by N. C. Reed
“What's all that about?” Winnie asked. Stephanie just looked at her for a moment, studying her young friend. She didn't know why she hadn't seen it before. Perhaps she had and had just put it away.
“What?” Winnie demanded, one hand on her hip, the other on her bow.
“Winnie dear,” Stephanie savored her words as if they were a rich cup of chocolate on a frosty night. “Winnie, you are not nearly as clever as you think you are.”
*****
Winnie stood glaring at Stephanie as the tailor measured and clucked and talked to himself. The woman paid no mind to the fact that Winnie was all but naked, or that she was very close to erupting. Another woman was studying her hair, nails and other areas, also clucking her tongue and occasionally shaking her head sadly.
“This is ridiculous,” Winnie steamed and Stephanie had to fight a grin.
“Dear I had already planned to do something along these lines anyway, but with things the way they are, I don't think we'll have the opportunity. So, I'm taking advantage of the fact that we're staying in the palace to get it done. And the quality of clothing will be far greater here than anywhere else I'm quite sure.”
“Indeed my lady,” the tailor nodded as she finished her notes. “We'll have something up here this afternoon we've altered, and then we'll outfit the other items custom to order, of course.”
“That would be fine,” Stephanie nodded. “Thank you. And you?” she addressed the cosmetician. The other woman turned to her and curtsied.
“I think about one inch off the ends to care for splitted ends, milady, and of course around her face,” the woman detailed. “Eyebrows must be done of course, perhaps something for her lashes as well. Nails are a complete loss I'm afraid, but we can clean and even them up, at least. We'll do the pedi as well, though I doubt she'll need that for now, no sense in putting it off.” She thought for a second.
“Perhaps three hours, my lady, all totaled,” she said firmly. “The. . .other. . .will take a bit longer, of course,” she added.
“That will be fine,” Stephanie nodded. “We'll begin after lunch if that's convenient?”
“We serve at your pleasure milady,” the woman bowed. “We'll arrive around one?”
“Perfect,” Stephanie nodded. “We'll see you then.” She walked the woman out as Winnie got dressed, her anger boiling.
“And just what, may I ask, is the 'other'?” she demanded, pulling her leather shirt over her head.
“Winnie dear, I sense that you've had little in the way of female education in your young life,” Stephanie replied by way of answer, casting her line out casually. “Would that be accurate?”
“If you mean did I have a woman to teach me what's what and where it is, not exactly,” Winnie's face reddened. “A woman that delivers babies in the mountains. . .my pa, he took her a deer he shot, and a cow hide he had tanned, to pay her to explain to me. . .to show me how. . .to talk to me,” she settled for saying. “Why?”
“Well, let's just say there are other items that are of import when a girl reaches your age,” Stephanie temporized, jiggling the bait ever so slightly.
“I'm not a girl!” Winnie took the bait, sinker and all.
“Exactly my point, dear,” Stephanie seized the line and pulled to set the hook. “You're a young woman now, and there are things that young women, young ladies, need to know. Fortunately for you, I'm a doctor, so I can explain them to you in great, medical detail. And, also very fortunate, we have access to the workings of the palace.”
“You, my dear, are about to get a royal makeover!”
*****
It was a tired and dirty column of men that pulled into the Royal City in the faint light of a dying full moon. The lights of the city, lit at dusk each day and fueled by gases piped throughout the city, lit the way to the palace, where a startled sentry called out the guard in a panic before he'd had time to realize who was approaching.
“Don't worry about it,” Parno said tiredly as the man tried to apologize. “It just shows you're on the job. I'd rather you do it every time as miss just once.”
He staggered out of the saddle, as did his followers. Men took the reins from them and headed for the Royal stables to leave the horses. Parno waved off his escort.
“Not tonight,” he told them. “We'll be fine in my rooms and you need to rest. Have a guard report after breakfast in the morning, and set it so it rotates every four hours I guess,” he ordered Berry. “I'll let you decide what's best. Tonight, get some rest.” It was a testament to how tired Berry was that he didn't argue.
