Cassandra's Challenge

by Michelle Eidem

  Taking a small sip, Cassandra finds it similar to champagne as her eyes scan the gathering. Many faces are familiar from yesterday’s gatherings, she nods to several. Others she recognized from studying the comm today.

  It appears the House of Knowledge brought their entire Assembly. Across the room her eyes meet Queen Yakira’s. She’s tall easily 6’8” without the extra foot her coil of black hair adds. Her dress is brilliant sapphire, multi layered, each billowing out further then the last. In her hair, around her neck, and on her arms was what on Earth would have been called bling, lots of bling. The entire effect reminded Cassandra of a giant sparkling ball. Giving her a slight nod Cassandra turns her attention to the man standing beside Yakira.

  Prince Audric, Yakira’s husband. He’s shorter than the Queen, dressed in the white uniform of the Coalition, his pants the blue of the House of Knowledge. Across his chest were medals Cassandra knew to be honorary, granted to him by the Queen. He’d only served the minimum time required by Carinian Law. Audric has no Royal ties, carries no birthmark. The marriage between he and Yakira, arranged by her parents after the death of her intended in an accident on Messene. While his expression is neutral she can feel the anger in his stare. He is not happy with this Challenge. Keeping eye contact Cassandra acts like she’s taking a sip from her glass, Audric’s eyes narrow.

  The music changes as King Jotham enters the room. All turn for the entrance of their host. He too is wearing Coalition white and Cassandra knows the medals on his chest are earned. He looks distinguished and not at all concerned about arriving thirty minutes late. Two of Deffand’s men are a step behind the King. A servant offers him a glass. Picking it up, he proceeds into the room.

  “I was kind of hoping he would have already started the Ball.” Cassandra says quietly to William.

  “I believe he is looking forward to dancing with you.” William replies. “You’ll be fine.” The Admiral raises his head as the Terwilligers approach.

  “Admiral Zafar. Princess Cassandra.” Evander greets them.

  “Assemblyman Terwilliger, Madame Terwilliger.” Cassandra acknowledges them.

  “Interesting evening last night.” Evander fishes.

  “Quite interesting.” Her tone tells William she knows what Terwilliger is doing.

  “That is another gorgeous gown, Juruas’ again?”

  “Yes.”

  “Assemblyman Terwilliger, Madame Terwilliger.” King Jotham nods to the group.

  “Majesty.”

  “Princess Cassandra, would you honor me with the first dance?” The King holds out his hand.

  While William knows she’s nervous, none of it shows as Cassandra places her hand in the King’s, a relaxed smile on her face.

  “The honor is mine, Majesty.” All eyes watch as Jotham leads her to the dance floor. As the music starts the King guides her around the room.

  “You valsa quite well Princess.” Jotham makes small talk.

  “It is similar to a dance called the waltz on Earth, Majesty.” She isn’t yet sure she trusts Jotham’s change of heart.

  “You danced it often there?”

  “No only on formal occasions, mostly weddings.”

  “Weddings?”

  “I believe you call them Unions here.”

  “Ah, I see. You attended many.”

  “No, the last was my brother’s. Eleven years…cycles ago.” She corrects herself.

  “You are adapting quickly to our world, learning the similarities and differences.”

  “There really wasn’t any choice in the matter. Majesty.” Cassandra remembers at the last minute to tack on his title.

  “No I guess there wasn’t. How is your niece, Victoria, handling it all?”

  Cassandra’s eyes sharpen on his, trying to decide if he was just making polite conversation or if he really cared. William trusted him, she trusted William.

  “She has her moments. Tonight was especially hard for her. I feel I need to apologize to you for our lateness.” She continues to look him in the eye.

  “William said there was a situation. He didn’t say it involved Victoria.” Jotham frowns slightly. Cassandra knows what he’d thought.

  “He knows I’m very protective of her. I’m what you would call her Second Mother. I take her wellbeing very seriously. She takes priority over being on time.”

  While her expression never changes Jotham can see her honest commitment and love for the child in her eyes and tone.

