Prisoner of the Crown

by Cheryl Oblon

  “To do your first portrait. You’re officially installed as the Royal Seer. Youngest ever, if I’m not mistaken. We should do your portrait, now. Don’t worry; you don’t have to sit there for hours and hours. I’ll take a detailed digital image and paint from that. They’ll want a hologram, but there is something so much more dignified about a real painting,” Marel said.

  I hugged her. “I’d be honored. Your gift is much better than any technological shortcut. The arts are something I’d like to see valued more even if I have no creative talents. We’ve spent centuries on survival and new methods to sustain our country. We can program droids to do so much, but the arts can’t be programmed.”

  There was a knock at the door. The food arrived. Shortly after, my cousins showed up to celebrate.

  “I’m so relieved,” Julianne said.

  “Can I wear the tiara?” Ember asked.

  Her mother sighed. “I told you no. It’s only for the Royal Seer.”

  “Marel will take you to see it if you promise not to take it out of the box,” I said.

  “I promise!” Ember ran to Marel.

  “She’s been talking of nothing else all morning.” Julianne shook her head. “The castle life isn’t good for her.”

  “I didn’t see you last night.”

  “We were seated far in the back. I was shocked we were included. After the late dinner, I took Ember to bed. Balls aren’t good for her routine. I should’ve come back down to congratulate you.” Julianne tensed.

  “No, that’s not what I meant. I don’t care. It was all just a cover for Minnette’s poor choice for fiancé. She never let me near him or I could’ve told her he was a rebel out to assassinate us all weeks ago. I’m worried when she becomes queen she won’t listen to anyone, and our country is doomed.” I leaned back in the chair. “I hope the queen lets you and Ember go home.”

  Julianne nodded. “So do I, but I don’t get that feeling. As for Minn, maybe an elected official is best?”

  “That’s odd coming from you.” I sat at the table and began to eat.

  “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t say such things but I must help you as much as I can. Things can be overlooked if you don’t examine them from every angle. I’m stressed from living here. I can restrain myself in from of Ember.” She sat as well, and dished out some food.

  There was more to it. “I understand that. So am I. The tiara doesn’t mean a thing if the queen decides against me. You need to be very careful about what you say. Your late husband was suspected of male rebellion activities. He was certainly a sympathizer.”

  “I know. Still, Remmy would be better on the throne,” she said.

  I agreed. “But Minnette is older. Even if men were in line to rule, she was born first. She’s been trained by the queen. Hopefully she’ll mature, and the queen will advance her understanding.”

  “You’d be a better queen,” Julianne said.

  I felt my cousin’s ambition. She wanted to move the fifth family up in rank somehow. This side of her had been hidden well from me before but now I couldn’t ignore it.

  Julianne might get us all killed. “Stop that, now. You’re scared and I understand that. But you are a reflection on me. If you start saying things that doubt the crown or side with the rebels, you’re endangering Ember, too. She’s a strong telekinetic, and as she grows, her powers will. Do you think the rebels value our magic? I understand the longing for equality and that not every woman will be a perfect queen or ruler, but elections lead to corruption, bribes, and blackmail. Blood and family make the monarchy stronger. I know this is hard, but no system is perfect.”

  Tears slid down Julianne’s face. “I know. I’m sorry. I just want to go back to my students. I was shocked and grateful your mother let me move into the estate. A poor widow with a child, I was just making ends meet on my teaching salary. My husband left debts. Your mother was an angel, and she inherited what she had. That paid off my debts. You must think I’m so ungrateful.”

  I put my hand on hers. “No, I think you are normal, and this is overwhelming. I went to school in the castle. I know these people. I’m not afraid of Minnette, at least not afraid in the way she intimidates subjects. You must keep yourself together for Ember. Don’t let anyone see this is getting to you. I’ll ask about letting you go home.”

  She wiped her tears and nodded. “Thank you. I don’t want Ember to be the Royal Seer. Not ever. You must marry and have daughters.”

  No pressure there. “If I live that long, I promise I will. But I’m not rushing into marriage.”

