“You weren’t here. I made a decision on my own. What else was I going to do?”
“You knew I wouldn’t want them leaving the Complex, Andie. We’ve talked about this. It’s just not safe for you out there. Othar Eshude is a complete lunatic who would eat you for dinner.”
“Othar Eshude either thinks I’m dead or long gone, Casey. You are the one on the Red List, not me. Plus, I don’t think he ever knew that Laeren had a child. Tiran’s probably the safest one out of the three of us. Not to mention that going to this ball has finally gotten her doing something else besides brooding about that Markus,” Andie explained.
“I thought you had handled that situation.”
“Well, I spoke to him, and he agreed to leave her alone. She hasn’t been going out except with Kendra anymore, so I assume he did. But that hasn’t stopped her from moping about. She hardly spoke to me all summer,” Andie clarified. Casey sighed and flopped onto the bed.
“I did have an aide pull his background investigation. He looked fine, Andie. He is from a small mining town in Urok. No living family but lots of acquaintances to vouch for him.”
“How in the world did a man from a small mining town become fluent enough in Basic to get a job in the library?” Andie wondered.
“His file says he taught himself. He was looking to make his life better. I guess back home he was just a small time gambler,” Casey grunted as he stretched out on the bed. “I don’t think he’s any harm, but if you want, I’ll ask to have him transferred to the University’s extension campus in Madrigal.” He closed his eyes.
“It would make me feel better,” Andie admitted.
“Sure.” Casey stifled a big yawn. Andie rolled to face him.
“I’ve missed you, Casey. It’s been a long three months.” She waited for a response but Casey was already snoring softly. She pulled a blanket up to his chest and then turned over. She might as well let the poor man get some rest. They could talk later.
7. One Last Meeting
Oanni’s last discussion with Erron was held in the same small flat where they had met frequently during the last year. Oanni stood and waited while Erron took a seat at the marred, wobbly table that was one of the few shabby furnishings in the one room flat. The paint was peeling, and yellow stains smeared the ceiling where water had seeped through. It was no fitting place for a Noble caste such as Erron but no matter. Erron would soon have the means to afford to live as he was entitled. Only a week more, hopefully, and all would be finished.
Oanni sat across from Erron and waited expectantly. Protocol demanded that the master open the conversation.
“Good afternoon, Oanni. I trust you have had a good week,” Erron began pleasantly.
“Of course. And how have you been, Master Erron?” Oanni asked perfunctorily.
Erron shrugged. Oanni took that as permission to get on with business.
“So? Do you have it?” he questioned eagerly.
Erron smiled complacently. “She went to request my invitation from the security office yesterday. This morning I was informed that I have been invited to attend the Inaugural Ball and cleared by security.”
“Perfect! Our revenge is near at hand, Master Erron. Once the traitor is dead, the Brotherhood will deposit the rest of your reward in your account.”
“Good. I have certainly earned it. It has been a long year. I have worked more than I intend to for the rest of my life,” Erron muttered. Oanni listened without rancor. He could hardly expect that Erron would feel any different. As for himself, he thought little about the future. The excitement swelled inside of him. After twenty years he would finally see that insolent, murdering slave suffer. His revenge would be sweet indeed.
“Is there anything else I need to know?” Erron inquired almost lazily.
“I will be there on the grounds to help make sure no one gets in your way.”
“Really? I am impressed! Breaching the Palace security is supposed to be impossible.”
“How do you think they killed Damato?” Oanni smirked nastily. “The Oman only uses this source for special projects. Those sniveling fools who run the Palace think they are so smart, but they still haven’t figured it out.”
The two men sat in silence for a minute while Oanni mentally reviewed the timing of his main stratagem and all his contingency plans. As long as Dia was there he would manage to corner her somehow.
“You are sure that the slave will be at the Inaugural Ball?” Oanni posed expectantly.