  “A child should always be a priority.” He tells her.

  “On that, Majesty, we are in total agreement.”

  When the music ends Jotham steps back giving her a slight bow before leading her back to his friend.

  Audric watches King Jotham dance with the Earth woman, his rage simmering. How dare he support her! Does he know who he’s dealing with? Just because he’s a real Royal he thinks he can do whatever he pleases. He will pay for this slight once this Challenge is over.

  Dadrian’s eyes follow Cassandra as she dances with his father. While she’s a little thing she has all the right curves. He wonders if she’s small everywhere, the thought causing him to shift his stance. He’d have to find out, soon.

  “Thank you for the dance, Majesty.” Cassandra gives him a slight bow as he returns her to William.

  “My pleasure. Admiral.” Nodding to William the King walks away, making his way across the room to Queen Yakira, time to do his Royal duty.

  “That wasn’t so bad was it?” William leans down as he hands her a fresh goblet of wine. He watched them dance, his friend and life mate. She never faltered she confidently allowed Jotham to guide her around the room, all the while carrying on a conversation. He never doubted her ability, his eyes telling her just that.

  “You’re a better dancer.” Cassandra raises the glass to her lips but doesn’t drink, her eyes saying she wished she’d been dancing with him. His eyes flash as he straightens.

  As the music starts again, Terwilligers move to the dance floor, other couples following. Mingling, William subtly leads her to those she needs to either speak to or meet. He has a few contacts within the House of Knowledge, most from his Academy days. He starts with them.

  “Assemblyman Bevington, may I present Princess Cassandra Qwes Chamberlain. Princess Cassandra, Assemblyman Nestor Bevington.”

  “Assemblyman Bevington, a pleasure.” She nods to the man she knows is an old friend of William’s. They’d gone to the Academy together. He’d been at the Battle of Fayal. He’d left the service when his wife became ill.

  “Princess, may I present my daughter, Kira.” Bevington touches the elbow of the young woman next to him. Cassandra knew her to be at the head of her class in what on Carina was university. She is twenty.

  “This is Kira?” The Admiral allows the shock to show in his voice. “Last I saw you, you were this tall.” He puts a hand at his waist.

  Kira gives him an open smile. “That was nearly seven cycles ago Admiral. I’ve grown up.”

  “Yes you have.”

  “Kira is in her final year at Montreux.” The pride in Nestor’s voice is unmistakable. Cassandra knew Montreux was the top university on Carina, very excusive.

  “What are you studying?” She asks knowing the answer.

  “I’m specializing in Ancient Carinian, Princess.” While she speaks confidently, nerves are in her voice.

  “Really, I’ve also found it very interesting. The Admiral’s son Kyle specializes in it. Have you met?”

  “No Princess” There’s interest in the younger woman’s eyes.

  “We should make sure you’re introduced.” Cassandra looks up at the Admiral.

  “That can be arranged.” He agrees.

  Bevington watches the interaction between the Admiral and Princess. Rumors have been flying about the two of them her unfounded claim to the throne, the Admiral’s loss of nerve, her manipulation of the Admiral, the Admiral’s total captivation of the woman. He’s known the Admiral longer then Queen Yakira h
as sat on the throne, he’d withhold judgment.

  “There has been a great deal of speculation at your arrival Princess.” Bevington goes to the heart of the matter. Looking at him with cool eyes Cassandra finds she likes that.

  “How so?”

  “You have taken refuge in the House of Protection, while challenging the House of Knowledge.”

  “I’ve taken refuge where the Admiral felt I could be best protected. There have been several attempts by the Regulians to stop my Challenge to Queen Yakira, innocent lives have been lost. The Admiral thought it best not to give the assassin any more opportunities. I trust the Admiral’s judgment.”

  “The Regulians!?!” Bevington’s eyes shoot to his friend.

  “They attacked the Princess’ home world, destroying it to try to stop her return. They killed all but one member of her family.” The Admiral meets Bevington’s startled look. “They continue to attack the fleet trying to stop the Challenge.”

