Cali spoke up," Jasmine in the past we have always helped the other kingdoms even if they have been the ones to attack us.”
“And who is going to help Jarnay? No, we both have enough work to do; we are not going to worry about your kingdom as well. You will need to figure it out on your own with your own resources. I am a new Queen you are dealing with. I have heard many stories as to how you would think you could pull one over on Queen Holly. I want to warn you now, that will not happen with me.”
“Queen Holly was a very stubborn woman, and I see that you will most likely follow in her footsteps” she sneered.
“You expect me to bow down to someone who has attacked my kingdom in my first week as Queen? That is not going to happen,” I shot back.
“Yes, well, so be it then. I suppose we have nothing else to discuss.”
“One thing I’d like to remind you of. If one person from your kingdom steps foot on Tamporlea’s ground, we will see it as an attack and we will show no mercy.”
She glared at me before standing up and stalking out of the room. I wasn’t impressed with Aella the first time we met, but now I could say that I hated that woman. She is everything I don’t ever want to be..
As Cali and I made our way back to the palace, I could tell something was weighing heavily on her mind. The tension that was already between us seemed to be multiplied after the meeting. She didn’t say anything, but once we were in the palace, she said goodbye to Mykel and ran up to my door. Obviously she was ready to unleash her wrath.
When I closed the door, it took little more than a second for her to start yelling. “See? This is what happens when you let someone who’s betrayed the kingdom leave with the Runners. You know it was Tyran who told her about Lilliana and there’s no telling what else he has told her.”
“Just hang on a minute, we don’t know for sure that it was Tyran.” Although I had to admit that I was thinking the same thing and Tyran seemed to be the most probable person. “When are they due back?”
“After dinner.”
“Fine, I will discuss this with Tyran and see what he has to say about it all. Until then, we have the clean-up starting in about an hour, I think we should talk about that.”
I was surprised at how much Cali was on board with this project; it seemed that everything else I was doing didn’t please her at all. At the dining room table, we both went over the details of who we could have doing specific things. We used my binder on all the people within the kingdom to determine who would do what. It saddened me every time I had to put a date of death on some of their photos. Then there were the few that never returned to the kingdom and we didn’t know where they might be.
Chapter 11
A Golden Clementine
I put the crown back into the safe and changed into my jeans and a t-shirt while Cali went to her room to change for the clean-up. I noticed something next to the crown’s box, pushed way to the back of the safe. It was a large green book with no title on the spine. I took it out and placed it on the desk and turned on the lamp before opening the book. The inside cover had a small paragraph that described the book as the palace’s ledger of finances. I flipped through to the last page looking at the expenses for the past few months. There was a large sum paid for outfitting my room as well as Cali’s which were the last entries. The final balance was just over thirteen million dollars. I knew that the people of Tamporlea didn’t use money within the kingdom but I had no idea that the palace was so rich.
I wondered if Cali knew about this and went to her quarters using the elevator. She was startled when the door opened in her room and had a terrified look on her face.
“Cali, have you seen this?” I asked holding out the book.
“No, what is it?”
“The palace ledger. It says we have over thirteen million dollars.”
“Really? I knew we weren’t lacking in money, but I didn’t think we had that much.”
“Do you realize what this means?”
“Uh…no.”
“Cali, the biggest area we in which we have been lacking is in communication within the tiers. I mean just to get a meeting together we have to run around the palace knocking on doors. It sort of calls attention to us doesn’t it? We could easily solve this problem with this money.”
“Whoa, Jasmine, this money is the palace’s life savings. Do you really want to blow it in one shot?”
“Well, it won’t cost much at all really. All we need is for everyone to have a cell phone with texting capabilities. The biggest expense is to actually pay for the phones, but I think we can set up a business plan with a provider. Wait, how do the pagers work and the video calling?”
“We bought the pagers. It’s run by a secure network that the Enchanters built along with some of the Others who have inventing capabilities.”
“Wait a second, how do you know about that? You found out about those pagers at the same time as me.”
“Orion gave me the books on a number of different things, these pagers being one of the topics.”
“Anything I should know about in the books?’
“Not really. It’s all informational stuff, pretty boring actually. You wouldn’t need to know anything about it.”
“So, I wonder if we could buy the cell phones and have them do something similar.”
“Probably. From what I read, the pager thing wasn’t that difficult.”
“I think this is something we should definitely consider.”
“It’s something we would have to vote on,” Cali said.
“Do you think it’s a good idea?”
“It would be good if you and I were the only ones able to send the messages. I think one of the reasons something like this hasn’t been done in the past is because it would be too easy to pass around information that shouldn’t be passed around.”
“Well, I think we should see if it’s a possibility. Maybe I will bring it up in a meeting or something.”
“I don’t think you should go around telling people how much money the kingdom has,” she said quietly.
“I know that. I was simply telling you.”
“I have seen the subject of money get pretty ugly a few times. If it got around that there was thirteen million dollars in this palace, people might be trying to get their fair share. Just be careful with that information, okay?”
