Pawn of the Crown

by Cheryl Oblon

  “I’m not marrying anyone right now. You need more water…you’re hallucinating.” I left and gave Cragna instructions that my aunt was to get a piece of fresh fruit and an extra cup of water a day. Dehydration and malnutrition could make people say and even believe bizarre things. Her real thoughts were disturbed enough.

  Chapter 5

  I’d avoided people since I came back from the dungeon. Reviewing my childhood and everything my father had said to me I could remember, there was more confusion than answers. He’d always been proud of me—of what I’d become. Yet, it seemed to be an act to cover up he was a rebel. Aunt Elani could be dreaming. Making it up. Or they both could foolishly hope the fates would smile on them.

  The Bachal inherited on the male line. Even if my father managed to have a son, it didn’t matter there or here. But laws could change. I had the sneaking feeling he’d play whatever angle he could to get power.

  He just wasn’t that big of a man. Maybe he had some followers, but what had he accomplished in his life? Married up and had one daughter. Caused trouble with his rebellious activities. He hadn’t done anything impressive to rally people. True, he could be personable when he wanted.

  A knock on the door pulled me from reflection.

  “Yes,” I replied.

  Marel poked her head in. “Nemal is here. He said you had dinner plans.”

  “Oh, I forgot.” I dragged myself to my feet and looked in the mirror.

  “He has it ready in his rooms. I’ll send him away, and you can head over when you’re ready.”

  I needed work, then. Brushing my hair smooth, I tried to shut off my brain. If my father were up to something that elaborate and involved, he wouldn’t have slipped up and let me in on it. Letting his allies in rebellion murder my mother was a huge mistake. It brought all the secrets and lies to the surface and forced me to choose. He’d always told me never to hide my intelligence or be afraid to speak up to the royals when I was seer. My job would be to advise. It seemed like proud father stuff. But people underestimate children, and I watched how Mother behaved. I noted how my father was treated by the royals. He coveted power, and I could see that much clearer now.

  I touched up my makeup and added a necklace and bracelet to make the outfit look dressier.

  It was only Nemal. I’d expected him to sleep through dinner and wake for work. Maybe he had something to tell me? I dabbed a bit of scent behind my ears and was done. Looking good was a lot of effort for so little pay off for the fuss. Having servants to tend to clothing and such made it much easier. Maybe I did have some of my father in me? I did like the spoils of status.

  When I knocked on the door, I expected a droid to answer. Nemal did. He looked concerned.

  “You look tired,” he said.

  “I am. I had a long day.” I entered and hugged him. That helped my energy right away.

  “Want to skip dinner?”

  I shook my head. “I need to be get back to normal. I went home to have lunch with my cousins, but afterward, my day took a bad turn.”

  “Dinner is ready. Sit.” He led me to the chair and held it for me.

  He was being overly attentive. There were droids and servants for this sort of thing.

  “Thank you. What’s the occasion?”

  “Nothing. Enjoy.” He began to dish out food.

  They were some of my favorites. A simple chicken with rice dish that wouldn’t impress foreign dignitaries, but tasted good. Fresh bread and water, no wine tonight. Something was different.

  “Don’t make me pull it out of your mind, Nemal.”

  “Just eat,” he replied.

  I began to eat, but watched him carefully.

  Once I’d had a few bites, I sat back and sipped my water. “What is it?”

  “My uncle sent a message earlier. One of our spies confirmed that your father is in Bachal territory, and he’s not a prisoner.” Nemal leaned toward me.

  I shook my head. “He’s a traitor. A defector. I don’t know what he’s thinking.”

  “No one suspects you as a collaborator. But it’ll be a problem. I’m going to ask my mother to send me to the Bachal as part of the delegation.”

  “To hunt down my father?”

  “If I go, Uncle Johey can go along as well. He can do the hunting and exploration discreetly. We’ll have to keep up the image of a diplomatic visit, but I’m sure there will be lots of tours, rides, and hunts,” Nemal said.

  “I don’t want you to go,” I said.

