The Reluctant Empress

by Teresa Howard

  When the small elegantly clad man entered, he bowed fractionally. Hanoree did not miss the insult but schooled his features into a gracious smile. He began almost apologetically, “I am afraid I must ask your favor and rely on you for guidance.”

  The minster preened and relaxed. “I am at your service, Lord Hanoree.”

  Hanoree smiled and continued, “The infant has been confirmed as the son of my late uncle, Emperor Rhealgar. An escort will be bringing the heir and his mother to the Imperial City soon. I feel some sort of celebration is in order, but we are in mourning. I need your wisdom. We must honor the heir without offending.”

  The minster’s head bobbed. “Lord Hanoree, set your mind at ease. Even the strictest of society will not find fault with a celebration in such a circumstance, the people will demand it.”

  “You will oversee this for me? Invite the Nobles. Make sure they know this will not be an official recognition of the heir. The Council of Nobles will of course decide if he will be declared emperor.”

  “I will be honored, my lord.” The minister’s face was alight with anticipation.

  “Good, check with the Minister of the Treasury for funding. Do not spare any expense. I will rely on you also to prepare the royal nursery and a suitable bedchamber for his mother.”

  The minster bowed. He was eager to be off, and Hanoree dismissed him with a motion of his hand. He smiled as the door to the chamber closed. Soon the palace and the city would be aware of his gracious preparation for the new heir. Now for the unpleasant task of informing his wife that she would not be attending the festivities.

  Thirty-Two

  Tegani sat beside Ninallia in a private compartment on the air transport. Her hair had grown, although not to its previous length. She wore nothing to identify her as a Sister of the Order. She still felt the shame of losing her standing, though she knew it was necessary and temporary. A Sister of the Order would hardly be allowed to serve as lady-in-waiting to the Dowager Empress.

  She had promised to stay with Ninallia and continue her training. The girl’s skill and ability gave hope that she would be a formidable regent should she be allowed to rule for her son until his coming of age.

  Sayeri sat opposite them, next to Hiroto. She had been reluctant to leave her home but considered it important to help Ninallia. Her grandson lay sleeping with his head on her lap. Tegani nodded to the young boy, and a smile passed between them. He was the spitting image of Arturon. One day he might even possess some of his grandfather’s abilities.

  There had been a disagreement about the transport. Houston had not been pleased that he was assigned to a different transport. He ended up in a different compartment along with the First Minister and Varick. Arturon was making his own way to the Imperial City.

  Tegani was nervous to be without the presence of Houston or Arturon, though Houston was in an adjoining compartment. There was something she did not trust. A strange feeling of danger tensed her body, and she could not rest. She watched the others close their eyes, and the gentle motion of the transport finally lulled her.

  Sister Tegani, can you hear me?

  Stiff with fear, Tegani sat up. She recognized at once the mental voice of Arturon.

  Tegani, you must get the emperor and Ninallia out of your compartment now. There is great danger.

  She was on her feet. Ninallia was alert and picking up her son. The girl’s ability to hear even those messages directed to others was uncanny. Sayeri gathered her grandson.

  Tegani said, “We need to get into another compartment.”

  Sayeri reached the door and found it locked. Shifting Peterno, she banged on the door calling for the guards. She pulled the emergency switch. The pilot ignored the sound. This time she kicked the door. Tegani tried the back door, but it was also locked. She caught the scent of gas. Oh Spirits.

  They must hurry. Tegani did not know what kind of lock or what kind of gas they were facing. Concentrating, she focused on the ventilation system. If she could vent the gas into the exhaust, it would become harmless outside the transport. This would mean they would be cold, though.

  She began to work, seeing the system in her mind even as she said, “Get the blankets and heavy robes. We will need them.”

  The gas smell lessened. Tegani marveled the gas was so easily detectable. Why not an odorless gas? She realized it was meant to be detected and perhaps Hanoree meant for it to be traced back to the Order. How, she was not certain, but she understood why. He was going to blame their deaths on the Order and launch a full-scale war. She shivered. The temperature was falling inside the compartment. Now that the gas had dissipated, she located the path to the locking system and released the back door. It hissed open letting in warmer, fresh air.

