by Frank David
The light vanished. Braynard quickly tended to Charity. Her pulse was weak but not gone. He laid his hands on her back, healing her wounds.
“Is she okay?” Stela asked as she approached Braynard.
“She will be fine,” he responded.
“What happened to Jordan?” She turned to see his burnt body. The flames had subsided.
“I showed him why he should not rise up against you.” Braynard continued healing Charity.
“What are you going to do with her pain? There is no one here to give it to, besides me,” she paused. Was he in on the plot also? Was he going to heal Charity just to kill her?
“Do not worry, Stela. If I wanted you dead, I would not need to do it this way. I do not have to release it like the other healers.”
Charity sat up. “Well, that was not fun. Thank you, Braynard.” She stood.
Sofia was first to enter the room. “Stela, are you okay?”
“I am. It seems Jordan arranged this.” Stela hugged her sister.
The others entered the room. “Stela, we need to get you out of here,” Roderick ordered. “I am afraid we should go alone.”
“I am going with you,” Astrid added. “You cannot rely on weapons alone. These attacks came from nowhere. I can offer you additional protection.”
“Very well.” Roderick worried that she might try something, but he could use the extra help since he did not know who he could trust on the guards. “Perhaps our two new guards should join us as well.”
“I would be glad to join you,” Harris responded quickly.
“Count me in as well,” Felicia added.
“No, I would like Felicia to stay behind. I fear we may have other attacks. Having her here will help to protect those left behind. I can sense them, but I cannot do anything about them,” Sofia requested.
“I think that is wise,” Stela said. “I do not want to leave the palace unprotected with all the guests here.”
Angelique entered. “What am I to do, where should I go?” She said this as she raised her hand and a small cloud formed about 5 inches above the outstretched palm. Lightning extended down from the cloud, finding her palm. “I do not know what purpose my power might serve, but whatever I can do, I would be honored to assist.”
“Angelique, stay here with the others, please,” Stela answered.
“It is decided. Astrid, Harris, Stela and I will head out immediately. Grandfather, can you stay for a bit to help get things under control?” Roderick asked.
“I will stay as long as I can. My armies are on their way to Hulsteria. I believe that given the attack, you should consider attacking Xasha, Empress,” Antonio offered his opinion.
“No. If we attack, it will make Edmund’s claims against me seem true. We have to wait until they go on the offensive. We need to get word out for all the kingdoms to be on the alert. Who knows who else Edmund will try to attack.” Stela stood. “Charity, are you alright?”
“I am. I will stay at the palace with Sofia. I will send Chris and Gage back to Suffort.” Charity stood, her back still sore but the pain was subsiding. “I believe you are right, Stela. Do not attack Xasha, it would only look bad for you.”
Stela turned back to the Benedictus. “I think the events that occurred today have proven my marriage to the Emperor Consort has come to an end. Will you approve an annulment? I do not think I could face him if we were still married.”
“Of course, Majesty. I will have the orders written and delivered to the Imperial Prince Royal.” The Benedictus bowed and backed out of the room leaving the others to discuss their plans.
“I will send word to my father, letting him know the truth about Edmund. If the other realms back Edmund, this would be a war Hulsteria could not win,” Astrid offered.
“Sofia, I need you to keep the Imperials at the palace. Order the Royals to return to their kingdoms and prepare for the coming war,” Stela instructed. “Braynard, is there some way to have the Scientia assist the kingdoms, protect them?”
“I will send the request out. I will only ask them to protect if there is an attack. I will not ask them to initiate any attacks,” Braynard vanished.
“Astrid, can you use the ravens to send word to the other realms of what happened here today? I believe word would reach them faster if you can send the ravens,” Stela asked.
“I can Stelaphina. I will write the notes myself, then send the birds off in all directions,” Astrid turned to leave.
“I would like you to send one to Xasha. I will prepare the note for Edmund myself.” Stela sat at the table to write the message to her husband. “Here, make sure the raven finds Edmund.” She handed the note to Astrid.
