by Frank David
In the distance he noticed them, the guards of the Church. Had Antonio sent his men to offer protection? How did his grandfather know he had been sent here to help Lena and the people of Xasha heal? He saw a captain of the guard approach as his ship docked. The man waved to him and Roderick returned the gesture. The captain’s men closed in, surrounding the plank Roderick and his family would use to exit the ship.
People pushed and shoved at the guards as they held their line. Roderick descended and greeted the Captain.
“Imperial Prince Royal, I am Captain Martin of the Royal Guard of Saaveth.” The man bowed as he introduced himself. “My men and I have been assigned to offer protection to you and your family while in Xasha.”
“Thank you, Captain but please call me Roderick,” Roderick said as he shook the man’s hand. The crowds became more frenzied as they realized who the visitor was. Roderick heard the voices cry out cursing him, Stelaphina, Hulsteria, and now his grandfather. “Did the Benedictus send you?”
“Yes, his Holiness asked that you be given 24-hour guard. He feared you may be in danger as the climate in Xasha towards Hulsteria has become violent.” Martin looked around as he said the words. His men were struggling to keep the people at a distance. “We need to get you and your family to Southerly Palace at once.” He motioned for a few of his men to come and help escort the Imperials to their coach.
The people of Xasha were angry with Stela’s treatment of Edmund. They believed her chosen form of death was too extreme for their beloved Prince Royal. The Empress Regent was a Hulsterian which only helped to increase the people’s anger. They wished to have a Xashan on the throne. They awaited the birth of Lena’s child.
Roderick struggled to help Juliana and their children into the waiting carriage. He looked out over those gathered. He needed to do something to ease their anger.
“People of Xasha,” he began. “I am Imperial Prince Royal, Roderick Brooks of Hulsteria.” The crowd began to shout obscenities in his direction. “I know the pain you suffer at the loss of your Imperial Prince Royal, but his fate was his own. Hulsteria did not rise against Xasha. It was your beloved Prince who, driven mad by jealousy, attacked Hulsteria unprovoked.” He watched as the crowd silenced. “His own guard admitted to his involvement in the murders of Emperor Imaz of Trokha and Emperor Lyon of Savien. He then murdered the families of the Imperials he forced to commit the assassinations. I come to ease the relations between our two realms, heal the pain of both our peoples.” The crowd seemed to be appeased. “Your Empress Consort needs your support now as she prepares to give birth to the new Emperor or Empress Brandt,” he smiled at the crowd. The crowd cheered at the mention of the young Imperial. He waved and entered the carriage.
“You took a great risk addressing them, Roderick,” Juliana scolded. “If you had not eased their anger they could have attacked you and our children.”
Roderick looked at her, giving her a comforting smile. He placed his hand on her cheek. “Do you think I would do anything to put you or our children in harm’s way? I knew I needed to address them. They need to understand we are not the enemy but are here to help them heal.”
“Why did Stela have to end Edmund’s life the way she did? I think this is what has upset them the most. It was barbaric.” Juliana turned to look out the window as she said the words. She knew the words would bring about his anger.
Roderick looked at his children. He did not wish for them to hear the details of how their aunt killed their uncle, regardless of how justified the action was. “I think it best we discuss this when we are alone, Juliana.”
The silence between them was uncomfortable. Roderick worried he might say something he would regret. He could sense his wife’s anger. She refused to look at him. Her eyes shifted between the open window and her children sitting across from them.
A sigh of relief exited Juliana as the palace appeared in the distance. It would not be much longer until the ride was over and their silence could end. She hated the fact she needed to choose her words wisely when it came to Stela. As his wife, she should be allowed to say whatever came to her mind, but no, she was forced to censor her thoughts to prevent an argument. Roderick had sworn to her his feelings for Stela were only those of a brother for a sister, but she had to wonder if he still had stronger feelings for her. She never blamed him for falling in love with Stela. They were raised to believe they were distant cousins and forced to live in Rothmar together. The feelings were normal. However, once they were aware of their true relationship, he should have done whatever was necessary to curb the romantic feeling he held for his sister.
