by K T Munson
When someone announced her, she leaned toward Melanie. “If I say Starburst,” she whispered, “you come save me.”
Without hesittation the doors opened and Diana strode into the room, head high. Above her planets crept slowly across the sky and comets streaked by with frozen tails of ice and space dust. From how real they appeared Diana wondered if it was a projection or something more amazing, she was half tempted to reach out to touch the closest one.
Eyes peered at her as she entered. Some folks stood, but she also heard murmurs run through the crowd.
Keeping her head high, she stepped up the short dais to sit beside the current Emperor on a throne. Melanie and Kal Zed took their appropriate seats as part of her council, to her left. She turned and waited for silence to fall. It did not take long.
“Ten long years you have waited for the Bearer to come,” Emperor Himond said above the crowd. “After such an unexpected wait, the Cosmos Gem has returned. It is my honor to present the Bearer of the Cosmos, daughter of Earth, Diana Williams.”
A humming noise rose with the various ways that each race of alien celebrated her. Her eyes scanned the room; some faces she knew, and even more alien types she recognized, but many more she did not. Emperor Himond sat down, and Diana wasn’t sure if the cheering really was all for her or actually intended for him.
“I come before you humbled by a universe I didn’t know existed,” Diana began, and somehow she found herself strangely calm. “You have been longing for the Bearer to return and for balance to be resumed. I have spoken with the Heart of the Cosmos, and it has told me it was time to return. It informed me I was needed here and that you could no longer wait. It knows you have been hoping and praying for its return, and here I stand, ready to set everything right, everything that has gone unchecked for these ten long years.”
The crowd hummed again, this time louder. Diana glanced back at the throne that was to be her seat, feeling the weight of responsibility. Forcing herself to turn her attention to the crowd again as the sound slowly subsided. Smiling softly she waited until it was quiet enough for her to be heard again.
“Where I come from, only royalty sits upon a throne.” Diana looked down at her council and all around the hall. “I am no Empress. I am a girl with the Heart of the Cosmos on her wrist. I will join you all for dinner at your level, so that I might understand what I need to do to become the Empress you all deserve.”
Behind her she heard one of the council members whisper to Emperor Himond, “Can she do that?”
“I think she just did,” Emperor Himond responded, and his normally monotone voice might have held a level of amusement.
Gathering up her skirts Diana started down the steps as whispers went through the crowd. Melanie was smiling as Diana walked past her toward the first table. It had been Melanie’s idea to show them exactly what—and who—she was. Diana had agreed that there was no point in pretending to be something she was not.
Hamyl, the Emperor’s only son, stood. “Bearer, would you like my chair?”
“It would be an honor.” Diana smiled. She sat down before addressing him, “I would offer to trade, but I am afraid my chair leaves one a bit exposed.”
Everyone within earshot laughed as gentle music began to play. It sounded like instruments, layered over waves lapping on a shore. Matzili streamed out and began to deliver covered dishes, likely holding every type of meal from across the galaxy. As Diana glanced around the table, she began to speak with those sitting at her table.
Chapter 40
“I am glad to see that you returned from Earth unscathed.” Diana smiled as she slipped into a different seat as another course was served.
“Your planet is simple,” Jacrifcar informed her. “It was not difficult to leave undetected.”
He wore an outfit similar to the one he’d worn when they’d first met, when he had serenaded her in the street. It reminded her of a spacesuit crossed with a fancy military uniform, and it was all black—assassins black. Despite its bulk, it looked like it was made for moving around in easily. Even knowing all the facts, she still found it difficult to imagine that this short reddish man had killed.
“There are seventy-two known life forms in this galaxy alone,” Diana reminded him as another Vindari dressed in purplish robes got up from the table and left. She was thankful that she had paid attention to that particular section of reading in her studies. “Sixty-four of them have traveled in space, but only forty-nine developed the ability to travel across space on their own. We will find our way eventually.”
