by Frank David
“Julianna, sisters,” he returned the greeting with enthusiasm. He pulled his travel partner and made him face the ladies.
“Samuel,” Stela did not know what to say. She was not expecting to ever see her cousin’s killer. “Roderick, what is going on? Where were you? Where did you find Samuel?”
“We thought you had left Jascaessau to challenge Stela’s position on the throne. I am relieved it appears that is not the case.” Orthia hugged her brother.
“I am sorry that I could not give any indication as to my plans. I assure you, as I always have, I do not wish to sit upon the throne. I will be happy to explain everything to you. First, let us get Samuel a nice cell,” Roderick handed Samuel to Jordan. “Make sure no one attempts to take him again under anyone’s orders.”
“Before I share with you where I have been, I need to speak to our mother. I need to sort some business with her,” he kissed Julianna as he headed to leave the room. “Where will I find her? Stela, might I ask you to join me? I believe what I am about to discuss you will want to have a part in.”
Stela rushed to catch her brother who was practically running. “She is in her chambers. What is going on? Why all this mystery, Roderick?”
“Do you remember the night mother and I went off to speak after dinner? Well, it seems she was less than honest during our conversation. I need to confront her on some of the facts she embellished. I think you need to hear what she has to say.” Roderick rushed through the corridors toward Madeline’s chambers.
“Sorry, Roderick. With all that has transpired, I do not recall this conversation. I do not think mother would lie to you, if that is what you are implying,” Stela was trying to keep up with him. She had never seen him move so quickly.
The guards stood in front of Madeline’s door. “I need to speak with my mother. You will let me in to see her,” Roderick demanded. The guards looked to Stela. She nodded. The guards opened the door.
Madeline was sitting by the fire reading when the guards entered.
“Empress Mother. Empress Stelaphina and Imperial Prince Royal Roderick wish to speak with you,” the guard announced.
“Roderick has returned? Yes, show them in,” she placed her book down and stood to greet her children. Roderick and Stela entered the room.
“Roderick, you have returned. Where have you been? You had us worried,” Madeline approached her stepson.
“Mother, were you worried about my safety or worried about what I might discover?” Roderick stepped back as she approached him.
“Whatever do you mean, ‘what you might discover’?” Madeline sensed his attitude even before he stepped back.
“I left to go visit my grandfather,” Roderick watched as Madeline became noticeably nervous.
“Your grandfather? Our grandfather is dead, Roderick,” Stela said as she watched the awkward exchange between the two.
“No, Stela. My grandfather. My mother’s father. That was the topic of my conversation with Madeline that evening. I wanted to know more about my mother’s family. It would seem she put a twist on the story to either keep me from him, scare me, or hope that my anger would make me seek revenge,” Roderick needed to remain calm, but he could feel his anger growing.
“Obviously the man lied to you son. He has much to lose if the truth were discovered,” Madeline’s voice betrayed her.
“I am afraid it is you who had much to lose if the truth was revealed. I went there to force the Benedictus’ hand. I was attempting to get his armies to help protect Hulsteria, should Edmund attack. It would seem I had no reason to force him. He admitted everything to me, but his story was different than the one you force-fed me.” Roderick could see the confusion on Stela’s face.
“Who is your grandfather?” Stela wanted to know.
“My grandfather is Morgan Stewar. You know him as Benedictus Antonio.” Roderick gave her a minute to take the revelation in.
“The Benedictus is your grandfather? How is that possible? They are not allowed to marry. Mother, I thought Roderick’s mother was your cousin? Someone, please give me the details,” Stela did not like the feeling that was filling the room.
“It would seem your mother and our grandfather came up with a rather horrible story about my lineage. It was an attempt to keep my grandfather and myself in line. A way to ensure we both stayed silent. I am sorry that I ruined your plans, Madeline,” Roderick did not want to shame her in front of her daughter, but she brought this upon herself.
“Madeline and Frederick decided to have my grandmother and mother killed and blame the deaths on the Benedictus. They allowed me to live as a bargaining chip against the wrath of Antonio. They threatened to expose him as a rapist if he made any move against them. Madeline told me the story and I decided to confront him. The real story of my grandparents is quite different from the tale the two concocted.” Roderick was trying to maintain himself, but his anger toward this woman made it difficult.
“My grandparents loved each other very much but knew they could not be together because of their positions within the church. They pledged their love to one another, and my mother was conceived on that night,” Roderick paused.
“Madeline’s great, great grandfather, married my grandmother when she became pregnant to prevent her from being shamed. He knew the truth of her child’s father. When your mother discovered the truth of who my grandfather was, she feared he would insist that I take the throne as George’s first born. Our father even asked Frederick to make me legitimate and allow me to take the throne, but grandfather refused. He and Madeline wanted to make sure you ascended the throne.” Roderick could see Madeline was nervous and Stela was confused.
“I see the Benedictus was able to corrupt your mind. He has turned you against me. This is why we, your grandfather and I, wanted to keep you from him. We knew he would warp your mind. You are right, your father did want you to be legitimized. I admitted that to you when we spoke. The Emperor believed you were not fit for the throne because it would have brought the truth of your lineage to light. Not for fear of the Benedictus, but for your safety. The men who killed Olivia and Belinda were heard talking about the Benedictus. How did he explain that?” Madeline needed to ensure Stela believed her.
