Jesamine frowned. "This is all very impressive, Anne, don't get me wrong, but… no one knows it's you. I didn't know half of what you got up to here, until I had some of my people investigate this setup. Now don't look at me like that, sweetie. I needed to be sure of what I was getting myself into. I mean, I've played enough Queens on stage in my time, but I never actually thought I'd be one!"
"Yours was the first name I put forward, when King William told me Parliament was insisting on an arranged marriage for their new King," said Anne. "It seemed obvious to me. With your current popularity, you already are Queen of the Empire, in everything but name."
"What other names did you put forward?" said Jesamine, with magnificent casualness.
"Let's not go there," said Anne. "It would only lead to bad feelings. Suffice to say, there was never any real competition. Once your name came up, they just couldn't see anyone else as Queen."
"You know, if I hadn't seen your lips move I'd have sworn I said that," said Jesamine happily. "Luckily for you, and I suppose Douglas, bless him, your people contacted me at just the right time. Like you, I need fresh challenges, or I get so terribly bored. It's only the fabulous wealth and endless adoration that keep me going. I mean, I've just finished playing Hazel d'Ark for the third time."
"Deathstalker's Lament is a very popular opera," said Anne, almost reproachfully. "I've seen it twelve times."
"Well yes, dear, but it's not exactly a. very complicated role. At least, not as written. And with all the historical records destroyed, there's nothing left to show what she was really like. I mean, no one even knows what finally happened to the poor cow. She just… vanished, after the big finale on Haden. I always do my best to make her interesting, imply some emotional shadings, but when you get right down to it, she's really little more than a sidekick. Yes, she was the great love of Owen's life, and it's all very tragic that they never got it together, but there's only so much you can do with that. The Deathstalker; now that's the really meaty role. I have played him twice, but I don't do masculine awfully well, even with the best holographic morphings. I was born to be a woman, and I glory in it!"
"Trust me," said Anne. "Everyone's noticed. Actually, that leads me to a rather delicate question…"
"I know," said Jesamine. "Is there anyone I'm going to miss, if I marry Douglas. Anyone special… I'd have thought you'd have had your security people check that out long ago."
"They did," Anne said dryly. "However, according to their reports, which incidentally amounted to an absolutely huge file that you'd better pray I never get around to publishing, men come and go so often in your life that they couldn't even keep track of who was in favor, and who wasn't."
"I've always had a very generous nature," said Jesamine, entirely unperturbed. "And publish and be damned, sweetie. I've always been very open about my life. In fact, once I become Queen and boringly monogamous, half the gossip magazines will probably go out of business overnight."
"Don't you believe it," said Anne. "The public are fascinated with every little detail of Royal life. The magazines will just find something else to excess about; like whether you're pregnant or just putting on weight. I notice you still haven't answered my question…"
"No, there's no one special," said Jesamine, just a little sharply. "You know very well there's never been anyone special. Most men are just too damned intimidated by who I am. Hopefully that shouldn't be a problem with Douglas. And what about him? Am I kicking anyone out of his bed?"
"No one who matters," Anne said briskly. "Douglas has always tended to choose his women mostly on the grounds of how badly they'd piss off his father. Not really the basis for a strong relationship… And besides; he can be a real pain in the arse to get on with. Don't get me wrong. He's likeable enough, even charming when he puts his mind to it. But he's stubborn as a mule, and he won't be told what to do, even when it's clearly in his best interests."
Jesamine clapped her hands together. "We're going to get on like a house on fire, I just know it! We have so much in common!"
They laughed together, drank their tea, and squabbled amicably over the last few chocolate biscuits.
"I suppose I'll have to give up touring and performing completely, once I'm Queen?" Jesamine said finally.
"Almost definitely. Maybe later we can arrange something, if you really feel the need, but for now you're going to have to concentrate on the dignity of your new role. We need to distance you from the… frivolities of your previous existence. I think you'll find being a Queen very different from just playing one. Not least because you can't leave this role behind you at the end of the evening."
"Oh darling, trust me; that's part of the attraction. As Queen, I'll finally have a chance to do something with my life. I know I've always been a deeply frivolous person, party party and shop till you drop, and I've enjoyed every minute of it; but more and more lately, I feel the need to achieve something. Something real. Something that lasts. I have a horrible feeling I'm growing up.
"And I'm tired of being other people. Tired of being a star. It's so… up and down, and the public, bless their black little hearts, can be so very cruel about what's In and what's Out. I've had to reinvent myself so many times I've lost count. When I'm Queen, I'll decide what's In and what's Out, and I'll make them all love me for it!"
"That's the spirit," said Anne. "You were born to be Queen, Jes. You've always understood the first rule of Royalty; just because they love you, it doesn't mean you have to love them back. Unlike most of your contemporaries, you've never taken being a star too seriously."
"Well can you blame me, darling? When everything comes easily, how can you value it? When everyone adores you, without even knowing the real you, how can you take it seriously? The person they love isn't real, just an illusion I create on stage, six days a week and twice on Saturdays. God, I hate matinees. I am tired of hiding behind wigs and makeup and other people's characters. As Queen, I will be myself. Let them adore the real me, for a change. I've earned it."