“Your species cares more about who created your planet than about the planet itself,” another male said, laughing further down the table. “They are too distracted fighting amongst themselves to look to the stars with real ambition.”
Diana’s face grew a little red, and she was about to respond when Jacrifcar did so first. “Your species cares more about covering your own backside than actually getting something done. You haven’t contributed a new invention to the betterment of the universe in decades.”
The man at the end of the table choked on his drink, but just as Rocky had known not to mess with an assassin, so did this man. He said carefully, “So killing is a contribution to society?”
Jacrifcar’s glare could have dropped flies out of the air. His voice became dangerously unpleasant. “It serves its purpose.”
“Is that difficult?” Diana asked before she could help herself. “To take another’s life?”
As he blinked at her in surprise she realized her mistake. It wasn’t a good question for the situation, and now was not the proper time to make such an inquiry. Before she could retract the question, he answered, “It is necessary. We do not kill aimlessly. We choose to kill those who deserve it or would cause harm to others.”
“I see,” Diana remarked, and though she wanted to ask more, she stayed quiet.
“You are a curious creature,” he smiled at her. “Even knowing what I do, you do not fear me.”
Despite herself, she leaned towards him. “Is there a reason I should be afraid?”
“I suppose not,” Jacrifcar retorted, amused. “Though a wise man once told me that it is better to fear than be killed.”
“Morbid advice,” she said. “And not completely true. If we let the fear of the possibility of what is to come overpower us, we won’t be able to move forward. I would rather be killed in the light than hide in the darkness from fear.”
“I can see why the bracelet chose you. You will make an excellent ruler,” he said, tipping his head forward as the empty plates were removed and it was time for her to move to another table. “I am most heartened by our exchange here and would reaffirm my desire to be your husband.”
“I promise to give you serious consideration. I would also like to extend an invitation to you to join me for dinner,” Diana declared, standing. “Let Omiriant know when is best for you.”
“An honor,” he responded, bowing as she turned.
Feeling someone watching her Diana glanced at the next table. When she saw a group of Dracoons watching her, she nearly went elsewhere but forced herself to continue on. Jacrifcar wasn’t afraid to tell her what he was, but she had a feeling the men before her were not as honest; she was more afraid of them then she was of Jacrifcar.
Kichard gave her a nod and Jimil glared as she took an uncomfortable seat beside them. She felt herself pull her extremities to herself, trying to make herself smaller, thankful they had given her the head of the table, making everyone was a little further away from her. She hoped this course went quickly; she wasn’t an expert at small talk and, in space, the weather wasn’t exactly normal conversational topic.
“Bearer,” Kichard finally said after a moment of strained silence. “Your dress looks stunning on you.”
Diana’s mouth nearly dropped open at the compliment; she had not expected it. “Thank you. It is a beautiful dress.”
“On a beautiful woman,” Kichard said, and even Jimil appear
ed surprised.
Diana was about to respond when she heard a startled cry. Instantly on her feet she tried to see over the crowd; many of the room’s other occupants had stood as well. She was about to step around the table when Dimar appeared in front of her, blocking her path. He wasn’t looking at her; he was looking at whatever was causing the commotion.
“Where is he?” she heard someone yell, and her blood ran cold. It was Stella.
Blindly she started forward, but Dimar’s arm went out, stopping her. “It’s not safe.”
“Move,” Diana said and tried to push past him.
“She isn’t right,” he warned as his rigid arm went a little lax.
“She is still Stella,” Diana reminded him before shoving around him. Dimar followed her. Just because he didn’t agree didn’t mean he was going to abandon her, and that allowed an unexpected thrill to go through her. He had a job to do, whatever her decision was, and he was going to do it. A small group had gathered near the commotion, and Diana could hear the murmurs running through the crowd. Without words, the crowd parted for her. They could feel her coming, some slower than others, but they all moved out of her way.