“Where is the ambassador for Xasha? We need to know if he was aware of the attack.” Stela needed to know how deeply Edmund’s plan had gone. “Find him and bring him to me.”
“Sofia, please protect my children.” Stela worried leaving them behind. “I do not think Edmund would harm them, but I cannot be certain.”
“Do not worry about the children. We will protect them all,” Sofia hugged her sister.
“Let us leave,” Roderick ordered. Stela and Harris followed him out.
Kyle approached Astrid. “What is going on Astrid? Why must you join them?”
“Kyle, I have power over animals. I can see what they see and have them do my bidding. I think it is best that I accompany the others to help protect Stelaphina.” She was not sure how he would take the information.
“Then I am going with you. It would seem Stelaphina needs all the help she can get.” Kyle took her hand.
Astrid began writing the messages to the other realms. Once finished she called the ravens to her. They stood on the table as she attached the notes to each bird’s leg. ‘Deliver these to the realms. Make sure each finds its way to the Emperors,’ she commanded the birds. She tied Stelaphina’s letter to the last bird. ‘To Xasha. When the message has been delivered to the Emperor Consort, do your best to make him pay for what he attempted here today.’ With that, the birds flew off, out of the palace.
“We need to join the others,” Astrid said, grabbing Kyle’s hand as they ran out of the palace.
“I guess I can trust you with my son. You have proven yourself here today, Braynard. I trust that you will train my son well. I see now the importance of preparing him.” Charity lowered her head before the Scientia.
“I am glad you now know you can trust me. However, I will not be taking your son for training. I do not believe there is time. I will leave him in your care and trust that you will do your best to lead him.” He looked at Charity, knowing his decision would please her.
Frederick and Elizabeth ran over to Felicia seeing her standing in the Great Hall.
“Felicia, are you alright?” Frederick asked his daughter.
“I am fine. I will be staying at the palace to help protect the Imperials. I think it is best if you both stay here as well,” she suggested. “No one knows where Edmund will strike next.”
“We will stay. When this is all over, we need to talk.” Elizabeth could sense Sofia wanted to speak with Felicia. She led her husband out of the room, leaving the two women alone.
“I am curious, Felicia. Why did you take my handkerchief when I offered it?” Sofia asked Felicia, once her parents had left.
Felicia felt awkward. “I am sorry, Imperial Princess Royal. I should not have deceived you.”
“I am not here to scold you, Felicia. Please, we are family, you may call me Sofia. You know the rumors that circulate about you, do you not?” Sofia did not want to say the words. She preferred that Felicia offer the words.
“I know what people say about me. It is true, Sofia, I prefer the company of women.” Felicia felt no shame as she spoke the words.
“I have never given it much consideration, but I will admit I was taken by your beauty when I believed you to be a man,” Sofia confessed. “When I discovered you were a woman, I was intrigued by your beauty even more.”
> Felicia blushed. “I have always believed you to be the most beautiful woman I have ever set eyes upon. As children, I was attracted to you, but now as women, my desire for you is even greater. I hope my words do not offend.”
Sofia moved closer to Felicia. “I hope this shows you no offense was taken.” She leaned in and kissed Felicia.
Felicia wrapped her hand around Sofia’s waist and pulled her close. The sweetness of Sofia’s mouth was intoxicating. Much better than how Harris’ mouth tasted. She released her grip. The kiss ended.
“I hope you know I did not use any powers against you for that kiss,” Felicia added quickly. She did not want Sofia to think she had done something unscrupulous.
“I know you did not, but I knew it was what you wanted,” Sofia gave her a wink. “To be honest, it was what I wanted as well. I am glad you will be staying here to protect us. I must get outside and inform the others of Stela’s command.” Felicia followed Sofia out to the courtyard.
“Frederick!” the voice called out as Frederick and Elizabeth were returning to the courtyard. “I wish to speak with you.”