“She says so. The whole family is going. You will never have a better shot than this. Believe me,” Erron snorted, “if I could have managed to get any of them out of the Complex by now, I would have done it just to save myself the tiresome business of pretending to work in that musty hole.”
They conferred for a few minutes more, working out the final details of the plan they would soon carry out. When both men were satisfied, Oanni bowed his head nearly to the table. Erron placed his hand on Oanni’s shoulder.
“My father would have been pleased, Oanni. You have shown true devotion to his memory. Thank you.” Oanni smiled gratefully. He could have no greater praise from Erron. This time he would deserve it. He would not fail.
8. The Inaugural Ball
Tiran stared at the Royal Palace in awe as she stepped from the transport behind her parents. It was breathtaking! She had never seen the palace before. Nobody lived in it anymore; it was only used for big government functions. The building was lit up from within and without, and the white granite seemed to glow like a beacon in the darkness. Two ornate pillars surrounded the front doors, which were open and guarded by sentries. She looked around the grounds, and she could see at a glance dozens more soldiers standing guard. It was going to be a heavily protected celebration. She breathed a bit easier. She didn’t want anything to spoil tonight. Markus had promised to be here and she couldn’t wait to dance with him. She was pretty sure she could pull off at least that much without her parents figuring things out.
Once through the security they passed through the great hall into the ladies’ cloakroom. Along with her mother and Kendra, Tiran checked her cloak and small bag, and they stopped to adjust their dresses one more time before entering. An efficient matron rehooked her mother’s dress while Tiran smoothed her hair. Then, her stomach churning with excitement, she and Kendra followed her mother back out to the lobby just outside the ballroom. Her father was waiting for them and her mother took his arm. In a moment she was going to enter the very first ball she had ever been to! It was too exciting!
The array of dancers was breathtaking. Full gowns in multiple colors swirled around the room. Tiran hoped that she could quickly find Markus in all of these people. She anxiously scanned the crowds, but she didn’t see him anywhere. He was very tall, but so were many of the men. He wasn’t likely to be dancing with someone else, so that narrowed it down a little. Just be patient, she told herself. You’ll find him.
“Are you looking for someone?” her mother asked her, sounding concerned.
“Oh! No one in particular,” Tiran answered, trying to sound indifferent. “Just seeing if there is anyone I know.” Her mother frowned slightly and Tiran braced for further inquiries, but just then someone from the University stopped her parents. She gratefully left them to the small talk and motioned to Kendra. They tried to work their way to the south wall. Surely somewhere in this mass of people she would find Markus.
An hour later she was still looking. Kendra was already off dancing. She had been asked by some extremely handsome young man about five minutes after they entered. Of course, Kendra was a beauty and a Citizen visitor at that. Tiran herself had not completely escaped dancing and twice had danced with complete strangers. Thanks to the practice with her tutor and Kendra, she had gracefully managed the dances, and then impatiently continued on her search for Markus. Finally, just when she was about to give up in despair, sh
e saw him. He was standing casually near the door to the back veranda. She quickly worked her way through the crowd and came to his side as he was looking the other direction.
“Markus,” she said and put her hand on his arm. He turned quickly and smiled. “My dearest Tiran, wherever have you been? I have been looking everywhere for you!”
“I’ve been doing the same. My very first ball wouldn’t be the same without you!”
He laughed softly. “Well then, let me take you for a dance. Let’s make this ball something to remember!” He took her hand and led her to the dance floor.
They joined a traditional Denicorizen waltz, and Tiran felt as if she was floating in the stars. Markus was looking at her in admiration, the music was romantic, and she felt like she was the most beautiful girl at the ball swirling among the dancers. It was heavenly. When the song ended it was too soon. She and Markus politely applauded the musicians and she couldn’t wait for another dance. Unfortunately, the musicians then took a break and some government official began to talk, introducing the newly inaugurated president.
