by Frank David
“I am.” Harris blushed. “The Empress and I are to be wed very soon. I am sure you received an invitation.”
“I did.” Beverly’s eyes scanned the young man. “Will you betray the Empress as Edmund did?”
“I have no desire to do Stela any harm or bring her any misery. I care deeply for her and only want her to be happy.” Harris glared at the old woman, trying to disguise his dislike for her question.
“Edmund loved my niece very much at one time also. He was a man of proper breeding, an Imperial Royal Prince. You have only recently been accepted by your true father. You did not have the upbringing Edmund had. Do you think you are suitable to sit at Stela’s side?” Beverly made no attempt to hide her distrust in Harris.
“Lady Beverly, my son is a fine upstanding young man. I believe the fact that he did not have the same upbringing as the former Emperor Consort is in his favor. My son has no desire to rule the realm. He simply wants to be with the woman he favors.” Mary worried as the words left her mouth. “I am sorry, Your Grace, I spoke out of turn.”
Beverly looked at the woman, her brows pinched together. She began to laugh. “I like you. I think you will do well with an Imperial title.” Beverly grasped Mary’s hand. “Now, calm yourself. Let me introduce you to some of the other inbreeds that are here.” She led Mary off deeper into the crowd.
“Max!” Beverly shouted as they approached the king.
Maximilian turned. He cringed when he realized whose voice was calling him. He looked to the man with whom he was speaking, his distaste for Beverly obvious.
“Let me introduce you to the mother of our future Emperor Consort. This is Mary Morrison, mother of Frederick’s bastard.” Beverly laughed as she pushed Mary toward the king.
“Your majesty,” Mary curtsied.
“I wondered who you were. I did not recognize you in the receiving line,” Maximilian raised Mary’s hand and kissed it.
Mary blushed. “Lady Elizabeth insisted on having this affair. She wanted to introduce us to society. My son has said the Empress wishes to bestow an Imperial title upon us.”
“I would think she would. Your son is of Imperial blood and has a high-ranking father but to have a mother who is a commoner may not bode well with the other Imperials.” Maximilian stared at her. “How rude of me,” he said as he turned to the man at his side. “This is Braynard. He is the leader of the Scientia.”
Braynard eyed Mary as he smiled and greeted her. “A pleasure, Lady Mary.”
“Sorry, m’lord, I am not yet a lady.” Mary turned her eyes to the ground as she made the admission.
“Your name before marriage was Smith, correct?” Braynard asked, his right brow high.
“It was, m’lord.” Mary’s face had a puzzled look. How did he know her name?
“Are you not aware of your people?” Braynard’s brow still raised.
“I am aware of my parents, m’lord. I never knew my grandparents,” Mary admitted.
Braynard took her hand. “Do you mind if I steal our guest of honor, Majesty?” Braynard did not wait for an answer but escorted Mary away from the others. “You know nothing of your history?” Braynard whispered as they left the crowded room. He led her into a small room off the library where they could talk.
“There is not much to know. My parents were farmers,” Mary answered. Her nerves were returning. She did not think it appropriate to be alone with this man whom she did not know.
“My dear, you have nothing to fear from me,” Braynard laughed, knowing the thoughts which were filling Mary’s head. “I only want to tell you who you are. It may ease your mind.”
“I am no one. I am a woman who allowed herself to be seduced by the power of an Imperial. I became pregnant with his child and held that shame for many years.” Mary’s eyes filled with tears. She had never been ashamed of Harris. Greg had claimed him as his own, so she was never ridiculed by the townspeople for any indiscretion.
“Mary, you are a descendent of the Dorman line, albeit, illegitimate. Imperial blood flows through your veins. The same as the others gathered here tonight.” Braynard’s face glowed with the smile.
“You are mistaken, m’lord.” Mary looked at him trying to figure out why he would make such a claim.
