Cassandra's Challenge Page 57

  Cassandra says the only things she can. “I love him.”

  “And he loves you. It shows.” It’s Kyle’s turn to blush.

  In the ready room the Admiral is finishing up his last transmission. He’s contacted all those he can trust. Cassandra will have all the protection he can give her without Marat and his men.

  “What’s up Will?” Quinn enters the room.

  “Sit down Quinn, we need to talk.” As Will fills in his long time friend on the plans for tomorrow Quinn says nothing. “I know it’s a lot to ask.”

  “No it’s not. I would only be there out of respect for the King. You and your family need to be there, you’re Royals.” Quinn leans back, looking at Will.

  “What’s on your mind Quinn?”

  “High Command.”

  “What about it?”

  “Word’s out about there being a traitor. That there’s been one for over seven cycles. That Valerian was oblivious until you brought it to his attention.”

  William leans back saying nothing.

  “Now Tibullus is on Carina when Valerian couldn’t tell Jotham if he was dead or alive, a neat trick by the way.” Quinn watches he’s friend Will has always kept things to himself. “He’s losing support. Valerian. Command doubts his abilities to lead, rumors are flying that they’re going to make you High Admiral.”

  William’s eyebrows shoot up. “That’s ridiculous.”

  “You have the support of the other Admirals and Captains in the fleet. They trust and respect you. Especially now, you’re willing to risk everything to catch this traitor, including your career.”

  William finds himself slightly embarrassed by what Quinn is telling him. “I’m only doing my job.”

  “You’re doing more than that, and you know it. It also means you have a big problem.”

  “What’s that?”

  “Valerian.”

  “He’s hearing this?” William rests his elbows on his desk his chin on his knuckles.

  “Yes. It’s also known that Cassandra tore him apart, in front of King Jotham and the Protection Assemblymen. She’s getting quite a reputation within the fleet.”

  “What do you mean ‘reputation’?” William’s tone is icy.

  “Easy.” Quinn tells him. “She entered an active array, possibly saving the Retribution. Falco, she schooled her like she was a child. She’s a Challenger to Queen Yakira of the House of Knowledge. And she’s willing to go head to head with the High Admiral in your defense. Oh, and then there’s just that little thing of you claiming her as your life mate.”

  “Fuck.”

  “Will….they stand behind her.” Shocked eyes look at Quinn, who gives him a wryly grin. “She’s won them over with her honesty, courage, and commitment to you. She has their support and much as you do.”

  “Valerian will be rabid.”

  “Already is.”

  “Thanks for the heads up.”

  “William?” Cassandra raises her head from his chest to look at him.

  “Yeah?” He runs a hand up and down her back.

  “On Earth, when there is a funeral….sochraide people tend to wear black. Is it that way here?”

  “Black?”

  “Yes. Should I ask Javiera?”

  William thinks, this is one of those things he’d never worried about before. He always wears his uniform. But for women…

  “I’ve never noticed a consistent color, except uniforms. Black does represent death, the ceremony for the dead. But white is the color of the ancestors, of redemption if you like.” He can see she’s thinking.

  “It’s that way with all the Houses?”

  “Yes it’s a unifying point.” He tucks a loose piece of hair behind her ear, letting his fingers caress her neck.

  “Redemption….a nice thought.” She gives him a soft smile.

  The day dawns bright and beautiful. The first sun is high in the sky as the Challenger’s cortege enters the Temple of Pechora. Heads turn as the group passes, guards blocking a clear view of the Challenger. They are led to the front of the Temple.

  Victoria’s eyes are avid as they scan the Temple, taking in everything at once. Turning she looks up at her Aunt sitting next to her. Cassandra looks down at her giving her a slight wink.

  They talked earlier about this, that if Victoria has questions she would wait until they were back in the limisins. This is a solemn event and they would give it the respect it deserves.

  As the music changes all in the temple stand for the entrance of the King and his remaining son Barek. They follow the funeral coffin of Dadrian as it is placed in front of the alter, the King and Prince sit.

