Cassandra's Challenge

by Michelle Eidem

  William watches her take it all in. He’d been prepared for the mass of people wanting to see his wife and still the sheer number is impressive. Cassandra would have not just the ears of the Assembly but of the people of Carina. The raising of her eyebrow is the only indication she gives that she’s surprised.

  Looking into the Assembly she finds familiar faces. Terwilliger is the Head of the Assembly therefore the House of Protection occupies the center section. He’s seated in front, next to the podium he will speak from, the other House of Protection Assemblymen around him. Jotham and Barek are seated behind them, along with the other Royals of the House. It is where William, Lucas and Kyle would have been sitting if not for her.

  To the left sits the House of Knowledge’s Assemblymen, Bevington is there watching. The Queen’s seats are empty but Royals have filled the remaining ones. As she takes in the remaining Assembly, William touches her elbow.

  Turning her attention to him she sees his strength and commitment to her. “You can sit.” He leans down to tell her. “You don’t need to stand until her arrival.”

  “But I’m not going to rise for her entrance.” Cassandra turns her face to his. They lips nearly touching. “She won’t be much longer, she wants this over.”

  Many watch the interplay between them with interest until their attention is drawn away by the entrance of Queen Yakira.

  Yakira enters first. As William predicted, her gown is simple, white in color coming only to her knees. When she walks the outline of a tower can be seen on the inside of her right calf. Her hair is piled high on her head, an open crown keeping it in place. Across her chest a chain of heavy gold secures a robe on her shoulders, the sapphire velvet trailing six feet behind her.

  Cassandra leans towards William her eyes never leaving Yakira. “That’s her birthmark?”

  “Now you understand my reaction to yours.” Cassandra’s had been twice as dark when he’d first noticed it over thirty days ago.

  As Yakira crosses the platform there are claps and hollers from her supporters in the Assembly. Acknowledging them she waits for Audric and her children come to stand behind her.

  Cassandra hears Victoria’s quick breath. “Are you okay?” She asks in French her eyes never leaving Yakira.

  “Yes.” She replies in the same language.

  Turning Yakira assumes her position on the other side of the platform, her staff having to arrange her robe. Watching, Cassandra wonders how she’s going to move when she has to defend her appointment to the throne.

  Yakira final looks across the platform to her, with a slight nod Cassandra acknowledges her then takes her seat first. The rest of the Challenger’s group follows. Yakira’s eyes widen at the move, the Assembly fills with whispers. Ignoring it all Cassandra turns her attention to Terwilliger.

  Terwilliger, is as amazed as the rest of the Assembly at the Challenger’s move. In his fifty cycles in the Assembly he has seen and heard everything, nothing surprises him anymore. But watching the Challenger, a young woman he only recently met, he thinks that not only he, but all of Carina is in for a very big surprise. Rising, he approaches the podium. It is time.

  “Citizens of Carina, Assemblymen, Royals, we come here today to witness the Challenge by Cassandra Qwes Chamberlain to Queen Yakira, trustee to the throne of the House of Knowledge.” Terwilliger pauses allowing the supporters of Yakira to quiet.

  “We will begin with the presentation of the Challenger. She will then present her Challenge to the throne.”

  While Terwilliger speaks Cassandra looks down at Victoria sitting to her left. Moving her hand slightly she makes a fist. Victoria gives her a little bump. Going to stand she finds William there, holding out his hand to assist her. Taking his hand her expression doesn’t change, only William sees the flash of love in her eyes, only he feels her thumb caress the ring he wears. When she steps away from him his heart tightens. Resuming his seat his eyes follow her.

  Everyone watches her walk across the platform. Her stride smooth and confident, eyes steady, face calm.

  “Assemblyman Terwilliger, thank you for the introduction but I’m afraid you’ve been misinformed.” She calmly looks around the Assembly.

  “My name…is Cassandra Qwes Zafar.” The Assembly is shocked into silence. “Now that my correct name is entered into the record I will return to my seat so Queen Yakira may defend her appointment as Trustee to the throne of the House of Knowledge.” Turning away the Assembly erupts.

  Terwilliger pounds his gavel on the podium. “Quiet! I will have quiet in this hall! Princess Cassandra!” Stopping she turns back to him. “I know you are new to our ways but there are specific procedures that must be followed in a Challenge.”

  “I know.” Her voice is steady, her eyes meeting his.

  “Then you must know that one of those procedures is that the Challenger must….”

  “’Present first, explain why she would make a better Trustee to the throne until the return of the true Queen.’ Article Two, page one-thirty-one, of the Carinian Assembly procedures book.” She sees Terwilliger’s eyebrows rise. “That is the proper procedure in the normal course of a Challenge.” She walks back towards the Assembly.

  “A normal Challenge as outlined in the same procedure book is when the Challenger attends a day of gatherings with each House’s Assemblymen and Royal family so all have a chance to meet the Challenger, ask questions so an informed decision can be made on who would be the best Trustee for the House of Knowledge, until the true Queen returns.” Cassandra looks to the balconies.