“I am never mistaken. Also, please stop calling me, m’lord. Braynard is just fine.” He took her by the hand once more. She tried to pull away, but it was pointless. “You are not so far removed from the Imperial line as you might think. Your mother never told you about her line because she was ashamed. Her grandmother, your great grandmother, was an illegitimate daughter of Emperor Cedric Onlinger, the Empress’ great, great grandfather. It is funny how things work out. Cedric’s wife was Elizabeth Lester, sister of Frederick’s great grandfather,” Braynard laughed as he made the connection.
“I am sorry, Braynard, but you are mistaken. I am not of Imperial blood.” Mary was becoming annoyed. “I am not sure why you are making such a claim.”
“I am not mistaken. You have Imperial blood; your gift proves it. I felt it when you approached. You think what you experience is simply nervousness, but it is more. It is your gift, the gift granted by your Imperial blood. You can sense the misgivings of those around you. You sense the deceit that lives in the hearts of others. It is the gift that makes you not trust Lady Elizabeth. Trust your gift.” Braynard laughed again. “I am sorry, I do not mean to laugh. It is just all so perfect. I wonder why I did not see it before today. This is why I saw Stela and Harris together; the bond. The blood bond. I assumed it was the blood he shared with Frederick. I now believe it is the Imperial blood he received from you. You must tell no one of this. Allow it to be our secret.” He grabbed her hand once again and led her out of the room, taking her back to the other guests.
“Should I not tell Harris? He and Stela are related. He needs to know,” Mary whispered as they entered the hall.
“He did not tell you? He is to be a father.” Braynard watched her reaction.
“A father? No, he never mentioned it.” Mary did not know if she believed all this man was saying.
“Yes. He met a young woman traveling to the tournament. The two became caught up in a moment and a child was conceived.” Braynard smiled. “The young woman is Her Imperial Royal Highness, Lady Felicia Lester; his father’s daughter. I do not believe he will be concerned with the distant connection between he and the Empress. To be fair, neither was aware they were related when the event occurred.”
“Does Frederick know?” Mary worried he would seek revenge against Harris.
“The two agreed to never discuss the paternity of the child. No one will know he is the father. Ease your mind. Frederick is proud to finally have a son. Nothing will move him to raise a hand against Harris. Now, get back to the party and enjoy yourself knowing their blood flows through you.” Braynard released her hand, allowing her to join her family.
“Lady Elizabeth.” Braynard placed his hand on her arm.
“Master Scientia.” Elizabeth greeted him with a smile.
“If you wish to see Samantha named Frederick’s heir, do not attempt to embarrass Mary tonight. Allow her to enjoy the evening and leave tomorrow. She will not return and will no longer be a thorn in your side. Should you do as you plan, Harris will request to remain heir and Samantha will have nothing.” Braynard bowed and left.
Elizabeth stood alone, watching as the man walked away. She saw Mary standing with Lady Beverly. She was not surprised.
“Lady Beverly, may I borrow Mary?” Elizabeth smiled at the senior Imperial. Beverly nodded and walked off looking for Courtney.
“Lady Elizabeth, I know it must bother you, me being here. It was not my intention. I do apologize.” Mary kept her head low as she spoke.
“Mary, I admit I did not want you here, but Frederick insisted. You are here and there is nothing I can do, so we should both make the best of the situation. Tomorrow you and your family will leave for Jascaessau and your new lives.” Elizabeth gave Mary a genuine smile. “You will
soon be an Imperial. You will need to train yourself to look in others’ faces now.” She laughed as she grabbed Mary’s arm. “Let me introduce you to the other Imperials, your soon to be peers.”
Mary was surprised, her nervousness was easing. She smiled at Elizabeth as the two made their way around the crowd meeting and talking with the other guests.
Chapter Ten – Joseph
Joseph sat playing with his siblings and cousins in the nursery. The children were laughing. It was refreshing to the nannies. After the events in the garden, the children had struggled to find laughter, but it would seem they had finally moved on.
Joseph suddenly stood up. His face became serious. And tears began to stream down his cheek. “She is dead!” he screamed. He ran for the door of the nursery. “Mother, she is dead! My time has come!”
