“You will call me Yukie, and I shall call you Trent and Sasha,” the empress explained, her tone leaving no room for debate. Sasha almost lost her composure at the empress's words.
To call a member of the emperor's family, in this case the heir to the universe, informally by their name was unheard of. Trent reached forward; placing a gentle hand on Empress Yukie's head, rubbing her hair gently. Sasha felt the world start to spin around her.
“It is a pleasure to meet you, Yukie...and thank you for helping us...” Sasha glimpsed an excited smile burst across Yukie's lips as her guards stiffened, looks of total horror covering her now petrified parent's faces. “But I think I need to lie down for a bit, I'm suddenly feeling woozy,” Trent said weakly. The spinning slowed and Sasha placed a concerned hand to the back of Trent's head as he began to slouch, touching something warm and sticky.
The substance on the hand she pulled away didn't register until Trent began sliding to the floor; blood. Before she could react, one of Empress Yukie's guards, moving at an incredible speed, caught Trent, placing a quick seal bandage on the nasty wound on the back of his head in an instant.
“He needs rest. He'll be fine. Head wounds usually bleed much worse than they actually are.” the guard explained, his metallic tinged voice all business.
Sasha nodded. “This way,” and started guiding them towards her apartments, ignoring everyone but the guard carrying Trent, including the empress, who grabbed her hand and skipped excitedly at her side.
*********
Pain, again, it filled him, having become an ordinary part of his everyday life. What is it that makes me always act without thinking, do things that no other sane man would ever do? The answer was obvious, he realized; love.
He kept his eyes closed, though being fully awake; fearful of the pain he knew would erupt once they were open. Instead, he concentrated on the fresh hurt originating from within his skull and back, throbbing in unison with his shoulder. He found if he focused on the origins of each, it felt like a symphony was being conducted as the differing degrees of pain coursed, one after the other, throughout his flesh. Soothing warmth joined the symphony as a mind caressed his BC Node, dampening the pain, cleansing its very essence. It was different than the usual warmth he was so accustomed, the warmth born of his bond with Sasha. But even so, he knew this new warmth’s origin was her.
“If you're awake, open your eyes.” Sasha’s words echoed clearly in his mind, but they had no sound, just a feel, and that feel was Sasha. He reached out with his BC Node in response, like he was searching for a BAP, but instead, in search of a mind. He sensed two people close by; one a bundle of ever changing emotions that responded playfully to his prodding. But no response came from this mind, just a probing curiosity. It doesn’t feel bad, he thought, deciding to let the presence in as he touched the other mind.
It was warm and fuzzy; definitely Sasha, he realized. Without pause, he latched onto her presence, and as had happened once before, he was drawn in, like her mind was an inescapable vortex. This time, however, he didn't fight against the flow, letting himself fall into its grasp. The love he felt as it engulfed him was so intense it burned his flesh, or so he imagined it would, if it wasn't just a feeling.
“What are you doing?” Sasha asked without words. He smiled to himself as he dove deeper into her love, swimming beneath its surface to allow the passion swirling beneath to explode through him, raw and unfiltered.
“Oh my!” A young girl exclaimed, her excited words touching his ears. Confused, Trent released his BC node, forcing open his eyes. As expected, a new piercing pain coursed through his head in response.
“Trent!” Sasha scolded from his side. He turned to her as his eyes focused, taking in his new surroundings.
The swimming pool sized bed in which he found himself was familiar, it being his own, and unforgettable given it could easily sleep a small army comfortably. But even it paled in comparison to the colossal bedchamber in which it stood.
Tinted light streamed through floor to ceiling windows that covered the entirety of the bedchamber’s two sidewalls, shining off the rose stone walkway that cut through a sea of lush carpeting. The windows shifted to reflective as they approached the domed ceiling high above. Just beneath hung a globe shaped chandelier, with mysterious specks of dancing light encased within, swaying gently in an imaginary wind.
An intricately crafted latticework of abstract design covered the far wall, forming barely perceptible figures acting out acts of wanton debauchery, or so Trent’s mind told the longer he stared. In its midst grew an arched, double doorway made of a shimmering red wood, and carved with the Alutia Crest on its face. The double doors, he knew, led to a guarded hallway that adjoined a private dining hall, sitting room, and audience chamber before intersecting the main foyer of the upper floors of their private apartments.