Frederick turned to see the robed man approaching him. “Sir, do I know you?” He turned to his wife. “I will join you in the courtyard shortly, my dear.” Elizabeth left the two to talk.
“You do not Imperial Royal Highness, but I know you. I know that Harris is your son. I think it is time you claim him. He will make a fine heir. Your daughter has no desire to serve your duchy. Your other daughter, Samantha, I fear is too anxious to rule.” Braynard confronted the man.
“I do not know what you are talking about sir. I have two daughters and no son.” Frederick’s voice gave him away.
“You do not need to lie, Frederick. I am Braynard, leader of the Scientia. If you would like I can show you that he is your son.” He reached for Frederick’s arm.
The flashes began, Frederick and Harris’ mother. Frederick pulled his arm away. “I do not need to be reminded of my indiscretions. I know the boy is my son, but I cannot make him my heir.”
“I believe the Empress would approve if you did. He will be instrumental in the war against Xasha. It would also please Felicia if she were no longer your heir. She has found her place among the Empress’ guard, which is where she wants to be. Also, I sense a relationship forming for her which will bring her much happiness. Do not deny her this.” Braynard stared at the man as he spoke.
“How do I explain this to my wife? She will not be happy to know that my bastard child will be named heir.” There were few Frederick feared more than his wife.
“You tell her the truth. She wants Samantha to be named your heir. Now is the time to make your desire known that Harris will be your heir. Once Stelaphina approves, there is little Elizabeth can do to stop it. The Empress has not left yet. Go to her. Make her aware of your desire to name Harris your heir.” Braynard bowed before Frederick.
Frederick rushed out of the palace. He found Stela and the others preparing to leave. “Empress!” he shouted.
Stela turned to see Frederick rushing over to them. “Cousin,” she greeted him.
“I wish to change my heir, with your permission,” he said, catching his breath. He looked at Harris, then to Felicia. Felicia stared at him. She had not wanted his title but to know he was going to give it to Samantha made her uneasy.
“Frederick, must this be done now? There is much happening and I am preparing to leave.” Stela found it odd he would need to do this now.
“I am afraid it cannot wait, Majesty. I want to name my son my heir.” He again looked at Harris.
“I was not aware you had a son, only two daughters.” Stela was intrigued.
“I wish to name my son Harris Morrison, heir to the Imperial Grand Archduchy of Raamsfeld.” Frederick was not sure how his announcement would be received.
“Both of today’s victors are your children? You wish to remove Felicia’s birthright and assign it to a bastard child?” Stela looked at Felicia who seemed relieved at the announcement. She looked at Harris who had no expression. “Does this please you both? Are you satisfied with your father’s decision?”
“Majesty, my only desire is to serve you,” Felicia answered. “I do not want the title that is my birthright. I happily give it to my brother.”
“I am honored the Imperial Grand Archduke wishes to name me his heir, but I fear how the man who raised me as his own will take the news, Majesty.” Harris worried the man he knew as his father would be deeply hurt to learn the truth of Harris’ peerage.
“Fear not, Harris. The man you have called father for many years knows he is not your true father. Your mother confessed her infidelity many years ago, not wishing to lie to the man she loved. Accept your true birthright, my boy.” Braynard as always knew the perfect time to arrive and impart his wisdom.
“Very well. If Felicia approves, I would be honored to be named heir.” He looked at Frederick who gave him a smile and placed his hand on Harris’ shoulder.
“It is settled, Harris is your legitimate heir. Will you be changing your name to Lester now?” Stela asked Harris.
“If my father would allow, I would prefer to keep my name to honor the man who raised me.” Harris looked at Frederick who nodded in approval.
“Let those in attendance know that Harris Morrison has been named heir to the Imperial Grand Archduchy of Raamsfeld. Now, I do not wish to appear rude, but we must take our leave.” Stela smiled as she entered the carriage.
The man was brought to the carriage as it was preparing to leave. “Majesty, Ambassador Conrad Hoffman of Xasha,” the guard announced, pushing the man before the window of the carriage.
