“Trust me,” she responded with all her love as she angled her body away.
“Please...please don't die...” he cried.
Why is he crying? The thought was foreign, like it belonged to someone else. Except, she did know why, he was crying because he loved her, he didn't want to lose her, as she didn't want to lose him.
She reached Tiana before she could take another breath, slowing herself with her thrusters so she could grasp her lady with the utmost care, cradling her like a baby, then tightening her grip, ignoring the pained grunt from the now wide eyed Tiana.
“It will be alright. I'm here Tiana...” Sasha said, hating the armor’s filter metallic tinge that destroyed the emotion in her voice.
“Sasha...oh Sasha...I'm sorry!” Tiana screamed as she wrapped an arm around her, then went limp. Sasha cried, so hard that she almost forgot to stop the repel line, which gradually slowed their decent, until they stopped, swaying just above the upper barrier containing the “artificial” star.
“Tiana!” she cried out, but her lady didn't respond, having fallen unconscious. Her face a deathly white, her breathing ragged. Sasha panicked. To come so far to save her to only lose her from illness was unacceptable. She had to get her to safety, back to their home.
But where is Trent and Vickie? Her breathing stopped as she saw neither, scanning below, but finding nothing but the star’s radiance. In desperation she forced open their bond, finding relief, Trent's relief and Trent's love. She pushed her own through in return.
“Are you ok, my love?” she asked tenderly through their private com channel.
“Yes...Vickie is ok...physically...but her eyes...her eyes are empty...” Trent breathed heavy, his words full of concern. “We need to get them out of here.” he finished.
“Hold on...” Alutia Guard Commander Usa'Pol's voice cracked over the com the moment her repel line started to ascend rapidly.
As she cradled Tiana in her arms, she eyed Sir Georigi standing on the rising platform, kissing the red haired woman. What had happened when her ladies fell? Why had they not fallen as well? And why is he kissing another woman? Sasha felt anger begin to simmer within her. She would definitely be finding out why.
Chapter 24
The Don’Alutia Noble Assembly had been ushered clear of the Coliseum as the Private Guards finished securing the remainder of the Marquis's Fortress. According to initial reports the battle had been fierce, the Don'Alutia Guard fighting fanatically to the last man, lead by the Don'Alutia Arcguard. There is definitely something odd with this behavior, Trent knew, such loyalty to a lord such as Marquis Rostil seeming beyond peculiar. He wondered if they were being blackmailed, their families held in ransom like Duke Zehman had done with the traitorous Alutia Guards who attempted to assassinate Sasha. But before Trent could delve further into the reasoning, and its possible repercussions, he had other, more pressing matters to attend to.
“Sir Georigi...so if I understand this correctly, you do not know who these women are?” Sasha asked from his side, obviously perplexed.
After having handed Tiana off to the field medics, who were treating her just behind them, she locked her arm tightly around his, matching Vickie, who refused to leave Trent’s other side since he’d saved her from the brink of death.
“I am sorry, My Lady. It is most unruly of me to have forgotten. My honor is already stained by being forced to choose only one of three ladies to save. Though I was forced to listen to my heart that told me to save my love, to save the Lady Wedra,” Sir Georigi responded, honestly baffled. Trent knew he wasn’t lying. It went against the man’s very nature. Sasha turned to Vickie, who stared at the floor, eyes empty.
“Very well. You shall escort the Lady Wedra to her father. Then wait for your escort fleet to return from “The Wall” and proceed with the construction of your new mark. Contact Sir Oadi and have him assign you an administrator and start the necessary preparations to get the initial SJS Gate operational,” Sasha commanded.
“You honor me, My Lady,” Sir Georigi bowed and Lady Wedra curtsied at his side. “If you’ll excuse me,” Sasha nodded, and after another bow and curtsy, they left with an escort of private guards.
“We should go,” Sasha said, her fatigue evident by her tone. She glanced lovingly at the emotionally wounded Vickie, then to the unconscious Tiana, now strapped to an emergency medical stretcher, her missing hand obvious with the newly applied bandage. Rage began to well within his mind at the sight. How dare they do this to the women his wife loved, he loved! He grasped the rage, allowing it to flow through him, providing him the needed resolve to perform this next required task.