Stella’s hair was wild, and she had a small dagger in her hand. It was an old metal kind, not like the ones Maura and Dimar used. Her eyes were that of a madwoman as Melanie came up beside Diana. Melanie’s hand linked with Diana’s, trying to give comfort, as Adom stood behind them like a shadow.
“Adom, find Maura,” Diana commanded, letting go of Melanie’s hand and stepping beyond the ring of safety.
Stella snarled and slashed the blade back and forth out of reach of everyone. “Mine. I must have him.”
“Stella,” Diana said softly.
She spun around, her teeth pealed back from her lips. “Diana?” For a moment there was sanity in her eyes again.
“Yeah,” Diana confirmed, reaching for her. “Come here, sweetie.”
“No,” she said, hitting the side of her head repeatedly and yanking at her hair. “He said you wouldn’t take me to Matt. That you would just betray me, betray, betray.”
“Who said that?” Diana asked, leaning forward.
“That man in the shadows,” she giggled. “His eyes and nose all a butterfly’s song as he whispers and whispers Empress. Secrets, shush.” Stella brought the dagger in front of her lips.
Diana glanced back at Dimar, worried. “Get everyone back.”
Kichard suddenly appeared at her side, and she nearly jumped out of her skin. “Fae?” he asked.
Diana cleared her throat. “Yes.”
He nodded before saying to Stella, “I’ll take you.”
Stella’s head snapped up, and her voice trembled with excitement. “You’ll take me? He is waiting for me. Has been. I can hear him.”
“Come here,” he said, holding out his hand.
Stella reached out dreamily as she clutched the dagger to her breast. Diana imagined this is what it was like for a drug addict. Everything was a little bit sideways, and the only thing that mattered was getting the next fix. She was about to meet his hand when her legs gave out suddenly and she dropped to her knees. Crying out Diana held her breathe as Stella fell all the way backwards as the dagger went flying. Diana gasped, lunged forward, and pulled her friend onto her lap, rocking her back and forth. Smoothing her hair back from her face Diana looked up at Jacrifcar who had a small device in his hand. Through her shock Diana recognized the utter bafflement on his face. Apparently he’d been planning on doing something, but Stella had fallen first.
“Stella!” Diana cried as her friend’s body went still. “Dimar, she isn’t breathing.”
“Let me see.” Dimar knelt beside her and pulled a small compact out of his pocket. After a moment, his face went grim. “Poison,” he said, meeting Diana’s desperate gaze.
“No, no, no,” Diana gasped, swaying. “You have to do something.”
“She is gone,” Dimar said, shaking his head.
“Bring her back!” she demanded as a tear rolled down her cheek and fell onto Stella’s head.
Dimar touched her shoulder. Diana jerked away from him, glaring at his inaction. His eyes were sad as her insides twisted in knots. “Let me take her.”
“I won’t have this,” Diana muttered, clinging to her friend’s body as her distress turned to anger.
“What?” Dimar asked, leaning closer.
Her fingers fisted as she told him loudly, “I won’t stand for this. I will find out who did this and make them pay.”
Gasps went through the crowd, but Diana didn’t care. Someone was going to suffer for what they’d done to Stella. Brushing the wild hairs out of Stella’s face, she searched for answers as she cradled her in her lap. More tears fell as Diana gently set her friend on the ground. Achingly Diana rose to her feet.
With one final glance at her friend she crowd. “Until it is discovered who did this to Stella,” she announced, “I will not seek a husband. This Dance of Stars is done until the murderer is caught.”
Melanie’s cheeks were streaked with tears as she reached for Diana’s hand. Arm in arm, surrounded by guards, they returned to Diana’s rooms. Sparing only one glance to ensure Dimar saw to Stella. The sight of Dimar lifting the Stella’s lifeless body into his arms nearly brought her to her knees. The rest was a blur.
