They'd just arrived at the Alutia Grand Court, Sasha's ladies and the medical technician, Lui'Vo, who Alutia Medical Director Quo'Moy had assigned to escort him, in tow. The technician was nice, but treated him more like a machine in need of fixing. Luckily, the man's job was done, his charge having arrived at his assigned destination and the temporary brace removed. He felt the arm around his waist tighten.
He turned to Sasha. “It is just about time for our guests to start arriving.” she said, gesturing to the two thrones that sat before them, blocking their view of the grand court. He nodded, a wave of dizziness overtaking him with the first step.
“Are you alright, my duke?” Sasha asked.
Trent nodded. “Yes...but it may be best for you to do most of the talking...my love...” he replied, the weakness passing quickly, but threatening to return at any moment.
A playful smile appeared on her lips. “Of course...did you think I would allow you to make any decisions in that state?” she mocked, though a tinge of the deep concern she'd shown him since he'd exited the tube mixing with the humor.
He forced another smile. “No...my love...but don't expect me to keep quiet if I sense anything...” He pointed to the chocker on his neck. Sasha's eyes turned hard, then soften when she nodded.
Carefully, she helped him around their thrones, catching him as he stumbled at the sight of Alutia Palace's Grand Court appearing before them, then supporting his weak arm as they sat. His throne was unexpectedly comfortable, being crafted from a mysterious, bluish metal and sculpted to look as if it was made of living vines, with sapphire like gems covering its surface. Sasha sat gracefully in her own throne of a similar design, but with a metal of green covered in rubies shaped in the likeness of blooming roses. He blushed as she leaned close and his eyes fell on her partially exposed cleavage, the thrones having been moved together at her command. Sasha's finger touched his chin, forcing his eyes to look into hers, showing only the loving concern that placed his soul at ease.
His glance then fell back across the grand court, providing his first clear view of the heart of the Alutia Duchy. It was enormous. The distant entrance was barely visible through the slightly hued sunlight that flowed from the hundreds of round windows lining the walls. The natural light illuminated a floor of black crystal that twinkled as if containing millions of tiny red stars. Massive green pillars grew from the floor, having been born, as he'd learned, from the modified rose bushes used to construct their great palace. The pillars continued through the distant ceiling, where thousands of giant, globe shaped chandeliers appeared to float in place. He found them fascinating, their illumination being born from millions of tiny specks of light performing an exotic dance within, showing him a glimpse of a fantastical world he would never know. Covering the walls, just below the massive windows, were programmable matter murals, displaying kings, emperors, and heroes of yore, moving as if they were still alive, while watching over those who now ruled. Below the murals, in the deep shadows, hid their guards and servants, performing the tasks required, but never to be seen, which allowed such a grand court as this to function smoothly.
Apparently, Queen Vahna, Sasha's mother, had personally overseen the design of their new palace. She seemed to have one major requirement; everything must be enormous. The main tower would be 20 kilometers tall when it finished growing, with at least 50 wings of various sizes circling its base; all grown from modified rose bushes. Trent shook his head at the thought, catching Sasha's eye, who raised a concerned eyebrow.
“I was just thinking how difficult it must be to grow a plant that should be so small, into a palace of this size,” he told her, his words trailing off as he lost his breath.
She leaned within a hairsbreadth. “It's actually quite simple to manipulate any plant species to form any shape you could possibly imagine, my duke.” Her short answer was followed by a light touch on his arm, which felt like a hammer blow, causing him to wince slightly. “Sorry, my duke, but they are arriving...remember what I taught you,” Sasha whispered into his ear. He forced a smile as he nodded away her apology.
Greetings were simple. They would stay seated for anyone with a lower or identical court rank, but must stand and descend the short flight of stairs to greet their betters. Luckily, that only meant the king and queen.
“Presenting! The Countess Liana Tidelia and the Lady Belia!” A booming cry echoed through the massive chamber. Trent jumped in surprise, startled by the unexpectedly loud introduction. He glanced at Sasha, who had a mischievous smirk across her lips, he quickly realizing why she didn't warn him. Swearing revenge, he waited until the small group was just within earshot, then tapped her elbow. As she turned, he leaned in, ignoring the pain, giving her a passionate kiss, focusing on all his love for her. Their bond became fully activate and he felt Sasha's surprise, then passion, then loss as he released her. The pain shooting through his shoulder couldn't keep the grin of satisfaction off his lips as Sasha blushed uncontrollably, momentarily losing her composure.
