by Frank David
Luke was on his bed. He was envisioning being Duke. He knew his sister would get him what they both wanted. They had worked too hard to let an old woman or foolish man stand in their way.
Daniella opened the door. “Get up,” she ordered. “You need to learn to react quicker. When someone of higher station enters, you need to address them appropriately, sister or not. If we are to be successful, you have to make sure your manners are beyond reproach.”
Luke jumped to his feet. “Your Imperial Highness,” he bowed.
“That is not fast enough and you cannot wait to be reminded. If you ruin this, you will be the first person I see executed,” Daniella walked over and smacked her brother in the head. “Malcolm has agreed to take you to meet Duke Suffolk of Wardry South. Apparently, he is an old Duke with no family or heir. He is going to convince the Duke to name you his heir. You need to be on your best behavior. You are leaving in the morning, so get packing.”
“What are you going to do about the old lady? I think she is going to be a problem. You seem to have control over Malcolm but she will not be as easily swayed, and I doubt your charms will work on her. We still have to worry about his two brats as well,” Luke walked over to the closet to begin picking out clothes for the trip. “How long will we be gone?”
“I do not know. It depends on how long it takes Malcolm to secure you the position. Do not worry about the Dowager Duchess, I have plans for her. She will give me a chance to test out something I have been working on. As far as his children, once he is gone, they will become my responsibility. I will be Albert’s regent. I can do as I wish with the duchy. Also, accidents happen every day in Hulsteria. Tragic really.” Daniella came up behind her brother. “It is all so close, do not screw it up. Now pack. Then get some sleep. You have to be at your best tomorrow when you meet the Duke. I will be leaving for Jascaessau. It seems the Imperial Prince Royal has returned and brought the man who killed the Empress’ cousin with him. She is preparing him for court and I want to be there to watch him suffer.”
“How are you going to set everything in motion? Have you thought that out yet, sister?”
“I do not have to do anything. The Empress is going to do it all for me. I just have to wait.”
Eight
Felicia made her way down the staircase, careful to avoid the staff. The palace was already alive with activity preparing for the day ahead. She had asked her parents to visit the Empress; they refused. Believing the rumors of war to be true, they did not want their daughter anywhere near what would surely be the front lines. She wanted to serve the Empress as her first female guard. Her parents thought her foolish. Her father was Imperial Grand Archduke of Raamsfeld, and she was his heir. Her duty was to oversee the duchy upon his death and marry a suitable Imperial.
Her father, Frederick, was a cousin to the Empress. His great, great grandfather was Stelaphina’s great, great, great grandfather. The Lester family married into the Imperial Onlinger line. The Lester name was present during the battle against the barbarians. Nelson Lester, first of his line, stood beside Declan Dorman. When the battles ended, Declan rewarded Nelson with the Imperial Grand Archduchy.
Her parents’ dreams for her were not her own. She wanted to fight. Her father had no sons, so he taught his daughter from an early age the sword. She honed her skills and developed quite an aptitude for the weapon. She was often in trouble for riding into Augustus and starting fights with the more unsavory characters who would take advantage of the poor and weak. She was particularly fond of going after men who believed they were entitled to take any woman they desired. She had cut more than one such man in her short fifteen years.
She refused the dresses and jewels customary for her position. Instead, she preferred leather pants and shirts. The dresses made fighting difficult. Her long blond hair was a nuisance. Her mother would not allow her to cut it short. She would wear it up as tight as she could stand it. She was an attractive girl which drove Felicia mad. She hated when men looked at her with desire. She had no time for love. She only had a desire to fight those who fed on the fears of others. She knew if she could serve the Imperial guard she would make a difference. Her actions would be justified and protected by her position.
Her parents had refused her request so today she was making her future for herself. While the Empress was very familiar with her parents, Stelaphina had not seen Felicia since she was a small child. She was sure the Empress would not know her when she arrived in Jascaessau. She was hoping she would be allowed to show the Empress her skills. She was sure the Empress would be impressed. Only once she was offered a position on the Imperial guard would she tell the Empress who she really was.
She reached the stables and quietly prepared the horse for the journey. She would ride across Raamsfeld and enter Shoudfield. From there she would secure passage across Bloody Bay to Jascaessau. The trip would take her a few days, but she was determined to reach her destination. Once her parents woke they would discover her gone, but they would not worry initially. Felicia was always sneaking out to visit the cities. This would give her time to be far gone before they sent anyone looking for her. As she mounted her horse, she looked at Dunmere Palace, the place she called home. The Palace was just outside the city limits of Augustus, the capital of Raamsfeld. She wondered if this would be the last time she would see the place. If all went according to her plans, Jascaessau would be her new home.
Felicia secured her blade at her side. She nudged her horse along, not wanting to bring any attention to herself. Once she was beyond the gates of the Palace, she allowed the horse to run full speed along the road which led toward Shoudfield. She had made her decision, and no one was to stop her. She would arrive in Jascaessau and present herself to the Empress.