“Do not be upset, Julie,” Roderick said as he placed his hand on hers. “We will discuss this further but we have much to do first. Lena needs our support. We cannot appear before her separated.” He leaned over and kissed her on the cheek. “We are here representing Hulsteria and Stela.”
“I am not mad. I just need to know that you are not still in love with her,” Juliana said, her eyes low, holding back the tears. “I am not a jealous woman, but I cannot compete with your sister, nor do I think I should have to.”
“Julie, I have never loved anyone as I love you. Stela is my sister and my love for her is not what you think. Yes, my heart once belonged to her but that was many years ago. My heart now belongs to you and our children. Do not be threatened by my support of Stela. She is my sister and my Empress. That is all.” Roderick looked down at their young son in her arms. He looked at their two older children sitting across from them. He could not imagine his life without them nor did he wish to. “The four of you have made me complete. I am content with the life I have and do not wish my life to have been any different than it is. I will tell you this. I believe Stela did what she needed to do. You see her act as horrifying. I see it as a message. She was the only female ruler in the realms. She needed to be sure that any who might oppose her knew she would not be an easy target. I would say her defeat of Edmund has proven her ability to rule.”
“I suppose you are right, Roderick. I did not think about how difficult it must be for her. I do not wish to fight with you. Also, I do not doubt your love for our family. I am sorry that I cannot get beyond what you and Stela once shared. I will do my best to put this all behind us.” Juliana gave Roderick a smile, hoping it would reassure him she was trying to be understanding.
“Remember, it was the lack of trust in Stela’s own marriage that led to Sofia becoming pregnant with Edmund’s child.” As soon as he said the words he knew they were wrong. “I am not saying that I would ever seek the affections of another. I just want you to understand that when trust is weak in a relationship, the relationship is destined to fail.” He fidgeted in his seat knowing his words may have sparked another disagreement.
“You are right, my love,” she said, her eyes staring through him. “I do not wish our marriage to end as Stela’s. I do not believe I could take your head,” she laughed, surprised she made a joke about such a vile act.
The carriage came to stop. Roderick looked out the window. He could see Lena standing at the doors of the palace. It was obvious her child would be coming any day. They had arrived just in time.
Roderick stepped down, helping Juliana and their baby. He lifted his son, Alec, followed by their daughter, Amelia. The family ascended the stairs to meet Lena. Her mother, Luna, had joined her.
“Imperial Majesty,” Roderick bowed. “I send greetings from Hulsteria and Empress Stelaphina.”
“Imperial Highness,” Roderick addressed Luna.
“Welcome, Roderick,” Lena reached out and touched his hand. The smile on her face let Roderick know she appreciated his presence.
Chapter Five – Lena
Lena led her guests to the great hall. She was relieved to have additional support. She had never wanted to be a ruler, but the position had been thrust upon her since her husband’s death and her brother-in-law’s betrayal.
“Lena, have you filled the positions left vacant?” Roderick did
not wish to start the visit with such discussions but he knew the people needed to see Lena was in control and doing what was best for Xasha.
“I have not. I should have addressed the vacancies sooner. I have been so overwhelmed.” Lena began to sob.
“Lena,” Luna drew her daughter’s attention. “Tears are not appropriate in your position. You would never catch Stelaphina crying in front of visitors.” Luna’s volume raised as she spoke.
“Luna, we are all family. If Lena needs to cry, I would prefer she do so in front of us.” Roderick placed his hand on Lena’s shoulder. “You have been given a great burden. One for which you were unprepared. Therefore, we are here to help you get the realm in order.”
“She has been impossible since hearing of Edmund’s death,” Luna’s brow sharpened. “I understand she is with child, but she needs to control her outbursts.”