The nannies tried to contain him, but he would not be stopped.
“Release me. I must leave!” He kicked at the women as they tried to hold him. The women released their hold. Joseph threw open the door and ran down the hall, guards following closely. “Mother!”
Stela had only just returned from Colonstay and was relaxing in her chambers when she heard his screams. She ran from her room as Joseph appeared in front of her door. “What is it, Joseph? Are you alright?” Her eyes looked over him, searching for some injury.
“Victoria is dead.” He could barely get the words out, his chest was heaving so.
“Who is Victoria?” Stela’s could sense her son’s pain, causing her own eyes to water.
“My cousin. Uncle Roderick has sent word. I am the Emperor of Xasha.” Joseph’s breathing was still irregular.
“Calm yourself. Who told you this?” Whoever told her son of this news before bringing it to her would pay.
“I saw it, mother. I saw her die, in her bassinet. Empress Lena was sleeping. She died alone, mother. Now I am to go to Xasha. Uncle Roderick will be my regent during my reign, until you…” He stopped talking.
“Until I what, Joseph?”
“Until… you are gone. Then Harris will be my regent. Uncle Roderick will remain in Xasha as my representative. I will then go to Moorland. Moorland will be the new Imperial capital.” His tears began again. “I told you if you killed father this would be my path.”
Stela stood. “Have any messages been received?” she asked the guard who followed Joseph to her room.
“Not that I am aware, Majesty,” the guard responded.
She took Joseph into her chambers. She sat him in front of the fire, trying to calm him.
“Joseph, did you see your path if your father had killed me?” She did not like asking him the question but needed to know if his future would have been better had she lost to Edmund.
“No,” he whispered his answer. “I only saw what would happen if you killed father.”
“Perhaps, had your father defeated me, things may be worse than you believe they are now.” Stela was not sure what she could say to make him feel better.
“Let me try, Stela.” The voice brought relief and annoyance.
“If you believe you can help, Braynard, be my guest.” Stela stood to find him standing behind them.
Braynard walked over toward Joseph who watched him closely. “Joseph are you mad or are you scared? Scared because you know you will soon be losing your mother.” Braynard looked at Stela as he said the words.
Joseph nodded. “I do not want her to go,” he said through his tears.
“What if I were to tell you a secret, would it make you feel better?” Braynard got down on the floor in front of Joseph.
“Maybe,” Joseph’s red eyes fixed on the man sitting in front of him.
“You are correct. Your mother will soon be leaving you. However, when your mother leaves she will still be around you. She will just be in a different form. You will know her; your heart will know her.” He smiled at the boy.
“Braynard!” Stela yelled. She gestured for him to stand and follow her. Braynard rose from the floor and walked over to join her. “Why would you tell him that? If I am to die, I will not be around.”
“It made him feel better.” He gestured toward the boy who had stopped crying. “Besides, who said you were dying?”
“You have said I would be gone and Harris would be Joseph’s regent. Joseph has seen it.” Stela was becoming annoyed with him, as usual.
“You have much to learn, Stela,” Braynard laughed. “There are other ways for you to be gone besides death.”
“I am growing tired of your riddles. What is to become of me?” Stela demanded.
“Riddles are all I have, my dear. The boy is calm. I must leave. I have much to prepare, if I am to attend your upcoming nuptials.” His laugh echoed as he disappeared.
“I hate you some days,” she called out to the man who was no longer there.
“Mother, do you know who that man was?” Joseph asked as Stela returned to sit next to him.
“He is the Master Scientia,” Stela answered.
“No, mother. That was God.” Joseph smiled.
Stela laughed, “No Joseph, he is not God. He is a mystic.”
Joseph gave her a puzzled look. “You do not see it?”
“See what, Joseph?”
“The light that surrounds him. It is so bright. How can you not see it? It comes out from inside him.” Joseph smiled again.
A knock at the door ended the conversation. The guard entered. “Majesty, a message has arrived from Xasha.” He handed the letter to Stela.