“Of course I will. I’m going to go put this ledger away and head down to the grounds.”
Once everyone made it outside, Cali and I arranged them into groups with different tasks. The kids were all excited to be included. I saw Angel working with the kids since she was too pregnant to do anything too strenuous. I told her that she didn’t have to work at all, but she said she was hoping the exercise would put her into labor.
Although everyone was working, I was delighted to see that everyone was having a good time. Some groups made their task a game and some groups sang a song as they worked. Sebastian and I walked around all day and I helped out when I was allowed, but apparently it’s taboo for the Queen to do any physical work in Tamporlea.
When it was time for dinner, the Commoners brought out three large tables filled with lots of dishes. There were sandwiches, stew, lasagna and even a large tossed salad with which I filled my plate. We all sat on the grass to eat and talk about what was going on. I announced that we were officially done for the day, but if anyone wanted to keep going they could. Most of the men said they would continue chopping up some of the wood and some of the women wanted to finish pulling the dead flowers. Although there was still a lot to be done, we definitely got a good start.
When dinner was over, Cali went straight to her room without a word to me. I didn’t know if she was going to continue to be my assistant or not and it was looking more like she was choosing not to. I wouldn’t even try to change her mind if that’s what she really wanted because I know that it has to be hard on her. I don’t think she realized that things would be so difficult and truth be told, neither did I.
We both probably had unrealistic expectations of what our roles were going to be.
As I was saying goodnight to the Commoners cleaning up from dinner, I saw the group of Runners and Tyran coming through the tunnels. I walked toward them, anxious to speak with Tyran about what Queen Aella knew. I tried to act casual and smiled as I approached them.
“Welcome back guys,” I said cheerfully. “Tyran, can I speak with you for a moment?”
“Of course,” he said handing his bags to one of the Runners.
“To my room please.”
I allowed him to enter first and told him to sit at the table as I closed the door. I was glad that there was a table separating us and I couldn’t just reach out and smack him. I took a deep breath in trying to calm myself before I spoke.
“Jasmine you’re making me nervous.”
“I had a meeting with Queen Aella today.”
“You did?”
“Yes. Is there something you would like to tell me?”
“Uh,” he said nervously. “I don’t think so.”
“Was your reason for going with the Runners to go see Aella and tell her about Lilliana and who knows what else?” It came out as a question, but it was obvious I was accusing him.
“No! No way,” Tyran said.
“Then tell me how she knows then. How could she possibly know what happened with Lilliana if you didn’t tell her? You’re the only one not locked up who has betrayed our kingdom in the past! If you just confess now, I will take it a lot better than if I found out you were lying to me again.”
“Jasmine, no. I would never,” there were tears in his eyes now and I knew that my accusations were really hurting him. “I wouldn’t do that, I swear.”
“Then who?” I asked
“I couldn’t tell you. We all split up and did our own things when we got into town.”
“Then why did you just have to leave? Why was it so important that you go with the Runners?”
“I can’t tell you. I mean, I can’t tell you right now. But you will know soon, I promise!”
“Tyran Brocket, I demand that you explain yourself now,” I said firmly.
“Fine!” he yelled as he stood up. “I’ll be right back and I will show you.”
While he was gone I decided to go over to sit on the couch. I was fidgeting, waiting for him to come back. I wasn’t sure what he had up his sleeve but whatever it was I didn’t think I was going to like it. He knocked lightly on my door when he returned about ten minutes later. He was holding a picnic basket in his hands and sat on the couch, setting the basket between us.
“You wanted to go on a picnic?” I asked confused.
He laughed and said, “Look inside the basket Jasmine.”
I hesitantly lifted the lid and looked inside where there was a sleeping puppy. I couldn’t say a word and the tears started streaming down my face. I petted the little dog with just a couple fingers, not wanting to wake the sleeping angel.
“We were going to train her. I thought it might be a little too soon after…well you know. I thought if we took a couple months training her, it might give you enough time to heal and maybe you would want another dog.”
“Does she have a name?” I asked still sobbing.
“No, that’s up to you. We got her from a farm where we got the horses, they breed golden retrievers.”
“Clementine,” I said softly.
“What?”
“Clementine, it was my best friend’s dog and that will be her name too. It just so happens that my friend’s dog is a golden too.”
“You can pick her up you know.”
“But she’s sleeping,” I said.
“She’ll fall right back to sleep on your lap. She’s been sleeping all day.”
“Thank you so much Tyran,” I said wiping the tears from my eyes. “She’s so adorable.”
“Well, she’s not just from me. She’s actually from all the Heads. I told Mykel my idea and he asked the rest of the Heads and Cali when you were late to a meeting.”
I hugged Tyran tightly burying my head in his chest. It was as though the past week hadn’t even happened. All was forgiven on both sides, and I felt like I was home again in his arms. Being like this, with him, always felt so right in my heart. I pushed those feelings aside and thanked him again.
