by Frank David
Stela returned his kiss. Most knew the two were engaged but she still worried about being spotted kissing him before their wedding. She ended the kiss and looked at him.
“What? There is no one around. Why can I not kiss my bride to be?” he asked, sounding hurt.
“It is not appropriate. You need to learn how to be a proper Imperial if you are to sit on the throne at my side. You should consider yourself fortunate that I allowed you to enter my bed chambers before our wedding,” Stela scolded.
“Your men know we are to be married. What harm is there in a kiss?” Harris was annoyed.
“The whole realm could know. Hell, all Saaveth could know. It would still not make such displays appropriate. I am not some commoner,” she stopped, forgetting herself and Harris’ upbringing. “I meant know offense.”
“None has been taken, Stela,” Harris smiled at her. “We are both conquering new territory. Let us be more understanding of each other.”
“Agreed, I will try to understand your barbaric ways,” Stela laughed.
“Do we really need to stay here? You have confronted Courtney, discovered what you needed to know. Can we not return to Jascaessau?” Harris asked.
“Why do you not go visit your parents? It has been some time since you have seen them. I am sure they have heard the rumors about your new title,” Stela offered. “You could go and ease their minds. Perhaps bring them back to Jascaessau for a visit. They could stay at Rothmar. I would like to know your true parents, the ones who raised you.”
“Are you sure you will be alright without me?” Harris worried about leaving her alone. He knew she still suffered the effects of her battle with Edmund.
“Harris, I will be fine. I survived for 23 years without you. I am sure I can survive a few nights on my own.” Stela smiled and gave him a peck on the cheek. She saw the surprised look on his face. “A peck is fine in public,” she quickly added. “Would you like your parents to be closer? They are so far from you now. I could offer them a title in Jascaessau.”
Harris considered her offer. “Is this because you are about to marry a man with common parents? You wish to lift their station, so the people will not be appalled at our marriage.”
Stela’s brow frowned at his accusation. “You are the son of an Imperial Grand Archduke, the highest title in the realm, next to Imperial Empress. If my people do not agree with whom I decide to marry, I care not. I offer the title as a wedding gift to my soon-to-be husband. Well perhaps soon-to-be husband. If you continue to question my motives, you may simply be Imperial Grand Archduke,” she laughed. “I want your parents close to you. I know what they mean to you. I also want your mother and father to live comfortably, with little worries. Carlisle is still without an Archduke. I could offer the title to them.”
“You are willing to give Rupert’s title to my parents?” Harris was surprised. He knew she delayed giving the title to another, making Rupert’s death real. “I do not think my parents would accept a title to which they were not entitled.”
“I decide who is entitled. They have raised a fine son who will be my husband and Emperor Consort of Hulsteria. It would be a fitting title for them,” Stela’s brow softened.
“Very well, I shall go and visit my parents. I will bring them to Jascaessau, not for a title but to get to know my future wife.” He returned the peck on her cheek, as he turned and rushed to prepare to make the two-day journey to his parents’ home in Moffat.
Stela smiled as she watched him rush off. While she did not yet love him, she was fond of him. Braynard had said they were to be married and she learned it best to do as Braynard instructed. She believed he would make a fine husband and father to her children. She placed her hand on her belly and smiled.
Chapter Three – Courtney
Courtney entered her room, exhausted after her conversation with Stela. She quickly undressed and prepared to lay down before dinner. She worried about Stela wandering about the castle, but she had been there for a day already. No point in worrying now.
She climbed into her bed. She had missed the comforts of home while staying with Tribe Killmire. Their beds were primitive collections of straw strewn on the ground. She was not accustomed to such lodgings. Her mind relaxed as she laid against the soft pillow which carried her off to sleep.
She awoke to screams. She looked around. She was no longer in her room. She stood upon the cliffs of Jascaessau. She turned away from the ledge and saw the dark smoke rising from within Frostmoor. The screams were coming from the palace. She ran toward the screams, not knowing who was in such agony.
She could see the palace ablaze. The sky was prematurely dark, the sunlight blocked by the canopy of soot. She saw the woman, screaming from an upper room. The windows were covered with ash making it difficult for Courtney to see who it was. As she approached the doors to the palace, they burst open and flames shot out toward the skies. She watched as the woman banged on the windows, still screaming.
She had no way to reach her. She heard the glass breaking as the temperature rose in the room. Now she could see. It was Daniella. She heard one last scream before Daniella fell out of sight, overtaken by the fumes.
She could not stand by helplessly while Daniella suffered. She needed to try to rescue her. She approached the door once again, flames billowing out. She stared slack-jawed as the figure moved toward her through the flames.
‘How is this possible?’ she thought to herself as the figure approached. The figured moved out beyond the flames. She could not make out the figure. It appeared its skin had been burned off. She believed the creature was female. How was this creature still walking? How was it still alive? Her mind was racing with thoughts. She watched as the figured moved past her, heading away from the palace. Flames radiated from the creature’s body.
“Who are you?” she yelled as the creature widened the distance between them. The creature ignored her and continued her journey down the road which led to Helmsley.