  “After that is completed the Assembly is called and the Challenger presents to not only the Assemblymen and Royals, put to the citizens of Carina themselves, why she thinks she would be a better trustee. At that point the current Trustee, in this case Queen Yakira,” She turns to look at Yakira, “Can call for an immediate vote to deny the creditability of the Challenger, thus ending the Challenge.” Before Terwilliger can speak Cassandra continues.

  “This is not a normal Challenge.” She returns her gaze to the Assembly. “Queen Yakira has called the Challenge. In doing so Article 152, page five-sixty-five of the procedures book goes into effect.” Terwilliger eyes widen. He immediately opens the official procedures book that always sat on the podium.

  “It states that, ‘If the residing Trustee calls the Challenge for any reason, than that Trustee must speak first. She must defend her reign as current Trustee and explain why she should be allowed to remain.’ The Challenger can than call for an immediate vote from the Assembly ending said Trustee’s term, making herself the new Trustee. Or the Challenger may speak, allowing the Challenge to run its course. This Article prevents the residing Trustee from improper use the power entrusted to her until the return of the true Queen.”

  After a moment of stunned silence the hall erupts. Leading Assemblymen from each House storm the podium. Stepping back Terwilliger allows each to read Article 152, it is on the exact page quoted. After a quick conference all return to their seats. Terwilliger steps up to the podium.

  Cassandra has been calmly standing while the Assemblymen confer. The rising voices from the balconies and members on the floor seemingly having no affect. Terwilliger pounds he gavel to quiet the hall.

  “Princess Cassandra….you are correct. Queen Yakira will speak first.” The hall gasps.

  “Thank you Assemblymen Terwilliger.” Cassandra nods to him. “I apologize for having to bring it to your attention in such a way. As you stated, I am new to your ways and thought Queen Yakira would have informed you earlier to avoid this unnecessary confusion. An oversight I’m sure. No one would call a Challenge without knowing the consequences.”

  Turning Cassandra meets Yakira’s eyes. While Yakira’s expression hasn’t changed Cassandra can tell her mind is racing. Ignoring Audric, Cassandra continues on to her seat. William rises as she approaches she sees the pride in his eyes, seating her he retakes his.

  “He’s mad Aunt Cassie.” Victoria whispers.


  “Are his eyes glittering yet?”

  “No.”

  “Let me know when they are.”

  William listens to their quiet conversation, not understanding a word of it. Looking to Lucas next to Victoria he sees him give a very subtle shake of his head. Telling William he doesn’t know either.

  What does this little bitch think she’s doing! Audric is enraged spouting off Articles and page numbers as if she knew anything. And Terwilliger, the old fuck, deferring to her, he’s probably slamming her too. He’ll pay for this insult! When this was over they’d all pay!

  This is what she gets for listening to Audric. Yakira can’t believe she’s let herself get into this position. It’s like being eighteen all over again. Having to stand in front of the Assembly and justify herself, allowing them to judge her, her and her children, judge their lives. She looks at her children seated to her right. They were both so beautiful, they were her reason for existing. She would do this for them, to protect them. Fuck Audric.

  “Queen Yakira.” Terwilliger feels he has waited long enough. “Your defense please, of your Trusteeship of the throne of the House of Knowledge.”

  Cassandra watches as Yakira look at her children. They were both beautiful the boy fifteen is in his third cycle Academy uniform, the girl thirteen is dressed in Knowledge blue. Neither bore any resemblance to Audric.

  Rising Yakira realizes she’s forgotten about her robe. It’s long, heavy and hard to maneuver in without assistance. She wore it for what it represented, knowledge, the House of Knowledge, to remove it, to defend herself, would be equated to her not knowing what calling the Challenge meant. That would undermine her position. When her staff rises to assist her she waves them off. This is for her to do.

  Slowly, steadily Yakira approaches the Assembly, her eyes scanning those on the main floor, those who mattered, who voted. She ignores the balconies.

  “Assemblymen, fellow Royals. I will not keep you long. I come before you today as the humble Trustee of the House of Knowledge. A responsibility you charged me with over fifteen cycles ago. Since that time I have faithfully performed all the duties required of the Queen of the House of Knowledge. I have not faltered.”

  “During my reign as Queen, Carina has become much safer, do in no small part to the House of Knowledge scholars. Ships designed by them fill the skies. They are safer, faster, and more maneuverable then any that have come before. They have assisted the Coalition with captured Regulian Intel securing the safety of all Carinians.”

  “You know me. Know my family, who I descend from, where I come from. You know my values, my beliefs. We have shared experiences. To entrust such an important position to someone unknown puts us all at risk.” Giving the Assembly a slight bow she turns. Her supporters erupt in their seats.

  It takes Yakira several long moments to complete her turn. She negotiates around the six foot velvet train. Once she finally reaches to her seat she allows her staff to assist her in seating her. Audric never moves.

  Listening to Yakira’s defense of her throne William can’t help but be angered. That she would use something he had done, the Regulian Intel, against Cassandra. He hadn’t thought about it.

