by Frank David
“You believe I can be victorious? I was raised to be an Empress, not a warrior. Roderick, he is the warrior in the family.” Stela reached over and grabbed Harris’ hand. Harris looked down as her hand reached his. His pulse raced slightly as their fingers intertwined. “You do not mind, do you?” Stela asked.
“No, Stela. I just was not expecting it.” He smiled.
“I must tell you something,” Stela paused. “Braynard had another revelation about my future. He said you would be Joseph’s regent.”
“Joseph’s regent, that would mean…” Harris could not say the words.
“Yes, I would be dead. He also said we were to be married.” Stela blushed as she shared the prophecy.
“Why would you marry me? You are Empress, I am a simple farmer’s son.” Harris was the one now blushing.
“You are no longer a simple farmer’s son, you are the son of an Imperial Grand Archduke, or have you forgotten?” Stela laughed, knowing Harris was still getting used to being a man of title.
“I have not forgotten. I still consider myself a peasant. I am not worthy of an Imperial wife, much less the Empress.” Harris suddenly felt inferior.
“You are worthy of any woman. In the ring, against Felicia, you could have killed her. She wanted you dead. You held back your fury. I believe you would have allowed her to kill you, rather than harm her. That is a valuable quality.” Stela moved closer as they walked.
“I am not as honorable as you believe, Stela.” Harris needed to confess his sins and the sins committed by Felicia. “I met Felicia on my journey to Jascaessau for the tournament. She was traveling alone. I offered to escort her safely to the Imperial capital. In the morning, after our first night together in the mountains that separate Raamsfeld from the eastern kingdoms Felicia had an incident with a man from one of the eastern kingdoms.” He paused knowing his confession could cost Felicia her life. “The man tried to rape Felicia. I was able to stop the attack, but Felicia killed the man after I had bested him. As we left to continue our journey, I discovered my powers and burnt the man’s body to remove any proof of his murder.” He could not look at Stela, worried of her contempt.
“This man tried to rape Felicia? If this is the truth, I see no issue with the way she, or you, handled the situation. I will not seek any punishment in the man’s death. I am glad you were able to share this with me.” Stela stopped and looked at Harris, who kept his eyes from her. She lifted his face to look at her. “Do not be ashamed of your actions. You protected her and saved her from a horrible ordeal.”
“There is more that I must tell you, Stela,” Harris said, his voice shaking.
“You can tell me anything, Harris.” Stela could tell he was upset.
“When we arrived at Jascaessau, we stayed with her cousin, Imperial Grand Duke Daniels,” Harris began.
“Yes, I know the Duke. Was he impolite to you?” Stela questioned.
“No, not initially. Something happened that night, and it did change his view of me.” Harris wanted to be honest with Stela, but he feared what she would think of him.
“What happened?” Stela asked, her concern growing.
“It was not planned and we were not aware of our relationship,” Harris continued. “Felicia initiated it. I admit I wanted it as much as she, but I would never make such a move.”
“You and Felicia had sex? You worry because you are brother and sister that I might view you differently?” Stela laughed. “You have never heard the story of Roderick and I, have you?”
“You and Roderick?” Harris had never heard anything about the two.
“Yes, when we were younger, before we knew we were brother and sister. We developed strong feelings for one another. We never had sex, we only ever shared a kiss. That kiss led to my father claiming Roderick as his illegitimate son. Had he not caught us in that kiss, I cannot be certain we would not have ended up in the same situation as you and Felicia.” Stela was now the one who did not want to look at Harris. “Our fathers commit acts of infidelity to which we have no knowledge. We cannot be blamed for having an attraction toward someone we have no way of knowing is so closely related. I love Roderick dearly but no longer have that same love for him. I am sure it is the same for you. You love her, but that love has changed from a desire to that of the love of a brother for a sister, though I believe she hates you and probably has since the moment you two met.” Again, Stela laughed, trying to let Harris know his confession had not impacted her view of him. “I must admit I am a bit surprised she wanted to sleep with you. I had always heard rumors of her desire for women. The stories of her escapades in Raamsfeld’s seedier districts are well known on Jascaessau. She has punished more than one man for his interactions with women.”
“I was not aware of her attraction until the day of the tournament when Braynard told me. He said that is why she hates me so. He also told me she is carrying my child.” Harris confessed the last sin.
“Does anyone else know her child is yours?” Stela asked, still not fazed by his confessions.
“Not that I am aware.” Harris did not know if Felicia had told anyone, but he doubted very much that she would after her father claimed him as his son.
“Felicia does not like title or position, but she also would not want this scandal to be known. I do not think she will ever confess to the father’s true identity.” Stela knew the shame that would condemn them both if the truth were known, innocent or not.
“I know you say Braynard sees us married. I know there is no way you could marry after my confession. Perhaps that in itself will change what the man saw,” Harris said with deep regret.