  “No, I didn’t mean that. You’re only sixteen, and if you don’t feel ready for a commitment, you shouldn’t do it. What you’re dealing with already is more than you should have to, but don’t ignore a good man, either.” She focused on her plate.

  “We’re all dealing with this. If my mother was murdered, I want justice.” I glanced at the bedroom. Marel was letting Ember touch the tiara as it sat snugly in the box. It’d make her happy.

  Julianne frowned. “Do you think she was? I don’t know anyone who hated her enough to do that.”

  “No. I don’t know anyone, but someone out there might have had a reason. Could be political. Or it could’ve been an accident. I have no idea.” There were too many minds out there to scan them all.

  Ember ran out of the bedroom. “It’s so pretty. Why doesn’t it sparkle like the queen’s?”

  “Sit down and eat,” Julianne instructed.

  “The stone is purple amber. It’s not a sparkly gem but a powerful stone. It’s said to help focus the powers of the seer. I think it’s prettier than the big, tall, gem-encrusted crowns. Simple and elegant,” Marel said.

  “And you notice it because it’s different. It’s special.” Ember grinned.

  “Yes. Our family is special, and we provide the seer to help the queen. It’s a lot of work but a privilege. Now, eat.” I smiled at her then nodded to Marel.

  Marel sat and ate. I noticed she ate sparingly in front of others.

  Ember dropped her fork and went under the table to retrieve it.

  I pulled my feet back. The ballet flats didn’t cover much. Ember batted at the shimmering skirts.

  “What’s wrong with your foot?” Ember pushed on the spot.

  I suppressed a reaction. It barely hurt. “I just dropped a little candle wax on my foot when I got into bed last night. Silly me.”

  Ember emerged from under the table. “Candles. You are silly! There are lights in the walls.”

  “I know, but natural light is better for a seer. Sometimes we get prophetic dreams or visions, and firelight stimulates those better. So at night, I use a candle for a bit to adjust my mind. Does that make sense?” I asked.

  She nodded. “Be more careful.”

  “I will. Thank you.” I smiled at my serious little cousin. She was so nice. Not prophetic. She had forceful telekinesis, however, and her telepathy might grow as she matured.

  “I can get you a different candle holder with more of a platform bottom,” Marel offered.

  “That might help.” I couldn’t say no.

  I heard stomping feet outside, and the door snapped open without anyone knocking. No doubt there were override codes certain people possessed.

  Minnette stood in my doorway.

  “What are you doing? Knocking is polite,” I said.

  “Where is he?” she demanded.

  “Who?” I followed as she barged into my bedroom and then Marel’s. She checked the bathrooms and even the closets. “Did your ex-fiancé escape the dungeon?”

  Ember opened her mouth to ask a question but was quickly hushed by her mother.

  “Remmy. I went to talk to him before breakfast, and he wasn’t in his room. His bed hasn’t been slept in. You stay away from him.” She pointed a long finger at me.

  “I danced with a lot of men last night, including Remmy. But I didn’t sleep with any of them. He’s my friend, and that is all.
I don’t know where he is.” Her accusations weren’t discreet or polite in front of my family.

  Marel wiped her mouth. “I assure you there were no men in these quarters last night. I attend Lady Kimess, and she was alone in her room.”

  “You finally found someone with power who puts up with you. You’d say anything to protect her,” Minnette snapped at Marel.

  “She has no reason to lie for me. Her mother attends your mother. Would she risk her mother’s safety, as well as her own safety, and their positions for one lie?” I defended Marel and resisted slapping Minnette with all my might.

  Julianne stood. “My cousin wouldn’t have a man overnight in her bed. She is still underage, and I wouldn’t stand for it. I would, no doubt, hear about it. Kimess may be the ruler and Royal Seer, but I am her nearest adult relation. She has more respect for her family and reputation. What are you saying, Princess?”

  “How nice! You have family to hide behind, Royal Seer. You are a child. Your tiara won’t save you when your mother is found insane. Or maybe, we just need to prove you’re crazy, and it’ll be all over.” Minnette looked down her nose at my family and me. “Don’t get too comfortable.”

