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But the truth wasn’t always the complete story. And in this case, it wasn’t the story I wanted the ambassador to know.
As I listened as the ambassador conversed with the other ladies, I realized this must be part of the examination. The questions were too carefully put together. Nonchalant, but digging for more information. Ambassador Bennani was a dangerous one.
Souhir interrupted my thoughts. “She’s nice and seemed interested in what we had to say. I didn’t expect that. Considering her position.”
“Yes, she seems like a good person. But we should be careful around her. I have a feeling she’s here for more than just socializing.”
“What do you mean?”
“I think she’s here to examine us. To see if we’re fit for the position of the bride.”
Souhir’s eyes widened. “Do you really think so?”
“It’s the only explanation that makes sense. Why else would she be here? I don’t think she’s just here to socialize.”
“But what if she is? What if we’re overthinking this?” Souhir said, her voice laced with worry.
“It’s better to be safe than sorry. We should be careful around her.”
She rolled her eyes. “You are so cautious.”
I glanced across the room and saw servants listening into conversations.“It’s better to be cautious than to get ourselves involved in something we can’t handle.”
Her shoulders slumped in defeat. “I guess you’re right.”
I placed a hand on her shoulder and gave her a reassuring smile. “Don’t worry. We’ll be fine. Just be careful around her.”
∞∞∞
After eight hours of gruesome tests, both written and physical, the day was finally over. We were exhausted but relieved that it was done. The souk was bustling with people as we walked through it, looking for the ‘Oasis’.
That was easier said than done. A dozen restaurants and cafes had that name. The smells of spices and cooked meat wafted through the air, making my stomach growl.
Souhir looked longingly at a stall that was selling kebabs. “I’m hungry.”
I pulled away from the tempting smells.“We’ll find something soon.”
“Those tests were horrible,” Souhir said, still not having recovered from our earlier ordeal.
I had to agree with her. The tests were draining. It involved 5 hours of writing and spoken tests about Lunja culture, traditions, and history. Between the lines, I read that the examiners were looking for certain types of answers. The kind that would show that we were committed to the cause and that the glamorous exterior of the Lunja did not fool us. It was a test of our loyalty and convictions. I was glad that it was over.
The second part of the test was much more difficult. Court etiquette was something that I had never been good at. I was always more comfortable in the chaos of the academic world than in the calm of the political one, where a single wrong word could ruin everything.
There was also a hidden test in the way they asked the questions. It was a test of our understanding of Lunja society. We had to be careful not to give offense, no matter how innocent our words might be.
I was grateful when that part of the test was over. I don’t think I could have taken any more. Or even if I identified all the tests. I was just too tired to care.
It was a wonder that anyone could pass them. But I supposed that was the point. They wanted to weed out the weak.
Souhir edged closer to me. “It’s an odd method to choose a spouse.”
“Yes, it is,” I said. “But I suppose it makes sense in a way. They want to make sure that we know what we are getting into. The whole thing was a test. It wouldn’t surprise me if everyone was in it. Since the moment we’ve arrived, they have observed us.”
Souhir tutted. “I don’t like it. It makes me feel like a piece of meat.”
The entire process was dehumanizing. But I supposed that was the point. They wanted to make sure that we were loyal and not just in it for the benefits.
I darted left to not bump into a group of Northmen. The smell of mead and smoke followed their steps. “They want the best possible candidates. Something like that doesn’t come without a price.”
