“Come, Prince Georigi! We will await the morrow and meet with Grand Duchess Sasha to resolve this misunderstanding properly,” Sir Mandle turned as he spoke, letting his robes flutter with a dismissive flick of his hand. Prince Georigi, expression one of honest confusion, bowed to the ladies, then hurried after Sir Mandle, his personal guards in tow. Tiana watched their hasty escape, deciding to send a message to Sir Seb'Losh to be on alert for any suspicious characters with an apple shaped head that may be searching for Sasha or Trent.
“Thank you, Tiana. They thought me senile and wouldn't listen to a word I said,” her mother sighed, her face showing signs of age Tiana never recalled seeing before. “I sent a message to the king, along with a query to King Peorigi, Prince Georigi's father,” she added as she let Tiana kiss her cheek in greeting, then smiled to Regalia who curtsied before her.
“Will you let Sasha know? This is going to come as quite a shock and I do not want her to do anything foolish...or more foolish then that child has already done...” Tiana grinned as she kneeled by her mother's side.
“Too late mother...she has already broadcast a general request for all nobles and commons who want to immigrant to Alutia'Earth to send applications for approval.” Tiana braced herself, but the expected explosion didn't come, just a one-sided smirk.
“She did it,” Liana shook her head, but not from disbelief. “I told her well...years before you were born, that my biggest regret was allowing that archaic tradition to persist on Tidelia. But I remember...she looked up at me with her big, innocent eyes, shining brighter than any star, and said that she would help me by doing it herself...when she became queen, of course...” A sad laugh escaped her mother’s lips. Tiana leaned in, hugging her poor mother. She knew her estranged father, Earl Dovin, would have never allowed it, even though he and her older brother, Sir Ravin, had left 10 years prior, to travel the universe and locate a suitable wife for Ravin.
Rapid footfalls echoed across the grand court. She turned just as Guard Trainee Donnlie came sliding to a halt in front of Regalia, sweat pooling at his feet as he bent forward, trying to catch his breath.
“I'm sorry....Lady...Regalia, I didn't notice you left...left with Tiana.” Donnlie apologized. Regalia placed a caring hand to his cheek, causing him to stiffen. A joyous laugh escaped Liana's lips as she watched the sight. Both Regalia and Donnlie turned to Liana, blushing with embarrassment.
“Ah, just the men I was looking for,” Liana turned her attention a group of approaching architects, the tension of moments before, nowhere to be seen. “Senior Architect Bei'Nwi, we need a plan to develop as many cities as possible on Alutia’Earth, as swiftly as possible, while staying within appropriate natural coverage limits,” instructed Liana as the men came to a halt. They looked to each other, then back to Liana, having been taken so totally by surprise that their expressions shifted from shock, confusion, embarrassment, and disbelief so many times that Tiana couldn't keep count.
“Of course, Countess,” Senior Architect Bei'Nwi recovered first, “but...but it's easier for us if we know the number of expected immigrants. The city being grown around the outskirts of Alutia Palace will easily house over 10 million by itself. The strength and transparency of the native flora is allowing for unprecedented, multi-level construction that provides us the ability to build more housing to noble standards, within a smaller area, then on most paradise planets.” Tiana nodded to herself, another smirk finding its way to her lips. This is going to be good.
“Excellent, so if you did not have to worry about food, and keeping in mind, leaving intact the required amount of native environment so as not to negatively affect the planetary ecosystem, how many “nobles” could we theoretically support?” asked Countess Liana, tapping her fingers on the throne’s armrests, a sign Tiana knew born of excitement, not impatience as most people assumed. The biological architects huddled together, passionately discussing the question in the air, arms waving as they appeared to debate for a few moments before they all nodded agreement.
“One-hundred fifty to two-hundred billion, Countess...but the food requirements alone would make that impossible given that permanent orbital's are out of the question,” responded Senior Architect Bei'Nwi. Tiana turned to her mother, an uncharacteristic smirk appearing on her lips.
“Well, let's say that we could build said orbital facilities. How many would be required?” The men stared at Countess Liana, their eyes questioning, but their interest obviously perked, again bringing their heads together.