“I have something I must do first, my love. Can someone provide me a worldwide channel?” he asked, knowing it unlikely.
“All civilian networks are awaiting your words, Grand Duke Trent,” an unfamiliar voice responded.
Trent took a deep breath, trying to slow his racing heart. “People of Don'Alutia...I am Grand Duke Trent Alutia and I speak to you after many grave matters have befallen,” he glanced at Sasha, who nodded, her eyes showing she would support him without question. “First, the news of the plasma beam that struck the planet's surface has just reached our ears. We, like you, are horrified by this blatant act of indiscriminate killing and pronounce death to those who are responsible when they are found and justice can be delivered. I know this is of little comfort to those who lost family, friends, and loved ones. But know that we will do everything in our power to help you recover, that the full might of the Alutia Duchy stands behind you. For now, please just follow the instructions provided by the emergency administrators and be safe,” Trent paused. “Now, I would like to inform you all of another grave matter. It was found that Marquis Rostil was abusing petties and certain nobility in a heinous game that he bet on like a sport, submitting these poor souls to grueling torture too grotesque for me to even mention in any detail,” he knew he was exaggerating, but he needed their undivided attention. “Not only this, Marquis Rostil was also in league with condemned Duke Zehman Hulk'Zif, the sworn enemy of not only Alutia, but the whole of the New Universal Empirical Human Alliance by order of Emperor Yuloo Origin himself,” he paused to allow theses facts to fully sink in.”With this knowledge, I herby pronounce, by my right as Grand Duke of Alutia, that Marquis Rostil shall be banished to dark space,” he paused again, looking to Sasha, who nodded for him to go on. “Furthermore, all nobles complacent or participating in the activities at Don'Alutia Fortress shall be banished to a noble prison planet, to live out their lives in isolation,” his anger was boiling and he knew he should stop, calm, but he couldn't, the anger the fuel for his righteous fury.
“Lastly, all companies and nobles with relation to the Hulk'Zif Duchy shall be given 24 hours to leave the Don'Alutia Mark and the Alutia Duchy...after which point your lives shall be forfeit,” he paused. “But Grand Duchess Sasha and I are not without forgiveness. Anyone who is willing to renounce their affiliation directly to me or a Program may do so. But remember! If you are found to be lying, you will be shot on sight. I thank you all for your assistance in this most trying of hours, and my heart goes out to all those who lost their lives due to the madness of Marquis Rostil and the lunatic who fired a plasma cannon on the planet's surface.
“You have my word that we will do everything in our power to help every last victim and bring those responsible to justice,” he finished, allowing the fire to start to fade, but not completely as he glanced around the Coliseum, noticing an malnourished old man, with a long snow white beard and hair, wearing dirty brown robes, slowly approaching, two Alutia Guards at his flanks and a petty woman carrying child just behind.
“Your clear, Your Grace,” the voice he didn't recognize said, but he wasn't paying attention. A warmth so profound that he only felt it’s like from a few others before, emanated from the man who fell to his knees, touching his forehead to the carpet.
“I give you my life...for the dishonor my family has done to you...incl
uding my son...” the man said with words of utmost honesty.
“I accept, Sir Rehman. We all thought you were dead, your funeral was quite grand,” Sasha answered, little emotion in her words.
“My son, Your Grace...power hungry and unstable. I wish everyday he was never born of my loins and I had never married that harpy of a woman,” Sir Rehman spate, his words of pure hatred. Trent turned to Sasha, leaning close.
“His words are honest and he is as warm as Yukie,” he whispered. Sasha stiffened, but quickly softened, realizing the old man was not at fault for the sins of his son.
“Mind if I handle this, my duke?” she asked, already knowing the answer.
He smiled, knowing what she planned to do. “Of course, my love...I trust you implicitly.”
She turned back to the old man. “Do you renounce all affiliation to the Hulk'Zif Duchy?” the man seemed to be taken off guard, slightly shaken.
“Yes...I renounce all claims and relationships of the past,” he spoke truthfully. Trent nodded to Sasha.