  The ceremony, full of rituals that Cassandra only partly understands, is long, performed by a Guide, the Carinian equivalent to a Priest. Part way through Victoria slides her hand into hers. Looking down, she sees tears in her niece’s eyes. Squeezing the little hand she lets her know she understands that the tears aren’t only for Dadrian.

  William watches the two. He’d been concerned it might be too much for them. There had been no sochraide for their family. He puts his hand over her free one, offering what comfort he could. Cassandra raises sad but grateful eyes to him.

  When the ceremony ends, all stand, allowing Jotham and Barek, to leave first, following Dadrian. When it comes time for them to leave, the guards close back around them.

  Back in the limisins Victoria climbs into Cassandra’s lap. Wrapping her arms around her, Cassandra pulls her close.

  “Hey, it’s okay.” She rubs her back. William puts an arm around Cassandra, pulling them both close. Victoria looks up at him with subdued eyes, so unlike the little girl. The ride back to the Palace is quiet.

  “Victoria.” The Admiral rubs her back as the limisins enters the Palace. She looks at him. “Do you want me to carry you?”

  “We’re back already?”

  “Yes.”

  “You have a gathering to go too.” They’d told her what would be happening today.

  “Yes.”

  “I can walk.” When the limisins stop guards open the door. Entering the Royal Suite they are greeted by Hutu.

  “Sir, I took the liberty of preparing a snack for the girls. It is in the formal dining room.” Hutu sees the sadness in Victoria’s eye. “If it’s alright with you I’ll take them in.”

  “That would be fine.”

  “Thank you Hutu.” Cassandra kneels down to Victoria. “I’ll see you later okay?”

  “Okay.” William helps her up as she watches Tori leave. Suddenly they hear both girls exclaim. “TORTA!” Smiling at William she shakes her head.

  “You’re going to have you hands full once their done.” Cassandra tells Javiera.

  “They maybe in a fudge coma, it’s a good idea.” Javiera smiles at Cassandra.

  “Marat.” William turns as he enters.

  “The Wing is secure Admiral.”

  “Cassandra…” William touches her back, letting her know it’s time.

  “We’ll keep her safe.” Leander reassures her. Nodding she turns to William.

  “Ready.”

  Cassandra’s taken this walk before, from the Royal Wing to the Public, she thought there’d been a lot of guards then, but today there were triple the number. She looks at the guard standing in front of the hidden door they’d used after Dadrian’s attack. William notices and gently touches her arm.

  “We can still go back.”

  “No. But thank you.” She covers his hand with hers. “I’ll be fine.”

  “Remember what I said.” He gives her a hard look.

  “I’m not leaving your side.” Six guards are at the doors of the Public Wing. They watch the four approaching, three males, one female. While the Sargent recognizes the Admiral he still consults his list, making a notation of the time they arrived.

  “Admiral, Princess.” He gives them a nod then turns to the guards, ordering them to open the doors.

  Entering the Public Wing Cassandra is amazed at the a
mount of people contained there. She’d been in several rooms and of course the ball room before, but all doors have been opened, connecting all the rooms and gardens, and still it’s full. With William’s hand on the small of her back she allows him to guide her to a spot where he feels she will be secure.

  Queen Yakira notices her Challenger enter the room, along with everyone else. It isn’t that she’s simply dressed in white, looking like a beacon, a tribute to the ancestors. It’s that she has no security, just the Admiral and his two sons.

  Prince Audric also notices. He’d been having a hard time disguising his glee at the death of Dadrian, now he has no problem. She arrives with no security? Did she have no fear of him? He destroyed her planet. He’d destroy her.

  Cassandra can feel the rage directed at her. Scanning the room her eyes settle on Audric. She knew she’d been right, she allows her eyes to move past him, dismissing him.

  “What are you doing?” William leans down to whisper, he’d felt her tense.

  “Irritating.” She whispers back, Kyle and Lucas exchange glances.

  “Assemblyman Bevington nice to see you again you too Kira.” Cassandra address William’s friend.