“I have a feeling Braynard will see that we are married, regardless of our own feelings.” Stela raised an eyebrow as she spoke the words. “Not that I am opposed to the idea. I have a sense that you are a good man, who made choices without full knowledge of the consequences, therefore you cannot be held guilty for those decisions.” Stela moved her hand from his as they approached the palace, the others waiting for them. She placed her hand on his arm which was more appropriate. “Edmund was not a man of virtue. I suspected he was less than honorable for many years, but he would always assure me he was faithful. You seem as though you would take your vows to heart. I also think you would do everything in your power to protect your wife.”
“I may have been raised by a peasant, but my values are strong. Marriage is a union between two people. A commitment to ensure love, fidelity, and protection. I would never bring my wife pain, nor would I allow anyone to bring her any harm.” Harris lowered his voice as they approached the others.
“I am confident you would be a wonderful husband,” Stela whispered as she released her hand from his arm and joined the others.
“Let us head inside. We need to get everyone settled. Did you bring clothes?” Stela asked her new guests as they walked toward the entrance to the palace.
“Our items are being shipped from Savien and should arrive in a few days,” Renee answered.
“My things will arrive when the Empress’ trunks are delivered.” Charity did not like not having her clothing but knew it was important for her to be with Stela.
“Well, I have more than enough for you until your things arrive. There are a few seamstresses at the palace should alterations be necessary. The four of us can head to my chambers to pick out a few things to hold you over,” Stela announced as they entered the palace.
Twenty-Five
It was late in the day when Daniella returned home to Red Hill. She was excited to see her family, but she knew she needed to prepare them for the upcoming war.
She entered Tarmlan and found Malcolm sitting in the library. She quietly entered the room wishing not to disturb him.
Malcolm looked up from his book when he heard the footsteps approaching. “Daniella!” He leaped to his feet to greet his future wife. One of the maids entered when she heard Malcolm yell. “Go tell the Imperial Archduchess’ family that she has returned from Jascaessau.” T
he maid immediately left to retrieve Daniella’s family.
“I am so glad you have returned. We had heard of the attack on Rothmar and worried you may have been injured when you did not return.” Malcolm hugged Daniella. She was less enthusiastic to see him.
“I am fine. The assassination attempt failed, and all those in attendance are fine. Did you secure a title for Luke?” Daniella broke away from Malcolm’s embrace.
“I did. The Duke died a few days ago. Luke is now Duke of Wardry South.” He leaned in to kiss her, but she turned her face from him.
“Sorry, it has been a long day. Is Luke here?” Daniella increased the distance between the two.
“No, he is living at Nottingham Manor in Archester. I am glad you have returned. My mother has taken ill. I was hoping you might go see her and heal her,” Malcolm said, the sadness in his voice was obvious.
“What is wrong with her?” Daniella asked unaffected.
“She has been having trouble with her breathing. Could you please go see her? I told her when you returned you would heal her.” Malcolm was optimistic.
“I will see her after I greet my family. I cannot promise that I can heal her, but I will try. I have found that issues with the lungs are harder to heal than other ailments,” Daniella responded again with a cold air.
“Thank you, I know you will do your best and return my mother to me.” Malcolm left Daniella alone as he rushed up to tell his mother she had returned.
“Daniella!” her mother shouted as she entered the room. “I am so glad you have returned. I do not want you returning to the Imperial capital until all this talk of war has ended.”
“I have no intention of returning. I want to stay here and protect my family.” Daniella hugged her mother. “There is much here that needs my attention.”
Her father approached her and hugged her. “What happened at the palace? We had heard it was under attack from the Emperor Consort.”
“The palace was not under attack. Edmund had sent assassins to kill Stelaphina. Thankfully he was unsuccessful. His men paid with their lives. Stelaphina’s own captain of her guard was in on the plot and tried to kill her and the Imperial Archduchess of Welshpool. It was an exciting time. Stelaphina insisted all Imperials remain at the palace. We were not allowed to leave. Sofia finally released us and I could not wait to return home. I had enough of all those Imperials.” Daniella made no attempt to hide her hatred for those who now called her friend.
“I do wish you would reconsider things,” her mother pleaded.
“She will do no such thing. She is doing this for our family’s honor, an honor that was stripped hundreds of years ago. I am proud that she has taken up this campaign,” her father said, placing his arm around her. “The Duke of Wardry South has died, and your brother is now Duke, had you heard?”
“Yes, Malcolm told me. I did not think Luke would kill him so soon after being named his heir. I am sure there are those who will claim he had some hand in the Duke’s death.” Daniella was angry she was not with her brother to provide him proper counsel.
“There was talk of his involvement, but a guard saw the whole thing and confirmed that Luke had no involvement. The guard told the King how the ground swallowed the Duke and his servant.” Her mother, Casey, filled her in on the details of the Duke’s death.
“I am glad he was not found guilty of any wrong doing. I must go visit him to make sure he is living up to his duty as Duke.” Daniella paced back and forth, worrying that her brother might make some mistake and bring their plans to an early end.
“Please convince him to return here for a visit. We have not seen him in some time.” Casey asked.