  “Eat. Nothing is decided. I wish I could’ve avoided telling you, but you’d find out tomorrow at the morning meeting anyway.” He resumed eating.

  “The Queen’s Counsel meeting will be all about my rebel father. Maybe I should just resign.”

  “You can’t resign. You serve at the pleasure of the queen. If she wanted you out, she’d do it. No one else has your powers.”

  “Or my insane family. My aunt is spinning crazy theories,” I said.

  “That’s what has you upset. Ignore her. Don’t go to see her, again. Seelon said she wants power. She thinks she should be on the throne.”

  “Or me. I know she doesn’t really want me to be queen. That’s just her trying to get to my ego to pull me to her side. It’s nonsense, but I don’t want people thinking I put that in her head.” I tore my bread into tiny pieces.

  “No one thinks that. You know how much work your job is. Balancing when to speak up and when to support the monarch. Sitting on the throne is even worse. Who would want to be queen?”

  “Sure as hell not me,” I said.

  “Then, relax. She’s on a power trip and might have mental problems. I’ll recommend they have her medically checked out.” Nemal refilled my water.

  “Where are your attendants?”

  “I wanted to be alone with you. Attendants talk. Even droids make me feel watched.” He chuckled.

  “Attendants talk. I’m sure yours already know, and it’s all over the castle.”

  He grinned. “That we’re having dinner? I don’t care.”

  I rolled my eyes at him. “I meant about my father. Is the search party returning soon, then?”

  “They’ll come back, but we need a bigger border guard. In and out, we have to watch who is coming and going. We have some cameras, but with the heightened tension, it’s important to know immediately.” Nemal frowned.

  “Your mother should’ve had him executed when she had the chance.” I stabbed a piece of chicken and finished my dinner. No longer would I let him ruin my appetite or my life. My father’s rebellion or his delusion was his problem. I couldn’t fix it or feel guilty.

  “I agree, but he could lead us to a bigger group of rebels. He might be useful. He might cross back to Lazrel and meet up with them. We don’t know his plans,” Nemal said.

  “I know him. If he’s safe there, he’ll stay. Let someone else go back and forth…That’s a riskier job.” I shook my head.

  “Not even to visit you?” Nemal asked.

  “In my position? He’d never dare visit me at the castle. When he first escaped, and no one seemed to notice or report it, maybe. But I’d have told the queen. Even if I wanted to spare his life, I wouldn’t risk my neck. Neither one of us is willing to sacrifice for the other. Some family. Lies are such a headache, and my whole childhood sometimes feels like a betrayal.” I drank some water and felt a bit better.

  “I’ll never lie to you.”

  I grinned. “I’d know anyway.”

  He stared at me, slightly annoyed.

  “I won’t lie to you either. Unless it’s a matter of national security or under the queen’s orders. I have to do my job,” I replied sweetly.

  “Ready for dessert?” he asked.

  I sighed. Something sweet sounded perfect after the sour day I’d had.

  The Queen’s Counsel meeting was fairly brief the next day. They had few suggestions about fixing the fake engagement, but plenty of questions about
my father. Minnette glared at me as if I could control it.

  When the other rulers left, I waited. The queen hadn’t asked me to, but I did.

  “Minnette, leave us,” the queen said.

  She smiled at me. “Why? I’m supposed to be shadowing you. I should know whatever this Royal Seer wants.”

  “You two will have plenty of time for that. I think this matter is personal.” The queen pointed to the door.

  When the princess was gone, I breathed a little easier. “She didn’t like my idea for her education?”

  The queen sighed. “We didn’t discuss it. I’ve had other things. Nemal and Johey have volunteered to go to the Bachal.”

  “To capture my father?” I asked.

  “Partly, and partly to satisfy the Bachal king’s request.” She sat back. “Do you think that will please him?”

  “The king is used to getting exactly what he wants. He asked for Nemal and me. The king might not be happy.” I didn’t want to go, but I had to honestly answer her.

  “And you can’t get a vision of your own future, so you’re frustrated. Nemal and Marel have expressed concern,” she said.