  “That makes no sense Will…Admiral. The Regulians have never shown an interest in the Houses.”

  “Someone has given them cause.” Bevington sucks in a quick breath his eyes shoot to Cassandra instantly understand what the Admiral is implying.

  “And you felt the House of Knowledge wouldn’t be safe?”

  “No.” The Admiral’s implication is clear.

  Bevington knows exactly who benefits from Queen Yakira staying on the throne. Looking at the Admiral he understood that he does too.

  “Admiral Zafar.” A guard dressed in House of Knowledge colors, address the Admiral. Turning he gives him a cold look.

  “Captain.”

  “Prince Audric requests your presence.”

  “Really?” Raising his eyebrow he expresses his opinion of Prince Audric’s request.

  “Assemblyman Bevington, Kira, would you excuse us?” Cassandra pauses looking at the Captain from the House of Knowledge. “The Admiral owes me a valsa.” Turning she looks up to him. Taking her hand William leads her to the floor, leaving the Captain gasping.

  “That was very smooth.” William holds her closer than King Jotham had moving her around the floor. It is immediately apparent they know each other well.

  “I’ll be damned if I’ll be summoned.” She politely smiles up at him.

  “Totally agree.” William’s face is set.

  “I liked Bevington.” Cassandra enjoys the freedom dancing is giving her to talk to him.

  “He’s a good man.” His fingers squeeze her waist.

  “You trust him.” Her fingertips graze his neck.

  “Yes.”

  “Good to know.” When the music stops they approach Queen Yakira.

  Yakira watches the Admiral and small woman move around the floor. They look as if they’ve danced together for cycles. While their expressions never change they are obviously carrying on a conversation. She knows Audric is fuming at what he sees as a slight, what she sees is a confident couple who refuse to be summoned.

  When the music ends they approach, a guard steps up to stop them. Audric has given them orders to search the Challenger. The Admiral steps in front of Cassandra as the guard’s hands move towards her.

  “I wouldn’t if I was you.” The Admiral’s voice is low but deadly. Marat and Tar enclose Cassandra.

  The guard looks to Audric.

  “It’s fine Captain.” Queen Yakira tells him. Nodding to her he steps away.

  “Queen Yakira, I present to you Cassandra Qwes Chamberlain, Challenger to the House of Knowledge. Princess Cassandra, Queen Yakira Trustee of the House of Knowledge, appointed by the Assembly.”

  “Queen Yakira, a pleasure to finally meet you.” Cassandra gives her a slight bow.

  “Princess Cassandra, I would like to know why I had to travel to the House of Protection to meet the Challenger to my throne.” Yakira goes straight to it.

  Fine, Cassandra thinks, let’s get straight to it.

  “You didn’t have to do anything, Majesty. You could have waited for the full Assembly, you chose to come here.” Audric sucks his breath.

  “The Challenger must come to the House of Knowledge.” Audric’s tone is acid.

  “Exactly where is that written?” Cassandra fires back. Silence greets her.

  “It’s the way it is done. If you had any knowledge…..” Cassandra cuts Audric off.

  “It is the way it’s been done since Nacars’ have tended the throne, because there hasn’t been a non-Nacar Challenging for two hundred cycles.” She puts just a touch of haughtiness in her tone. “Prior to that, the Challenger always stayed outside the House of Knowledge, ensuring her protection. It seems some would do just about anything to maintain control over the House of Knowledge.”

  “You believe you would be threatened if you were in the House of Knowledge.” The Queen raises an eyebrow.

  “I see no reason to risk it. Not when attempts have already been made. Innocent lives lost because of it. Admiral Zafar feels I am best protected within his House, I trust the Admiral’s judgment, implicitly.” Cassandra’s true sapphire blue eyes never flinch from the Queen’s light blue.

  “You feel there is a valid threat.” Yakira turns her attention to the Admiral.

  “I know there is, Majesty.”

  Yakira holds out her hand. “Audric, we’ll valsa.”