"Damn," said Anne, smiling broadly. "The Empire isn't going to know what's hit it."
"So," said Jesamine, putting down her teacup and looking Anne sternly in the eye. "When do I get to meet Douglas? What's he really like? All I know of him is what I see in the news. Is he always that grim? Does he ever smile? What's he like in bed? Does he like opera? Does he know my work?"
"Typical actress," said Anne. "Calm down. He'll be here in a few minutes, and then you can decide for yourself. Don't worry; at heart, he's a good sort. Luckily, with him, what you see is pretty much what you get. Just… be yourself, and let him be himself, and you'll get on fine. I think you'll make a great team." There was a knock at the door, and Anne got up to answer it. She gave Jesamine one last stern look. "And Jes; do try to let him get a word or two in edgeways, just now and again."
She unlocked the door, and let in Douglas Campbell. He was still wearing his Paragon's armor and purple cloak. Anne sniffed, but Jesamine felt her heart flutter just a little as she got to her feet. He did look very impressive. She bobbed him an impish curtsey, and he bowed solemnly in return. And then they both just stood there and looked at each other.
"Oh hell" said Anne. "I swear, it's easier breeding dogs. Look, just sit down and talk, the pair of you. Neither of you is going to bite. Actually, you can't sit down here, I've got work to do. But there's a very nice room next door, utterly secure, with nothing in it to distract you. Follow me."
She led them next door, and sat them down facing each other. They still hadn't said anything. Anne sighed, loudly. "Try not to be too impressed with each other. Trust me; neither of you is worth it."
And with that she was gone, not quite slamming the door behind her. Douglas looked after her, and then back at Jesamine. "Some days, I can't help wondering which of us is really in charge around here."
"I used to feel the same way, when I thought she was working for me," said Jesamine.
Douglas smiled for the first time. "Hello, Jesamine.
You look great. I'm Douglas."
Jesamine smiled back at him, and Douglas had to brace himself. Having Jesamine Flowers turn the full force of her sexuality on you was like being hit point blank by a disrupter. Just sitting there, Jesamine was more woman than anyone he'd ever met. Douglas tried to remind himself he'd faced ELFs and devils and terrorists in his time and hadn't flinched. Strangely, it didn't help.
"I passed your entourage, on the way in," he said, just to be saying something. "They didn't seem too happy."
"It's not their business to be happy," said Jesamine. "It's their business to keep me happy. God knows I pay them enough. They're just mad because I'm doing something without them. It makes them feel insecure.
After all, if I can have a good time without them, what do I need them for? I'm going to enjoy firing them, once I'm Queen, just to see the look on their faces."
"If you don't like them," said Douglas, "why put up with them?"
"Because it's expected of me," said Jesamine. "And because I need a barrier between me and the fans, or I'd never get a moment's peace. I got rid of them here because… I wanted you to meet me, as I am; not as a star, surrounded by hangers-on. The real me is… somewhat smaller, but hopefully more interesting. More human."
Douglas had to smile. "I'm not sure who I am, when I'm not being a Paragon, or a Prince. There's precious little time in my life when I'm not being called to be one or the other, these days. I take my responsibilities seriously, Jesamine. Because someone has to. But sometimes… I do wonder who the real me is, or even if there is a real me anymore."
"Perhaps I could help you find him," said Jesamine.
"That… sounds like it could be a lot of fun," said Douglas.
Jesamine flashed him her devastating smile again. "Fun is what I do best, sweetie."
They laughed quietly together, studying each other openly. It wasn't often they got to meet someone with as famous a face as their own. There was an attraction between them, equal parts curiosity, respect, and sexual chemistry. And they liked each other immediately, which helped. But they were both used to captivating people just through sheer presence, and so neither of them let it overwhelm.
"We would make a good political match," said Douglas.
"Oh yes," said Jesamine. "Anne knows her business. The leading diva of her generation and the most famous Paragon of his? The media will eat it up with spoons, and the public will go out of their minds."
"I'm not the greatest Paragon," Douglas said immediately. "That would be Finn Durandal. Or possibly Lewis Deathstalker. I might make third, on a good day…"
"We're going to have to do something about this modesty problem of yours," Jesamine said firmly. "Kings aren't allowed to be modest. We will be walking the biggest stage in history, and we have to be equally big. Our subjects will expect it of us."
"I don't know," said Douglas. He leaned back in his chair, apparently completely at ease in Jesamine's company. She wasn't used to that. She found it charming. And she liked the way he could look so serious as he thought about things. He fixed her gaze with his, and she paid him her full attention as he spoke. "You're used to being adored, Jesamine. I still find it rather embarrassing. I'd much rather be admired. I don't want to give up being a Paragon to be King. I was able to do things as a Paragon. Tangible things. Things that mattered."
"Fight the good fight?"
"Yes! Exactly!"
"You'll be able to do that and more, as King," said Jesamine. "As a Paragon, you could only protect a few people at a time. Once you're King, the decisions you make and help Parliament to make, will lead to whole worlds being better, safer places. You're a good man, Douglas Campbell. God knows you meet few enough of them in show business, so I value one when I meet one. Parliament could use a good man as King, to keep them honest. You can't say no."