“Very well. In light of the past sins of your family-,” a desperate cry interrupted her. The old petty woman, wearing similarly dirty robes to Sir Rostil, a young-child in her arms, face contorted with fear as she tried to rush forward.
“Please! He is a good man. He helped us survive when no one else would! Please, please spare him!” an unexpectedly devious idea crept into Trent's mind as he listened to the woman’s pleas, seeing something he clearly recognized in her and Sir Rehman’s eyes.
“Quiet!” his voice boomed and the entire coliseum went silent. “For your outburst you shall share the same fate...you and the child...” Sasha elbowed him in the side, seeming to understand what he was doing, but letting him know not to push too far.
“Your name and the name of the child?” Sasha asked, draining the emotions from her voice as well.
“Cun'Dey...and the boy has no name, I found him when his mother died,” her words were hollow, as if the speaker had no hope left.
“Sir Rehman, in light of the transgression of your family against the NHA and Alutia Duchy, I hereby name you Marquis Rehman of the Don'Alutia Mark, to serve us until which time we deem your service paid or your death. Furthermore...you shall accept Cun'Dey, if she is willing, as your wife, and raise this child as your official heir.” Both Rehman and Cun'Dey stared at Sasha, dumbfounded, along with the surrounding guards. Cun'Dey, her mind seeming to comprehend first, rushed forward, desperately grasping the arm of the man she obviously loved.
“I accept! Oh I accept! Thank you...oh thank you...” she broke down in tears as Rehman finally returned to the present, hugging the crying woman and mute child.
“Thank you, Your Grace, I...I shall return glory to my name as a noble of the Alutia Duchy...as well as happiness to the wife you have presented me, who I already love...” Rehman broke down in tears.
“Very Good, contact a Sir Illion who is staying at Sacred Ventra Holding's, inform him he is the new head administrator of the Don'Alutia Mark,” Marquis Rehman bowed stiffly as Cun’Dey failed miserably at a curtsy. But that was fine; the happiness in both their eyes was all he needed.
Their business done, they started towards Tiana’s stretcher, “Sir Trent, Lady Sasha,” they paused, turning back to Sir Rehman. “Please take care of my Great-Niece. Her soul is more sensitive then she may let on,” Trent looked to his side and noticed tears streaming down Vickie's cheek. He let her grip tighten on his arm, releasing the armor from his hand so she could feel his warmth.
“How did you know?” Sasha asked as they followed Tiana’s stretcher and the medics into a waiting tube transport.
“The words...and the look...I think,” he responded.
“You think? You place two people together at a whim? What if you were wrong?” she accused, a little mirth escaping with her words.
“Well, my love, I didn't do anything. If I recall correctly, was it not you who made that pronouncement?” he felt some playfulness return.
“Oh...I see, place the blame on the poor innocent wife if you make a mistake. I misjudged you, my duke,” he wanted to kiss her, but could only pour his love through their bond, she returning the same.
After a short trip, they arrived at a landing pad where the ABF Providence One awaited, ready to deliver them to the ABF Sasha. After checking to make sure Tiana was secured and watched over in the front of the shuttle, they moved through the rows of Empress and Alutia Guards, many covered in bandages, thanking each one in turn, before entering their private cabin in the back.
He and Sasha quickly removed their combat armor as the shuttle launched. Sasha grabbed Vickie and tried to pull her into the small bathchamber, to remove her torn and tattered dress. But she wouldn't release Trent's arm, or respond to their words. So instead of trying to separate them, Trent grabbed a small cloth and tied it around his eyes, following the two women into the shower.
It was an awkward experience. Trent tried to keep his own emotions in check, finding it difficult not to imagine what was taking place beside him. But before he could attempt anything foolish, the ladies excited and he found himself back in their private cabin. They helped the clean and dressed Vickie into the bed, Trent being forced to take a seat beside her, allowing the woman to hug his arm as she cried herself to sleep.
“Trent...we need to do something...”
“I know, my love...when we get back. But for now, her emotions are too fragile...if we force her...” Sasha nodded, running her hand over his cheek, then Vickie's, kissing them both lovingly.