Tiran didn’t really listen; instead, she snuck sidelong glances at Markus and caught him doing the same. She had to cover her mouth to stop from giggling. She was so giddy with the excitement of the evening she was almost lightheaded. The official turned the stage over to the new president, and he began to drone on. Impatiently, Tiran heaved a sigh. Markus noticed immediately. He leaned to whisper in Tiran’s ear. “Why don’t we slip out the back and avoid the formalities? We can walk in the gardens—it is beautiful out there.” Tiran nodded and Markus took her hand, leading her through the crowd and out onto the back veranda.
They wandered in the gardens for awhile. It was so beautiful. The weather was calm and warm, and she enjoyed walking in them hand in hand with Markus. It was only marred by a twinge of anxiety that refused to completely go away. She was terribly afraid that her parents would catch her.
After awhile they stood by the fountain for a moment and watched the water spray in multicolored arcs from one side to the other. Markus was unusually quiet, and Tiran wondered what was bothering him. She was too afraid to ask, but suddenly he turned and took both of her hands. “My dear, sweet Tiran, I have to tell you something terrible tonight.” Tiran’s stomach plummeted. His tone warned her that whatever he was about to say might ruin her night.
“I am leaving tomorrow for Urok,” he told her quite simply.
“For Urok! Tomorrow?” Her lower lip trembled. “This is sudden.” She could hardly believe her ears. It was if she had suddenly plunged from soaring heights into icy water. Her beautiful first dance was starting to crumble to dust. She swallowed hard, willing herself not to cry like a baby. It would be so humiliating.
Markus turned away from the fountain and looked out over the dark garden hedge lining the walk. “I have been, well, relieved of my duties as a librarian. It seems that they no longer need my services. I can hardly afford to stay in Roma with no employment, so I will return to my home in Urok,” Markus related soberly.
Despite all her best efforts, the tears were starting to trickle down Tiran’s cheeks. She couldn’t live without Markus! He was the one thing she looked forward to every day. “Why didn’t you tell me sooner?”
“I wanted to, but I was afraid.”
“Afraid? But why?” she choked.
In response, Markus led her from the fountain to a gazebo not far away. She wanted to ask him for more details now, but the tears were flowing fast and she struggled to get control of herself.
In the gazebo Markus led her to the bench and she sat heavily. Markus remained standing. Finally he spoke.
“I was afraid because I need to ask you a question,” he said a bit nervously. Tiran looked at him searchingly, a sudden suspicion darting into her mind.
“I have been so unhappy here in Roma, my dear Tiran. I am homesick for my native land, and Roma does not suit me at all. I would have left long ago, except that as I got to know you more and more, the light of your presence made it easier to go on. And then I did not want to leave because I had fallen in love with the sweetest, most beautiful girl in all of Corizen.”
Tiran blushed in the dark. Her tears had stopped.
“Tiran, I do not think I can live without you. Will you marry me?” Tiran jumped up and threw herself into his arms, nearly knocking him off balance.
“Yes!” she answered happily.
Markus held her tightly. “It will mean moving to Urok. Can you do that? Can you leave your family behind?”
“Living in Urok is really important to you, Markus. I know that, and I will live wherever you need to,” she professed bravely. He kissed her in response.
“Will you come with me tonight? Leave it all behind and run away with me?” he whispered in her ear. He kissed her passionately again. Tiran’s mind was whirling. Leave tonight? Elope? But as she kissed him back, suddenly nothing else seemed to matter. “Say yes,” he urged. “Please do not make me leave here alone!”
“Yes,” she conceded breathlessly.