  The startled expression on the faces of the guards transmitted their guilt. The men started to draw their weapons. The mind-scream Ninallia emitted momentarily stunned them as it would anyone who could not normally receive.

  Tegani slammed her fist into the face of one guard, kicked the other hard in the groin. Weapons went flying, and Sayeri picked one up and aimed it at the men. She looked from Ninallia to Tegani. Tegani nodded in Ninallia’s direction, and a look of understanding passed between them.

  “Who put you up to this?” Sayeri demanded.

  The men were silent. If they knew who hired them, they were not going to reveal the information.

  The air transport train began its descent. After Tegani tied the men up, she joined Ninallia and Lady Sayeri in the main compartment. She adjusted the system back to normal, and the heating system warmed them fast.

  If the pilot and co-pilot were surprised to discover their passengers were alive, they hid it well. Guards were summoned to take the assassins into custody. The delay heightened the frenzy of the crowds gathered to welcome the baby emperor.

  Ninallia clutched her son to her body and walked behind Houston. With thousands of people here, there was no way to prevent another attempt on their lives. Imperial security formed a barrier around the party. Tegani relaxed a fraction, but Hiroto whimpered—he was likely hungry. Through the crowd, she heard a voice calling. Someone was trying to part the crowd to reach them.

  ~ * ~

  As a man approached, Ninallia recognized Hanoree from the news. He looked very excited to see them. It was hard to imagine him killing the emperor and empress. Smiling affectionately, he hurried to her and swept her a bow so low his hat brushed the ground.

  “Greetings, cousin.” He cooed at the baby in her arms. His hand brushed her arm and rested there a little too long. “You must be tired.” He waved his hand to summon a young woman dressed in servant’s clothes. “Baski can take the baby. The palace nursery has been set up.”

  “Thank you, Hanoree. My nurse is here with us.” She handed the baby to Tegani and laid her hand on Hanoree’s arm to lessen the insult.

  Together they walked toward the palace. She could feel Tegani behind her, but Ninallia didn’t dare any mind communication. Hanoree must not suspect Tegani was a Sister of the Order or that she was a secret acolyte. He continued to chatter as they walked along. Did he think Ninallia was stupid? He had tried to have her son killed twice. She would never trust him or give him an opportunity to harm them again.

  She remained on guard. The luxury and beauty of the palace should have made her stare in wonder, but she barely noticed. She followed Hanoree down hall after hall until he stopped with a flourish and opened the door to the royal nursery. It was indeed lovely with everything a child could want or need.

  “Where are my rooms?” She walked around examining the crib and small bed for the nurse.

  “I thought you would like a room in the empress’s wing. Not the royal apartment, of course, until after the coronation.” He smiled. “Something with a lovely view of the gardens perhaps?”

  She walked over and opened the door to an adjacent room. It was furnished comfortably but was not in the grand manner as the rest of the palace. A large bookcase contained a collecti
on of schoolbooks. The royal tutor’s room. Unused for many years, it was spacious and comfortable looking. “I think this will suit me well. If you will send for someone to set this in order, I will be most grateful.”

  “This room is not adequate for someone of your status,” Hanoree sputtered. After a few minutes of her silent refusal to change her mind he ordered the rooms be made ready.

  “I think I would like my old rooms, if they are available,” said Sayeri. “They’re not far from these rooms. It’s a quiet part of the palace.”

  His face twisted as if he were swallowing something unpleasant. “Of course, Sayeri.”

  ~ * ~

  Hiroto was sleeping in Tegani’s arms as Ninallia followed Hanoree to inspect the other room. Tegani shifted the baby. He didn’t wake as they waited for his mother. She wished Houston was here to judge the accommodations and guard them. There must be something she could do to get him permission to join them.

  There was a hot flush of anger on Ninallia’s face as they entered the room.

