia gave me a look, confused. “What do you mean?”

“Who are they? Why do they roam the nights? How do they break their curses?”

She packed her things, taking her time. The way she cared for her projects reminded me of Kiki and her quilts. “I was told my great grandfather became one of them,” she said.

“How did you know?”

“Because he defied the gods, especially Kāne. Any ali‘i or warrior who does that is cursed in the next life.” She gave me an odd look. “Why?”

“Just curious.” I was not a good liar, so I quickly turned away, pretending to fix my hair.

So what did Keanu do? Did breaking his riddle have to do with fixing whatever he did to defy Kāne? I would find out.

When I stood, after helping Malia pack her things, a woman purposely bumped her shoulder against mine, then glared at me as if I had been the one to stand in her way.

“Watch your step, new wife of Keanu,” she said, leaving an icy feeling in my stomach, then left the room.

“Who was that?” I asked Malia.

“Kalani’s wife.”

I blinked, and Malia again looked confused. “Kalanikupule. You know? Rumor has it his troops are on your borders now, as we speak.”

I'd tolerated my ignorance, but now I felt completely irritated with Keanu. There were troops on the borders of his kingdom! Why didn’t he tell me?

Then it dawned on me. He didn’t spend the day with me because he had been with his army. He told me last night, and Peter even went to check on the border.

But was the war necessary? I would have to speak to him later.

No, no, no! My mind warred with itself. You’re supposed to be figuring out the riddle, not participating in political discourse! But there was something about it that seemed to… fill me with purpose. It made me realize how much bigger and scarier the world was, so much more than the things I used to worry about.

Battles. Allies. Warlords.

Again, I wondered if I could trust anyone here. Could I even trust Malia?

We walked in the hallway in silence, but the sound of music echoed around. I was unfamiliar with the music, which sounded rich with violins, cello, and other foreign instruments.

“That was generous of you to help that maid,” Malia said.

“It was the right thing to do.”

Malia studied me, then nodded. “You’re going to be alright as queen.” Then we faced the double doors to the ball. “I better get inside,” she said, her face growing pale.

“Are you alright?” I asked, taking her arm, fearing that she might faint.

“Just nervous.”

I frowned. “Malia, you have been my only friend since I got married last night. You welcomed me in the other room. Please let me help you now. What’s on your mind?” I wasn't usually one to speak this boldly, but my new realization helped me to know I wouldn’t fit in here. Never would, so why not be the same practical person I was?

“My father is in there.” She swallowed. “I’m expected to woo one of the great chiefs tonight, hoping they’ll ask for my hand in marriage. Our kingdom desperately needs allies.” Her fingers began shaking. “I just don’t know if I can be as charming as the other women. What if I fail?”

“You are good,” I said, taking her trembling hands in mine. “If you show even the slightest kindness to them that you’ve shown to me, I know someone will ask for your hand.”

Malia visibly relaxed. “Thank you, Oliana.”

“You can call me Oli.” I smiled, the first smile since I said goodbye to my mother and sister, though that smile had pained me.