She tried to read the creatures thoughts, hoping it would provide some clue to its identity. No thoughts. Only anger and evil radiated from the beast.
Courtney decided to follow the beast but kept a safe distance. The creature stopped. It turned and looked at her, its dark blue eyes staring at her. The creature let out a scream in her direction. Courtney had to cover her ears. The sound was deafening.
She heard it, the same scream, coming from behind her. She turned as the great beast swooped down upon her. Its mouth opened wide as if ready to eat her in one bite. She fell to the ground to avoid the beast as it let loose its flame.
“Princess,” the voice called out, stirring Courtney from her sleep. “Wake up!”
Courtney opened her eyes. She was in her room. Tears rose in her eyes. She stared at her chamber maid standing over her.
“You were having a frightful dream, I suspect,” the woman said as she went to prepare an outfit for dinner. “I walked in to hear you screaming and thrashing about in your bed.”
“Thank you,” Courtney responded as she sat up.
“What gave you such a fright?” the woman asked.
“Just a bad dream, I suppose.” Courtney stood and walked over to allow the woman to dress her. “I do not wish to discuss it further. I do not want to keep the Empress waiting.” The woman dressed her and prepared her hair. “Where is Autumn?”
“The nanny is preparing her for dinner. The child is fine, Princess,” the woman said as she combed Courtney’s dark hair.
Courtney’s heart continued to race as she made her way to the dining hall. She found Stela already seated. She needed to compose herself. She could not allow Stela to sense her nerves.
“Stela, I hope you were not bored,” Courtney greeted her cousin as she took her seat. “I do not normally nap but I have not been sleeping well lately, worrying about Autumn.”
“I thought the girl was well?” Stela asked.
“She is, but one still worries,” she smiled at the Empress.
“
Will she be joining us for dinner?” Stela had not seen the child in some time and was excited to see her.
“Yes, she should be down any moment.” Courtney was starting to calm as they talked. “The journey home was difficult for her. She slept most of the carriage ride. I could see she was still weakened when we arrived so I sent her up to her room to rest.”
“Young children are not well suited for long travel. I do not take my children when I travel, knowing how difficult it is for them. As a child, I traveled with my grandfather extensively, so I understand the effects it has on the young.” Stela placed her hand on her cousin’s, offering comfort. “The trip was necessary to save the girl.” She smiled.
Autumn entered the room. Her face lit up when she saw Stela.
“Cousin Stela,” she cried out as Stela stood to greet her. She ran into Stela’s outstretched arms.
“Autumn, it is Your Imperial Majesty,” Courtney quickly corrected her daughter.
“It is fine Courtney. Autumn may call me Cousin Stela if she pleases.” Stela’s face grew bright as the smile washed over her lips. “How are you feeling little one?”
“I was tired but I am fine after my nap,” the girl laughed as she took her seat next to Stela, opposite her mother.
“I am glad to hear you are feeling better. Your mother said you were quite ill.” Stela watched the child’s face.
“Yes, my tummy was not easy. I spit up red liquid. Mama took me to Norland to make me better.” Autumn’s face was unmoved as she spoke.
Courtney’s nerves calmed further knowing the memories forced upon Autumn had worked. She looked at Stela. She could see her studying Autumn. Did she doubt the story? Did she question Courtney’s loyalty?
“Well I am glad they made you all better, little one,” Stela held Autumn’s hand and gave her a smile. “What did you think of Norland?”
“It is different from Raamsfeld,” Autumn answered quickly. “It has a lot of forests. We stayed in a cave.”
Stela looked at Courtney. “You stayed in a cave? Why would you stay in a cave and not with one of the Royals or Imperials?” she asked, her brow raised.
“The healer we were told about lived in Kanieri, a member of the Tribe of Killmire,” Courtney answered, fidgeting with her fingers beneath the table.
“What illness plagued the girl?” Stela pressed.
“The healer was unsure. She had never seen it before,” Courtney responded.
“Then how was the healer able to treat her?” Stela was suspicious of the story.
“I do not claim to know how such gifts work, Stela,” Courtney was sure the Empress could sense her hesitation.
“What is this healer’s name? I would like to thank her. I would also like to know more. I would like to ask Braynard about her,” Stela watched as Courtney became more uneasy.
“I did not get her name, Majesty,” Courtney responded, bringing a hand to her mouth and biting her nails.
“You let someone heal your child without getting her name? That seems a bit trusting.” Stela grabbed Courtney’s hand. Courtney struggled to free herself but it was pointless. “What are you not telling me, cousin?”
Courtney collected herself. She needed to use her other gift. She needed to influence Stela with her words, make her believe the story.
“I have told you the truth, cousin. I was stupid to not ask the woman’s name but you know how I am with commoners. I care little for who they are, only how they can serve me and my Empress,” Courtney stared at Stela trying to gauge if the power worked. “Please do not turn the joy of my daughter’s health into a battle between family,” she said, her eyes pleading with Stela.
“You are right. I forgot to whom I was speaking. You do not like Imperials, Royals, or the commoners,” Stela laughed and released her cousin’s hand.