  “It’s fine.” Cassandra’s voice is low, for his ears only, her lips barely moving. “It’s actually perfect.” Her eyes never leaving Yakira, she spoke directly to those whose votes she needs, ignoring all others. Something she’s done her entire reign. Playing to their fears, of the Regulians, of the unknown, of her, it would be a smart move, usually. Change is a hard thing, it scares many, but a traitor will scare them more.

  Terwilliger, who resumed his seat during Yakira’s defense, now stands. Waiting until Yakira is seated he approaches the podium, dreading what he must now do.

  “Princess Cassandra, as per procedure, you now have the right to call for an immediate vote on ending the current Trustee’s term.” Angry voices rise from the House of Knowledge section. Terwilliger watches as Admiral Zafar stands his back to the Assembly.

  “Are you ready Victoria?” Cassandra looks down to her niece.

  “Yes.”

  “Remember what you promised.”

  “I will.”

  “I love you.”

  Putting her hand in William’s she stands, switching back to a language he understands. “I love you too.” William squeezes her hand than turns so she can reply to Terwilliger.

  “Assemblymen Terwilliger, I see no reason to call the vote.” A hush falls over the Assembly. “Queen Yakira has raised some very important questions, questions concerning myself and the protection of Carina. Questions that I for one believe deserve to be answered. So following Carinian procedures I will speak.”

  “Princess Cassandra, you have the Assembly.” Terwilliger sits knowing Carina will never ever be the same after this Challenge.

  Letting her mind settle she approaches the Assembly. “Queen Yakira states that you should allow her to remain Trustee because you know where she comes from. Let me tell you where I come from.”

  “A planet called Earth, a great distance from here, even by Carinian standards. A small planet, half the size of Carina, with one sun, one moon and an abundance of life hard to imagine. It was similar to Carina in many ways, with land, water, heat, and cold. It supported seven billion people, men, women, and children people with lives, hopes, and dreams, just like here on Carina.”

  William watches as his wife moves around the platform, making eye contact, not only with Royals and Assemblymen but with the people of Carina, allowing them to see her, her world.

  “But unlike Carina, we hadn’t yet advanced to long distance space travel. We were looking at the stars knowing there would be planets like Carina out there. We were developing the technology so that one day our civilizations would meet. But a little over two of your moon cycles ago we were no threat, not to you, not to anyone.”

  “But the Regulians attacked and destroyed the Earth anyway. They murdered seven billion people. They had their orders, ‘find the Imperial Light or destroy it’.” She ignores the gasp from the Assembly.

  “An interesting phrase ‘Imperial Light’, it meant nothing on Earth, it meant nothing to the Regulians, the only place that phrase means anything is here on Carina. It is the phrase used to describe the Imperial House of Knowledge, of the heir to the throne; she is always described at the Light of Carina. But why would the Regulians care?” Cassandra answers her own question.

  “They care because they’ve been promised something. They have an agreement with someone who very much cares about the very possibility that the lost princess, the true heir to the House of Knowledge, was on Earth, and might return to claim her throne.” She pauses letting what she’s said sink in.

  “What it means is that Carina has a traitor. For nearly eight cycles, someone has been willing to not only deal with the Regulians but make promises to them, promises that threaten Carina.” Cassandra finally turns to look at the group from the House of Knowledge. She sees the shock in Yakira’s eyes. In nearly everyone’s ones, except Audric, in Audric’s there is rage.

  “Princess Cassandra!!! Princess Cassandra!!!” Terwilliger draws Cassandra’s attention. “You must explain to this Assembly how you’ve come to reach such a conclusion.”

  “Gladly, Assemblymen Terwilliger.” Cassandra looks at Victoria who brings her first two fingers down to her thumb, signing no.

  “Nearly eight cycles ago there was a great battle, a battle between the Regulians and the Coalition’s fleet. It was long and bloody with many lives lost on both sides. Many in this room fought in this battle, Admiral Zafar, Assemblyman Bevington. Many more lost sons, daughters, husbands and wives. In the end the Coalition was victorious; you know this, Queen Yakira has referred to it. It is the Battle of Fayal. It is the turning point. For Carina, for Earth, all because of the Rappen, of the information it contained.”

  “Queen Yakira is correct.” She gestures back to her. “The scholars from the House of Knowledge were able to translate
the data the Rappen carried. They translated the data about their weapons systems, tactics, and communication systems, all vital to the Coalition. That information was turned over to High Admiral Valerian.” Cassandra meets Valerian’s hard eyes seated in the House of Knowledge section.

  “But the scholars found more. Specifically Scholar Olah found more, in the data bases of the Rappen, he found research files. The Regulians had been studying a distant planet, a planet occupied by a humanoid species genetically similar to Carinians. They would abduct people from the planet. Men, women, children, scan them, study them, to see if there was a weakness they could find that they could use against the people of Carina.”

  “A specific young girl they kept longer than the others, nearly a week, because they found something interesting. A mark on the inside of her right leg, they studied it, imaged it, trying to figure out what caused it. And what they found was this girl was different then all the others, her genetics were nearly identical to those on Carina. Because of this they implanted a thread in her arm so they could find her when they returned.”