The morning sun streamed through the stained glass windows of Althaea's chambers, casting dappled patterns of light across the marble floor. Yet, despite the beauty of her surroundings, the princess's thoughts were clouded. Princess Na-na's presence in Luthadel was as alluring as it was unsettling, and the weight of their shared discussions lingered heavily.
The jade pendant rested on Althaea's writing desk, catching the sunlight and gleaming softly. She picked it up, running her fingers over its smooth surface as if it might offer answers to her unspoken questions. What secrets did Na-na carry with her? And what price would Luthadel pay for this alliance?
Her musings were interrupted by a soft knock at the door. Lyra entered, her face pale and eyes wide. "Princess, there's news from the envoy. The bandits from the market yesterday... they've been spotted again. This time near the eastern trade roads."
Althaea's brows knit together in concern. "The eastern roads? That's where our caravans from the Southern Isles are due to arrive. If the bandits strike there, we'll lose not just gold but trust with our allies."
"And there's more," Lyra added hesitantly. "The guards say Princess Na-na's retinue has been seen riding in that direction at dawn. They didn't inform anyone of their departure."
Althaea stood abruptly, the jade pendant still clutched in her hand. "Send word to the captain of the guard. We're riding out immediately."
On the Eastern Roads
The eastern trade roads stretched like ribbons of stone through the countryside, bordered by dense forests that offered ample cover for ambushes. By the time Althaea and her escort arrived, the air was thick with tension.
In the distance, she spotted Na-na and her guards, surrounded by a group of heavily armed bandits. But the scene was not one of chaos. Instead, Na-na stood calmly in the center, speaking in measured tones while her guards remained poised but unmoving.
Althaea dismounted and approached cautiously, her hand resting on the hilt of her sword. She could hear Na-na's voice now, smooth and commanding, though she couldn't understand the language she spoke.
The bandit leader, a burly man with a scar running down his cheek, looked visibly torn. His weapon trembled in his hand as Na-na extended her arm, revealing a bolt of shimmering silk. The fabric caught the light, its golden threads glittering like fire.
"Princess Na-na!" Althaea called, her voice cutting through the tense silence. "What is the meaning of this?"
Na-na turned, her expression serene. "Ah, Princess Althaea. You've arrived just in time to witness the conclusion of our negotiation."
"Negotiation?" Althaea repeated incredulously. Her eyes darted to the bandits, who were now lowering their weapons, captivated by the silk.
"These men," Na-na said, gesturing gracefully, "are not mere thieves. They are former farmers, displaced by the wars to the south. Desperation has driven them to this life. I offered them a solution—a chance to serve as guards for our caravans instead of raiding them. This silk is but a token of goodwill, a promise of employment and dignity."
Althaea stared, her mind reeling. "You're hiring bandits to protect your trade routes?"
"Sometimes," Na-na said softly, "the sharpest swords are forged from broken steel. These men understand the roads, the dangers, and the stakes better than anyone. Why waste potential when it can be redirected?"
Though skeptical, Althaea couldn't deny the brilliance of Na-na's strategy. Turning enemies into allies was a risky gamble, but if it succeeded, it would strengthen both their trade and their alliance.
The bandit leader stepped forward, bowing his head low to Na-na. "We will honor your trust, Princess," he said in broken Common Tongue. "No more raids."
Na-na nodded gracefully, then turned back to Althaea. "Your kingdom has much to gain from this arrangement as well. A safer trade route benefits us both, does it not?"
Althaea studied her for a long moment, searching for any hint of deceit. But Na-na's gaze was steady, her confidence unwavering.
"It seems," Althaea said at last, "that you've made your first move in this tapestry you spoke of. But tell me, Princess, what happens if one of these threads unravels?"
Na-na's lips curved into a faint smile. "That, my dear Princess, is where we must rely on one another. After all, a tapestry woven by two hands is far stronger than one."
Back at the Palace
The journey back to Luthadel was marked by quiet reflection. The bandits—now caravan guards—rode ahead, their loyalty seemingly secured by Na-na's promise. Althaea couldn't help but marvel at how the Chinese princess had turned a crisis into an opportunity.
Later that evening, the two princesses met in the palace gardens. The scent of blooming roses filled the air, and the soft glow of lanterns bathed the space in warm light.
"You have a way of seeing the world that I don't," Althaea admitted as they walked. "Where I see threats, you see possibilities. It's both inspiring and... unnerving."
Na-na chuckled, her laughter like the tinkling of wind chimes. "And you, Princess, have a strength of spirit that your people admire deeply. Where I weave with threads, you forge with fire. Together, we are unstoppable."
Althaea shook her head, a reluctant smile tugging at her lips. "You speak as though our alliance is inevitable."
"Is it not?" Na-na countered, her gaze piercing. "Tell me, Althaea, do you truly believe that we can face the challenges ahead alone?"
The question hung in the air between them, heavy with implication. Althaea knew the answer, but admitting it felt like surrendering a part of herself.
As the lantern light flickered and the night deepened, Althaea met Na-na's eyes and asked, "What if the price of unity is too great? Will the threads of your tapestry hold, or will they choke us in the end?"
Na-na's expression softened, but her confidence remained unshaken. She extended her hand, palm up, as though offering Althaea a choice.
"What do you think, Princess? Shall we weave a new future together or let the threads slip through our fingers?"