Chapter 41
The next morning she awoke dazed. Melanie was next to her. Memories flooded back as to why Kal Zed wasn’t there—she had denied everyone entry as she’d tried to work out what had happened, even Kal Zed. Adom had explicit orders not to let anyone near her. So far, no one had tried to force their way in.
Maura had been found knocked unconscious just inside the door to the room that she and Stella had been in. She was roused and checked, but thankfully nothing was wrong. Diana expected to see her later that day after she was done resting. Feeling sick she rolled over. When her eyes fell on the chair where she had thrown the dress from the night before; she wondered how Stella could have died on that dress when there was no sign of suffering on it? The dress’s pristine whiteness was a direct contrast to her mood.
Tears threatened and she tipped her head back, trying to take a few slow and calming breaths through her nose. She could feel her chest tightening and that hollow feeling of loss in her stomach. It nawed at her insides and she closed her eyes trying to shut everything out.
“Diana?” Melanie said, pushing herself up. “What is it?”
Diana turned her head. “I can’t believe she is gone.”
“I know,” Melanie responded as they hugged each other.
Diana pulled back after a second. “You have to leave. I can’t risk you as well.”
“I am not leaving,” her friend declared. “Not when you need me the most.”
“I won’t lose another friend,” Diana said, wiping the tears from her cheeks.
“I’ll stay with you the entire time,” Melanie said and gave her a small smile. “It’ll be one long girl’s night until we figure everything out.”
Diana nodded. “I knew something was happening. I knew and kept it to myself. I have to tell you everything.”
Melanie shook her head in confusion and was about to say something when a knock came at the door. They both froze like rabbits catching the scent of a wolf. They slowly turned to the door and Diana tried to remember if she’d locked it.
“Bearer?” Omiriant called out. “I have lunch.”
Diana carefully slipped out of bed, tugging on a smaller blanket. Wrapping it around her shoulders, she made her way across the room. Her feet padded against the carpet, which was surprisingly warm. Unlocking the door she cracked it open. Omiriant had a hopeful look on her face as she stood beside a strange hovering trolley.
“Thank you,” Diana said and moved back so that Omiriant could enter.
Behind Omiriant, Dimar caught her eye as he was patrolling down the hall with Adom. They held each other’s gaze for a moment before closed the door. Listening to the sound of t
he latch catch she felt regret scratch at her brain. When the lock was turned she leaned against it a moment before gathering her composure.
“How bad is it?” Diana asked, sitting down as Omiriant put the food out on the table.
“There is unrest,” Omiriant explained. “Most don’t understand what happened, just that you are refusing to choose an Emperor. I fear they believe you unsuited.”
“I don’t blame them.” Diana sighed as she took a bite from something resembling a carrot.
“Fools!” Omiriant retorted angrily, causing Diana to blink at her surprised. “They don’t understand anything.”
“Thank you, Omiriant, for your anger on my behalf,” she said, touching her arm. “I know that not everyone is against me.”
“Some have made requests to see you,” Omiriant said as she sunk back into a chair. “Emperor Himond was insistent, but he is no longer truly in charge. Kal Zed put him in his place. Once the Bearer came, he should have excused himself and returned to his home planet.”
“It was necessary,” Diana said. “Kal Zed believed that having him here would help ease the transition. After ten years of silence from the Heart of the Cosmos and given that Emperor Himond did not die with Empress Katali, he felt showing a unified front would ease everyone’s minds.”
“Poppycock,” Melanie snapped as she slid next to her at the table. “Kal Zed was worried he would not go easily. It was one of the first things that Kal Zed told me when I arrived. So Kal Zed and I devised a way to have him leave slowly; he was to finalize the last of his duties before the dance.”
Diana’s raised her head. “Perhaps one of his supporters did this.”
“Dimar is handling it,” Omiriant reminded her. “You should leave it to him.”
“When you go,” Diana said in a resigned fashion, “tell him I want an update.”
“I’ll be sure to,” she said with a nod before turning to leave.
