Jacinda's Challenge (Imperial 3)

by M. K. Eidem

William looked at Jotham. "Why did we even bother? We wasted the last moon cycle when all we had to do was ask Jacinda."

  "Moon cycle?" Jacinda looked at William in shock. "You mean you've been working on this since we left?"

  "Yes," This time Cassandra spoke. "The transmissions were complicated to track."

  "I'm sure they were. Pajari might be a foabhor, but he's a smart foabhor. So at least now you have the proof."

  "Yes," William agreed.

  "Why were you so sure the transmissions were related to Barek?" Jotham asked, giving her a questioning look.

  "Because Adelaide Pajari is just as sure her daughter is meant to be a Queen, as mine was."

  "Your mother thought you were destined to be a Queen?" Jotham asked stilling.

  "Oh yes. She and Queen Rea were just sure Yusuf and I would be perfect for each other. It's one of the reasons I was so adamant about going to the Academy, to get away from them and him."

  "Yusuf has to be at least six cycles younger than you," Jotham said.

  "Nine. Can you imagine? They were trying to set me up with a five-cycle. And a snot-nosed, spoiled one at that." Jacinda shuddered at the memory.

  "He's not now," Jotham informed her quietly, his face blank causing Jacinda to give him a strange look.

  "True, but I wasn't interested then and I'm not interested now. The only man I'm interested in is you." Leaning over she gave him a kiss.

  "Good." When Jacinda would have pulled away, Jotham gripped the back of her neck, keeping her close as he nibbled on her lips, coffee mingling with her unique flavor. Finally, after William cleared his throat for the second time, Jotham released her. Pleased to see her face was flushed with desire.

  "Alright you two, you can do that later, back to the matter at hand," Cassandra teased.

  "If we must," Jotham said grudgingly. "So Adelaide thinks Barek should be interested in Shosha." It was Jotham's turn to shudder. "My son has better taste than that."

  "He certainly does," Jacinda agreed, knowing he was talking about Amina.

  "Elliott Pajari did contact Barek though," Jotham told them. "It seems Sokol jumped all over him when Ethan showed up to inspect his Central site."

  "Ethan?" Jacinda gave Jotham a sharp look, the soft look in her eyes gone. "My Ethan?"

  "Umm... well yes," Jotham told her carefully.

  "Oh-oh, Jotham's in trouble." Cassandra's off-key singsong voice had Jacinda and Jotham both glaring at her while William cringed as she tried to carry a tune.

  "Cassandra, now may not be the right time...."

  "You will explain to me exactly what one of my sons is doing anywhere near Keane Sokol! He's worse than Pajari because he just plays at being a purist. All he cares about is his credits."

  "Actually," Jotham figured he better tell Jacinda everything. "Danton is involved too."

  The silence filling the room was deafening after Jotham dropped that bomb.

  "Excuse me?" The ice that dripped from Jacinda's words chilled everyone in the room.

  "Jacinda, Danton has the right to help finish what his father started. So does Ethan. They both want to be a part of this. A part of making sure that their House is safe for all who live and work there."

  Jacinda rose and walked onto the balcony, gripping the railing as she looked out over the garden. She understood what Jotham was saying. She even understood that her sons would want to be a part of this, especially Ethan. He didn't think she knew about what he and the Zhao family had to endure because Kasmira had married him. It was one of the reasons she hadn't complained when Stephan had told her he was going to chair yet another committee. She understood, but that didn't mean she had to like it.

  "Jacinda?" Jotham walked out so he was standing directly behind her. Leaning down, he placed his hands over hers, surrounding her with his warmth and protection.

  Leaning back, she soaked it all in. "I'm fine. Not happy, but fine." Slowly she turned in his arms, saw the concern his eyes held and cupped his cheek. "I really am, Jotham. I understand why the boys want to be involved, just as I understood why Stephan was. Sokol and people like him need to be stopped. He's like Audric, who killed Yakira's life mate, Vane, so he could wed her. He didn't care who suffered or what he had to do, as long as he got what he wanted."

  "Barek and your sons will stop him."