  “If you will excuse me, I will see to the arrangements and check on dinner.” Hanoree bowed and left.

  Sayeri turned as Hanoree left the room. “He acts as if this is his palace and we are guests. The late emperor didn’t trust Hanoree, and the empress despised him. How he struts around here as if he owns the whole palace is sickening.”

  Tegani blinked in astonishment at Sayeri’s vehemence. The late empress’s half-sister had seemed indifferent to what was happening in the royal palace and very content with her life away from court.

  “He told me Houston may not join us.” Ninallia took Hiroto and paced.

  “We must stay on guard,” Tegani commented. She wished she could talk to My Lady. Ninallia and her son were both in danger, and she felt inadequate to protect them. She thanked the Spirits for Sayeri and Houston.

  “I think I know someone who may help,” Sayeri said in a hesitant tone. Her voice was soft as if she doubted her own idea. She did not volunteer anything else.

  A slow smile came to Ninallia’s face. “After I demanded to question the Council of Nobles as to why a royal guest and possible Dowager Empress would be denied a personal bodyguard, he backed down. He offered one of his own guards. I refused.”

  Sayeri clapped her hands. “Very good, child, stand up to him. It is better to let him know right away he cannot run over you. You are the Dowager Empress, and if I have anything to say about it, you will act as regent for your son.”

  “In this place the walls have ears,” cautioned Tegani.

  This brought a nod of agreement from Lady Sayeri. The women were united in their quest to put Ninallia’s son on the emperor’s throne.

  A small chime sounded, and Sayeri turned toward the door. A young maid stood in the entrance. She bowed toward Ninallia. “A meal is being prepared, and Lord Hanoree has sent me to care for your son while you and the others join him in the royal dining room.”

  Sayeri stepped forward. “There is no need. I am much too tired from travel to endure a formal meal. I will stay with Hiroto. Ninallia and Tegani can enjoy Hanoree’s company.” There was a definite mocking tone to her voice.

  The girl looked down in embarrassment. Ninallia touched her arm. “Please tell Lord Hanoree I will be pleased to join him.”

  Once the girl left, Ninallia glanced from Tegani to Sayeri. She looked as tired as Tegani felt. “Must I dress formally for this dinner?” Ninallia asked.

  “I’m afraid so,” Sayeri answered.

  There wasn’t much time to dress and many of their things were not unpacked.

  “Both of you get yourselves bathed,” she continued. “I will find something suitable for you to wear.”

  Ninallia eased herself into the bath and washed her hair. Tegani sat beside Hiroto’s cradle singing as she rocked him back and forth. As Ninallia stepped out there was a commotion as Sayeri returned with a group of women and several servants carrying bags. Wrapped in a towel, Ninallia froze. The two women walked around her touching her wet hair and appraising her.

  “Lovely skin,” commented one woman holding up a purple ribbon next to Ninallia’s face.

  “Too thin,” fretted another.

  Sayeri laughed and introduced the woman who oversaw the late empress’s wardrobe.

  The older woman bowed. “I have two gowns that might serve. You are lucky they are ready ahead of time, and Lady Vasto has not picked them up.”

  Ninallia was soon dressed in a blue gown. The seamstress made a few tucks at the waist. “Be careful, this is a temporary alteration.”

  Tegani was clothed in a beautiful, if less ornate, silver gown, and her hair curled around her face artfully.

  Sayeri clapped her hands in delight. “You are two beautiful women.”

  Tegani and Ninallia were escorted to the dining room. Tegani noticed Hanoree glowering as she and Ninallia entered the dining room in regal splendor. Ninallia was every inch the picture of a young empress. During the dinner her manners were impeccable.

  Hanoree must be furious if his sources had assured him the girl was raised in poverty in a low-class neighborhood. She appeared so calm and self-assured and her coloring and bearing were like the late empress. Tegani didn’t think even the strongest detractors would find little fault with her appearance or behavior.