Parno led Cho Feng, Harrel Sprigs and the brothers Willard into the palace grounds, heading for his brother's rooms. No one had spoken to him yet about what he might find, and he was apprehensive to say the least.
And shocked to find Stephanie Freeman coming from his rooms when he arrived.
“Stephanie?” It was a sign of how tired Parno was that he neglected to refer to her as Lady Freeman.
“Parno!” Stephanie exclaimed and had taken two steps in his direction when decorum caught up with her and she brought herself up short.
“It's good that you've come, milord,” she managed not to stammer.
“You can drop that,” Karls Willard grinned tiredly. “We're not blind, doctor. Or stupid.”
“Quiet,” Parno ordered over his shoulder. “How is he?” Parno asked, nodding to Memmnon's door.
“He's quite well, I assure you,” she smiled. “He is awake. Come and let me take you to him,” she offered her hand.
“You know where my rooms are,” Parno told his retinue, then frowned as Stephanie cleared her throat.
“Ah, I'm afraid that Winnie and I have been staying there, while I cared for the king, my lord,” she said formally, her face red. Parno hid his surprise at hearing Memmnon referred to as king behind his surprise that she and Winnie had been using his apartments.
“Find a servant, tell them to put us in the dignate's quarters for tonight,” he ordered. “It's close by but secluded.” Enri nodded and the four of them left. Parno raised an eyebrow at the lovely doctor.
“I sense a story behind your using my apartments,” he grinned. “And did you say Winnie? As in Winnie Huble? What is she doing here?” he asked when she nodded.
“Well, it's a long story.”
*****
“Parno, it's good to see you,” Memmnon smiled as he struggled to sit up. His new footman assisted him, then withdrew, leaving the new king sitting up in bed.
“Memmnon,” Parno nodded. “You're looking much better than I had imagined when I read Howard Govan's note. I am relieved to see you recovering,” he said sincerely.
“No desire to be king, brother?” Memmnon teased, glancing at the doctor.
“If you had died I would have killed you,” Parno nodded and Memmnon laughed aloud at that.
“Sit,” he ordered, and Parno sat. “Sherron killed father, Parno,” Memmnon said at once. “I don't know if Howard included that, but it's true. She thinks she killed me, I'm sure. Likely would have, were it not for your lovely doctor,” he nodded to Stephanie who blushed, nodded, but stayed silent.
“What do you want me to do?” Parno asked simply.
“They have to be stopped,” Memmnon replied just as simply. “We cannot let them live, Parno. Not after this.”
“I didn't intend to,” Parno assured him. “I have a unit that will be here tomorrow, or day after at the latest. I'll be sending them after Callens as soon as they've rested their horses and took on supplies as needed. They just spent three weeks or better behind enemy lines,” he explained. “They are very good,” he added.
“All right,” Memmnon nodded. “Brock will have a force ready by then as well. I want them to accompany your men. If they can be arrested, then we should try them. Get this mess into the open and be done with it.”
“Are you sure?” Parno looked dubious. “Looks to me like it would be better to just get rid of them and be done with it.”
; “Short term, yes,” Memmnon agreed. “Long term, for the health and strength of the Dynasty, we need to follow the rule of law insofar as we can.”
“Insurrection is punishable by death, as is treason,” Parno said stiffly. “Leaving aside murder, particularly of the king.”
“All true,” Memmnon nodded. “I didn't say it was a necessity, Parno. I said if we could. Don't risk the life of a single man to keep them alive. If they have to be killed, then so be it, but make sure they're dead and bring back proof. I want this laid to rest. Forever.”
“It will be,” Parno nodded. “I swore to father that there would be a Soulan to rule, and that you would rule it. I will fulfill that oath, one way or another.”
“You look tired, Parno,” Memmnon said suddenly. “Get some rest. Please visit me tomorrow, though.”
“I will,” Parno promised. “Until then.”
*****
In the hallway, Parno found himself accompanying Stephanie toward his own rooms. She had told him how Winnie had come to be with her, and how the two of them had come to be here.