Tyran picked up little Clementine and handed her to me. She barely woke up before she gave me a little lick on the cheek and fell back to sleep in my arms as I held her like a baby.
“She could be the palace dog,” I said. “She could be everyone’s dog, she would just sleep with me.”
Tyran smiled and said, “I think everyone would like that.”
“I’m sorry Tyran. I should have trusted you. I’m so sorry.”
“It’s okay, Jazz. I have given you every reason not to trust me.”
“No, you haven’t. I mean, yes, you did some really awful things, but it was all done before you knew me. You’ve never done anything directly to me.”
“I just hope someday that you won’t have a second thought about me leaving the kingdom. That is my fault and I am sorry about that. I regret the things I’ve done.”
“Let’s never bring these things up again then. We both know what was done, we both know your punishment, let’s not dwell on them any longer.”
He smiled and said, “Thank you Jasmine.”
“Tyran!” Mykel yelled as he knocked on my door frantically.
We both ran to the door with Clementine still in my arms. Tyran let Mykel in and he was smiling ear to ear.
“It’s Angel. She’s had our baby! Little baby girl, Mya Holly,” he said proudly.
“That’s a beautiful name,” I said. “How is Angel doing?”
“She’s fine, she’s in the hospital wing being healed, but everything went perfectly.”
“Congratulations!” Tyran said. “Can we go see her?”
“Of course,” Mykel said.
“Oh, I will be down in the morning. Right now should be for your family, but tell Angel I said congratulations.”
“Oh! Looks like congratulations are in order for you too!” he said excitedly. “She’s a little cutie. Does she have a name yet?”
“Yes, her name is Clementine.”
“Like the orange?” he asked laughing.
“Exactly like the orange,” I said.
“We'd better go,” Tyran said. “I want to see my little niece! Do you want me to take her?” he asked reaching out for Clementine.
“Not unless you want your arms cut off,” I joked holding the puppy closer.
“Alright. Goodnight then.”
“Goodnight guys. I will be there first thing in the morning to see little Mya.”
I lay on the couch with Clementine on my chest as I petted her. Her fur was silky and very blonde, almost white. I realized I should go down and tell Cali about everything. I had to stop making her an afterthought. I just couldn’t get used to telling someone something as soon as it happened. I put the puppy in the picnic basket and made my way down to the incline to Cali’s room.
She let me in and noticed the basket before saying, “We just ate Jasmine.”
I rolled my eyes and sat on the rug in the middle of her living room. I opened the basket and pulled out Clementine.
“Oh my god! She’s so cute, but you weren’t supposed to know for a couple months about this little girl.”
“Yeah, well, I sort of accused Tyran of telling Queen Aella about Lilliana and insisted he explain why he wanted to go with the Runners,” I said with remorse.
“He had it coming. Does she have a name?”
I told her Clementine’s name and why I chose to name her after an orange. She said she agreed to get a new dog for me because she couldn’t imagine me without one after seeing how close Casper and I were. I was grateful she gave the okay for this.
“You know, I don’t think I’ve heard you talk too much about your friends,” she said.
“Well, I am trying not to thi
nk about them too much. It’s too hard, you know, because they are all doing what I would be doing. They are all probably in their new dorm rooms getting to know other people. Kind of hurts to think about them right now.”
“Do you regret it?” she asked quietly.
“Not even a little bit,” I said confidently before changing the subject. “Oh! Angel had her baby, a little girl. Her name is Mya Holly.”
“Really? That’s wonderful! It’ll be good to have new life in this place.”
“I think so too.”
“I don’t want to bring this happy moment down, but you know what I am wondering? If Tyran was busy picking out Clementine, who was telling Aella about Lilliana?”
“I don’t know. Tyran said that everyone except him and Kelly split up to do their own thing.”
“Is this another job for Selvin?” she asked.
“Maybe. We’ll see what happens tomorrow. I don’t want to go waking everyone up now.”
“So, I have something to tell you,” Cali said. “I’ve reached a decision about being your assistant.”
“Okay…”
“I’m not going anywhere. I’m sorry for the way I’ve been acting. I’ve been jealous of everyone getting more time with you than me. Then I was feeling sorry for myself for not being able to fall in love with someone. Then I was angry that I allowed myself to fall for Storm. I have been going through a whirlwind of emotions and I took it all out on you.”
“Well, it didn’t help matters that I took you for granted. Let’s just put this behind us okay?”
“Okay,” she said. “Look! She’s waking up,” she said pointing to a wiggling Clementine.
“Let’s take her out to the grounds,” I said.
“Okay! Oh, wait, we need a Guard.”
“Well, Sebastian will still be awake. Do you want to go get him while I get a little toy from my room for Clem to play with?”
“Sure, we’ll meet you at the door.”
The three of us played with Clementine in the field for quite a while. We laughed watching her trip over her paws that were still too big for the rest of her body. Her little tail wagged back and forth at lightning speed as she played with the lime green stuffed bone. This was a great ending to the day.
Unjust Page 13