  Thirty-Three

  In the dining room, Tegani and the others were finishing when alarms cut the air. Startled, she looked across at Hanoree. His face showed shock and confusion. Either he was an accomplished actor, or he was as surprised as she was. Ninallia was demanding to be taken back her room.

  “Calm down, it can’t be anything to do with the baby,” Tegani said.

  “Sayeri is sending screams of distress,” Ninallia answered.

  At a run, Tegani followed Ninallia back to their rooms. Hanoree and his personal guard were behind them.

  A nervous Imperial lieutenant stood in the hallway. He bowed to Ninallia and spoke to Hanoree. “The child is missing. Sayeri’s guards said no one came in or out. We will have to review the surveillance tapes and see if there are any secret entrances to the suite.”

  Tegani tried to comfort Ninallia. She paced back and forth, gulping in breaths of air and wiping away tears. Sayeri, whose face was drained of color, stood in shock. After a few minutes Tegani picked up on the message. By the slack look on Sayeri’s face, she heard too. Ninallia was broadcasting at an unbelievable level. Anyone with the least bit of talent and training from the Order would hear and not just here in the Imperial City. Her ability might extend planet wide.

  Arturon’s connection broke through to Tegani and Sayeri. It was followed soon by My Lady herself. “Sisters, you must be calm. I do not think the child has been harmed. Hanoree does not want anything to happen to Hiroto under his care. If he has Hiroto, he has some plan to use the child as a bargaining tool.”

  Guards announced the arrival of Houston who gaped at Ninallia. He moved next to Sister Tegani and whispered, “I heard her in my head, much stronger this time. I think the League picked up the signals. They and the Order have issued a planet-wide alert.”

  “The Order is behind this.” Hanoree glowered. “I will convene the Council of Nobles, and we will demand the child be returned.”

  Sayeri started to speak when Ninallia held up her hand. The softness and insecurity of her youth was stripped away. A young mother, barely more than a child herself, she stood, a woman of steel and turned to face Hanoree. “I don’t think this is the time for groundless accusations.”

  He took a step back and bowed deferentially. She motioned to Houston. “This is my head of security, Colonel Houston. I assure you he is impartial and independent. He has my total trust and will be in control of the search for my son. I want him to have access to those recordings and anything else he needs to do his job. I also want him to vet a security team to take over my personal safety.”

  “Only Imperial security is allowed to operate inside the Palace,” Hanoree answered.


  “That was not a request. It is my right and decree as Dowager Empress, acting as regent for my son.”

  Sayeri glanced at Tegani. Ninallia was not trained in Imperial law, but My Lady was. She must be guiding the girl though their mental link. Until such a time as the Counsel of Nobles met and decreed otherwise, Ninallia was, by Imperial law, his regent. Tegani bit back a smile.

  Ninallia wasn’t done with Hanoree. She fixed him with a look stern enough to have done an ancient dowager justice. “Since my son and I were placed in your protection, cousin, I hold you responsible for his safe return. I expect your complete cooperation with Colonel Houston. Is that clear?”

  A small group of Nobles made their way into the room. From the looks on the faces of several, they were enjoying seeing Lord Hanoree being taken down a peg. One elderly Noble went onto one knee. “My Lady, as a representative of the Counsel of Nobles, I offer you my support.”

  It was an oath of fealty from the Empire’s largest and most powerful province. Hanoree sputtered as he failed to find words to express the disbelief in his eyes.

  Tegani listened as Ninallia followed My Lady’s focused instructions. Inside the girl must be a mass of raw nerves. The support of My Lady and countless other followers of the Order gave them both inner strength.

  ~ * ~

  Ninallia buried her head in Houston’s shoulder while Tegani paced the room and Sayeri, still in shock, stared into space.

  “If it helps, I think Hanoree is speaking the truth. He does not have the baby,” he said.

  “But where is he?” Ninallia’s voice cracked, and she looked even younger than her sixteen years. She started to say more but stopped. She shook her head. “He is okay. I don’t know where he is, but he is safe for now.”