“Your Grace...and Sir Trent, it is good to see you are alright...but may I remind you that this is your first official court. You should be mindful of your surroundings,” Countless Liana scolded from the bottom of the steps.
“Of course, Countess Liana. It seems Sir Trent will need further instruction on proper court etiquette, which I will be sure to provide.” Sasha flushed further, but now from embarrassment. She turned to him, her eyes saying they would talk of this later, then back down to the countess. “And I thank you for coming and formally welcome you to the Alutia Duchy. Do you have business you would like to present before you join the court?” Trent listened to the formal words of greeting.
From the short bit of instruction he recalled receiving, after the formal welcome and discussion of any business the guests may have with the court, they were allowed, and expected, to stay and join the assembly. This system permitted the presiding nobles, Sasha and Trent in this case, to judge the reaction of prominent nobility to their rulings, as well as allow for additional input if required. The process seemed confusing, but he knew after the day was done he should have a clearer understanding.
“Thank you, Grand Duchess Sasha, I would like to personally, and on behalf of the Tidelia Earldom, congratulate you on your promotion to grand duchess and your pending marriage to Sir Trent,” Liana curtsied. Sasha smiled sincerely, having regained most of her composure.
“Thank you, Countess Liana, your words touch my heart. I would like to, on this day, formally request trade relations with the Tidelia Earldom,” Sasha's grip tightened, Trent ignoring the pain it caused.
Alutia currently had no trading partners and Sasha had informed him that it was paramount to at least initiate some verbal agreements before the day was done. The crown was providing the initial resources for colonization and construction of new mining and a few starship facilities, along with handling the full construction of the initial gorian mine. But to expand beyond that, and become self-sufficient as fast as possible, a steady source of raw materials and trade income would need to be procured.
“Your Grace, it would be an honor to begin trade relations immediately, I will send word to my administrators to draw up a formal agreement for your review,” Sasha stood, pulling Trent with her.
“Thank you again, Countess Liana...for everything,” she curtsied, Trent bowing stiffly alongside, not understanding what was going on.
Countess Liana seemed just as confused. “Grand Duchess! This is highly irregular!” Liana stuttered, Sasha's actions having taken her by surprise.
“I bow to you not as a grand duchess, but as a woman...a woman thanking the guardian who raised her for the past 26 years,” Sasha explained as she sat. Trent caught sight of tears in both women's eyes, which were quickly suppressed.
“Thank you...but keep in mind your surroundings, Your Grace,” Liana reminded, but with less of the usual scolding.
Trent's eyes wandered to the table at the bottom of the steps, at the edge of t
he shadows, where Tiana, Vickie, and Regalia sat frozen, staring at Lady Belia. Surprised, and confused by their state, he quickly surmised he must have missed something else important during his time in the tube. Another reason why I hate that damn thing, he recalled.
“Of course, Countess. Do you have any other business before you join the court?” Sasha seemed to suppress a frown, a new tension growing in the air around her.
“Yes, Your Grace. Lady Belia would like permission to speak.” At the name, Sasha went stiff, squeezing Trent's hand so hard that he had to grit his teeth.
“Permission granted,” Sasha said coldly, freezing Trent in place. Lady Belia stepped forward, her skin a pasty white, covered with beads of unmoving sweat. Trent felt an undulating warm then cold sensation from her, like the Eye of the Emperor couldn't quite discern her true intentions.
“Thank you, Your Grace,” she fell to her knees, bringing her hands to her chest as a look of utter despair covered her face. “I am so sorry...I never meant to hurt her...I love her so and I've always wanted to...the best for her, but when my husband died, and left us alone in that cruel court...I could have remarried, if not for her...I blamed her, I knew it wasn't her fault, but I blamed her for everything...I'm so sorry, please, I beg you, forgive me, Regalia, I love you...please forgive me,” her jumbled apology was rife with anguish and threw Trent completely off guard. The cold sensation faded and a slight warmth emanated from her sobbing, huddled form, shaking on the floor below.