“Why have you not seen him? Did the Duke only just die?” Daniella stopped her pacing.
“He has been living with the Duke since Malcolm took him to Nottingham, at the Duke’s insistence,” her father offered the explanation.
“I will bring him back for a visit, mother. I think I should go have a discussion with Malcolm. Then I will take care of his mother.” Daniella’s voice was deep with anger as she left the room.
She made her way up the stairs toward the Dowager Duchess’ room. Malcolm was just leaving the room as she approached.
“You left my brother with the old man? Why would you do that?” Daniella screamed at him.
“The Duke insisted. If Luke was to be named his heir, he had to stay with Thomas.” Malcolm knew she would not be happy, but he did not expect this reaction.
“Were you aware of the Duke’s affection for young boys when you left Luke with him?” Daniella said accusingly.
“I had heard the rumors but was sure he would not do anything to Luke because his sister is an Imperial Archduchess. He would not risk the scandal or punishment.” Malcolm tried to calm Daniella though believed it was useless.
“I am going to visit Luke, if I find out the old man laid a hand on him, you will pay for this decision.” Daniella shoved him out of the way as she passed. “I will go check on your mother. Have the maids pack some things for my visit to my brother,” she commanded as she entered Helen’s room.
The room was dimly lit. Only a bit of sunlight entered through the drapes. She saw the woman lying on her bed. She could sense immediately how truly ill the woman was. “I had hoped this would be fun, but since you are so close to death, I will be kind.” She approached the bed.
Helen opened her eyes to see Daniella standing over her. “I do not want you to touch me. I do not trust you. When you first came to Uhl you were kind and knew your place.” She paused to catch her breath. “Ever since you received your title, you have changed.” She coughed as the words left her throat.
“I have changed because I do not need to bow before you or your damned son. I will obtain my family’s rightful place in Hulsteria. I hate the Imperials and Royals. You sit in your manors and palaces beyond reproach. You pass judgment on those who look to you for protection, for food, for life. If it were not for the people of Hulsteria who rely on you, you would be nothing more than me.” She reached out and gripped the woman’s chest. “It seems those born of Imperial blood are discovering their birthright. I have discovered mine, and you will be the first to feel those effects.” She could see the color leaving the woman’s face as she held her chest harder.
“You…are not…Imperial.” Helen was able to force out as she felt her life being taken. “Only…by…title.” Her voice trailed off as the last words left her mouth.
“Oh, that is where you are wrong, Duchess. I am Imperial by blood and I will take what is rightfully mine.” She released her grip.
“Malcolm!” she screamed, mustering the tears to fake the emotion he would expect to find.
Malcolm rushed in to find Daniella collapsed by the side of the bed. “What is it, Daniella? Mother?”
“I tried to save her, but she was too sick. I am sorry, Malcolm.” Daniella reached out for him.
“I know you did all you could. Do not blame yourself. I am to blame. Had I sent word to you sooner perhaps you could have done more.” Malcolm sat on the edge of the bed, holding his mother’s hand. “Can you leave me, please? I need a moment alone with my mother,” Malcolm requested, holding back the tears.
Daniella stood and reached out for his hand. He looked at her, his eyes showing his sadness. She released her grip, a smile on her face as she headed to the door.
Malcolm sat silently holding his mother’s hand, not wishing to leave her. When his father died, he did not feel any emotion. He was sure it was because he had killed the man but losing his mother made his heart feel as though it was being crushed within his chest.
“Gather your children. Leave this place once Daniella leaves for Nottingham. If you stay, you and your children will meet the same fate as Lady Helen.” The voice was coming from the corner of the room.
Malcolm could see the figure standing in the shadows. “What do you mean?”
“The pain you feel is your gift, Malcolm. While you are not an Imperial, you
are of Imperial blood. You can sense the pain of others. Daniella did not try to save your mother. She killed her. You are a pawn in the woman’s plan. She will marry you, then see that you and your children die at her hands. She will give your duchy to her oldest brother increasing her hold on Uhl.” Braynard stepped out of the dark moving toward Malcolm.
“I will kill her myself. How did she kill my mother? She is a healer. Did she bring something home with her to inflict upon my mother?” Malcolm stood, filled with anger.
“Daniella is also of Imperial blood and her gift has been awakened. She can heal. That power she received from the pagan Goddess of the barbarians. Her blood gift is the power to take life. Now take your children to Rothmar in Jascaessau. Sofia, the Imperial Princess Royal, is watching the children. She will welcome your children so you can support Stela. You will then head to Frostmoor. You will not confront Daniella or her family. You will not tell Stela of what Daniella has done. You are simply to go to Frostmoor to offer your support.” Braynard made clear he was to be obeyed.
“I am sorry sir, but you are mistaken, Daniella is not of Imperial blood. She is a merchant’s daughter from Norland. She is only Imperial by the title Stelaphina bestowed upon her for saving the Emperor Consort’s life.” Malcolm did not want to upset the man but did want to correct his error.
“Have you ever heard of Archibald Dorman?” Braynard asked.
