Laldasa Read Online Free PDF Page B

feel of the name on her tongue.
    Anala had the sudden impression that if her name had not met with the Jivinta’s approval she would have simply changed it on the spot. Everything about her spoke of royalty, from the erect posture to the long hair she wore like a silver diadem.
    â€œAnd you will call me Jivinta Mina,” the old woman decided. “The distinction of Rani in this household goes to my bonddaughter. Unlike her, I prefer names to titles. So, what is the story of Anala? Are you to be a guest of the House Sarojin?”
    Anala shot Jaya a fleeting glance. “A while, I think,” she said. “It much depends on the Nathu Rai’s kindness.”
    â€œWell, he’s long on that quality. Your while here should be pleasant if it’s his kindness you depend on.”
    Jaya smiled at his Jivinta. “Ah, and this is where I jump in with a proof of my kindness. Jivinta, could I impose on you to take Anala into Kasi tomorrow for some shopping? She needs to purchase some mining equipment and some new clothes. That dress and a torn insulsuit is all she’s got at the moment.”
    Mina’s sculptured silver brows ascended delicately. “Mining equipment and new clothes? An interesting combination. Well, I’d be very happy to take our new friend shopping.”
    Anala stirred uneasily. “Nathu Rai, please don’t trouble your Jivinta to buy me a new wardrobe. If I could have my insulsuit mended I’d be more than grateful. And I’m sure I can find the equipment broker on my own.”
    Jaya’s reply was blunt. “Anala, I’m going to be honest with you. I know your desire to get home is fierce. I don’t want you to be tempted to try to return on your own. You simply wouldn’t make it. Not with that dascree in your palm.”
    Ana felt her face suffuse with heat. “You don’t know me, so I won’t take that as an insult. I couldn’t possibly leave Mehtar with your money in hand. Besides which, I’m honor bound to repay your kindness to me. If I left without doing that, I couldn’t face myself, let alone my family.”
    The Nathu Rai flushed and opened his mouth. Whether he meant to equivocate or apologize, Ana was not to know; chimes sounded from the com-unit at Jivinta Mina’s elbow.
    The old woman glanced at it only briefly before returning her eyes to Jaya’s flushed face. “Yes, Ari. What is it?”
    â€œSome visitors for the Saroj, Jivinta. The Vadin Bel Adivaram and the Lord Kreti Twapar. They say it is urgent.”
    â€œI’ll be right down,” Jaya said and threw Anala a rueful grimace. “While I’m closeted with my guests, try to think of something I can do to merit forgiveness for that ignorant remark.”
    â€œSo, Anala,” said Mina Sarojin when her grandson had left her rooms, “Come, sit. Tell me about Avasa. Is the air as dry and sweet as I’ve heard?”
    oOo

    Jaya wasn’t particularly pleased to have government business brought into his private quarters, but turning away Adivaram and Twapar would be considered an extreme rudeness. To them the governing of the Mehtaran Commonwealth and the concomitant political existence was the center of their universe. To one who didn’t even want a political existence it was at best a duty, and at worst an imposition.
    By the time Jaya reached the Court Salon reserved for the reception of Mehtar’s elite, Aridas had already provided his guests with refreshment and was standing by to hear his Nathu Rai’s pleasure.
    â€œChanna please, Ari,” Jaya told him, and did not miss the oblique glances of his fellow Varmana. Their raised brows marked his indiscretion silently. He ignored them and followed a perverse urge to compound the social gaffe. “Oh, and Ari, you can just leave the carafes. I’ll serve.”
    Aridas bowed slightly, a smile playing at the corners of his mouth, then went to the