On the wall behind the bed grew an immense programmable matter mural, it covering almost its entire face. The last time it’d been displaying a living landscape with a single mountain rising within a misty plain that reminded him of Mount Fuji on Earth. Beneath the mural, on both sides of the bed were two doors. The one on the right led to a grand bathchamber with a bathtub that, like the bed, could comfortably hold a small army within. The door to the left led to their private dressing area and closet, which was larger than even their bedchamber, given Queen Vahna’s belief it appropriate for Sasha to have every dress, gown, top, and trouser in the known universe at her disposal.
Scattered throughout the bedchamber itself, were many varying sized seating areas. Some held high back chairs, while others had oversized cushioned couches or loveseats, again, enough to seat a small army. Two of the high back chairs had been moved adjacent the bed. In the first chair sat Sasha, gripping his hand firmly, blushing furiously with a scowl on her glistening lips. Beside her sat the breathtaking young girl that had been called, Empress Yukie, but had instructed them, quite clearly, that they were to refer to her only as Yukie. She was an odd girl, looking more like a living statue that had been sculpted by a god, then an actual person.
“What is it, my love?” Trent questioned gently, fighting to hide the pain, but knowing it obvious by his tone.
Sasha's scowl turned to concern. “Are you alright, my duke?” She asked, caressing his cheek.
“Just the pain of love, my dear Sa-,” she leaned in and kissed him, stopping his words, but pulled away just as suddenly. He pushed at a lock of her beautiful black hair that had fallen across her brow as he caught sight of Yukie inching closer out of the corner of his eye, staring at them like they were exotic animals in a zoo.
“Aww,” Yukie seemed disappointed. Trent could only smile at her in response.
He turned back to Sasha. “May I ask what just happened? I've never done that with my BC node before.” The memory of Sasha's passion made him blush and he couldn't help but stare into her gorgeous, emerald eyes. But she quickly looked away, a matching blush of embarrassment spreading across her skin.
“We did a three way access. I've only read about it...being that it's impossible!” Yukie answered first, her voice full of wonder.
“Well Empre...I mean Yukie...it probably has something to do with the Emperor's Jewelry. Trent and I have a...” Sasha trailed off, her blush deepening. Trent squeezed his support.
“You see, Yukie,” he started. “The jewelry created a permanent bond between me and Sasha through restricted science. So when either of us feels a really strong emotion, the other can sense it...feel it... like when we have...” Trent froze, almost forgetting who he was talking to. Yukie climbed out of her seat, pulling herself up onto the edge of the bed.
“You have what?” she asked in way that told him she already knew the answer, but wanted to hear him say it. He looked up at Sasha, who again turned away. He sighed.
“We have what men and women who love each other have, Yukie,” he said skillfully. Yukie frowned, hopping off the bed, returning to her seat. Sasha swatted his chest playf
ully, her eyes scolding. He frowned, showing his hurt, then winced as a wave of severe pain overtook him.
“So...Yukie,” he breathed as the wave subsided, “could you explain what just happened? We received a vague message a few hours ago stating that the Emperor's Purge Fleet arrived and to await further instruction. But then we were suddenly...invaded...by the Emperor's Purge Guard, who ignored everybody and threatened anyone who didn't listen to their demands. Then those men in the audience chamber,” he shivered, “not just the two who were about to kill us...but the majority of those men and women...they are the type of people that are not allowed in the Alutia Duchy,” his eyes opened as he finished, seeing Yukie's expression one of sadness.
“I'm so sorry about this, Trent. It was Torici. He heard about what was going on with the Vn'Oco Royal Guard and told me he would take the shock troops to help clear things up. But his troops are meant for purging and they must have thought this was just another operation. I'm so sorry...because of me you almost...” Yukie started sniffling. Trent looked to Sasha, who, obviously reluctant, hugged the young empress. Trent figured it was some appalling breach of protocol to touch a member of the emperor's family, which would explain Sasha's reluctance.