“You are correct cousin. I hate everyone equally.” She joined her cousin in laughter. “Let us eat before our food gets cold. You did not bring your taster. Do you no longer require their services now that you have your gift?”
“I do not. Braynard has informed me not only am I safe from physical wounds, but poisons are no longer a threat either.” Stela looked at the plate placed in front of her. She was starving and the food smelled amazing.
“So, neither sword nor poison may harm you?” Courtney asked with a raised brow. She needed to share this information with those who followed Diana.
“I have not tested his theory on poisons, as far as I know. I have learned to trust what he says and not question him,” Stela said as she lifted the food to her mouth.
“You have little to fear, it would seem,” Courtney responded as she tasted the food as well.
“We should not talk of such things in front of Autumn,” she smiled at the girl, who ate quietly.
“You are right. Let us change the subject,” Courtney smiled at Autumn. “I met a man as I was going to my chambers. Who was he?”
“Harris,” Stela smiled. “He is to be my husband.”
“Husband?” Courtney’s eyes widened.
“Yes, Braynard said we were to marry and as I have said, I have learned it best not to question him,” Stela said as she continued to eat.
“Do you love him?” Courtney asked, still surprised by the revelation.
“I do not. Yet. As an Imperial, you know we do not marry for love. We marry for necessity,” Stela answered, little emotion attached to her response.
“You married for necessity when you wed Edmund. Should you not now marry for love?” Courtney asked.
“I have feelings for Harris and they grow daily. I am sure I will come to love him soon enough,” Stela smiled at Courtney. “I will admit there was a time before my confrontation with Edmund I wished to know Harris in a different sense,” she looked at Autumn as she confessed, sure the child did not comprehend the meaning.
Courtney blushed. “Stela, you?”
“Yes, it had been quite some time since I knew the pleasures of a man. I threw myself at him but he refused me.” Stela lowered her eyes as she confessed Harris’ denial.
“Yet you still wish to marry him?” Courtney looked at Autumn. The girl appeared to not be listening to their conversation.
“As I said, Braynard said it was to be.” Stela gave a soft smile. “My life is not my own. It never has been. I have always had to live according to my people and what was best for them. I simply have one more master to follow.”
Courtney just looked at Stela not wanting to say anything further for fear she might upset her.
“I will be returning to Jascaessau in the morning,” Stela spoke.
“I suppose you must get back. I am glad you came. I am sorry I did not let you know of my plans and had you worried.” Courtney gave a gentle smile.
“I am trying to get Xasha under control. The people there do not understand why Edmund was killed. There have been uprisings. I sent Roderick down to help Lena. She is due any day and does not need this on her mind,” Stela confessed. “She needs my help to put her people at ease. She is alone. My heart breaks for her. It would seem Edmund confessed his crimes against Victor but Braynard removed the memories from Lena. After Edmund was defeated he allowed the memories to return. Lena was beside herself. Her mother went to be with her.”
“Will Roderick be safe there? I am sure the people seek vengeance for Edmund,” Courtney worried.
“Roderick will be fine. Many of those who serve in the Xashan army saw the change in Edmund. He had become cold and calculated. Did you know he had the Emperors of Savien and Trokha assassinated?” Stela asked.
“No, I had not heard that.” Courtney wondered how Edmund had become so dark.
“He forced two Imperials to murder them, holding their families’ captive. After they had succeeded, he had their families murdered. One of his guards confessed to the order Edmund had given before leaving for Hulsteria,” Stela said as she stared blankly at the far end of the table.
“Why do you think he changed? He was not always so ha
teful,” Courtney asked as she continued to eat.
“I think he was unhappy. He believed he should have been the one to rule Hulsteria, as he was a man. He believed as a woman I was too weak to lead the realm. I believe that is what drove him mad. I would say when I separated his head from him body I proved my strength,” Stela laughed. She turned to look at Autumn having forgotten the girl was with them. She seemed unmoved by the conversation.
“You need not worry about her. She knows not to listen when adults are speaking,” Courtney reassured Stela. Courtney was surprised at Stela’s words. She was even more surprised she laughed after making such a comment. She was not the Empress she once knew.
“I want to thank you for a lovely dinner. I believe I should retire as I wish to leave at first light,” Stela stood. Courtney stood as well, curtsying as Stela left the room.
“Good night, Cousin Stela,” Autumn called out. Stela turned and smiled at her.
Courtney sat at the table confused, unsure of what she was to do next. Stela would not be an easy target for Diana. The Goddess would need to gather her forces and plan a well-orchestrated attack against Stela and those who supported her.
Courtney needed to find out more about this, Braynard. Who was he and why was Stela so influenced by him?
Chapter Four – Roderick
The ship approached the port. He was supposed to travel alone but with all the time he spent away from his family, Juliana would not allow it. She and the children accompanied him, though it made Roderick worry. He was sent to help Lena ease her people’s anger towards Hulsteria. He feared his family may not be safe should the people become violent.
Roderick looked out over the side of the ship. There were no Imperial troops to offer protection to him and his family. He would need to try to keep his identity silent until they reached the Imperial Palace. He could not risk the safety of his family and he knew if the people attacked he would struggle to protect his loved ones.