The newly born son of Stelaphina would have his naming ceremony shortly. Felicia knew this would be the perfect opportunity. There would be tournaments open to all who lived in Hulsteria. The naming ceremony was a huge occasion. After the child survived six months, he would be given his titles as well as Imperial and Royal names. Felicia never understood the tradition. It was started during the time of Abigail. She had given birth to several children who did not make it beyond a few months. In an attempt to protect herself the pain of losing another child, she made it law that Imperial and Royal children would not be accepted into the peerage until reaching the age of six months.
The child would be granted a special name from the Imperial Ruler and a name from the ruler of their kingdom. Felicia’s own name was Felicia Maria Margaret Lester. Maria was the name Emperor Frederick had given her and Margaret was from King Landon Crow, the current king’s father. The belief was that having a name assigned cemented your loyalty to both kingdom and empire.
As she rode, she focused on what laid ahead. The border of Shoudfield was about a thirty-mile ride. She would arrive by sunset. She would set up camp for the night just over the border. From the border of Shoudfield to the port city of Denton, it would be about twenty miles. The voyage across the bay would be several hours depending on the temperament of the sea. Her hope was to arrive in Jascaessau within three days.
****
Frederick entered the dining hall, his wife, Elizabeth, waiting. “Good morning, Elizabeth,” the Imperial Grand Archduke greeted his wife. “Where is our daughter?”
“The maids saw her sneaking out this morning,” Elizabeth sat back as a plate was placed in front of her. “What are we going to do with her? They said she went out in her leather gear again.”
“The child is impossible. We will give her a few hours, then send the men out to bring her back,” Frederick took his seat as a plate was placed before him.
“I do not understand why she cannot just be a proper young lady. Why is she always looking for ways to get into trouble? I blame you for her disposition. She is your daughter, but you raised her as if she were your son. I knew teaching her the sword would come back to haunt us both.” Elizabeth took a sip of her tea while giving her husband a
disapproving glance.
“I wanted her to be able to protect herself. I did not think she would become obsessed with vigilante justice,” he returned the look.
“She is your heir, she has a security detail. There is no reason for a girl of her breeding to fight for herself. We have men to do that for us. She costs the duchy a fortune in reparations, the poor men she attacks in the streets. We have to pay for their silence.” Elizabeth had spent more on silencing her daughter’s victims than on staff wages.
“I agree, she needs to be more tolerant. Though can you honestly deny the men had it coming?” Frederick laughed. His daughter was gifted with the sword. He had never seen anyone beat her. “Perhaps we should let her visit with Stelaphina. She will see she is not quite as capable as the Imperial guard and give up this fantasy.”
“She is your heir. It would not be appropriate for her to even entertain such ideas. You should not encourage her. She has a duty to the people of the duchy, not a duty to serve as a guard to the Empress.” Elizabeth watched as her younger daughter entered the room.
“She is not our only child, Elizabeth. If she really wants to denounce her birthright, should we stop her? I am sure Samantha would be happy to take her place as heir. At least Samantha takes her position seriously,” Frederick stopped as his younger daughter entered the room.
“Good morning. Let me guess, my sister has escaped once again?” Samantha took her seat. “When will you contain her? She is an embarrassment to our name, out fighting in the streets like a commoner. My friends wonder if she is sane. I think you should marry her off. That will stop her adventures.”
“You know your sister will not be “married off”, as you put it. She needs to be allowed to live as she pleases, for now. Once she takes my place she will live up to the title, of this I am sure,” Frederick was always defending his oldest daughter.
“Father, you need to realize, Felicia has no desire to be your heir. Could you see her handling Imperial business in those leather pants? She mocks the position.” Samantha loved her sister but tired of her antics.
“Samantha, she is the heir. As such, she deserves your respect. She is unconventional, I admit, but I believe she has a good heart and will rule the duchy fairly.” He had high hopes for Felicia, though at times those hopes were tested.
“Samantha, I was suggesting that your father reconsider his heir. I believe he should announce you as heir. It is obvious your sister has no desire to fill his position.” Elizabeth wanted her daughter’s input on the topic.
“Father, you know I would be a fine heir. I am refined, where Felicia is rough around the edges. I have been raised in court. The Empress is familiar with me, having attended all the events in Jascaessau. Felicia has avoided all Imperial responsibilities.”
“It is not up for discussion. Felicia is my first born, and therefore she is the heir. I swear you and your mother have been conspiring against her for years. Her strength will serve her well in the position.” It was an argument he and his wife had many times.
“Besides, we have larger concerns. I received word from King Maximilian. It seems the Emperor Consort has gone missing and his brother has been found dead. The Empress seems to believe her husband is planning an invasion on Hulsteria to claim the Imperial throne. She is seeking the armies of the kingdoms to prepare for battle. Felicia has picked a bad time to run off. I must prepare my men for service, not have them off stopping her from getting into trouble,” Frederick shared the news with his family.
“Edmund would not attack Hulsteria. What would his reason be?” Samantha had always been fascinated by the Emperor Consort.
“Samantha, it is time you understand the nature of men. We are wired to conquer. We desire battle. It shows our power. I am sure sitting at his wife’s side as she ruled injured his pride,” Frederick replied. “Elizabeth, I will leave retrieving our daughter in your capable hands. I must speak with the men and prepare them.” Frederick finished his breakfast and made his way out to meet his men in the yard.