“Well...don't get too attached,” a little jealousy snuck into her playful remark. He sighed dramatically. Sasha sat at his side and laid her head on his shoulder. “Is life ever going to be normal again?” she asked.
“Yes...if the universe gives us time to build up our strength before our next enemy appears,” he responded.
“Well...I would not count on it, my duke.” a kiss followed the words.
“Then I will just have to be a better duke,” Trent almost fell back onto Vickie as Sasha climbed on his lap.
“You are already the best, my duke,” the soft touch of her lips to his made his mind melt and he forget, for a time, the universe and its constant troubles.
*********
The primary medical bay on the ABF Sasha was a scene of chaos as almost every emergency medical tube was occupied by the critically injured. To Sasha’s relief, there were a few open and she watched as Tiana was quickly submerged the moment they entered.
In the adjacent tubes lay the wounded Alutia Guards and Sir Seb'Losh, who though severely wounded, looked like he would make a full recovery. He could be released in as early as week, they'd been told, her being relieved by the news, but finding that relief short lived as she again looked to the two ladies floating a little further down in the tubes, feeling faint as she continued to listen to Captain Daiyu's explanation.
“So you rammed it?” Trent asked in disbelief.
“Only a little, Your Grace,” Captain Daiyu responded, completely serious.
“But you still rammed it?” Trent asked again.
“Yes...but as I said-,”
“Was there any other way to stop them?” Sasha cut off Captain Daiyu's response, rubbing her temples and trying to ignore Vickie, who still refused to leave Trent's side. They'd tried to give her over to Til'Ma, but Vickie wouldn't budge, crying in pain like a catillian being forcefully removed from their host. The thought made her realize Lia and Terra were gone, quickly noticing them on Trent's shoulder, cooing and rubbing their tiny, human-like hands against Vickie's hair. She could forgive her, for now.
“Yes, Your Grace. After they fired on the planet with their plasma cannon we realized they had little concern for the safety of civilians. So we were required to take drastic measures to eliminate their commander as soon as possible. No one wanted to see a repeat of Earth,” her voice went somber.
“No...you did the right thing,” Trent responded first, staring at Yukie and
Regalia, floating in adjacent tubes. “But the emperor is going to kill me,” his head dropped.
“Oh, about that. Yukie only had a few bruises, but she felt bad about Regalia, who was thrown with Trainee Donnlie across the fleet command deck and onto the bridge. She said she would stay tubed for as long as her best friend,” Sasha raised an eyebrow, containing a laugh at the utter relief that filled their bond.
“Best friend?” Sasha asked.
Captain Daiyu shifted uncomfortably. “Yes, ah...its best to ask her mother, since she was there. But it has to do with a quarrel,” Sasha's interest perked, they would need to have a talk with Belia as soon as possible.
Trent tensed, looking up to the ceiling. “Program...who won the noble competition?” Sasha had completely forgotten during their time away from the starship.
“Empress Yukie,” Sasha's heart stopped.
Trent sighed. “Figures,” he muttered, seeming not to care. But Sasha was horrified. She knew exactly what Yukie would demand during the day they were now required to listen to her every whim.
“Trent,” she growled through gritted teeth.
“Sasha, I'm sorry, I...I never thought Regalia would lose,”
“Regalia did not lose,” the Program answered.
“Then how?” Sasha asked, bewildered.
“Empress Yukie ordered Lady Regalia to withdraw as punishment for striking a member of the emperor's family.” They both froze, looking at one another in surprise.
“Vin...where is Belia?” Sasha asked, knowing their next course of action without having to discuss it further with Trent.
“In the servant apartments, currently resting in her room,” Vin responded.
“Captain Daiyu. Make sure to have a full report on the incident ready...and your recommendation for any commendations and promotions,” Trent instructed. Captain Daiyu saluted, then moved out of the bustling medical bay, her XO on her heals.
Sasha turned to Medical Officer Cin'Dye. “If there are any changes, let me know immediately,” she instructed, words pained.
The Noble Petty, Complete Edition (Alutia Rising Series, Book 2) Page 74