“Juliana, will you and the children stay with Lena? I would like to speak with Luna.” He looked at Lena for her permission. Lena nodded, allowing the two to take their leave.
Roderick led Luna out of the great hall, away from the others. “Luna, I understand you are upset and are only trying to do what is best for Lena, but you cannot be so harsh.”
“Roderick, you do not understand.” Luna looked back at Lena, ensuring her daughter’s attention was not on her. “She is not the same girl I raised. She is different.”
“We are all different. We are all discovering our gifts,” Roderick answered.
“Yes, I understand the gifts, but she is different. I have heard her late at night in her room talking to herself. No, not talking to herself but holding conversations with herself.” Luna worried about her daughter.
“Have you asked her about these conversations?” Roderick pushed.
“How does one ask their child if they have gone mad?” Luna responded. “She also talks of Edmund’s betrayal. She says he killed his brother. She says he threatened to kill her, but Victor stopped him.” Luna shifted uncomfortably. “I fear if the people of Xasha find out she has gone mad, her life and her child’s life will be in danger.”
“Luna, Edmund did kill Victor.” Roderick’s eyes hardened. “Had you not heard? I thought everyone knew of Edmund’s deeds.”
Luna bit her lip. “I had heard the rumors but believed the words to be just that, rumors. Just a way for Stelaphina to justify his murder.” Luna lowered her eyes at the accusation she made against her Empress.
“Stela was justified in her actions against Edmund,” Roderick said as he gripped his sword, his knuckles turning white. “Might I ask you to take Juliana and the children to their rooms? I will speak with Lena to see what I can discover.”
“Of course,” Luna said. “I meant no disrespect to our Empress.” She left Roderick to retrieve his family.
Roderick followed behind the woman. He was surprised by her words. She lived in Jascaessau and was an Imperial Archduchess. Such words could be taken as treason. He assumed it was the pressure which led to her words and forgave her indiscretion.
“Juliana, I will take you and the children to your rooms. I am sure the journey was long and you must all be exhausted.” Luna smiled as she took Juliana’s hand.
Once Luna and his family had left the room Roderick approached Lena. He could see she was beside herself. Her hair was disheveled. Her eyes were slightly swollen and red.
“Lena, we need to talk,” Roderick said trying to be as soft as possible. “I am worried about you.”
“I am worried about me as well, cousin.” Her smile was fake. The tears appeared in her eyes again.
“Your mother said she has heard you talking in your room at night. Who have you been speaking with?” Roderick placed his hand on her back, leading her to sit.
“You would not believe me, Roderick. To be honest, I do not believe it myself,” she said through tears.
“Lena, if I am to help you, you must trust me.” Roderick placed his hand on her lap.
“Did you know Edmund was behind the death of Victor?” Her head shook as she said the words.
“Yes, Lena,” Roderick confessed. “Edmund had an accident and was injured. A healer treated him and saw what he had done to Victor. The information was discovered too late for anyone to do anything.”
“He confessed his crimes to me,” Lena continued, “The Scientia was here. He showed me Edmund’s actions. He threatened to kill me as well if I attempted to stop his attack on Hulsteria.” She stopped.
“Your mother said Victor stopped him from killing you?” Roderick tried to be understanding. He had seen much over the past several months. He also knew if Braynard was involved anything was possible.
“Yes, Victor appeared before us,” her whole body was now shaking uncontrollably. “He told Edmund if he ever raised a hand against me or our child he would end his life. The Scientia did something to me that prevented me from remembering what Edmund had done. It was only after he was killed that the memories of his crimes came back. I am not crazy Roderick. Victor was there. Victor has been visiting me at night, comforting me.”
Roderick moved closer to his cousin. He hugged her. He could sense the poor woman was on the verge of losing her mind. He needed to let her know he believed her. “Lena, I do not question your sanity. Braynard should have explained your gifts to you, helped you to better handle what you have been given.”