"You're right," said Douglas. "I can't say no. Not when my father wants so desperately to step down. He's already carried the burden far longer than he should ever have had to. You know about my brother James?"
"Of course. Everyone does."
"Of course. He wanted to be a King. He would have been good at it. But instead, it falls to me. And I'll tell you this, Jesamine…"
"Jes."
"What?"
"Call me Jes. All my friends do. My real friends."
"All right; Jes. I'll tell you this; I won't let politicians push me around, like they did my father. I won't be anyone's figurehead. Let Parliament deal with the politics of Empire; my concern is morality. Doing the right thing. And to hell with whether I'm adored."
"You know," said Jesamine. "I don't think I've ever met anyone like you, Douglas."
"Oh. Is that a good thing?"
"I think so, yes. It's… refreshing. I do so admire passion in a man. You're not nearly as stuffy as they say. So; you be the Empire's moral guardian, and I'll take care of the being adored. I think… we're going to get on well together."
Douglas looked at her. "Who says I'm stuffy?"
"Oh shut up and kiss me."
"Thought you'd never ask…"
In Anne's office, she and Lewis were chatting chummily together over what was left of the tea and biscuits. They'd been friends most of their lives, right back to when they were both children growing up on Virimonde. They'd been so close for so long it was assumed by practically everyone that they would eventually marry. When they could both find the time. Assumed… by everyone but the two of them. As teenagers their hormones had briefly driven them over the edges of friendship and into bed, but it didn't take them long to realize they made much better friends than lovers. They went their separate ways quite happily, always keeping in touch, until they both ended up on Logres; whereupon they quickly resumed their old friendship, secure in the knowledge they'd finally found someone they could be sure wanted nothing from them.
Lewis stirred an extra sugar lump into his tea, and rooted through the biscuit barrel. "Hey; she's eaten all the chocolate ones."
"She's a star," Anne said easily. "They always get first pick. In fact, it's probably in her contract. Dig deeper; there's probably a few chocolate chip cookies left."
"It's not the same." Lewis abandoned the biscuit barrel, and looked meaningfully at a blank monitor screen beside them. "How do you suppose they're getting on?"
"They'll do fine," Anne said sternly. "No peeking, Lewis. They are quite capable of sorting this out for themselves. They have a lot in common."
Lewis raised an eyebrow. "The Prince and the Showgirl? Come on, Anne; that only ever works in bad vid dramas."
"They're both stars in their own right, both very strong personalities, and both of them are surprisingly good people."
"Surprisingly?"
"Oh yes. Given their background and their almost universal popularity, it's a wonder they're not monsters. God knows I've had to deal with enough monstrous egos in my time, in politics and show business. There's something about great personal authority that brings out the worst in people. I suppose when everyone will forgive you anything, you just can't help but push the limits to see what you can get away with; Given how adored and worshipped Jesamine is, I'm constantly amazed how sane and balanced she turned out."
"Some people hide their inner monsters very carefully," Lewis said quietly.
Anne looked at him. "You're not talking about Jes or Douglas, are you?"
"I could be wrong," said Lewis. "I want to be wrong. We can't afford a monster as Champion."
"That isn't official yet."
"Come on; who else could it be?"
"Don't you trust Douglas's judgement?"
"Douglas is a good man," said Lewis. "I'd trust him with my life and my sacred honor. Being a Paragon was the making of him."
"A lot of who and what he is can be put down to you," said Anne. "You've been a good influence on him. You ground him. People who think too much about ethics and morality often forget you have to deal with real people."
"That's a terrible thing to say," said Lewis. "A good in
fluence! Me? It makes me sound so… worthy. Dull. Stuffy."
Anne giggled, and peered impishly at him over the rim of her teacup. "Sorry, Lewis, but that's you. Old dependable."
"I wish I was a hellraiser," Lewis said wistfully. "It looks like so much fun. But it's just not me. Somehow… there's always work that needs to be done, and I just can't justify taking that much time off, just to enjoy myself. I'd only feel guilty anyway."
Anne nodded slowly. "I do know what you mean. My job is my life too. At least you get to get out and have adventures. I get to sit in this office, for far too many hours of the day, watching the world go by on my monitors. Working out plans and lists and detailed inventories, so the King and his people can get through the day without tripping over each other. The only excitement I get is when an invoice goes missing. My life is ruled by the lives I have to plan for everyone else. I live my whole life vicariously, through the Court. And my monitor screens." She glowered about her, at the banks of security monitors, showing ever-shifting glimpses of the Court and its surroundings. "It's not… the life I wanted."
Lewis lowered his teacup and studied Anne carefully. "But… this is what you've always done. What you've always been good at. Sorting people's lives out for them. You were even doing it back when we were kids together."
"Just because you're good at a thing, it doesn't necessarily mean you want to give your whole life to it! You don't plan to be a Paragon all your life, do you?"
"Well, no, but…"
Anne looked into her cup, so she wouldn't have to look at Lewis. "This isn't how I thought my life would turn out. It isn't what I wanted out of life."
Deathstalker Legacy Page 9