  "Tell Barek to be careful, Jotham. To never meet with Keane without his guard."

  "You think Sokol is crazy enough to attack the heir to the throne?" Jotham couldn't hide his shock.

  "Valerian was crazy enough to try and kill Cassandra, wasn't he?"

  William put an arm around his wife's shoulders, pulling her close as he remembered that terrible moment when Valerian had fired on Cassandra, as they followed the other couple out onto the balcony.

  "You're right," Cassandra said causing Jotham and Jacinda to look at her. "You never know what someone who is power hungry will do. Barek is here, isn't he?" Her gaze shot to Jotham.

  "Yes."

  "Good. We'll make sure his security is increased." Cassandra had gone into full Queen-mode. "Ethan is still in Pechora?"

  "Investigating Sokol's Central site," Jotham told her.

  "You'll need to up his security. I assume Danton is on the shuttle with the other Assemblymen?" Jotham nodded in agreement. "Is he staying at your Emissary?"

  "No," Jacinda answered. "He is staying with my sister, Palma."

  "I'll make sure security in that area is increased. If anyone asks it’s because Birgin is working with my sister-in-law and nephew."

  "Thank you, Cassandra," Jacinda smiled.

  "No thanks are necessary, Jacinda. You are not only a friend but part of my family now. That makes your family, mine too, and I protect what's mine."

  ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞

  Adelaide squirmed in her seat. She hated these 'Assemblymen' flights. Hated being surrounded by so many that were 'beneath' her, but Elliott had refused to charter them a private shuttle, or ask Keane to use his, stating they needed to be seen as 'one' assembly when they arrived.

  She found that comical, for they weren't 'one'. There were those that mattered and those that didn't. She was one of those that mattered. Danton Michelakakis was one of those that didn't.

  Casually she turned to look behind her and smiled to find Danton seated in the back row, where he belonged. He appeared to be reading something on his comm. Something she was sure was unimportant. As if he felt her gaze, his eyes suddenly lifted and he met her stare straight on.

  For a moment, Adelaide felt uneasy. It was if Danton was able to see her thoughts and knew all her secrets. Giving herself a mental shake, she gave him the slightest of smiles before facing forward again.

  "Elliott," she demanded quietly. When he didn't immediately respond, she gave him a sharp look and found him looking out the shuttle window apparently lost in thought. "Elliott!" she hissed louder this time.

  "Hmm?" he finally responded absently before his eyes focused on his wife. "What did you want, Adelaide?"

  ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞

  Elliott had been lost in the pleasant thoughts of his companion, Bebe. Yes, he knew she wasn't the brightest of women, but she wasn't demanding and truly cared for him. She was already in Kisurri, staying at an amazing hotel they has discovered on one of their many visits.

  Adelaide hated the heat of Kisurri and rarely accompanied him here. The only reason she was accompanying him now was because it was the Royal Ball and she would never miss such an important event.

  Tonight, saying he had things to discuss with other Assemblymen, Elliott would meet up with Bebe and they would have a wonderful meal together, followed by amazing sex. Oh yes, he couldn't wait to get to Kisurri.

  Adelaide's irritating voice had interrupted his pleasant thoughts.

  "What did you want, Adelaide?" he asked crossly.

  Adelaide's eyes narrowed at Elliott's tone, but she knew she couldn't make a scene. Not here when Assemblymen and their wives surrounded them. But once she got him a
lone, she would make him pay for talking to her like that.

  "Did you ever find out why Barek was meeting with Danton," she hissed quietly.

  Elliott rubbed his chin, gathering his thoughts as he decided what to tell and not to tell Adelaide. He'd learned a great deal from Barek, but none of it concerned Danton. He hadn't told her about the problems with Sokol because he knew how she would react and he hadn't wanted to deal with it. Not until he decided the best way to handle the situation.

  He had knowingly lied to Sokol, which was never a good thing, telling him that he was handling the situation. He’d told him that while Sokol had to allow the inspectors in, he would make sure the reports never saw the light of day. Of course, that wasn't going to happen, but he had bought himself some time. Things were starting to fall apart. Once they discovered the full extent of his corruption, the House would strip him of his power and position and the Pajari name would forever be associated with corruption.

