by Frank David
“Edmund, think about your actions. I told you your crusade against Hulsteria could be successful. If you do this, I can promise you, your life will end here today. You may take the life of the Empress Consort and future Emperor, but your brother will end your life.” Braynard tried to reason with Edmund.
“What am I to do? This will end my chances to take the throne of Hulsteria. Lena will have me imprisoned.” Edmund was unsure of what choices he had.
“Let her go, Edmund. I want you to attack Hulsteria. I will see to it that you have your chance against Stelaphina. Lower your sword,” Braynard commanded.
Edmund released Lena who quickly ran from him. Victor approached him.
“Brother, I should strike you down, but I believe the Scientia has more in store for you and that is worse than anything I could do to you. If you ever raise a hand or sword to my wife or child again, I will finish you myself.” With that, his brother was gone.
Braynard approached Lena. The woman was shaking, not sure of what was about to happen. He put his hand on the woman and she collapsed. Braynard placed her on the couch.
“She will remember none of this. She will remember her powers but will have no recollection of your sins. Do not try to do her any harm for this I will not allow. Pursue your vengeance against Stela but do nothing against Lena,” Braynard warned Edmund.
“What did Victor mean that you had more in store for me?” Edmund questioned the Scientia.
“That is not for you to know…” Braynard vanished from the room.
Edmund was left alone in the room with Lena. He was unsure if the Scientia could be trusted, but he seemed to support Edmund’s choice to take Hulsteria, which was enough for him to overcome his doubts.
“Edmund, what happened?” Lena was waking. “The last thing I remember was you entering the room.”
“You fainted. I think you need to rest.” Edmund helped her to her feet. “I think the idea of war against Hulsteria has been too much for you. I promise I will not harm your family when I attack the capital.” He called the guard to come and take the Empress Consort to her room, leaving him alone to contemplate what all that had transpired meant.
****
The carriage approached the entrance of the royal palace of Uhl, Hawley Palace. Luke looked out the window as the carriage entered the gates. The home was larger than his sister’s home, Tarmlan. He thought her entire estate could fit within the courtyard of Hawley. The carriage came to a halt just outside the palace doors. A footman opened the door, allowing Luke to exit.
“I have come for an audience with His Royal Majesty. I am Luke Gallagher, brother of Her Imperial Highness, Daniella Gallagher,” Luke instructed the footman.
“As you wish. Please follow me.” The footman showed him to the great hall, where he was instructed to wait for the king.
The room was boring. He had expected it to be more. He had heard of the grand parties held in the great halls across Hulsteria. He could not imagine this room ever being grand. The walls were stone. The kingdom’s flag hung along each wall but beyond these, the room was devoid of much color. Wooden tables and benches lined the sides of the room. At the far end was a raised platform where two thrones sat. The larger throne was much more ornate, while the smaller was quite plain. Only the blue velvet covering the seat gave it any sign of significance.
“Mr. Gallagher,” the voice greeted him. He turned to see King Kieran approaching him.
Luke quickly bowed as the man neared. “Your Royal Majesty.”
“My court is closed due to the events at the Imperial Prince Royal’s naming ceremony on Jascaessau.” Kieran sounded annoyed by Luke’s presence.
“I am sorry, Majesty. I am here on behalf of Duke Thomas Suffolk of Wardry South.” Luke handed the letters to the king.
Kieran took the papers the boy offered. He studied the letters carefully. “So, Duke Suffolk wishes to name you his heir? I thought he had decided on a cousin.” Kieran looked at the boy.
“He has, Majesty. It was at the request of my sister, Imperial Archduchess of Red Hill,” he added.
“I know your sister. She has made quite a name for herself. A simple girl from Norland achieving such a title is unusual. She has now used that title to try to obtain a title for you?” Kieran was not sure he agreed with the boy being named heir to the duchy. “Why does your sister wish you to have a title? What have you done to deserve such a rise in station, other than being your sister’s brother?”