“Ambassador Hoffman, were you aware of the attack planned here today?” Stela asked.
“I am sorry Majesty. Why would I know of the attack?” Conrad responded, surprised by the question.
“The attack was planned by Jordan Maxwell, one of your countrymen, and the former Emperor Consort.” Stela watched the man who became uneasy.
“Majesty, there must be some mistake. The Emperor Consort has not been seen since he set sail for Xasha.” Conrad knew the truth that Edmund was in Xasha, but he needed to convince Stela she was wrong.
“Ambassador, I know he lives and is in Xasha. If you are lying, I will have you tried for treason, and the punishment will not be as lenient as my mother’s,” Stela threatened.
“I am aware the Emperor Consort is alive, but I assure you he was not behind this attack to the best of my knowledge.” Conrad did not want to risk his life to protect Edmund.
“Very well. You are hereby ordered to leave Hulsteria at once. Return to Xasha, inform your Imperial Prince Royal that we no longer have need of an Ambassador from Xasha.” Stela gave the command for the carriage to leave as the guards escorted Conrad away.
“I am sorry I did not come forward sooner, Harris.” Frederick stopped Harris from mounting his horse. “I wish I had been more of a father to you.”
“I have a great father. He raised me well. I do not regret not knowing the truth until now. I think, had I been aware, my life would have been more complicated and I would not be where I am now.” Harris eased Frederick’s mind as he mounted his steed. “When I return, we will spend some time together and get to know one another, father.” He waved as he followed the carriage out of the courtyard.
Twenty
He pushed the old man through the gardens. He wanted nothing more than for the old man to die already. His days were long and boring. He hated being trapped here with the old man. He would make Malcolm suffer for leaving him behind. He wanted to return to Saltwater, but he needed to stay with Duke Suffolk. The Duke insisted he learn the ways of a royal. The Duke believed he was the only one who could conduct such lessons.
“Luke, take me back to the manor. I am getting a bit too warm,” the old man ordered.
Luke turned the man’s chair in the direction of Nottingham. With each step, the ground beneath his feet shook. He was finding it difficult to
control his powers. He was allowing his emotions to get the better of him. His anger caused him issue. He was becoming annoyed that the Duke had not yet died. He prayed every evening before bed that he would wake to find the Duke gone. It would seem the Goddess ignored his wishes.
“You have been doing well with your training. When the king returns from Jascaessau, I believe you will be ready to be presented to him,” Thomas said with a cough. His health was declining, but he was doing his best to hold tight to his physical form. “The ceremony only began yesterday, so we have a few more days until he returns. It will give us time to finish your training.”
“Thank you, Your Grace,” Luke responded. “I hope that when I am presented. I make you proud.” He pasted a fake smile on his face as the Duke turned to look at him.
“I am sure you will do fine,” Thomas returned the smile. “If you do anything inappropriate, you will pay for your insolence.”
“I would do no such thing, Your Grace.” Luke tired of being polite to the old man. The Duke did not deserve the respect he demanded. If only he knew the truth of Luke’s heritage, he would be bowing before Luke, not the other way around.
The Duke’s butler, Carl, met them at the door as they approached. He quickly lifted the old man out of the chair as Luke struggled to pull the contraption up the steps to the door. Carl placed Thomas back in the chair and pushed him into the library where the two would remain until the midday meal was served.
“It is much cooler inside. I find the midday sun to be too much for me in my later years.” Thomas grabbed the book sitting on the side table. “I am going to read until the food is prepared unless there is something you wish to discuss.”
“No, enjoy the book. I believe I will ask Carl to prepare a bath for me. I agree the midday sun was a bit much and I now feel the need to be cleaned before eating.” Luke stood to leave.
Carl entered the room, followed by a man Luke has not seen before. “Your Grace, the King’s messenger wishes to speak with you.” Carl turned to leave the men.
“Carl, please prepare a bath. The heat makes me wish to cool off in the water,” Luke ordered.