  He had been under no misconception that this would one day happen especially after the close call he'd had when Stephan Michelakakis had been investigating him. Elliott's malfeasance would already have been discovered if Stephan had not died. That's when he'd started to prepare. He had started a secret fund, one Adelaide knew nothing about, and that would start his next life. One that included Bebe and only Bebe. Yesterday he put his plans in motion to 'disappear'.

  Adelaide could fend for herself, as for their daughter... he felt a slight twinge about Shosha, but it quickly faded. Shosha had always been Adelaide's more than his. She did what her mother told her. He hoped she would survive the fallout, but as for Adelaide... He couldn't care less. The woman had become more and more unstable as the cycles passed and he couldn't wait to have her out of his life permanently.

  So what was he to tell Adelaide? It had to be something that would distract her from the real problem.

  "No, but I did learn that Barek has resigned his commission in the Coalition and will now be on planet permanently."

  "What?!!" Adelaide's exclamation had heads turning to look at her.

  "Do you want everyone to know, Adelaide?" Elliott asked already knowing the answer. "Or would you prefer to be the only one?"

  Adelaide immediately calmed down, then looked around to discover they had become the center of attention. "I'm so sorry," she said giving her best imitation of a sincere smile. "Elliott just gave me some surprising news. It's fine."

  She waited until the low rumble of conversations resumed before turning back to Elliott. "That's impossible! Who told you that?"

  "Prince Barek himself informed me of his decision. He felt, because of my position, I should know." The lie crossed his lips easily as he'd been doing it for cycles.

  "But Shosha is on the Guardian!" Adelaide pointed out the obvious.

  "Because that's where you wanted her."

  "Well you have to do something to get her home!" she ordered. "Shosha needs to be on planet if she's going to attract Barek's attention and be the next Queen."

  "There is very little chance of Barek ever choosing Shosha, Adelaide."

  "That's not true! Shosha is young, beautiful, has influential parents, and is from a pure bloodline. No other woman even comes close to having all that."

  "Perhaps that isn't what Barek is looking for," Elliott taunted, knowing it would infuriate his wife. "Perhaps he is more like is father, whose Union was for love."

  "Love is for idiots!" Adelaide spat out dismissively. "What matters is that the Pajari and Tibullus names are forever linked. Get Shosha back on planet, Elliott. I don't care what you have to do and I'll make sure the rest happens."

  Chapter Thirty-Three

  "Danton! It's so good to see you. I swear it's been cycles!" Palma wrapped her arms around her nephew. "I swear you've grown a foot since I last saw you."

  "You say that every time you see me, Aunt Palma," Danton teased leaning down to kiss her cheek. "I would be at least thirty feet tall if it were true every time."

  "Oh, you." Palma pinched his cheek then pulled him into the house. "Leave your bags in the hall, Birgin is in the living room.

  Danton smiled and dropped his bags. He always loved coming to his Aunt Palma's house. She was always so open and happy. Not that the home he grew up in wasn't, but it was different here. Here he wasn't the first son of an Assemblyman, he was just Danton, at least he used to be.

  "Danton, good to see you." Birgin rose from where he was sitting to cross and shake his hand. "Would you like a glass of ale?"

  "I would love one. It was a long flight."

  "I can imagine." Birgin turned to get the drink. "Traveling on a shuttle all day with a bunch of stuffy Assemblymen and their wives." Birgin gave an exaggerated shudder.

  "Hey!" Danton protested taking the drink Birgin held out. "I'm one of those 'stuffy' Assemblymen now, and really it wasn't that bad. Since I'm a newly-elected and unwed Assemblyman, I was seated in the back row. Which made it possible for me to get some work done."

  "You'll never get me to believe it." Birgin handed Palma a glass of wine and they all sat down.

  "So, Danton. Are you going to tell me why you wanted to stay here rather than at the House of Protection Emissary with the other Assemblymen?" Palma asked sipping her wine.

  "Can't I just want to come spend time with my aunt and uncle?"