“I'm glad you were,” Parno nodded. “Without your help, I'd be king now,” he shuddered at the thought.
“I doubt anyone else would be so happy at not being king,” Stephanie teased.
“They can have it,” Parno made a pushing motion on front of him. “Memmnon will make a good king. I am sorry to hear about your uncle,” he offered gently. He had despised her uncle with a passion that was mutual, but the pain his death had caused her was reason enough to regret his passing.
“It's hard to believe he's gone,” she sighed.
“Does this make you the Royal Doctor now?” he teased and Stephanie looked at him, startled.
“What?”
“Your family has provided the Royal Physician since the time of Tyree,” Parno pointed out. “Will you be the next?”
“I think not,” she scoffed. “No,” she shook her head.
“Someone has to do it,” Parno shrugged.
“Yes, but not me,” she said firmly. They reached the doorway and she opened it without thinking, and Parno stepped inside with her, also without a thought, since it was his apartment.
“I hate this!” an alley cat screeched at them and Parno jerked his eyes away from Stephanie to see-
“Winnie?” his mouth dropped open.
“Don't you say a word!” Winnie pointed at him with a painted nail. She was in a beautiful gown of flowing green silks, her red hair complimenting it nicely as did her curves. Curves that her previous clothing had hidden quite well but this dress did not. Could not.
“Winnie, you look-” Parno began.
“Men die in training accidents all the time, Parno McLeod,” she growled at him almost like a wolf, causing him to bite off his comment, as well as the laugh he felt coming at her discomfiture.
“I'm sorry, Winnie, I forgot this was still going on,” Stephanie stammered apologetically. “Parno, I'm afraid you simply must go,” she turned to push him back out the door. “Get some rest and we'll talk tomorrow, I promise,” she told him, pushing all the while.
“But I want to kno-”
“Not now!” Stephanie cut him off, then beneath her breath, added, “I worked too hard to get her to do this. Not now!”
“All right, all right,” Parno held his hands up in supplication. “But tomorrow I want to know what's happening.”
“Yes, of course,” she nodded, closing the door literally in his face. “Tomorrow. Now good night!” the door slammed shut, leaving him surrounded by the four guards.
“Well. Put out of my own rooms,” he shook his head, then turned to look at the nearest guard.
“That's a first.”
*****
Parno slept late the next morning, as did most of his retinue. Cho Feng, of course, was up with the roosters, looking and acting disgustingly fresh and rested. The others didn't stir until well after eight o'clock, and even then were reluctant.
“Good morning,” Feng welcomed them to the sitting room where the remains of his morning meal were being cleared away.
“Why are you so cheerful all the time?” Karls demanded, then turned to Parno. “Why is he so cheerful? Do we have to put up with that? All that. . .cheerfulness?”
“Someone apparently slept on the wrong side of his bed,” Parno grinned back, taking a seat. “Load me up this morning,” he told the steward. “I need a power breakfast, Rafe,” he smiled.
“I'll see to it, sir,” the steward grinned back. “You gents?” he looked to the others who agreed with their leader.
“I'll set a meal and let you gents dig in, then,” Rafe nodded.
“So what's on the agenda today?” Enri asked.
“I imagine I'll spend most of it with Memmnon,” Parno admitted. “I'd like you two to check over palace security. Enri you worked here with the Guard so you should know it pretty well. Karls, select a few of the men who might be, talented let's call it, and let them look for ways inside. If they find any, block them.”
“All right,” the brothers nodded in unison.
“And me?” Feng asked.
“You may do the same if you like,” Parno shrugged. “Unless you want to spar with Harrel and let him practice some. It's a rare opportunity for the two of you. Might as well take it.”
“Very good,” Feng nodded as Rafe returned with the food.
“And here's breakfast!”
*****
“Beaumont should be here today, tomorrow at the latest,” Parno repeated for Brock this time. “Your men will join him, and head south. No matter how they get there, Sherron and Callens will be headed to the Key Horn to get Therron. Stop them. If you can't get there ahead of them, make sure they don't leave.”
