A/N: Assuming that Kalasin is roughly the same age as Keladry, this story begins while Kel is eighteen, in the space between her becoming Lady Knight and heading off to the border. Since I currently do not have Emperor Mage with me, some of the details about Carthak may be wrong, so please bear with me. Also, it was difficult to add up Kally's time in Tortall, so details there are also probably wrong as well.

Disclaimer: I do not own Tortall or any of the characters. They all belong to Tamora Pierce.

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Arrival

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As the Tortallan ship sailed into the harbour of the capital city of Carthak, eighteen-year-old Kalasin of Conté stood on the deck of the ship, watching as they approached her new home. Sapphire eyes and coal-black hair, along with her magnificent silk embroidered gown marked her as one of the Conté line, Tortall's ruling family. She viewed the shore with a level gaze, but though her features were composed, her thoughts were not.

Seven years ago, she had dreamed of becoming the first female page since Alanna. The idea had already been in dispute, Kalasin being the oldest daughter of the monarchs and an important opportunity for Tortall to establish connections to other countries. Under strong advice from Lord Wyldon, the training master, Jonathan had decided that the hazardous life of a knight was not suited to his daughter, and although it had endangered his relationship with both his wife and oldest daughter, he eventually managed to talk Kalasin out of it.

Four years later, the Emperor of Carthak sent a request for Kalasin's hand in marriage, causing further conflict in the royal family. Though both Thayet and Jonathan loathed the idea of sending their daughter to distant Carthak, it had been an offer too significant to turn down. As well as that, tensions on the border with Scanra were already developing and they needed the support of their wealthy, powerful neighbour.

Jonathan and Thayet had talked over the idea seriously with Kalasin, who, although loath at first to consider leaving her home, realised that sooner or later such an arrangement would be inevitable. Both Daine and Alanna had assured her that Kaddar was a decent man who was slowly but surely bringing reform to Carthak, which despite Daine's attempts, still dealt in slavery. As Empress, Kalasin would have a great deal of power and could help speed the change. Kalasin had accepted the marriage.

Even with her consent, it had taken a further two years for Jonathan and his ambassadors to negotiate and cement the marriage treaty, time that Kalasin spent with the Countess at King's Reach, being drilled in Carthaki customs and etiquette, as well as gaining a basic grasp of Old Thak, the language used by scholars and universities, and doing detailed studies of Carthaki history, which would be essential to her understanding of Carthaki politics.

She had spent a short amount of time on Progress with her brother and his wife-to-be, who appeared to be getting along well. She'd hadn't had the chance to formally meet Keladry, who was now a Lady Knight, but she's caught glimpses of her, giving demonstrations of fan toss with the Yamani ladies, jousting in matches and serving at banquets. She seemed to be competent at everything she did, and had a quiet kind of self-confidence Kalasin wished she could possess.

This was Kalasin's first trip to Carthak. In most other countries, the arrival of the bride-to-be would begin with a Progress of the nation, in which the lands would be toured and she would be introduced to the Carthaki people. However, due to the extensiveness of the Empire, it had been calculated that it would take far too long for such an event to be carried out. (It had taken Roald and Shinkokami four years to travel around Tortall, which was quite a bit smaller than Carthak.) Adding to the problems, there would be no succession ensured and rich as the Empire was, sustained progress would also cost a great deal of the Empire's wealth. Instead, Kalasin would spend three months at the embassy familiarising herself with the country and its people, after which she would be married to Kaddar.

It would be during this time that she would pick the young noblewomen would join the Carthaki court to serve as her ladies-in-waiting. This was one of her mother's practical ideas – after all, why force a dozen reluctant nobles to abandon their lives and learn Carthaki behaviour when there was already an embassy in Carthak, fully staffed with capable women who were confident in the southern land's customs? The only drawback would be that Kalasin would not have any close friends among the women, which was something Thayet worried about. Nevertheless, the princess had dismissed that thought. All her childhood friends were already immersed in their own professions, married, or members of the royal family, and could not be spared. They would only be present for the wedding in three month's time, and would leave soon after that, along with the Tortallan delegate that had accompanied her here. Kalasin would be alone in Carthak.

Kalasin sighed almost inaudibly and leaned against the rail. There was nothing more she could do, except for try to live up to her parents', Kaddar's, and Carthak's expectations and hope for the best.

While she had been reminiscing, the ship had sailed completely into the harbour and was now preparing to dock. Looking out, Kalasin saw that there was a Carthaki delegation awaiting them, mostly made up of members of the Imperial Court, as well an imposing figure that was the Emperor himself.

The ship docked smoothly, with the sailors coming to stand at attention on the deck. Ramps were lowered and the heralds announced the arrival of the royal envoy. Acting according to custom, they were followed by her father's highest representatives, then it was Kalasin's turn. As she stood at the top of the ramp, she hesitated. Not for the first time, she felt apprehensive of this foreign land. What kind of life would await her here?

The Carthaki nobles gathered on the docks watched her silently, inspecting their Empress-to-be. Kalasin lifted her head slightly. She represented Tortall. This was their first impression of her, so even if she didn't feel it, she had to appear confident.

Kalasin took her first step off the boat and onto Carthaki soil. The sun shone high overhead, burning her unprotected skin. The air felt unnaturally warm, and when the wind blew, it was hot and filled with the smell of the sea and exotic spices. In the background Kalasin could hear the cries of foreign birds and animals. She felt the pressure of dozens of eyes upon her.

For all the plans and arrangements, Kalasin had never felt more unprepared in her life.

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