“Excuse me. I do not mean to interrupt, but I believe I can shed some light on this subject.” Everyone turned to see Braynard standing in the room. He had entered unannounced and unnoticed. “May I approach, Empress?”
“Master Scientia, how did you get in here? The guards did not announce you.” Stela looked at the man. He was a mystery. “Of course. Please, if you can give me any insight into what these two are going on about, I would appreciate it.”
Braynard approached Madeline and her daughter. He placed a hand on Stela. The other was placed on Madeline. Madeline tried to avoid his touch, but it was pointless. Roderick watched as Braynard closed his eyes, a smile on his face.
Roderick could see the horror on Stela’s face and the pain on Madeline’s. He knew the Scientia was showing Stela what she needed to know. He was giving Stela proof of Roderick’s words and in turn the Benedictus’.
Braynard held the two in a trance, allowing Stela to see the secrets that Madeline held close to herself. Secrets that could shatter the woman’s life. Secrets that could once again tear this family apart.
Stela’s face showed the pain she was seeing. Tears appeared in her eyes. “Stop, Scientia. She has seen enough,” Roderick ordered.
“Not yet, Roderick. She needs to see it all. She needs to see the evils her mother has done,” Braynard did not even open his eyes to address him. Braynard released his grip when the visions were complete.
Stela stood there, motionless, staring at her brother. She turned to look at Madeline, who refused to meet her glance. “Mother, what have you done?”
“I told you. Your mother spread lies to keep the Benedictus from making any claims to the throne on my behalf.” Roderick felt bad for Stela, seeing the truths her mother fought so hard to hide.
“To hell with the throne. Mother, what did you do to our father?” Stela accused.
Roderick was not sure what the Scientia had shown her, but it was obviously different from what he was shown on Carpathia.
“Your father was going to make Roderick his legitimate heir after Frederick died. I could not allow that. Do you know the power Roderick would command? He would have the armies of Hulsteria and the Church. He would be a threat to all of Saaveth.” Madeline had tears in her eyes but still would not look at them.
“Madeline, what did you do?” Roderick asked.
“I did what any mother would do. I protected my daughter’s birthright. I am sorry, Stelaphina, he left me no choice,” Madeline tried to console her daughter.
“He was your husband. My father! You cried over him. Was grandfather a part of this?” Stela demanded answers.
“What did you do, Madeline?” Roderick was now the one confused.
“No, Stelaphina, your grandfather did not know what I did,” she could not look at Stela. She knew her daughter would never forgive her for what the Scientia had shown them.
“Roderick, I killed George. I killed him before he could make you his legitimate heir. He was sick but would have recovered. I needed to make my move before he recovered. I loved him, but I could not allow him to put his bastard on the throne. I was his wife. Stelaphina was his oldest true daughter. You were a mistake,” Madeline looked at him with hate in her eyes. “I should have ordered you killed with the two whores. Frederick thought it best that you come to us so we could watch over you. I knew it would come back to haunt me.”
“Guards,” Stela called out to the men stationed just outside her mother’s room.
“Majesty?” the guard opened the door.
“Please show the Empress Mother to the dungeon. She is to have no visitors and a guard stationed at her door around the clock. I am to be advised of anyone that attempts to speak with her.” Stela refused to look at Madeline as she was taken away.
“Stela, I am sorry. I had no idea she killed George. I should have figured it out based on what I was shown. I would have never believed she would take things that far.” Roderick felt responsible for what Stela saw. Had he kept what he knew to him and Madeline, Stela would not now be burdened with knowing her mother had murdered their father.
“It is not your fault, Roderick.” Stela was shaken by the visions. “Master Scientia, did you know what my mother had done when you showed me this?”
“Yes, Empress. You will find there is little of which I do not have knowledge,” Braynard stood watching the two.
“Why did you show me this? I am sure you could have avoided giving me these details,” Stela was starting to wonder about Braynard’s agenda.
“You need to see those you put the most trust in, are the ones you should trust the least. Those whose loyalties you question may prove to be your greatest support. There are dark days ahead. You need to learn to trust your instincts. You need to learn to protect your heart also.” Braynard’s words were sterile, cold.
“So, you destroy my family in an attempt to teach me a lesson? I have to wonder what is your underlying motivation, Master Scientia,” Stela was stern with Braynard. She believed there was more to the man than anyone was aware.
“I have not destroyed your family, Empress. The decisions they have made led to their fates. I granted Roderick visions from his grandfather. I believe his reaction to those visions was quite different from your own. His grandfather had no malice in his heart regarding Roderick. Your mother, on the other hand, had only malice, which is what you were shown, what was in her heart.” Braynard was growing bored with the Empress. “There will come a time you will require my assistance. Do not damage our relationship with facts.” Braynard bowed and left the room before Stela could say another word.
“Roderick, he showed you visions as well?”