“A large food production orbital can produce enough food for about five billion inhabitants. So if we employ the greater estimate of two-hundred billion, we would require forty primary and forty secondary,” Liana raised an eyebrow, “The secondaries are required by universal law,” Bei'Nwi quickly explained, “but the extra food can be easily exported or converted to a wider variety of foodstuffs for the planets population,” the man finished. Tiana stared expectantly at her mother, knowing exactly what was coursing through her analytical mind.
“Very good,” Liana’s smirk vanished. “How long before you can have a formal proposal completed?” The men stared, dumbfounded. But Bei'Nwi wits quickly returned.
“It should only take a couple hours, Countess,” he explained, unable to fully mask his elation at the prospect of fully developing a paradise planet.
“Good, have it ready for Grand Duchess Sasha and Sir Trent by tomorrow,” Liana ordered.
“Of-Of course! With your leave, Countess?” Liana waved a hand dismissively to the architects who had already started inching away, obviously eager to start their formal planning. They bowed deeply, and repeatedly, before hastily retreating towards the distant exit, their excited voices and footfalls echoing throughout the massive chamber.
“You seem to be enjoying yourself, mother,” Tiana teased, playfully poking at Liana's arm.
“Yes, yes...a veritable ball...you two should find seats. The nobles that did not flee at Sir Trent's proclamations have started to arrive in droves,” Liana leaned close. “It is our duty to bestow a proper welcome while Sasha is indisposed. We need to locate as many friends as possible, my dear Tiana, and not isolate ourselves further from the rest of the ruling nobility....please keep this in mind.” Tiana nodded, holding back a playful retort, knowing this not the time for fun. They located two chairs hidden in the shadows, she directing the two Tidelia Guards to move them to her mother's side.
The day passed uneventfully as numerous unlanded nobles, as well as a few barons, baronesses, countesses, earls, marquises, marchionesses, and duchesses arrived. Most provided honest greetings and were quickly shown to their quarters by the servants who Til'Ma had directed to the court, hiding discreetly in the shadows of the large pillars. Though some were quite obviously disappointed by the absence of Sasha, who tradition dictated, would personally greet ruling nobles upon arrival. But Liana was able to skillfully explain the reasoning for her absence, and most left content that formal welcomes would be provided shortly.
Nothing much else of note occurred until a surprise guest, Regalia's mother, Lady Belia, one of Queen Vahna's ladies-in-waiting, arrived early, accompanied by members of the Vn'Oco Royal Guard. Tiana thought Regalia would break into a sprint at the sight of her mother, but she sat frozen in place, with a face of steel. There is definitely more to this relationship then Regalia let on, Tiana realized, noting she would need to let Vickie and Sasha know of her unexpected discovery.
“Lady Belia, it is a pleasure to see you again,” Countess Liana stood greeting the woman who looked identical to Regalia, except being much taller and with a steady, unemotional gaze that held, what Tiana could only think, rampant aspiration.
“Thank you, Countess Liana. I bring tidings from King Johan and Queen Vahna. They shall arrive in the morrow to celebrate their daughter's marriage, as well as discuss the many matters of the galaxy which seem to be attracted to their most beloved daughter, Grand Duchess Sasha Alutia.” Her kindly smile went cold as she tu
rned to Tiana and Regalia, who both curtsied. A curt nod was Belia’s only response. Tiana felt a sudden fire burn within her.
“I see they no longer teach courtesy in the royal court, Lady Belia.” Tiana said without thought. Belia swung back around in surprise, but quickly recovered when she recognized Tiana's tone.
“And may I ask what I have done to deserve such rancor?” Belia responded with false hurt, Tiana recognizing instantly that, like most traditionalist nobles, there was little real emotion in this woman. Tiana held back a smile, being the master of this game, and knowing Lady Belia would soon learn this fact.
“Why, I did not know a nod was an appropriate greeting for a mother meeting her daughter for the first time in periods,” Tiana put on her best condescending tone, trying to get a rise out of the woman.
“This is-” Liana was cut off by Belia's raised hand.
“How I greet my daughter is of my own concern, Lady...” Lady Belia’s words trailed off, Tiana realizing she didn't recognize her.