“She wishes to ensure I am well-tended to should anything happen to her. I admit I have done no great act to receive such a position, but I do hope Your Majesty sees fit to agree to the Duke’s request.” Luke was becoming upset with the king’s questioning, but he needed to maintain his temper.
“If she is concerned, why does she not simply arrange a suitable marriage for you? There are many young women in Hulsteria who would be happy to call you their husband.” Kieran could sense the boy was becoming impatient.
“Marriage would not guarantee me anything. Marriages fail, Majesty,” Luke responded with a bit of annoyance.
“I will approve the Duke’s request, but I will be watching you, Lord Gallagher.” Kieran did not know if the decision was right, but he did not have time to argue with the boy. There was too much to prepare for to spend his time arguing the validity of the request. “I will have my scribe write a letter to the Duke letting him know that I will allow him to name you his heir. I hope you do not cause me to regret my decision. Once you have the letter, I expect you to return to Nottingham Manor.” Kieran took his leave.
Twenty-One
Betsy entered Stelaphina’s chamber to help the Empress prepare for the day. “Majesty, what are you wearing!” she exclaimed.
“A gift from my brother. He believes my dresses will hinder my ability to learn the sword. I have to say I agree with him.” She stared at herself in the mirror. She was not accustomed to seeing herself in pants. Only men wore pants. No proper lady would dare do such things. She was used to the heavy dresses that hid her figure. These pants hid nothing. “Do you not like them, Betsy?”
“Majesty, it is not that I do not like them. It is just not something I expected to see when I entered your bed chamber.” She answered honestly but chose her words carefully. “Would you not be more comfortable in one of the gowns I packed?”
“I want to see how I do in this. If I am not comfortable, we will try a dress later.” She was suddenly very aware of how she must look to her maid. “Only a few will see me in this. Do not worry, Betsy. This will not be seen as a reflection on your ability to dress me.” Stela laughed as she sat to have Betsy prepare her hair.
“Majesty, should I cut your hair short to go with your new wardrobe?” Betsy laughed as she ran the comb through Stela’s hair.
“That will not be necessary. I think I want to wear my hair simply pulled back off my face. Gather it together and tie it up simple.” Stela grabbed her hair to show Betsy what she meant.
“Majesty, you cannot wear your hair like this. It looks like a horse’s tail,” Betsy commented. She did as Stela commanded, though she did not like it. Her once glamorous Empress looked like a simple urchin who might rob her at any moment. “Empress, cannot I convince you to at least wear your hair up and a nice tiara?”
“A tiara will do me no good when I am learning to fight, Betsy. I need to be agile. I am hoping my brother and my new guard do not go lightly. I want to know what I will experience when I face Edmund and his troops.” Stela looked at herself in the mirror. Her hair did hang like the tail of a horse, but it kept the hair tame. “I must join them. The longer we wait to start my training the more likely Edmund will catch us unprepared.”
“He will not catch you unprepared, Empress.” The voice was immediately familiar.
“Scientia,” Stela greeted Braynard. She turned to see Betsy standing motionless. “What have you done to my maid?”
“She is fine. She does not need to be part of this conversation. When I l
eave, she will awaken. I think you may start calling me simply Braynard. Formality is not necessary.” Braynard bowed before Stela.
“Very well. Then you may address me as Stelaphina or Stela.” Stela was glad the two had dropped the formalities. They had had several interactions and were no longer strangers, though she was not quite sure what they were.
“Let us just consider ourselves acquaintances, Stela,” Braynard answered the question she never asked.
“Do you not ever believe it rude to read the thoughts of others, or to enter rooms unannounced? What if I were not dressed?” Stela knew he did not think either of these as rude or inconsiderate. She was curious about his answer.
“The thoughts of others keep me informed, which in turn keeps you informed. As far as entering rooms unannounced, I know when to enter. If I wanted to catch you at inopportune times I would, but I receive no pleasure from such actions.” Braynard walked toward Stela, still seated at the vanity.