  I nearly crawled under the table. “I’m sorry if I’m letting this personal connection interfere with my work. I can’t get a vision about myself, but I will go if you feel I should.”

  “Are you okay? No one feels you are a traitor, but you have been under intense scrutiny. Family connections are hard to sever, and you’ve already lost your mother. No one would blame you for being torn. I must warn you, for your safety, your father has proven himself a very skilled and dangerous man.” She rose.

  I stood. “Dangerous? Did he hurt anyone?”

  “He killed a guard. That’s how he escaped. He buried the man. The other guards assumed he was escorting your father to his work area. The timing was excellent. He wasn’t signed in. The guard wasn’t accounted for, so neither was his prisoner. It slipped through the cracks. That won’t happen again.” She headed for the hallway.

  I followed her. “I’m sure security is much improved. But I must say, and this has nothing to do with my father, but hard labor seems a pointless punishment. Droids are more efficient. To do labor, the criminals must move about, and it’s an opportunity for escape. Keeping them locked up in a dungeon seems far more convenient and effective.”

  “You have a soft heart. You don’t like the idea of suffering,” she said.

  We boarded the lift. I knew who the queen wanted to talk to. “I don’t like suffering without a purpose. You won’t reform some of them. Most of them won’t change. The guards could be put to better use elsewhere. Let droids do the work with one supervisor.”

  She looked at me. “If we go to war, that will definitely happen.”

  “The prisoners won’t be put into the troops?”

  She sighed. “Hardly. Your father probably has them all brainwashed to fight for the other side.”

  “I’m sorry. I wish you had executed him.” I meant it.

  “I made that decision without regards to you or your feelings. Sometimes, you need to let the mouse go and follow. We failed at trailing him, but people make mistakes. Things go wrong. We adjust.” She stepped off the lift as it stopped.

  We were outside the door of my great aunt Gurol’s quarters hiding in the high tower. Everyone thought she’d been killed years ago for being insane. She was the Royal Seer before my grandmother. A complicated vision resulted in me having my job.

  We entered the room and found Aunt Gurol busy sewing. How she managed to keep her sanity and patience cooped up in this group of rooms with a couple trusted nurses, due to her age, and droids—I’d never know.

  “My dear Kimess.” Aunt Gurol dropped her sewing and puttered over to hug me. I met her halfway.

  “Hello. How are you?”

  “Better than you. That father of yours…” She frowned.

  “I know. They need to recapture him. I can’t get good visions on myself or him. Can you help?”

  Aunt Gurol bowed to the monarch. “Of course. If the queen wants it.”

  “I’m so sorry,” I said.

  “It’s fine, Kimess. She’s your family and mentor. I wish you’d had more time with your mother.” The queen sat.

  Aunt Gurol and I sat, as well.

  The queen laid one hand on the large table that was used for dinners, crafts, and reading. My aunt liked all the view screens. She could sort of watch life.

  “The Bachal king has invited Kimess and Nemal to visit his castle. He mentioned them by name. We need to be sure they will safe. Or should we keep Kimess back?”

  “And Nemal?” I asked.

  “He’s volunteered. His choice,” the queen said.

  “No, I want to know what Aunt Gurol sees there, too. It’s hard for me to be clear about him,” I admitted.

  Aunt Gurol smiled. “Too close. Good choice.”

  I felt the queen’s annoyance, but she wasn’t angry or disapproving.

  “Very well. Silence, please,” Aunt Gurol said.

  She closed her eyes and held her hands out, palms up. Quietly, she hummed to herself. Without warning, she grabbed a tablet and began tapping on it like she was a much younger woman.

  The queen looked at me. I wasn’t this good at getting visions on demand, but if I practiced more, maybe I’d get there.

  Finally, my aunt opened her eyes and focused on the tablet. “Let’s see what we have.”

  “You don’t remember?”

  “I never remember. I just channel. If you remember, you’re trying to control it too much,” she said.