There was no dishonesty in her words, but Trent realized that didn't matter, since what she just admitted fully sank in. He looked over at Regalia, who stood and, against the protests of Vickie and Tiana, rushed to her mother’s side, putting her arms protectively around her.
“I forgive you, Mommy, I knew you never meant it, please stop crying,” Regalia said gently. Lady Belia looked up, into the caring eyes of her daughter.
“I'm so sorry...and I'm so selfish...” she buried her face in her daughter's chest, tears flowing unabashed.
“She's warm and not lying, but I think she still needs to be punished,” Trent whispered to Sasha, who sat frozen, staring at the scene, stuck in a prison of thought.
“Thank you, both of you,” she said silently before clearing her throat. “Your words have touched me, as well as your actions. Does my mother grant me approval to rule in this matter, Countess Liana?” Sasha's voice hid all emotion, except that of command.
“Yes, Lady Belia is no longer her lady-in-waiting,” Sasha nodded her thanks.
“Lady Belia, for the acts you have perpetrated against Lady Regalia, I strip you of your noble title.” A screech of anguish escaped the woman's lips, Trent feeling a shiver race up his spine at the sound. Is it really that bad of a verdict? He wondered, but found the question answered itself when he took in the look of surprise, and horror, on many of the noble faces around the court. “With that in mind, I appoint you to the position of tutor to Lady Regalia, and as a permanent member of my household staff. You shall continue to live in the luxury you are accustomed, but shall no longer have an active voice in the noble court. You have forgotten what is most important in your quest for power, Lady Belia, and I hope that you teach this lesson to your daughter, who, only by her love, has kept you from being banished from galaxy 189. Program, please log my decision,” Lady Belia stared at Sasha with eyes of understanding. The understanding that comes from the knowledge that what you knew, and what you have done, was wrong and hurt those you loved the most. A feeling Trent was more than familiar with.
“Ruling logged and accepted,” The monotone voice of the recently integrated Alutia'Earth Program echoed through the grand court.
“Gil'Da, I place Belia in your care......and Lady Regalia...thank you,” Trent, puzzled, gazed at Sasha. Why had she thanked her? Then it hit him. She would have made a grave error in judgment if she hadn't seen that no matter what Belia had done to Regalia, she still loved and forgave her.
Gil'Da emerged from the shadows behind Tiana and Vickie, who were both whispering, probably preparing for the first of many lectures to the newest member of Sasha's household, and helped Regalia escort Belia off to the side of the hall. Countess Liana curtsied once more and moved to the table adjacent Sasha's ladies that had appeared as if from thin air.
The next few hours were a testament to tedium. A stream of nobles, both ruling and not, few having more formal business then congratulations, filled the grand court. Sasha was beaming, greeting each in turn, while negotiating a number of verbal trade agreements, including four with other duchies. Trent, through the pain and fatigue, felt Sasha's pride like it was his own and once again fought against the feelings that she was well beyond him.
As if his feelings called disaster, a tall, beyond handsome man entered the court, wearing a black, gold and silver noble doublet, flanked by another man, in what he'd learned was an administrator's robe, and four guards, all adorning the same livery. Trent turned to Sasha and his heart stopped.
She stared at the man with a peculiar look, a look Trent couldn't quite place with his mind, but his heart cried out in understanding. He felt like running, fleeing, warning bells ringing throughout his entire body, unexpected thoughts of betrayal, of once again losing the one he loved, storming from their hidden prison.
“Presenting! Prince Georigi of NHA Galaxy 102!” The voice echoed through the hall. Trent felt his heart try to escape his chest at every word. Something bad is going to happen. He didn't know how he knew it, but he did. Sasha seemed to sense his disquiet, turning to him, confusion in her eyes. But before she could speak, the robed man with a very round face stomped forward.