  “I’m not comfortable at all. A lot of people are plotting to kill me, I think.” I folded my arms. “But I’m not sleeping with your brother. Whatever you think, I’m not that crazy.”

  Minnette left in a huff, and Marel closed the door.

  “She has override to all the rooms, not only royal,” Marel explained.

  “Her, the queen. No doubt the head of the guard. Maybe Remmy and Nemal, too. Privacy is hard to come by in the castle.” I sat.

  “She’s mean,” Ember said.

  “She’s the crowned princess. You can’t say things like that. Or speak rudely to her,” Julianne said.

  “But you did,” Ember replied.

  “She accused Kimess of something that is inappropriate for her age and that she didn’t do. I was defending her. But I shouldn’t have raised my voice,” Julianne explained.

  “Don’t worry. I’ll speak to Remmy. He’ll make sure the queen doesn’t let her take it out on you. She’s just embarrassed about last night.”

  “She needs to grow up,” Marel said.

  Ember nodded, and we went back to breakfast with all eyes occasionally glancing at the door. No one felt totally at ease anymore. Just when I hoped I was getting to a place of normalcy and predictability for a little bit, everything changed.

  Once my cousins went back about their normal day, or as normal as it could be here, I headed out, focused on one man. The nods I got from all the servants and anyone not from the royal family or a ruler told me my status lift had been taken very seriously. I was no longer a fill-in; I was the Royal Seer.

  Luckily, the royals didn’t wear their crowns all day every day, except for the queen. So I wasn’t chastised for not wearing my tiara.

  Remmy wasn’t in his room. He wasn’t with his siblings or his mother. I knew who he was with, but I had to find them. Being a friend, I knew his mind and searched for it as I walked absently around the castle. My gift guided my feet.

  I found myself in front of my old bedroom. It was in a remote area, and after Marel had emptied it of our possessions, no one bothered with it. There were so many rooms in the castle that this wasn’t needed for anything. It would be cleaned eventually by the droids, but I sensed Remmy wasn’t alone. They’d made excellent use of my old quarters.

  I knocked, more courtesy than Minnette had given my family.

  I heard scurrying and muffled voices inside.

  “It’s only me,” I said.

  The door opened in a flash, and Remmy pulled me inside. He was half-dressed, and I had to admit that he was in wonderful shape.

  I bowed my head. “Your Highnesses. I didn’t mean to interrupt.”

  Faldar peeked out from the bedroom. “You said we could trust her.”

  Remmy smiled. “We can. How did you find me?”

  “My powers are pretty impressive.” I sat in my old desk chair and lit one of the discarded candles.

  “If you approve, why are you here?” Remmy asked.

  Faldar slid on his clothes and sat in the living room area. “I should go.”

  “Maybe,” I said.

  “Kimess.” Remmy frowned at me.

  “Fine, we can have some tea, but he should go soon. For both of your sakes. I’m trying to protect you, not embarrass you,” I said.

  “My father discovered I was gone? My sister promised she could cover for me.” Faldar’s chest rose and fell as he began to panic.

  “Calm yourself, Prince. It’s not your sister who is on the warpath. You’re safe, as far as I know. But I’ve already brunched with my cousins. It’s later than you think, Remmy. I understand you two found a safe place to be alone. I’m happy for you.” I shared a look with Remmy that said I wasn’t playing any jokes.

  “What did Minnette do?” Remmy leaned on the desk.

  I took a deep breath. “She burst into my new quarters while I was having brunch. She searched every room and under my bed for you, like I was a common thief.”

  He laughed.

  Faldar laughed as well.

  “I’m glad I could amuse Your Highnesses. She scared Ember, and Julianne was insulted for me at the accusation. I’m sixteen, and my family doesn’t need to think I’m having men in and out of my bedroom. Marel and Julianne at least stood up for me.”

  Remmy shook his head. “Come on, Nemal always wants to escort you.”

  My cheeks burned as I rose and made my way to the door. That was insane. Nemal did like women, but still.

  Remmy grabbed my arm. “You’re serious. You two never did anything?”