  “I’ll work on that.” I needed to spend more time with her.

  Aunt Gurol frowned. “The concern is the Bachal will kill Kimess. They know about the prophecy that she will ensure a victory for Lazrel. They know about it because of that man who tried to kill Kimess.”

  “Ballen.” I should’ve figured out he was a traitor, as well.

  “He was well chosen by the rebels. Raised in the castle world. But the Bachal won’t kill Kimess. They covet her powers.”

  The queen gazed in my direction. I lifted a shoulder.

  “If she goes, she will learn more and stop the betrayer. If she doesn’t go, the king will take offense, and the war will be brought on quicker. Delay benefits us. They thrive on haste and cruelty. Make them like us. Nemal and Kimess will do well together at this. Make friends of the younger prince and princess. The queen of Bachal will be swayed.” Aunt Gurol blinked her eyes. “That’s all. Does that help?”

  “Very much, thank you,” the queen said.

  “Thank you.” I smiled. I wanted to ask about my father’s safety and sanity, but not in front of the queen. I didn’t want to appear torn. If Aunt Gurol didn’t see it, odds were she’d say it wasn’t time to know. I’d try on my own later with her technique.

  Chapter 6

  When I tried to connect to a vision of myself in the Bachal world, I saw darkness and felt pain. Focusing on my father in that scenario, blood coated my hands. Fear and desperation consumed me. I ran, not sure where, but I had to flee.

  Pulling out of the vision, I looked at the words I’d typed into the tablet. It matched what I remembered. I wasn’t as advanced as my great aunt, but I didn’t see the positives for the country either. All I saw was danger.

  The pain lingered in my body. My arm, stomach, and even chest stung for no reason.

  “You look ill,” Marel said.

  “Visions can be debilitating. I don’t know how to counteract the effects,” I confessed.

  She sighed. “You don’t have to have every answer.”

  “The queen is going to make me go.”

  “I’ve heard that. If Nemal goes, too, you’ll finally have some private time—hopefully.” Marel smiled.

  “That is not worth what we’re facing. I have to believe there is a reason, but I can’t see it.” I trusted my great aunt, but there was something about hav
ing my own vision that made it real. Scary. But without detail, I felt even more in the dark.

  “I think you’ll have fun. You just have always had a very predictable life. You’ve always known where you’re going and what you’ll do. Things sped up in your world, but venturing to a foreign land, that’s new. You’ll do wonderfully.” Marel sounded so positive.

  “I wish the queen were going. The whole Bachal royal family came here.” I could use the backup and experience. This wasn’t about a treaty. It was about a potential marriage for the prince. It was about the next generation. Nemal and I were representatives of that.

  “That would be too risky. You don’t really want that,” she said.

  “No, I don’t. But my job is to advise the monarch, not go on diplomatic trips without her.”

  Marel shook her head. “Your job is whatever the queen says.”

  I sighed. “True.”

  “Want something to drink?” she asked.

  I sensed a strong presence headed my way. “No. The queen is coming.”

  I tried to rally my energy for my monarch. Her guards announced her, and now, we sat at my table over tea.

  “You understand how important this visit is,” she said.

  I nodded. “I don’t have much diplomatic or traveling experience. My mother took me around this country, but never outside it.”

  “You have some time to study customs and habits. But you’ve studied them before. You’ve met them. You’ll do fine. Nemal will be with you, and you’ll have security, droids, and attendants.” She nodded.

  “Thank you.” What else could I say?

  “I know you have reservations, but there is a lot you can do others can’t. Read their minds. See what they know and think about Faldar. If they believe the engagement.”

  “Spy,” I said.

  “Spy, make friends. Be kind to the prince and princess there. Try not to become an enemy of the king. And you must bring your father back.” She stared me dead in the eye.

  “My father?”.

  “You know he’s there. We all do. He’s across the border. My brother will go with you. Prince Johey will do the leg work. Arrest your father. But you must draw him out. He’ll avoid Nemal and other of our guards. If he has a chance to see you, I bet he’ll take it,” she said.