“It's alright,” Sasha cooed in the young girl's ear.
“No, it's not!” Yukie pulled free, launching to her feet. “This is the first time I've been able to leave Origin and it was supposed to be special! I really wanted to see your wedding...but now...now it's all ruined!” she crossed her arms, chin falling to her chest. Trent felt his own heart ache at the pure anguish of Yukie's words.
“Nothing's ruined, Yukie. We may have to delay for a period or two, but it will still happen and we would be extremely happy to entertain you for as long as you would like to stay on Alutia’Earth,” Sasha said warmly. Yukie's head shot up, leaning across her chairs armrest until her nose almost touched Sasha’s.
“Really?” she asked hopefully, her big, baby blue eyes fluttering wildly. Trent couldn't help but smile as Sasha, no longer reluctant, kissed Yukie lightly on the forehead.
“Yukie, nothing could stop me from marrying Sasha...even the entire Emperor's Purge Guard,” Trent said, his words meant as fun, but found they still stirred strong emotions within him. He reached out to his love, his Sasha. Yukie inched closer, her face a smile as Sasha released her and turned back to him, her eyes full of her love.
She leaned in, “my duke.”
“Ahem.” Trent froze, Sasha pulling away, embarrassed.
“I'm sorry to interrupt, my dear, but we have important matters to discuss,” Trent looked to the small group of nobles and knight officers that had entered the room unnoticed, led by the king and queen. Queen Vahna smiled wickedly, as if she planned their entry to coincide with him and Sasha doing something inappropriate, while the rest of the group seemed genuinely amused.
Sasha stood, smoothing out her gown. “Of course, mother,” she curtsied. “I know it is unusual, but I'd like to have our meeting here so we can include Trent in all pertinent discussions,” she explained. The group looked at each other, then at Sasha, then to Yukie.
“I concur with Sasha. Have my guard’s move additional seating around the bed.” Yukie stood as she spoke, struggling to move her own chair closer to Sasha's.
Yukie’s guards had the room rearranged in flash, leaving Sasha, Yukie, King Johan, Queen Vahna, and two of the Royal Fleet admirals on his left, while the two administrators and two high-admirals that had accompanied Yukie to his right.
“Empress Yukie, let me first and foremost apologize for Knight High-Admiral Torici's actions. When he informed us of his plans, we did not deduce that he meant to treat this like a standard purge,” one of the fleet officers to his right spoke first.
“I understand, Sir Asula. But I still don't like it!” Yukie exclaimed, noticeably irritated that they had been interrupted. Trent had begun to suspect the young girl may hold an abnormal fascination with him and Sasha.
“Excuse me...what is a purge?” he asked timidly. All eyes turned to him.
“The Emperor's Purge Fleet's main purpose is to deliver the Emperor's will, Sir Trent, and more often than not, this includes the removal of ruling nobles and their vassals by force. The purge guard's that were deployed are specially trained to handle this “delicately” with as few innocent casualties as possible,” Asula explained.
“That may explain why most of them are cold...” Trent thought out loud.
“Cold, Sir Trent?” The older of the two administrators asked.
“Ah...it's hard to explain. When I look at someone who is, I guess, bad, or has ill intent, the Eye of the Emperor emanates a type of cold sensation. But for most people it is warm, and for some,” he glanced at Yukie, “it's hot. Which I've found to mean those people are good or innocent, have no ill will in their hearts...I think,” the two fleet officers traded glances with the administrator.
“So,” Asula leaned forward, running his fingers through his cropped, snow white hair that appeared cosmetic, “from what you are claiming, Sir Trent...the majority of the Emperor's Purge Guard returned this cold sensation that means they are bad...or have ill intent?”
Trent nodded. “Yes, most only slightly, though. But yes, I wouldn't trust any of them,” he explained.
“This is very grave news, indeed, Sir Trent,” the old administrator said, holding up a hand to cut off Asula’s retort. “An Agent of the Emperor will have to verify this, of course, but we may need to initiate a general review of the entirety of the emperor's forces.” Asula glanced at the other uniformed officer, face unreadable, then back at the administrator.