  “Did anything?” My jaw dropped. “My mother was very protective of me and my behavior until she died. I saw her for only a few minutes before I was brought here. Do you really think I’ve been pursuing men? I want my mother’s name cleared. I want to go home. Marriage didn’t do my mother any good. I don’t need to rush into love or marriage.”

  “I’m sorry. I just…” Remmy looked at Faldar, who ran a hand over his mouth.

  I demanded. “Just what?”

  “Nemal has been very concerned about you. I jumped to a conclusion. Sorry.” He hugged me.

  “He’s only being nice because I’m friends with LeFawn and you. He had access because he’s training with the Queen’s Guard. They trust him. He hasn’t ever spent the night. I’m so glad Marel is attending me now, so I have a witness.” I leaned back on the wall.

  “I’ve been so busy with my romance that I forgot some of what you’re enduring.” Remmy looked at the floor. “I can’t believe I did that. Your mother hasn’t even had a funeral yet.”

  “I can’t even investigate her death because they took me away. I’m not allowed to interview people. Mind reading is useful in interrogation.” I shrugged.

  Faldar stared at the scene. “I’m sorry about your mother. You believe it was murder?”

  “I believe it was an accident. She was using some herbs to help her sleep, and she took some before a bath. They took time to take effect but maybe she fell asleep. She was still clothed when we found her. Maybe it was a stronger mix. Maybe she fell and hit her head.” I couldn’t believe she’d take too much on purpose.

  “I’ll speak to Mother about not making you wait more than is necessary. Even with our guests.” Remmy smiled at Faldar.

  “I’m happy for you two.” I nodded. “Truly. I’m quite envious of the feelings in this room. I only came to warn you. You should watch out for Minnette because she’s still hunting for you.”

  “I’ll make sure she backs off you,” Remmy said.

  “That’s not what I’m worried about. I can handle Minnette. Barging into my room is rude, so I’d like to be able to lock and code my own door. Still, you need to be careful. You need to let your family know you prefer men. If Minnette thinks you’re sneaking aro
und with me or any woman she wouldn’t approve of, she might find you with Faldar. That is not how you want this to happen.” I loved Remmy like a brother, but he was lost in a fog of bliss, not thinking about what might happen to his lover if discovered.

  “That would be bad,” Faldar said.

  “Bad for both of you. Both countries could accuse the other of using sex to gain trust or secrets. I thought I made it clear last night, but obviously you’re so involved with each other you can’t resist. Or you can’t think clearly.” I walked a line speaking to princes this way, but they needed to hear me.

  “We were only discovered by you and your very powerful mind,” Faldar said.

  “True, but that’s this time. Droids will come to clean this room. There are plenty of empty chambers, but guards or droids are everywhere—you will be noticed. I’m not sure what you should do, but Minnette is very protective of her brothers. I don’t know if she has brides picked out or just doesn’t want me in the family. We know there will be fallout if you two are generally discovered, but Minnette…”

  “Could blackmail or play games. My dear older sister.” Remmy sighed.

  I smiled. “Now that you’re using your brain, I’ll leave you two alone. If you both keep disappearing together without a servant or someone…more people will take note. Diplomatic excuses or not.”

  Remmy blushed and walked me to the door. I scanned the hall to be sure it was safe to exit and left. The men would be naked in seconds again and enjoying their time alone while they could. I didn’t blame them. I hoped it could work out, but I had no idea how. As much as Remmy was a friend, I wouldn’t take Minnette’s wrath when I slept alone.

  The Nemal remarks rang in my ears as I walked back to my new rooms. Obviously, the brothers hadn’t talked about it. If Remmy thought I was close with Nemal, why did Minnette think I was after Remmy? As I neared my room, I kept going and stood in the hallway. Peeking into Minnette’s mind, I tried to follow her logic.

  Remmy was the older brother. If men were allowed to rule, he’d be next in line. It was so simple I expected to get more. Men couldn’t rule, so what did it matter? The only conclusion was that Minnette believed I would side with men wanting to rule in birth order.