  As the couple move around the dance floor Cassandra realizes her first impression is correct, a giant bouncing ball. Finding it hard to control her smile she drinks from the glass William has placed in her hand.

  “An interesting couple.” Cassandra’s tone is neutral as she looks to William.

  “Admiral. Princess Cassandra.” Both turn at Kyle’s voice.

  “Kyle.” The Admiral nods to his son.

  “Kyle.” Cassandra’s voice is much warmer. “You look very handsome tonight.”

  “Thank you Princess.”

  Kyle has been watching the two since they’d entered the room. From Cassandra’s confident first dance with King Jotham, to her dance with his father, a dance of two people perfectly in tune with one another, to their short conversation with Queen Yakira. They showed a united front.

  “Do you happen to know Assemblyman Bevington?” Cassandra looks to William as he discretely puts in his ear piece.

  “I believe he once served with my father.” Kyle also notices.

  “Yes. He’s here tonight, with his daughter. She’s in her last year of study at Montreux specializing in Ancient Carinian.”

  “Really.” She sees she’s perked his interest. “That’s interesting.” William touches her arm.

  “I need to step out for a moment.” He leans down whispering to her.

  “Victoria?” He sees the fear in her eyes, feels it in the sudden tension in her body.

  “No, she’s fine.” His eyes reassure her.

  “Alright.”

  “Kyle.” Nodding he walks out the nearest door. Cassandra watches him go before returning her attention to Kyle. She sees he’s noticed her distraction. She gives him a slight smile.

  “Shall we valsa?” She holds out her hand to him.

  “Princess?” Marat steps up.

  “The Admiral’s son and I are going to dance Captain Marat.” She allows Kyle to lead her to the floor. There is silence for the first few turns.

  “How did you know I could dance the valsa?” Kyle finally asks.

  “Lucas told me, this afternoon, when your father was teaching me.”

  “You learned it this afternoon?”

  “It’s similar to a dance on Earth called the waltz. Lucas said your mother taught you, when your father was gone on tour. She did a good job.” Kyle misses a step at the mention of his mother.

  “You know nothing about her.”

  “I don’t,” Cassandra agrees with him, seeing the conflict in his eyes. “Not really. I do know you had yours longer than I had mine. My mother died when I was nine. They are hard people to lose. You never really get over it.”

  Kyle sees the cloud tha
t passes through her eyes. He wonders if it’s real or if she’s just trying to trick him. Dadrian said she is a deceiver, she is deceiving his father, that he could prove it if he could get her alone.

  “I’m not trying to take her place.” She brings his attention back to her.

  “You never could.”

  “No, mothers are irreplaceable.” She thinks of Victoria earlier, of how soon she’ll be a mother. As Kyle leads her through a turn the room continues to spin.

  “Kyle.” She whispers her fingers tightly gripping his shoulder.

  Kyle glances down sharply at her sudden change in tone, seeing her go pale.

  “Could we step outside for some air. Please. I need some air.” Taking her arm he leads her off the floor and into the gardens.

  “Where’s the Princess.” The Admiral demands returning to Tar and Marat.

  “Dancing with Kyle.” Tar nods to the dance floor. As he watches William sees Kyle leading her from the dance floor and into the gardens.

  Dadrian has been watching the pair with great interest, as they head into the garden, he makes his move. Slipping out another garden door he follows them.

  “Are you alright?” Kyle hates that he feels he needs to ask.

  “I’ll be fine.” He leads her to a secluded area. “I just need a minute.”

  “What’s wrong?” Looking up at him she sees William’s intensity in his eyes.

  “There are just a lot of things to adjust too.” She’ll gives him that much. William will be the first she tells she’s conceived.

  Kyle watches her, her color is returning. He hasn’t thought about all she’s had to endure. He hasn’t let himself. He’s been all consumed with protecting his father. He let himself believe the rumors, wanted to believe them. He wanted to be the one to get his father’s command back. To do something no one else could for him, for once Dadrian said he could help him.

  “Kyle, is there a problem?” Dadrian approaches the pair.