“Lady Tiana, daughter of Countess Liana, lady to Grand Duchess Sasha Alutia and “sister” to Lady Regalia.” Though her expression didn’t change, it was obvious by Lady Belia’s eyes that Tiana’s words had thrown her off balance.
She stared at Tiana, then Regalia. “What have you told them you damn useless child!” Lady Belia, her composure lost, rushed towards a cringing Regalia, raising a hand as if to strike her daughter. Tiana moved without thinking, grasping Belia by the arm before she could strike and extending her palm into her stomach, as she'd been taught by Vickie. The woman crumpled to the floor, gasping in pain.
Tiana turned to the stunned Royal Guards. “Please escort the honorable Lady Belia back to your shuttle and into orbit until she can learn proper manners,” she started to turn away, then stopped, noticing the laser arcs strapped to the guard’s waists. “And I am not certain if you've been informed, but laser arcs in the hands of anyone but ABF and Alutia personnel are forbidden on Alutia'Earth.” The towering Vn'Oco Royal Guard Knight Captain looked at her, disdain suddenly taking the place of confusion.
“Yes, we were informed when we landed. But we fall under the jurisdiction of the king, and have the right to disobey local laws we deem may negatively affect our mission,” Tiana's anger boiled over, still unable to believe what Lady Belia had tried to do, and she didn't care who she took it out on.
“I give you one warning,” she growled. “You and the rest of the Royal Guards leave Alutia'Earth or face immediate imprisonment until King Johan arrives and Grand Duchess Sasha can sort things out. But we currently only have prisons on our starships and it's so very easy to forget which starship we place our prisoners,” Tiana felt a rush of exhilaration as the knight captain, who probably walked over anyone with his shield of authority, stared at her with open hatred. But she didn't back down, she wouldn’t, staring up at the taller man, letting him know she was serious.
“Very well, but mark my words! The king will hear of this!” Two of the Royal Guards helped Lady Belia to her feet and started to turn.
“Oh, but he already has Knight Captain Hortilius. Guards!” Liana's shout echoed through the court, beckoning the ABF Battleguards, in full reactive combat armor, who were hidden in the shadows, combat arcs at the ready.
“By order of King Johan, place Knight Captain Hortilius, who seems to have forgotten the king's own decree that local laws shall always be followed, under arrest. The other men may continue their mission if they agree to surrender their laser arcs.” Hortilius’s expression returned to utter confusion, while the rest of his guards obediently threw their laser arc's to the floor.
“I opened a live channel to the king and queen when I realized this dispute may become serious. I am so very glad you were wise enough to verbally spit in the face of a king's decree, Sir Hortilius,” Liana’s stared down the man, who, realizing too late his mistake, slumped his shoulders in resignation. “Take him away, and you five, escort Lady Belia to my quarters and inform the guards she is to be provided luxury, but not allowed to leave. Understand?” the guards saluted to the mother Tiana had always known; the mother who could easily control a court with her words, men obeying her will without question. Liana's gaze turned to Tiana and she cringed. “There is a time and a place...my dear Tiana. We have enough enemies to last a lifetime...and if you keep trying to make one of the crown, not even I can protect you!” Liana scolded. Tiana shrunk back, ashamed by her actions, then turned away from her mother, unable to hold her fiery stare. She moved back towards Regalia, who sat staring at her mother's back, tears flowing unhindered. Tiana, her own embarrassment forgotten, rushed to the girl’s side, allowing Regalia to bury her face in her chest.
“That is all for today, it is getting late. I will be beyond overjoyed to allow Sasha and that hot headed Sir Trent to deal with the rest of this mess,” Tiana felt a loving warmth flow through her as she looked back to her mother, who suddenly appeared double her 69 years of age.
The long walk back to the medical clinic was quiet, with only a few guards, servants, and workmen passing through the corridors in haste. When they finally arrived, Alutia Guard Commander Usa'Pol opened the door, concern evident on her dark features as she stared hard at Donnlie, who Tiana hadn't even realized followed behind. There was a strange look in his eyes and Tiana could guess at the cause. He had frozen when Belia had raised her hand to strike Regalia, and for any guard, hesitation in protecting their charge was death. Tiana led Regalia through the door to the medical clinic and Vickie reacted immediately, noticing the young girl bent over in sorrow, rushing to her side. Sasha stood and stared in confusion between Regalia and Tiana.