Stela took the paper and looked at Joseph.
“It is from Uncle Roderick. It is time for me to go to Xasha,” he said, his head down.
Stela broke her brother’s seal. She knew Joseph was right. She read the words. Her heart broke knowing that Lena had lost her child. She would now also be losing a child. She needed to send Joseph to be with his uncle.
“It would seem you were correct, Joseph. Your cousin, Victoria did not survive long after her birth. We must prepare you to leave for Xasha.” She fought back the tears as she spoke. She feared this might be the last time she would see her son. She reached her hand out to him. He took her hand and followed her out of the room; to his future.
Chapter Eleven – Felicia and Sofia
Felicia stood in front of the mirror. She was waiting to see some sign of pregnancy. The mystic told her she was with child but she had yet to have any of the typical symptoms.
Sofia laughed.
“What is so funny?” She turned to Sofia lying on the bed.
“You,” Sofia sat up. She flipped the dark curls from her eyes as she stared at the woman standing in front of her. “It is too early to notice. Give it a month or two. You will be praying that you never began to show.”
Felicia walked over to the bed and climbed in. She moved over closer to Sofia. “Remind me again why we decided to wait until after this child’s birth to wed?”
“The main reason was Stela’s wedding. She agreed to allow us to marry but not before she and Harris.” Sofia ran a hand over Felicia’s belly. “Besides, your body will begin to show the child. We would never be able to get a dress to fit you. We would have to deal with constant alterations.”
“Who said I was wearing a dress?” Felicia cocked her brow. “I was planning on wearing a suit as I normally do.”
“Well, even more reason to wait,” Sofia laughed. “Do you think your pant size will not change as the child grows? Have you told your parents yet that we are to marry?”
“I have not. My father is infatuated with having a son. He cares little for what I do now that I am no longer his heir.” Felicia’s face took on a look that was unfamiliar to Sofia. Her face showed the pain of losing a title she never really wanted.
Felicia ran her hand through the woman’s thick curls, exposing her blue eyes. The eyes she fell in love with. She kissed her passionately as she pushed her back down on the bed. She moved her hand down slowly. She found Sofia’s exposed breast. She squeezed the erect nipple gently, cau
sing Sofia to moan softly.
Sofia moved Felicia’s hand lower. Her desire was building as the two embraced. Felicia grabbed Sofia’s ass and pulled her closer as she climbed on top of the Imperial Princess Royal. Sofia quivered as Felicia began to grind on top of her.
A knock at the door interrupted the two.
“Enter!” Sofia yelled as she covered herself.
The door opened and Stela entered.
Stela blushed when she realized she had caught them in a moment.
“Sorry, sister,” she apologized as she approached the two women.
“Do not apologize, Stela,” Felicia responded.
“Lena has given birth. The child did not survive.” Stela’s eyes became heavy again. “I must send Joseph to Xasha.”
“We will take him.” Felicia stood, covered in the blanket.
“No, I could not ask you to do that.” Stela turned from them allowing them to better cover themselves.
“We would be happy to take him. Who better to protect him on the journey than someone who can read thoughts and one who can control the actions of others. Should anyone try to hurt him, I do not believe they would be too successful.” Sofia stood, grabbing her robe to cover herself.
“Are you alright to travel, Felicia?” Stela motioned toward Felicia’s belly.
“I am not even showing yet, as your sister pointed out,” Felicia laughed.
“Very well. Thank you. Take as many guards as you believe necessary.” Stela walked toward the door. She stopped and turned to face them. “He must leave at once. I do not believe you will have time to finish what you started.” She turned and left the room.
“Our fun will have to wait,” Felicia said as she began dressing.
“I have never been to Xasha.” Sofia walked to the door to request her maid to prepare for the journey. “I wonder what it is like?”
“Hot, I would imagine,” Felicia responded as she put on her pants. “You will want to bring your lightest of summer dresses,” she laughed. “I have heard it gets hotter in Xasha than even Moorland, if that gives you any indication of the temperatures.”
