Page 38 of Ghosts and Ginger Tea

When I emerged from the washroom, Keanu was not at his desk. An owl hooted, and I found the king on the balcony, overlooking the kingdom. His breath hitched when he saw me.

I frowned. “Too much?”

“No, you look stunning.” He wore a sash across his chest that matched the color of the purple flowers. While offering his arm, he said, “I want to work on the riddle today, but there are matters in this kingdom that need direction. Whether I live or die, I want to ensure things are in order for my people’s safety and wellbeing.”

Keanu sounded so… different when it came to political matters. The playfulness was gone. Not even a hint of flirtation entered his tone. When he did business, he really meant it.

After a brief breakfast, we entered the throne room, the same room where we'd been married. But this time, instead of pews facing the thrones, or an altar at the front, there were chairs in a circle. And in each chair sat a man. Some were old with gray or white hair, while others were young, like Peter and Malakai.

Before we even took a step into the room, all ‌the men stood.

I don’t think I could ever get used to this, I thought once more, hating how tiny I felt here. What was I doing? Was this a way ‌Keanu could waste my time while making it feel important? Or, perhaps, humiliate me? He knew I had no experience in this realm whatsoever. So what were his motives?

Peter lifted his chin as he watched us. Malakai bowed his head.

Keanu waited until I sat, then took his seat on his throne.

One of his counselors began talking, welcoming the council and acknowledging the king. Then he paused, and a look at Keanu indicated he needed to welcome me too.

“And we welcome Queen Oliana to our council.” He nodded to me, and with all eyes on me again, I wished I could sink into the sea and disappear. Swimming with fish and sharks was much, much easier than being surrounded by humans.

I did my best to tune in as the council began. They spoke of all the things…

Kalani.

Warfare.

Public health.

Taxes.

Trade.

The talks got a little heated between Keanu and Malakai when some wanted to go to war with Kalani while others thought it unwise.

Then Keanu pointed out the reason he couldn’t stand war. “The widows of these fallen soldiers are suffering, Malakai. Remember that the men who go to fight have families.”

“Which they are happy to protect,” Malakai said.

“But what if they don’t have to go in the first place?”

“And let Kalani burn down the kingdom?”

“We wouldn’t let that happen.” Keanu shook his head. “The widows need help for their livelihoods,” he said. “It’s not fair that they should suffer for the sacrifices their husbands made on behalf of their safety.”

“They can care for themselves,” said a counselor. “This kingdom has ample opportunities for work.”

“But what about the children?” Keanu frowned. “If these mothers are out working all day, who will tend to their little ones?”

“Neighbors, ‘ohana, hanai ‘ohana.” The counselor was relentless.

“We should create a financial help program for them,” Keanu said when the counselor shook his head.

“They will take advantage of that. You know how these things go.”

My heart sank, and I looked at Keanu. He must have noticed I was studying him, because he turned to me. “What do you think, Oliana?”

With all attention and eyes now turned to me, I felt myself shrinking. I wanted to help. Wanted these women, especially, to receive all the help they could too. Because, truly they belonged in their homes nurturing and tending their children.