  “Princess, Admiral.” Bevington gives them a slight bow.

  “Nestor, you remember my sons, Lucas and Kyle.”

  “Of course, Lucas I hear you’re quite the pilot.”

  “Thank you sir.”

  “And Kyle, in the Hall of Records, it must be very interesting.”

  “I enjoy it sir.”

  “Kira’s hoping for such a position when she graduates.”

  “Really?” Kyle looks at the pretty girl currently blushing at her father’s side. “You’ll have to let me know when you are applying, maybe I can help.”

  “That would be wonderful, thank you.” Kira’s voice is subdued but Cassandra can see the sparkle in her eyes. Looking at Kyle she sees it isn’t one sided, hiding her smile she looks and sees William has also noticed.

  While they talk servants circulate with trays of drink. William selects one then hands it to her.

  “Thank you.” Her eyes widen slightly as she looks past him. Turning he watches Dr. Bliant approach.

  “Admiral, Princess Cassandra.” Bliant nods. “May I present Assemblyman Ugolsky of the House of Healing.”

  “Assemblyman Ugolsky.” Cassandra nods.

  “Princess, I apologize to present myself to you at such a time. I took advantage of my nephew’s relationship with the Admiral.”

  “Your nephew?” Cassandra raises an eyebrow to Bliant.

  “My mother’s sister’s husband Princess.” Bliant informs her.

  “I see. No apologizes necessary Assemblyman Ugolsky,” She turns her attention back to him. “At times like these, meeting new people helps take one’s mind off senseless tragedies.”

  “I couldn’t agree more Princess and since the formal gatherings have been canceled…”

  “With all due respect Assemblyman Ugolsky, I don’t feel this is the proper setting for that type of discussion. It would be disrespectful not only to the deceased, but to King Jotham and Prince Barek.” Her eyes tell him she would brook no argument on this subject.

  “Of course Princess.” Ugolsky nods his esteem for the woman increases. He’d wondered if she’d take advantage of the situation.

  “How is Victoria?” Bliant asks changes the subject.

  “She’s adjusting.” Cassandra gives him a warm smile. “She’s discovered fudge torta.”

  “Oh really.” Bliant smiles at her.

  “She’d eat it at every meal if she could.”

  “Wouldn’t we all.”

  “Princess Cassandra.”

  “Assemblyman Terwilliger, Madame Terwilliger.” Cassandra acknowledges. “I’m sure you know Assemblyman Bevington, his daughter Kira, Assemblyman Ugolsky, Dr. Bliant, the Admiral’s sons Lucas and Kyle.” Greetings are made.

  William watches as Cassandra makes small talk with some of the most influential people in the Assembly, if not the planet. Making it look easy. Across the room he sees King Jotham and Barek enter. They stop and speak to several on their way to them. As they approach, people step aside. There is much speculation about the Prince dying in the Royal Wing.

  “Majesty, Prince Barek.” The Admiral speaks first. Nodding to them, Cassandra does the same.

  “Admiral, Princess.” The King acknowledges. “Kyle, Lucas, your presence is appreciated.”

  “We would be nowhere else but your side Majesty.” William replies looking his friend in the eye.

  “Princess, your presence is especially noted, I’m sure you had misgivings.”

  “Majesty?” Cassandra shoots a look to William then back to the King. Suddenly all ears are listening.

  “With all you’ve been through because of….” She cuts him off.

  “It has been difficult Majesty, senseless death always is.” Cassandra isn’t sure what she should say, so speaks from the heart. “I am truly sorry for the loss of your son Majesty a parent should never out live a child. My Grandmother told me it was the most devastating moment of her life, the day my mother died. She never truly recovered she always believed there should have been something she could have done to prevent it. But the truth is we are all responsible for our own decisions.” She continues to look at Jotham. “Remember the happy times you had with your son, Majesty, be grateful for what you still have, it will help ease the pain, I know.”

  Silence greets Cassandra’s comments to the King, she suddenly realizes the room is silent, and that she may have revealed too much of herself.