“Yes, in Carpathia. When the Benedictus told me his side of the story, I did not believe him. Braynard placed his hands on us both, and I was able to see – no, feel, what Antonio felt for my grandmother. It is what convinced me to believe Antonio over Madeline.” Roderick realized even with the visions, Stela was still unsure of what was real. “I believe the Master Scientia means to help you become a great ruler. Allow him to guide you and use his influence to your benefit.”
“Perhaps you are right though it just seems so unbelievable. I am glad to learn you were not off on a crusade to gather forces to overthrow me. It is one less issue I must deal with.” Stela did have a great weight lifted from her shoulders and heart. “I just wish I knew if Edmund still lives. He is the last loose end I must address.”
“Why would you believe Edmund is dead? I saw him aboard a ship with Sofia the night I left for Carpathia.” Roderick was unaware of what Stela had done.
“I asked the Master Scientia to sink Edmund’s ship to stop him from reaching Xasha. He had rescued Sofia before he sank the ship. He is not sure if Edmund survived or not, or he will not tell me. If he did and made it to Xasha, I fear Hulsteria will see war.” Stela’s worry returned.
“You ordered the death of Edmund? Why would you do that Stela?” Roderick was surprised by her admission. “I have the support of the Benedictus’ army. His armies will far outweigh the armies Edmund could gather in Xasha,” Roderick tried to calm Stela.
“I could not risk him waging war against Hulsteria. I regret the decision but it was a necessary evil.” Stela knew the request was wrong. “What if he convinces the other realms to take up the attack?” Stela worried. Edmund was cunning.
“What would he use to bring them to his campaign? If he would attack and be successful, I cannot see the other realms allowing him to rule the two realms. It would throw off the balance of power. The realms have always maintained a balance to prevent one empire from becoming too strong.” Roderick was right. The realms created a system of checks and balance for each other.
“I have discovered my husband is a master at manipulation. Who knows what he might claim to get their support. Empress Consort Lena is niece to Empress Consort Lyons of Savien. I am sure it would not take much for her to garner Savien’s support. I just believe he will do whatever is necessary to realize his desire.” Stela sat, needing to relax, even if only for a moment. “We have to tell Orthia and Sofia about mother. They will never believe me.”
“We will make them believe us. I am sure Madeline will deny it all to them. You must remain strong regardless of what they say or how they react,” Roderick sat next to Stela.
“Now that I know our father wished you to be his heir, I will abdicate the throne to you, Roderick. I think you may be better suited for the job.” Stela held her head, knowing she had failed her grandfather and possibly the people of Hulsteria.
“Nonsense, Stela. You were born for this. I accept that only father believed I should be upon the throne. Grandfather believed you were better suited. I do not think it had to do with legitimacy either. I think our grandfather saw something in you. Something that made him realize you were the one for the job. Our father only wanted to make me his heir as a sense of duty for what had happened to my mother and the fact that he denied me for so long.” Roderick believed what he said. He had no desire to rule, as he had told Stela many times.
“Do you think I can do this, Roderick? Do you think I can face Edmund if he is alive and coming to claim Hulsteria?” Stela questioned.
“I think you have potential. You just need the training grandfather never gave you. It is time I train you, after Zephyr’s Naming Ceremony. If you wish to face an invader, you need to be prepared. While armies will keep most invaders at bay, there are those that may face you. You need to know how to defend yourself. I will teach you how to master the sword. If I cannot be there to protect, I want to know that you can protect yourself,” Roderick said as he reached over and grabbed her hand.
“I think you are trying to take Jordan’s job from him. If I can protect myself, what need will I have of him?�
�� she looked up as the door opened. At the mention of his name, no matter how silent, he showed up. She laughed.
“Majesty, did you need me?” Jordan rushed over to her.
“No, Jordan. The Imperial Prince Royal and I were just discussing my training as a swordsman. What do you think of that?” Stela laughed as she made the declaration.
“I do not think that would be wise, Majesty. Once you are armed, you are a target in battle,” Jordan’s concern surprised Stela. “Besides, I do not think your clothing would help you on the field of battle.”
“Do not worry, Jordan. You can help me train her. Together we will make her a formidable opponent,” Roderick gave the captain a smile.
“As you wish, Imperial Prince Royal.” Jordan bowed, then stepped away.
“Let us go speak with our sisters. I am sure they are wondering what is happening.” Roderick followed Stela as she left the room.
“It will all be a lot for them to take in.” Stela followed closely behind Jordan, leading her to her sisters still waiting in the Great Hall.
Six
Stela and Roderick entered to find their sisters and his wife exactly where they had left them.
“I believe we should start by explaining where I have been before we go into what Madeline has done,” Roderick commented as they approached the three.
“I agree, though I do not think they will believe any of it. You, the grandson of the Benedictus, a conspiracy to keep you from the throne, and our mother a murderess.” Stela looked at her brother, still unsure if she believed what she saw and all that had transpired. She did not doubt the abilities of Braynard, but it all seemed somewhat planned.
“What were you two up to? Why did you rush off to see mother?” Sofia addressed them as they approached, keeping her voice low.
“Where were you all this time, Roderick?” Julianna was not pleased with her husband. She could sense something was not right.
“I went to visit the Benedictus. I asked that he allow me to use his armies,” Roderick addressed both women.