  "You can, but I know you too well, Danton Michelakakis. For some reason, you don't want to stay at the Emissary." Palma gave him a hard look. "Is it because your mother is staying in the Royal Wing?"

  "You know about that?"

  "Of course, Jacinda had supper here last night."

  "She did?"

  "Yes, and I want to know what's going on between the two of you."

  "Palma..." Birgin put a cautioning hand on his wife's arm.

  "Don't you 'Palma' me, Birgin Metaxas." She gave her husband a hard look. "You noticed it too, and I want some answers." Palma's gaze shot back to Danton. "So tell me, Danton. Why does your mother seem so sad whenever your name is mentioned?"

  "She does?" Danton found he had to swallow hard to clear the lump that suddenly formed in his throat.

  "Yes, and while she said all the right words about how proud she is and how hard you are working, her heart wasn't in it. That is not like my sister. She has always raved about her children. Oh, she's never thought you were perfect, but she always supported whatever path you took. So what's happened to change that?"

  Danton set his drink aside. "We had a... disagreement."

  "A disagreement?" Palma asked disbelieving.

  "An argument... a big argument." He reached up and rubbed the tense muscles on the back of his neck.

  "What could you possibly have..." Palma trailed off as she suddenly realized what the problem was. "Jotham."

  "Yes. I didn't... react very well when she told me, Aunt Palma." He turned devastated eyes to her. "Not well at all. She asked me to leave the house. We haven't spoken since."

  "Oh, Danton...." Palma rose to go sit next to him, taking his hand. "You know she still loves you."

  "I'm not so sure about that."

  "Well, I am. You're her child. She's your mother. She's always going to love you but, Danton... you have to realize she's more than that. She's a woman too. An amazing woman, who’s had an amazing life. She's lived her life on her own terms. I know you kids may not see it that way, but it's true. She knew exactly what she would be facing when she agreed to be Stephan's wife. We all did, that's why we all tried to dissuade her, me included." Palma nodded at Danton's look of disbelief.

  "She stood her ground, Danton, telling us all that Stephan was more than worth it. That love, true love, was a gift and one she wouldn't turn away from just because it was going to be difficult. She feels the same way about Jotham. The ancestors have gifted her a second love. Do you truly understand what a rare thing that is?"

  "I was so selfish, Aunt Palma, thinking only how it would affect me and my life when I should have been happy for her. What do I do?" />
  "Are you really sorry, Danton? Are you really going to be able to accept that Jotham is now an important part of your mother's life?"

  Danton took a deep breath. "Yes, to all of it because you're right. My mother is an amazing woman and she deserves to be loved."

  "Then tell her that, Danton, and I guarantee she'll forgive you because she loves you too."

  ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞

  Jotham leaned down and kissed away the moisture from the curve of Jacinda's neck before looking up to meet those amazing eyes of hers in the mirror.

  "There's nothing to be nervous about, my love."

  "So says the King," she told him smiling softly.

  "So says the man that loves you. Now, I better get out of here and leave you alone or neither of us is going to get dressed." With one final kiss on her shoulder, Jotham reluctantly turned and left the room.

  Jacinda stared at herself in the mirror and could see the nervousness in her eyes. This would never do. Taking a deep breath, she straightened her shoulders and thought about what was important. It wasn't the people that would be at the Royal Ball tonight. It was Jotham and her family. Her heart ached a little that her family wasn't going to be standing beside her tonight. She still hadn't heard from Danton and didn't look forward to seeing him across the room tonight. She wasn't sure what Stephanie had decided. Ethan and Kasmira were the only two from her family that she knew supported her decision, but they were not here tonight.

  Knowing there was nothing to be done about it, she reached for her brush and began to prepare for what was sure to be an eventful evening.

  ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞

  Danton walked into the Public Wing of the House of Knowledge knowing he was extremely early. He had planned to call his mother last night but then realized that this needed to be face-to-face. He had hurt his mother, something he never thought in a million cycles he would do. He reacted without thinking and had reacted selfishly. That couldn't be corrected over the comm.

  Looking toward the guarded doors that he knew lead to the Royal Wing, where his mother was staying with Jotham, he took a deep breath and advanced on them.