“How can you not think me insane? I speak with the dead. He will not appear before others, only when I am alone. He forces me to suffer his visits alone and I am forced to keep it a secret for fear I will be taken away.” Lena’s tears stopped. She looked at Roderick, the pain in her eyes evident to any who would gaze upon her.
“I have seen much. You heard of the attack on Rothmar, have you not?” Roderick needed her to know of the powers others possessed.
“Yes. It is said Edmund was behind that as well,” Lena said trying to calm herself.
“Did you hear what happened? How the assassins were defeated?” Roderick asked.
“No. I assumed the guard had defeated them.” Lena’s shaking had stopped.
“The Benedictus encased the palace in a dome of ice, trapping the assassins inside. Imperial Princess Royal, Sofia, used her gift to hear the assassins. Others used their gifts to defeat them. We are all discovering our powers. However, I fear that by being alone here, you have been sheltered from what is happening throughout the realms. You have been forced to deal with your gifts on your own and that was unfair.” Roderick lifted her head to look at him. “You are no longer alone. I am here now. I will help you to deal with your gifts and your visions.” He kissed her on her forehead.
Lena’s face brightened. She realized she was not losing her mind. “Thank you, Roderick,” she said as she stood.
Chapter Six – Harris
Harris’ heart raced as his horse approached his parents’ home. He worried about his father. Had he heard the rumors of his paternity? Would he welcome him home? Was his mother still living with him, or had he forced her out for her betrayal. He worried about his younger brother, Brett. Would Brett look at Harris differently? His mind was filled with worries but soon he would have all the answers.
He could see his father and brother out working in the fields. His father tirelessly worked that land that belonged to Harris’ true father, Frederick. His father provided food to the man who had fathered the son he had believed to be his own. The thought made Harris’ stomach uneasy. He dismounted and tied his horse to the crude fence of his parents’ farm. He stood for a moment, staring at the house he had grown up in. It was so small compared to the palaces he had called home lately.
It was a tiny dwelling, a simple one room home. It was made by wattle and daub which was a common method for peasant’s homes. It began with a timber frame that was filled with woven hazel twigs. Then covered in mud and allowed to dry. The one room served as their kitchen, dining room, and bedroom. He now called Rothmar home, a grand palace made of stone with many rooms and fine accessories. How di
fferent his two worlds were. He hoped the worlds would mesh and not collide.
The door opened as he approached. His mother’s smile greeted him followed quickly by a warm hug. Perhaps the stories had not reached his small family.
“Harris,” she said, her eyes filled with tears. “I am so happy to see you.”
“Mother,” he said his smile returning her joy.
“We had heard you were successful in the tournament,” Mary said as she led her son inside. “Word also reached us that you were training the Empress to face the Emperor Consort.” A smile of pride beamed across the woman’s weathered face. She was once a beauty, but hard work and long days quickly drain such attributes. She was only in her late thirties but appeared much older than the women of court who were of a similar age. Her once golden hair had begun to gray. The skin around her brown eyes showed her fatigue, darkening over the years. The wrinkles seemed to have increased since he left.
“Yes, I was successful, though it was a challenge,” he laughed as he sat at the table in the middle of the room. “I met Imperial Grand Archduke Lester at the tournament.” He needed to see her reaction. He needed to know if she was aware that Frederick had claimed him as his son.
“Did your father treat you well?” Mary asked. She did not look at him as she poured him a cup of mead.
“You have heard then?” Harris said as he took the cup from his mother.
“Yes, we heard that he has named you his heir and claimed you as his child,” Mary took the seat next to him. “Do not worry, Harris. Your father has always known you were not his. I did not hide my indiscretion from him. When you love someone, you are honest regardless of the outcome. Your father was hurt but he agreed to stay with me and raise you as his own.”
“Is he upset that it is now commonly known that I am Frederick’s son?” Harris asked as he took a sip from the cup.