♦
“Where in the world is Tiran?” Andie whispered to Kendra as President Gulann spoke on and on about all the people he wanted to thank for his recent election. Kendra shrugged her shoulders. “I’m sure she’s around. We got separated during the dances,” she answered, a bit too casually. Andie studied Kendra suspiciously for a moment. Now that she thought about it, maybe there was more to Tiran’s excitement than it just being her first formal party. Perhaps she had never stopped seeing that Markus after all, but she had used Kendra as an accomplice. Tiran hadn’t mentioned him in awhile it was true, and of course Casey had discreetly asked for the man’s transfer off campus just as he had promised. However, Andie didn’t think he had left yet. Markus is so much older and we know hardly anything about him, Andie fretted. I wish I knew what was going on with my daughter.
Casey stood at her side, seemingly engrossed in the President’s long-winded speech. He didn’t seem to notice until she touched his arm. “Tiran?” she mouthed silently. He shook his head and turned back to the speech. Was politics more important than their daughter? Andie stifled a retort and kept scouting the crowd for Tiran.
Was it possible that Markus was here tonight? Suddenly she was sure of it. That was why Tiran had so eagerly awaited the ball. That was why she had been so flustered and absentminded. She was meeting that Markus here at the ball. Only now her daughter was nowhere to be found. Andie’s heart rose in her throat. Her daughter didn’t know anything about men! She was too naive and trusting.
“I’m going to look for Tiran,” Andie told Casey quietly. He turned to her in surprise.
“Now?” he whispered incredulously. “It’ll look terrible if you walk out on the President’s first speech.”
“I don’t care.” She started to move away. Casey grabbed at her arm but she shook him off and he let her go. She knew he wouldn’t want a scene in front of all these people.
Quickly she worked her way through the crowd and into the lobby. From the lobby she headed up the grand staircase. In a few moments she was in the gallery where she could scan the crowd in the ballroom. She tapped her foot nervously against the railing. There were so many yellow dresses! Was every young girl wearing that same shade as Tiran? Finally she was sure. Tiran was not in the ballroom. Quickly, she spun and headed back for the stairs, silently cursing the fancy high-heeled slippers she had worn in concession to this year’s fashion. It made it treacherous to try and hurry down the steps.
In a minute she had reentered the lobby. She was on her way to get help from one of the security guards when she paused to consider. Maybe nothing really serious was going on. It was possible that she was overreacting. She didn’t want to publicly embarrass Tiran. She decided to just go and make sure that Tiran was all right. If she could be unobtrusive, Tiran would never even know she was there.
On the gro
unds, Andie did stop to ask one of the guards if he had recently seen a young lady in a yellow gown.
“Yes, madam. She passed not ten minutes ago. She was walking with an older gentleman, her father perhaps. They went toward the fountain.” Andie thanked the man and quickly walked in the direction of the fountain. I knew it, she thought grimly. She’s been seeing that man. This has got to stop. He has got to be at least twenty years older than her!
They weren’t at the fountain. Andie spun slowly, searching the other paths for Tiran and Markus. She couldn’t see them anywhere. She debated between two paths that led from the fountain and finally chose the one that led back toward the east grounds where the gazebo was.
Just as she started in that direction, a man stepped from behind a bush onto the path behind her. Andie whirled around, startled and tense.
“I’m sorry if I scared you, Madam,” the man said hoarsely, “but you may not go this direction right now.” He coughed slightly. Andie noticed the Palace Guard uniform and relaxed. “I’m sorry. I’m just looking for my daughter. Have you seen a young woman in a yellow dress with an older gentleman come this way?”
“I did, not too long ago. However, they returned toward the front of the Palace.”
“Oh,” Andie replied disappointed. It seemed she was just missing her daughter at every turn. She looked over his shoulder toward the glowing entrance portico.
“Well, I guess I’ll go look for her over there. Thank you,” she replied politely.
But the man didn’t move out of her path, and Andie’s heart leapt into her throat. Something was terribly wrong here. She peered more closely at the soldier in her way and it was if her blood had suddenly frozen. She opened her mouth to scream for help but he was too quick for her. His arm snaked around her neck cutting off her windpipe.
The man laughed harshly. “So you recognize me now, do you?”
Corizen Rising Page 7