Yevgeny frowned, deep in thought. “It’s a dangerous game, but one which, if we play it right, could reap great rewards.” At Janessa’s questioning look, he continued. “If you are wed to Antyny, there is little information you would not have access to. As the queen of the realm you would have a legitimate reason for needing to know everything from the rebels’ diplomatic overtures to other countries to who is being wed to whom amidst the families who support the rebels. The sort of information you could gain could be crucial to driving the enemy back. We have gathered some important details, but the war is still very much in the balance. This information could lead to victory.”
“However, it would place you under even more scrutiny as well. Many on the council resent your presence, but they are powerless to do anything about it. However, a queen is watched far more closely than a concubine. Your acting will have to be perfect.”
“And when I am with child?” Janessa asked, shivering at the thought. She certainly had never expected to bear a child—or, as a sudden thought struck her, twins, or perhaps even triplets. The idea made her tremble….but it also excited her in some strange way. Not for the first time, Janessa bemoaned the magic which had altered her so completely.
Yevgeny shrugged. “It will not make the change permanent, I believe. There are no absolutes with magic, and I would have to consult my sister who is now safely back in loyalist held lands, but I believe you would be okay. Of course, once pregnant the magic is locked until you give birth.” He added. Janessa took a deep breath. The risk was great, but so too was the reward. If the cost of toppling the rebels was to become a mother…..then she’d pay it.
Yevgeny nodded gravely when she told him that. “You are being very brave, Janessa.” He said. Janessa, embarrassed, shook her head a little. “You made it clear we had little choice but to push forwards. Making a run for it is not feasible, you proved that to me already. I’m scared, though.” She said softly. Janessa never would have admitted it before, when she was still a man, but somehow this form made it seem less dishonorable to say so.
Yevgeny nodded. “Bravery is not an absence of fear, Your Highness, but of being willing to stand and do your duty regardless.” He replied. “That is something you would have learned had things not gone….well…..badly. I certainly don’t think anyone ever expected you to learn it like this.” He said with a grin, causing Janessa to burst out in a fit of giggles.
Janessa by now was an old hand at slipping back into the harem quarters unnoticed. It was certainly trickier tonight—Antyny had doubled the guards, all of whom were grim faced and alert—but years ago a secret passage had been installed to enter the harem quarters, and she was able to silently make it in without anyone noticing. Borya and Francesca were talking to the two new girls, Halla and Anna, in the center chamber. They all glanced up as Janessa entered, acting as if she was awakening from a slumber. “Janessa! Come, sit with us!” Francesca greeted eagerly. Janessa walked over and slid down on a small couch, joining the other girls in a loose circle.
“So, you are to be Antyny’s bride?” Anna asked. She had reddish brown hair, and breasts that were only slightly smaller than Janessa’s own. Janessa nodded. “Once I am with child.” She replied. Slightly jealous looks crossed the other girls’ faces. Janessa knew that all four of these beautiful concubines had used to be men—just as she had—but one struggled to remember that talking to them.
The conversation soon moved onto gossip about going ons in the castle. Apparently the rebels had stumbled upon the hidden portion of the royal treasury which had not been smuggled out of the city after weeks of searching. All sorts of jewels and treasure had reportedly been discovered. “There was this beautiful necklace I would have loved.” Halla sighed wistfully. “And all sorts of gems and silver. I thought they were going to come to blows over it right then and there before the council sorted it out.”
The conversation continued for another hour or so, Janessa contributing her thoughts upon occasion, until finally the group drifted off to sleep.
The next morning….