“Milord,” Brock nodded.
“Grey, while he is gone, I want your investigation to continue,” Memmnon ordered. “Anyone here in the palace, or in the city for that matter, who aided and abetted them in any way I want in chains.”
“We're working on it, sire,” Grey nodded.
The two left, their orders in hand, including the arrest warrants for both Sherron and Therron as well as Callens and his officers.
“Well, this will get something going for sure,” Parno sighed.
“How are things at the front?” Memmnon asked. Parno shrugged.
“We missed an opportunity by not having Herrick and Freeman up sooner, but we're holding just fine,” he reported. “We beat off a major attack less than a week ago, though they broke off for no reason I could see. We had hurt them, but they had hurt us too. I'm going to have to pull 2nd Corps off line and let them rest and refit. Their losses are making them ineffective to be honest.”
“Your planned offensive?” Memmnon asked.
“Will have to wait at least until Freeman is in place and we've recovered from what damage we can that we took in this last round,” Parno admitted. “I wanted to push against them with our cavalry, but the risks were just too great, in all honesty. Once our strength is concentrated, it will be different.”
“Raines?” Memmnon spoke again.
“I'm sending him a mounted infantry division and a division of militia cavalry to replace what I took from him,” Parno explained his plan. “That will let him have some leeway and strengthen his defenses. Plus, he will have received Roda's goodies by now and his men will have been instructed in their use. That will be worth a lot, right there.”
“I never did get down there to see what it is he does,” Memmnon admitted.
“Ask Enri about it later,” Parno suggested. “He got a good look.”
“I will.”
“I need to check on something, so I'll leave you to your lunch. I'll be back before supper.”
“Very good, then,” Memmnon nodded. “I have something I'd like to discuss with you, then.”
*****
“I'm sorry, but could you repeat that?”
“Your brother, the King, is somewhat enamored with our Winnie,” Stephanie
repeated the most important part, not bothering to go over, once more, how Winnie had been so sure that Memmnon had in fact been 'enamored' with Stephanie.
“So that's why the clothes and the cosmetics and what not?” Parno asked.
“Yes,” the firm reply.
“And does she know all this?” Parno asked, the hint of a grin forming at the corners of his mouth.
“No!” firmer reply. “And she mustn't know until I'm finished!”
“Finished?” Parno frowned. “She looked fine last night. How much else is there? I almost didn't recognize her.”
“There's more to it than a dress and some color,” Stephanie informed him primly. “And she will likely resist the idea, anyway, so no teasing!” she ordered.
“All right, I get it,” Parno backed down for the present. “But . . . look, I can't just let this go forever,” he chuckled. “I'll give you a day or so, but then. . .well, I'll have to say something or bust!”
“You had better bust if it means spoiling all this hard work,” Stephanie threatened.
“Don't forget the processional,” Parno reminded her. Stephanie's eyes widened as she realized she had done just that.
“When is it?” she asked.
“Memmnon wants to do it day after tomorrow,” he replied. “He'll have to be carried there, most likely, but he has to speak, at least a little.”
“I don't know if he's strong enough for that,” Stephanie frowned.
“He'll have to be, at least for a few hours,” Parno shrugged. “He's king now. He's got to be seen and heard. This isn't some state funeral, Stephanie, this is the processional for a dead king and the coronation announcement for a new one.”
“Just the announcement?”
“Yes. The actual event will be months in the planning. He's already king, the celebration is. . .well, I call it frippery. I'm not sure that's a real word,” he admitted.
“He can probably make it, then,” she nodded.
“Be a good place to display your protégé,” he grinned.
*****
“Parno, what I wanted to talk to you about-”
“Is it about a girl, because if it is, honestly Memmnon I just don't want to hear it,” Parno said with a straight face. Memmnon faltered a bit at that, but nodded, his lips set in a thin line. Parno managed to hold his laughter for less than a half-minute before bursting.