  “Thank you Princess.” The King’s voice is gruff. Turning he continues on his way. Barek stays a moment longer. She meets his look.

  “My father tells me you think I’m conceded, irritating, and intrusive.” He says in a dry voice.

  “You’ve forgotten competent and a jerk.” She replies in the same tone, receiving a quirk of his lips.

  “Yes. Admiral, Lucas, Kyle.” He nods to them then follows his father.

  William removes the glass from Cassandra’s hand, replacing it with another, looking in her eyes only he sees her doubt. Her doubt that she may have said too much, revealed too much, of herself. Leaning down he whispers so only she can hear.

  “It was fine.” Cassandra nods. His hand at her waist gives her a reassuring squeeze.

  Audric is furious. The little bitch, thinking she can console the King, that she has any right to even speak to him. And the Admiral, standing there touching her, never leaving her side, thinking he can catch him. What a fool to let a woman turn his head, even one that looks like that. He knows that Dadrian attacked her the night of the ball, yet there wasn’t even a whisper of it.

  “Audric!” Queen Yakira hisses at him.

  “Yes?” He realizes he’s been ignoring her.

  “I wish to speak to the Challenger.”

  “I will send word.” Audric motions to a guard.

  “No.” Yakira stops the guard. “We will go to her, on our way to give our regrets to King Jotham.” She starts to move across the room, her guards clearing a path, Audric following.

  William watches the group approach, his eyes flash to Lucas and Kyle. They both immediately understand. As do Bevington, Ugolsky, and Bliant. William puts a hand on Cassandra’s waist as she talks with Madame Terwilliger. With a slight nod she continues the conversation until Madame Terwilliger notices the approaching Queen.

  Cassandra’s eyes are politely blank as they meet the Queen’s. She waits.

  “Princess Cassandra.” Yakira finally speaks.

  “Queen Yakira.” Cassandra gives her a slight nod. “Have you been introduced to Admiral Zafar’s sons, Lucas and Kyle?”

  Yakira must acknowledge them or appear rude. “Gentlemen.” She gives them a slight nod.

  “Majesty.” They nod back.

  “I was disappointed at your early departure from the ball.” The Queen’s eyes are hard. “There were many disappointed.”
Her tone accusing.

  “If I owe apologizes Majesty, I will give it to those in question, not to you, you chose to leave the conversation when you didn’t like the answers.”

  “How dare you!” Audric takes a step towards her, Kyle steps in front of him.

  “I don’t believe I was speaking to you, Prince Audric.” Cassandra’s eyes are as icy as her tone.

  “Princess, you will give my spouse the respect he deserves.” Yakira demands.

  “Respect is earned not given Majesty.” Cassandra counters.

  “You judge me, when you stand with this man!” Audric is infuriated at her slight. Everyone within hearing distance stiffens. Yakira watches as Cassandra’s entire being freezes in cold rage, except her eyes, they’re blazing.

  “The man I stand with has earned every medal on his chest. None were given to him to make him feel more like one. He is Royal by blood, by birthmark, he doesn’t need to be given a title. You will show him the respect he has earned, Prince Audric.”

  “Queen Yakira.” Deffand interrupts before Audric can response. “King Jotham would like you to join him in the other room, at your convenience of course.” Deffand gives her a slight bow. His eyes shoot to the Princess whose eyes are still locked with Audric’s.

  Yakira is still watching Cassandra, her defense of the Admiral, given in a cold even tone, reveals no emotion. But none hearing it doubts the rage. She truly believes in the Admiral, cares for him, she isn’t using him.

  “Of course Captain.” Yakira acknowledges the King’s guard. “Audric.” She holds out her hand. When it is not immediately taken her eyes shoot to her spouse. She sees his are still locked with Cassandra’s. “Audric!”

  Who did this little bitch think she was! He’d destroyed her entire planet, he’d destroy her, and the man who she thinks he should respect. He’d do it slow, starting with the child, watch her suffer knowing she’d caused it.