“Grand Duchess Sasha Alutia, let me introduce myself, I am Sir Mandle,” he stepped to the side as he spoke, arms spread wide in introduction, allowing the tall, handsome man to walk forward and kneel at the bottom of the steps, “and let me present to you, your promised fiancé, Prince Georigi of NHA Galaxy 102!” he announced with such a booming voice Trent thought a bomb had exploded. But the fear that had filled him initially vanished as the Eye of the Emperor cried out from his neck. Shouts and whispers rose from the noble assembly, growing quickly to a roar.
Trent's tongue froze in his mouth, but he fought through it. “You're lying,” he told, barely audible more than a few meters away. But Sasha heard it, as well as Sir Mandle and Prince Georigi. The prince's face went pale, like Trent had just accused him of the most heinous of crimes. But Sir Mandle only scoffed as he stared at Trent with unrestrained hatred.
“Ah yes, Sir Trent, the man who stole what is ours. If you are trying to provoke me into doing something foolish by spouting nonsense, then you will be sadly mistaken!” Trent felt the cold pour through him as Sir Mandle responded. It was the first time he was grateful for the sensation, since it helped clear the pain and negativity from his mind.
“Sir Mandle, I have been warned about you...and you best watch your tongue. I am not sure why you did not understand what was explained to you quite thoroughly yesterday. No matter if you have a marriage contract signed by my grandfather, the late King Dohan or not...it means nothing. By mandate of the emperor, I may not be used in a political marriage. I am to choose my own consort, which I have,” she looked to Trent, love apparent in her eyes, but he still felt he could see that something from earlier, the thing that scared him most. “And I am now certain that no such arrangement exists. I am certain you are not aware, Sir Mandle, but Sir Trent possesses the Eye of the Emperor, which is more than just an ornament.” Sasha ran her fingers along the choker on his neck.
Sir Mandle's expression turned to fury at her words. “This is ridiculous! King Peorigi will not stand for this! The agreement was signed in good fai-.”
“Prince Georigi,” Trent cut Sir Mandle off, “do you believe you are the fiancé of Grand Duchess Sasha?” The prince regained a portion of his normal color as he took a step forward, looking at Trent with deep, honest eyes.
“Of course, Sir Trent, I have been told this since I
was a boy.” His words were as honest as his eyes, and Trent cursed himself for hoping he was lying. This was a good man.
“Thank you, Prince Georigi, you have been misled. Sir Mandle knows you are not fiancé to Grand Duchess Sasha, I'm not sure why he has done this...what would he gain if you married her?” Trent let the unemotional words flow, his mind elsewhere, knowing now that Sasha had met this man, this perfect man, his time with her was numbered. That’s ridiculous, his mind scolded, but it was there and he had seen that look in her eyes. Sir Mandle tried to speak, but Prince Georigi cut him off.
“As a child, he told me I would rule this galaxy. But when we found out that a male heir was actually in line for the throne, I was told that the marriage arrangement was put on hold. Then, a few months ago, I was told that it was suddenly back on and I would be marrying into a duchy...and Sir Mandle would accompany me to help me rule...” He turned to Sir Mandle, his face a ghostly white. “Now that I think about it, it doesn't make sense. My father and mother never mentioned anything to me about this, it was only you. I remember your whispers, as a child...were you planning on using me? To take advantage of me? To rule in my stead?” Prince Georigi seethed. Sir Mandle stared around the court in horror, like a trapped beast searching desperately for a route of escape, but finding none.
“It was because I was the one who found the document...yes...your father just wanted to ignore it! But I knew we had an obligation, and that was to allo-.” A fist fell across the older man's cheek and he dropped limp to the floor. Prince Georigi shook the stinging from his hand as he turned back to his guards.
“Take him to the shuttle and have him brought to my starship. Inform Knight Captain Voringa of what has befallen and instruct him to restrict Sir Mandle to quarters.” The guards saluted and dragged the unconscious noble towards the distant exit. “Grand Duchess Sasha, Sir Trent, I am deeply sorry for this misunderstanding. I trusted Sir Mandle with my life and never imagined he would lie to me. I place myself at your mercy,” he kneeled and bowed his head. Trent glanced at Sasha and found her smiling softly, he searching desperately for the look he knew should be present.
The Noble Petty, Complete Edition (Alutia Rising Series, Book 2) Page 14