“Arthur,” Elizabeth called to the butler. “Please have a couple of men sent to Augustus to bring Her Imperial Royal Highness back to Dunmere, at once. We do not have time for her games today.”
“Samantha, do not worry. He will come around and see you are more fit to be his heir than Felicia. That girl knows nothing of duty. She only knows life with that damned sword.” Elizabeth walked over to her daughter and kissed her on the head. “You will be his heir, I promise. Your sister is too unstable to man such a position.”
Nine
Charity sat in the study, reading. Her boys were sword fighting just beyond her, the clash of their wooden swords disturbing her peace. Christopher sat across from her, encouraging the boys. He shouted instruction as the two battled.
“Chris, could you please take the boys outside. I am trying to relax. The noise is disturbing.” She looked up from her book.
“Come on boys. Let us take your fighting out to the courtyard. Your mother needs her peace,” he said, giving her a kiss as they left her.
She returned to her book. A knock on the door disturbed her yet again. “Enter,” she called out.
“Imperial Highness, I have a message from Rothmar,” the butler handed her the letter.
She was surprised to receive a letter, she had only just seen Stela a few days prior. She could not imagine what she wanted.
Charity,
It seems Roderick has returned. He has brought a gift with him. Please return to Rothmar at your earliest convenience. I believe you will be quite pleased with this particular gift. I look forward to seeing you.
Stela
Charity put the note down and rushed out to speak with Chris. It would seem today would not be a day of relaxation after all. She entered the courtyard and watched the boys working their swords. She was proud of how skilled they were at such young ages.
“Chris, Stela has called me to the palace. It seems Roderick has returned and has brought a gift that Stela insists I see. I will be leaving at once,” she needed to prepare.
“Will you be returning or staying the night at the palace? I assume Roderick did not leave to find support to his claim on the throne.” Chris did not attempt to hide his contempt. He was glad his wife had mended her relationship with the Empress, but he knew it meant she would be spending more time at the palace. He hated to admit he liked it when the two were not speaking as he was afforded more time with his wife.
“I will take a few things just in case. I will try to make it back tonight, but I make no promises.” She turned and went in to have some things packed for the trip.
****
Charity arrived at the palace by midday. She was taken to the library where Stela and her siblings were gathered. “I take it you have not been labeled a traitor, Roderick.”
“Charity,” Roderick rushed over to greet her. “What a pleasure to see you.”
“Charity, I did not expect you to arrive so quickly. I am glad you are here though,” Stela went to greet her cousin. “Jordan, have the prisoner brought to the library,” she called to her guard. He disappeared out the door.
“Charity, now that you are here perhaps you can talk some sense into Stela. She wants to execute our mother,” Sofia wanted to plead her mother’s case to their cousin. Hoping she would side with Sofia on the subject.
“Execute your mother? What did I miss?” Charity could not imagine what could have transpired for the Empress Mother to be held for execution.
“It seems our mother murdered our father. It was an attempt to keep Roderick from the throne. As such she should be punished. I have not yet decided on what to do with her, but my sister would like her to be released to Jacob and sent to live with him. I do not think that is the appropriate course of action,” Stela tried to fill Charity in on the details.
“Sofia, are you and Jacob still on good terms? I would think after everything with Edmund, he would not be so forgiving.” Charity tried to make her words not appear judgmental, bu
t she was sure she failed.
“I have returned, and that is all that matters to Jacob. I explained the situation. I had to beg a bit, but in the end, I believe he will come around. I did have to promise him a child that was his. We have been working to see that promise fulfilled.” Sofia knew it was hard for people to believe Jacob would forgive her so easily. In truth, he had not forgiven her but had agreed to make it seem so in public. He had lost all his trust in her. She was working hard to regain his trust because she did care for him deeply. She had made a hasty decision with Edmund and she did not want to pay for that error for the rest of her life. She was determined to get back in Jacob’s good graces.
The five sat as the story was explained. Roderick explained his connection to the Benedictus. Stela explained the visions she had been granted into what her mother and grandfather had done to keep Roderick from the throne. Charity was not sure what to believe. The stories were compelling, but they seemed just that, stories. They expected her to believe a mystic gave a glimpse into Madeline’s heart, the conspiracy created to keep Roderick from his grandfather, and the murders of his mother and grandmother. It all seemed too far-fetched. It would seem the siblings believed the stories. The door to the library opened and Jordan appeared pulling a man behind him. Charity recognized him at once.
“You,” she yelled as she rushed toward him. Roderick stopped her knowing her anger would get the better of her.
“Do not hold me back, Roderick,” Charity struggled to be free of his grip. “Let me show him what pain is.”
Samuel stood there staring at the Imperial Archduchess. His eyes taunting her. He smiled at her, fueling her anger further. “Charity, you look well,” he teased her with his words. “Are you still mourning that faggot’s death? You should really find something else to occupy your time. He is not worth it. He burns in hell for his sins.”
“You bastard,” Charity still fought to be free of Roderick. “If the Imperial Prince Royal were not holding me back, I would cut you down myself.”