“If you believe that is for the best, Sir Oadi.” Asula leaned back, crossing his fingers before his chest. “But if this is indeed the case, then I would recommend we handle that other matter immediately. I do not trust the Emperor’s Escort Fleet to be able to resist the purge fleet should it choose to take action against us,” Asula turned to Yukie, who stood.
“That is a good idea, Sir Asula, and when the review is over, you may return to pick me up,” Yukie explained with a nod. Trent smiled. She may be an empress, but she is still a little girl.
“Empress Yukie, a full review of the emperor's forces will take years, if not decades,” Sir Oadi responded like a kindly old grandfather, but with a hint of pleading.
“As that may be, I am staying. My personal guards can be trusted. My father personally checked each one. So I would feel safer, for the time being, staying with Sasha and Trent,” Yukie replied. Sir Oadi looked to him, pleading in his eyes. Trent could only smile.
“Sir Oadi, I think I speak for both Sasha and myself when we say that it would be an honor to have Yukie stay on Alutia'Earth, matter it be months or years,” Trent turned to Sasha, who smiled.
“I agree, Sir Oadi. If the empress would like to stay, I see no harm in allowing it,” Sir Oadi looked between he and Sasha, then back to Yukie before letting his chin fall to his chest.
“Your father is not going to like this,” he sighed, resigned, then turned to Sir Asula.
“If she is staying, I will be as well. How long will the other matter be taking?” Sir Oadi asked, looking between Sir Asula and King Johan, who had been watching the entire scene as if he wasn't there.
“Fifty, sixty days...maybe even longer if he decides to resist, go into hiding, or any of his allies choose to come to his aid,” King Johan explained. Trent couldn't help but stare at the king, whose voice seemed calmer, back straighter, like a massive burden had been lifted from his shoulders.
“I'm reluctant to leave the empress behind, but I'm even more reluctant to allow her to accompany us into what could turn into a drawn-out battle with a fleet I am now unsure that I can fully trust,” Knight High-Admiral Asula told, looking to the other officers present, who nodded agreement.
“Father, what's going on?” Sasha asked.
King Johan's head shot up. “Ah, yes, the emperor sent word that Duke Zehman was to be removed, along
with any of his suspected allies that do not pass a truth screen.” Trent held in a shout of disbelief, looking to Sasha, who turned to him as well, jumping into his arms.
“Are you sure?” His voice trembled, partially from the pain, but mostly from excitement.
“Yes...the Royal Fleet won't be involved, but will be ready for any possible ASU incursions in case they try to take advantage of the situation. I've already initiated a review of the Royal Fleet and Royal Guard to weed out any of Duke Zehman's remaining spies and hope to have them cleared within the next few periods,” King Johan said with obvious relief. Trent released Sasha, letting her move to hug her father.
“With that, we should excuse ourselves. I'd like to be underway by tomorrow,” Sir Asula stood, along with the other officers.
“Empress Yukie, I leave you in capable hands. But if you should ever need me, I will return with most haste,” Sir Asula bowed.
Yukie stood tall. “Thank you, Knight High-Admiral Asula, I will inform my father of your noble actions and will look forward to meeting you again.” The rest of the officers bowed in unison then quickly exited the bedchamber.
“I need to settle in as well. We didn't plan on staying long term, so I must prepare an appropriate apartment for the empress and her guards,” Sir Oadi paused, glancing to the younger administrator seated at his side, then back to Sasha. “Grand Duchess Sasha, if I've heard correctly, the planned administrator for Alutia'Earth has been removed indefinitely?” he asked. Trent turned to Sasha, who had returned to her seat, and frowned.
“Yes, all personnel besides the royal engineers, servants, general workman, and biological architects have been removed. We've been accepting applications for all open administrator positions, but who knows how long they will take to fill,” Sasha responded, seeming concerned.
“Well, I may be able to assist. Sir Fabis is an excellent young administrator, one of the best I've ever seen pass through the academy, and would fit the position quite well.” The young man seated beside Sir Oadi looked up and smiled, making him look even younger.
The Noble Petty, Complete Edition (Alutia Rising Series, Book 2) Page 20