“I assume you know Edmund will not attack because you read his thoughts?” Stela stood and met Braynard in the middle of the room.
“I visited him, Stela. I ordered him to hold his attack until I instruct him. This will give you ample time to prepare.” Braynard looked at her as he spoke the words. He already knew the question that was coming. “I cannot stop him. I can only influence him. I have bought you time. He would not dare attack before I give him permission.”
“What game are you playing, Braynard? It seems we are all pawns for your amusement.” Stela was angered knowing the man could stop Edmund but refused. “You did not kill him as you had promised and now you refuse to stop his attack on Hulsteria.”
“Stela, there is no game. It is your destiny. You will face Edmund on the field, there is no denying that. I never promised to kill Edmund. I promised to sink the ship. Edmund is strong and had a will that refused to be taken. I will warn you. Like Charity and the others, Edmund has found one of his powers – the right of his birth. He is an Alis Deus, he has the power of flight. This will make him more difficult to battle, but my faith lies in you.” He watched her as he spoke. He could see the concern on her face.
“How do I face him if he is able to fly? I am of Imperial birth as well. Why have I not discovered any such powers?” Stela worried about what other powers Edmund possessed.
“Your powers will come, but you are different from the others. Patience my dear,” he tried to console her. “You will find your powers are far superior to those of your former husband. In fact, your powers are superior to all others on Saaveth. They will come to you when they are needed, become unlocked if you will. I think it is time you join your brother. He is waiting for you. He is anxious to begin your training. He will go easy on you, but you must insist that he train you as he would any other warrior.”
“Very well, Braynard. I am still not convinced of your loyalties to Hulsteria, but I suppose I have no choice.” He was gone. She stood in the room now alone with Betsy who began talking again.
“I do wish you would let the men do the fighting, Majesty,” Betsy said as though no time had passed. “I fear you may not survive against the Emperor Consort and his men.”
“Betsy, he is no longer the Emperor Consort. He is simply the Imperial Prince Royal of Xasha.” Stela was quick to correct her. “I believe I will stand well against Edmund. Please have faith.”
Stela left her chambers and headed down the halls to the stairs to meet her brother for breakfast. Betsy followed closely behind, still trying to convince Stela to change her mind about Edmund. Stela ignored her pleading. As they approached the dining room, Betsy took her leave, allowing Stela a few moments of silence before joining her brother.
Stela entered to find Roderick, Astrid, Kyle, and Harris already seated. “Good morning. I am sorry I have kept you waiting.”
All eyes turned to see Stela in her new clothing. The look of disgust on Astrid’s face almost brought audible laughter to Stela. The men just looked, not sure what to say.
“Stela, the outfit looks well on you.” Roderick was the first to comment.
“Thank you. I believe you are correct. This will allow me to move better.” Stela took her seat at the table.
“Majesty, I mean Stela, you look quite different in this attire. I am not sure what I should say.” Harris had never seen a woman in such clothing, other than Felicia. He enjoyed the fancy dresses that the women wore, but he had to admit there was something alluring about this outfit.
“Thank you, Harris. How does it feel to be heir to a duchy?” Stela had not had a chance to discuss his recent rise in station and was curious how he felt.
“I feel no different, Stela. Yesterday I was the son of a simple farmer and I was very proud of that fact. Now I am the son of an Imperial Grand Archduke and his heir. I have never been one who cared much for title and position. I suppose I must rethink that stance.” Harris was uncomfortable being singled out among the other Imperials.
“I believe your life will change greatly as a result of Frederick claiming you as his son. You will be able to find a suitable wife for your new position,” Roderick spoke, he himself knowing the changes that come with finding your father is someone powerful. “I had a title before my father claimed me but having the title of Imperial Prince Royal carried more power than Imperial Archduke. You will adjust quickly to the changes. I guess this also makes you a cousin, another privilege of being claimed.” Roderick gave him a smile.
