Page 39 of Ghosts and Ginger Tea

I swallowed hard. “I think…”

Keanu nodded, encouraging. Did he really believe in me?

The counselor spoke again. “Your majesty, if the government steps in to provide for all the widows of fallen soldiers, it would destroy the delicate balance of power. Those who pay taxes will see the unfairness of this.”

“But isn’t it unfair that their husbands died for the safety of the people?” I asked, my voice quiet.

Keanu watched me, silent, as if he wanted me to keep speaking. I gave him a look.

I can’t do this. I was no queen to speak. Could he just finish my thoughts? We were on the same page on this subject, right? But he didn’t say a word.

And I realized… he wanted to hear my thoughts. They were valuable to him.

That alone caused a stirring inside‌ me.

Keanu believes I can be queen.

I licked my lips before continuing. “The government could create a program where ‌women can work only a few hours a day, or contribute something to the government, so that they can stay at home and have as much time with their children as possible.”

“And what work would require a few hours of labor that would benefit anyone or anything?” The counselor folded his arms.

All eyes turned back to me.

“Perhaps they can help with war efforts, like gathering clothes and blankets. Or making them.”

“There are many things they can help with.” A new voice spoke, and I realized it was Malakai. He was defending me? It warmed my heart that Keanu’s cousin was on my side. Malakai listed things they could do to contribute: sewing clothes for the army, preparing food, or even opening small businesses to keep the economic status of the kingdom afloat.

Keanu chipped in. “We care about our people, every single soul. Each life is valuable, and we want our families to thrive, especially when the father figure is missing.”

He placed his hand on mine, as if to confirm his solidarity. I blinked, hoping nobody could see me sweat.

“It is decided,” said Keanu, and while Malakai and the rest of the court chimed in with thoughts and ideas for efficiency and flexibility for the widows, the one counselor rolled his eyes, then glared and sat back. I let out a silent sigh of relief… both for myself and the widows.

Maybe this politics thing isn’t so bad, I thought. Keanu saw people as people, and he cared about them. Especially the women and children.

After the meeting ended, I was a little disappointed that Keanu had to leave. He had pressing reports from his spies, followed by a line of counselors and their papers full of more questions and issues from his people. Well, our people. Because they were feeling like they belonged to me too.

“You did wonderful in there,” Keanu said. Before I could respond, he kissed my hand and added, “I will dote on you more later, Oliana. Right now, I have pressing matters in the northern region. I’ll be back tonight to discuss the riddle.”

The disappointment must’ve shown on my face.

“I promise I’ll be back tonight,” he said. As if that made things better. I didn’t understand the disappointment, but after he left and I roamed the hallways, flipping through books, studying the old scrolls, and repeating the riddle in my head, I figured it out.

I was disappointed because I wanted to go with him. In a way, I wanted to know and learn more about his kingdom. How it worked. What he did. The people he served. And the stakes of battle.

Because if we solved the riddle, I would be queen. Not just for a month, but forever.

That night, we sat on the settee facing the fireplace. It seemed odd to have a fireplace on the island, but it was also rather cozy, as rain poured outside. Malu perched on the mantle, and Keanu and I sipped our ginger tea before bed.

I wouldn’t admit it aloud, but I rather liked this routine. What I didn’t like was the feeling of vulnerability. I wore a modest white nightgown, but it was the fact that we were alone. In a bedroom.

We’re married, I told myself, but that made me feel even more uneasy.

Keanu seemed quiet, staring into the fire with his bright eyes. I couldn’t help stealing glances at him, unable to help myself from admiring him.

Stop, Oli, stop!

When he sat back and took a sip of his tea, his eyes met mine. “Enjoying the view?” he teased.