“You're not going to believe what happened...” The floodgates opened and Tiana's tough exterior melted into a sea of despair. Sasha rushed to her side, catching her as she fell. “She was going to hit her! Her own mother...”
*********
The piercing pain from his barely healed wound streaked down his side, attacking his aching muscles as he moved away from the stretcher. His vision blurred and he felt faint, his legs threatening to buckle. Sasha's arm tightened around his waist, sensing him falter, prepared to support any weakness. But Trent didn't waver, forcing himself to stand straight by sheer will, taking the pain and storing it away as grim reminder of the latest hurt against him.
Medical Technician Lui'Vo carefully ran his hand up the brace that held Trent's arm immobile. He touched a button hidden by the elbow, causing it to liquefy and retract. Trent clenched his jaw, his breath catching as fresh pain erupted when his injured shoulder muscles were forced to once again support the weight of his arm.
“That should do it...just try not to move it too much, Sir Trent...” Medical Technician Lui'Vo instructed absently as he removed the metallic disk from Trent's shoulder, the remnant of his retracted brace, then bowed, quickly heading towards the exit.
Trent looked to Sasha and forced a tender smile through the throbbing waves of pain, reaching up to place a finger to her lips, stopping words that he knew would only be full of concern. But she spoke with her emerald eyes, telling him that she knew his torment and wanted him to return to bed, to heal further before placing himself in such a difficult situation. But she, like he, knew this was necessary. This isn't the time for them to show any weakness.
He awoke three hours earlier, having been released from the emergency medical tube after 27 hours of vivid nightmares showing nothing but suffering and death. Reality wasn't much better. The pain that greeted him beyond anything he could have possibly imagined.
Apparently, the laser arc bolt had burned a hole clean through his right shoulder, a few centimeters below his collarbone, and had only partially healed. It would take at least another month for the regenerated tissue to completely bond, the medical nanites only able to slightly increase the natural healing process without the special nutrient liquid which normally allowed for accelerated tissue reconstruction. But he could care less, finding the despair of being tubed much more tro
ublesome then the pain of a long recovery. Plus, he had his beloved Sasha by his side, who, as soon as he'd awoke, appeared before him, her eyes full of unshed tears.
She'd kissed him deeply, the warmth of her affection flooding through their bond, engulfing his mind and body, washing away the pain that threatened to overwhelm him. But then she pulled away and the pain returned, along with the expected scolding for him placing his life in danger, yet again. He knew her harsh words were born of love, that she couldn't bear the thought of losing him, as he couldn't bear the thought of losing her.
The scolding had been followed by an invasive physical, almost worse than the tubing, he shivered, and the administering of a localized calming agent that barely dulled the pain. He was then fitted with the temporary brace, the only bright spot, and provided an update on the current situation.
Relief washed over him when he heard that the guards who were loyal to Duke Zehman had fallen quickly, and thanks to his actions at the time, which he didn't totally recall, almost all of the biological architects, engineers, and general workmen were saved. But a few had been killed, used as human shields during the fiercest of the fighting. His heartbeat began echoing in his ears as a new rage threatened to erupt. Hiding behind innocents is unforgivable! But he repressed the rising anger, instead, noting it as just another mark against the hated Duke of Hulk'Zif.
Other important matters had then been discussed, but his suffering had been too great, so they'd upped the dosage of the calming agent and he fell into a daze for the next few hours. The effects hadn't completely worn off when they made their way through the palace, down exquisitely crafted hallways of white stone shaded a rose red, cutting through thick carpets of crimson. Lining the walls were uniquely crafted stone and vine pillars, with beautiful statues and strange fountains at every intersection. He wanted to take it all in, enjoy this new world of wonder that would become his home. But his mind was foggy and his thoughts were elsewhere, lost on matters of trust and betrayal.
The Noble Petty, Complete Edition (Alutia Rising Series, Book 2) Page 13