“Yes, you are right, Roderick. Harris, we are all family now. That should put you at ease,” Stela responded.
“Thank you, Stela. It does ease my mind thinking of you all like family, rather than Imperials. This is all very new to me. Please bear with me as I adjust to the recent changes.” Harris smiled at those in attendance.
“Astrid, what do you think?” She looked over at Astrid who sat there in a state of shock, her mouth wide with disbelief.
“I do not think this is appropriate, Stelaphina. It shows too much. It shows things that only your husband should know.” Astrid was not shy about her disapproval.
“Astrid, how would I fight in the dresses we wear? I need to be agile and quick. Those dresses do not really allow for that.” Stela began eating. She wanted the meal to end quickly so the training could begin.
“Women should not fight, Stelaphina. That is a man’s job. He is the protector. I mean no disrespect but I believe this is why you are having trouble with your husband,” Astrid replied.
“Why must men be the protectors? Why cannot women learn to protect themselves? Why must we be the victims? I refuse to let my husband take my lands without fighting him for them. I will not rely on a man to protect what is mine. I will not ask my men to risk their lives if I am not willing to do the same.” Stela gave Astrid a stern look as she began eating.
“We are women. We are not designed for fighting. We are made to have babies and serve our husbands. We are weak, men are strong,” Astrid responded quickly.
“We are women, but I do not agree that we are weak. We survive the trials of childbirth. That speaks of our strength. Look at what you did to the assassins, Astrid. You stopped them, a weak woman. It took strength to do what you did. One of them could have easily struck you down, but you stood up and made sure they paid for what they did.” Stela reached out to her cousin, grabbing her hand. “Do not underestimate the power that lies within you, cousin. Do not ever believe you are only worthy to serve a man and children. You can be whatever you want and no man can stop you.”
“That is not the way things are in Trokha. When I marry Kyle, he will be my protector. I will be his wife and mother of his children. Women in Trokha know their place. Maybe it is archaic, but it is what we know. The genders have separate roles, as it should be.” She looked over to Kyle who sat silently.
“I wish you could see the strength within yourself, Astrid. You have a fire that I believe would serve you well, aside from just being a wife and mother. I will not push the topic further. Let us enjoy our brea
kfast, then begin the training.” Stela smiled and returned to her breakfast. The others followed suit.
After they had finished eating Stela, Roderick and Harris made their way out to the courtyard to beginning training. Astrid went to join them but Kyle stopped her.
“Astrid, I do not want you to think you must serve me. I am no better than you. If I am to be honest, you are more than me, of higher station. It is I who should be serving you. I agree with Stela. You have a strength inside of you which you choose to ignore. Do not ignore that strength because you believe I wish you to do so. I want you to be the woman you are, not what society tells you to be.” Kyle kissed her hand.
“I am not like our cousin. I was raised to know my place and my duty. I am second born to the Emperor of Trokha. My sister is his heir. My duty is to my husband and Trokha. In Trokha things are very different than here in Hulsteria. I wish you and Stela could understand that. I am expected to act, be a certain way. I cannot betray my breeding and allow myself to go against what I know is right.” Astrid wished the others could understand the cultural differences between their homelands. Trokha was traditional in its beliefs while Hulsteria was certainly more liberal. She wished she could be strong like Stela, but she was not raised in that manner.
“I understand. I just want you to know that if you did decide to be stronger, it would not change my desire to be your husband. I would be honored to call you my wife regardless of how you live.” Kyle took her hand and led her out to join the others.
****
Luke woke early. He had found an inn to spend the night before returning home to the Duke. He needed a night away from the man and this was the perfect excuse. He could have made the trip back to Nottingham but decided to spend a few coins for a private room and a quiet night. He grabbed a quick breakfast in the nearby tavern before returning to the palace and the Duke.
Carl was waiting as the coach pulled through the gates. Luke stepped down to Carl giving him a displeasing glance.
