by Frank David
“I do wish you would wear a dress every now and then,” Sofia’s nose crinkled at Felicia’s choice.
“You fell in love with me in pants, so I shall continue to wear them.” Felicia laughed as she buttoned her shirt.
“Get out. You make my maids uncomfortable when they come to dress me.” Sofia kissed her as she pushed her toward the door.
“They need to get used to me. I am not going anywhere,” Felicia called out as Sofia closed the door on her.
Chapter Twelve – Diana
Daniella sat quietly, watching the woman pace back and forth across the small room in the cave. She hated her new surroundings. She longed to return to Red Hill, or at the very least her home in Rowan. She was a captive in this cave. If she tried to step outside, she risked the Imperial Guard finding her. There was nowhere for her to go. Diana offered the only protection she had.
She stood and approached the Goddess. The woman turned to face her, stopping her movement. Daniella looked up into the woman’s gray eyes. Diana looked down and gave her a smile. As she looked down, black strands of hair fell, covering her face.
Diana held tight the note in her hand. Daniella had noticed a sense of dread since the note arrived. She had no idea who the note was from or what it contained.
“What has you so concerned?” Daniella reached out for the deity’s hand.
Diana placed her hand over Daniella’s. Her eyes gave away her concern. “This is a letter from Courtney.” She extended her hand, giving Daniella the note. “Courtney believes Stela has changed. She believes the woman is different since facing Edmund.” Diana began to pace again. “Braynard was wise to bring the battle to her. He knew what it would do to her. He knew it would better prepare her for what is to come.”
“We have been preparing. Edmund attacked without the help of the Magisters. He was unprepared.” Daniella tried to calm Diana’s nerves. “We will be a proper match for her and her band of mystics. We are equally equipped.”
“I fear you will be no match for Stela,” Diana whispered. She did not want the words to echo to those beyond the small room.
“Braynard is just a man. I admit he is a powerful man, but just a man. You are a Goddess. Surely you are stronger than he.” Daniella stayed close to the woman, so her voice would not carry.
“Are you truly that ignorant?” Diana’s tone changed. She gripped Daniella’s hand. The girl struggled to free herself from the pain. “He is not just a man. He is not just powerful. He is God.”
“What?” Daniella fell back at the words. “I tried to kill God?” The realization of her actions struck her hard. “You are a Goddess. Are you not a match for him?”
“Foolish girl, I am no Goddess. I am simply a divine mistake. I was not meant to live but the Old God showed me mercy and allowed me to survive.”
“I am sorry, I do not understand.” Daniella lowered her face.
Of course, you do not. I sometimes do not understand myself. I was created by the Old God. I was to be mate to his first creation, Barius. The Old God granted us powers. He wished for us to be like him but in a smaller scale. I share some of the powers of God, but my powers are limited.” Diana pulled the young woman close. “Braynard has all the powers of God,” she said through clenched teeth. “If he decides to interfere in our plan, we will lose.”
“Do you think he will? Interfere that is?” Daniella was suddenly frightened by the woman before her.
“I do not know what he plans. I have no way of knowing what his plan is for Stela, but he will not allow her to fail.” Diana pushed Daniella, causing her to fall to the ground.
“If Braynard wanted you dead, would you not be dead now?” Daniella said as she stood. “Could not God eliminate you with a thought?”
“He could. I must be a part of his plan for her,” Diana lamented. “I need to know how much she has changed.”
“Can you not go to her and see for yourself?” Daniella suggested, keeping her distance.
“Courtney has mentioned Stela is to marry. Her wedding would be a perfect chance for me to determine if she has, in fact, changed. Changed so much as to put fear in Courtney.” Diana smiled.
“Would it not be a risk for you to go to such a public event? I am sure Braynard would be in attendance. Would this not anger him?” Daniella kept her eyes from Diana as she spoke.
“It would, if he were able to sense me. One gift the Old God gave us both was the inability to sense the other, unless very close. If I keep my distance from him, he will not know I am there.” Diana began moving again.
“Is he not familiar with you? Would he not recognize you upon sight?” Daniella worried her questions would anger her.
Diana turned her back to Daniella. “He would, if I were not able to do this.” The woman turned back to face Daniella. Gone was the ebony hair that covered her head, replaced by strands of blonde. Her gray eyes were now a dark green. Her dark complexion now had an alabaster hue. The woman before her now matched her in height, no longer standing over Daniella. “Also, I have the perfect distraction.” Diana turned to face the doorway. “Enter. You do not need to stand in the shadows, my dear.” The woman reluctantly entered the room. “I think it is time for you to be reunited with your friends.”
Chapter Thirteen – The Morrisons
Brett stood on the bow of the ship. He had enjoyed the previous night’s party too much and was suffering the consequences. He leaned over the rail to empty the contents of his stomach into the bay below. The rocking of the ship as it entered port was more than he could handle.
Harris approached his brother. “You need to learn to handle your wine better,” he laughed. He placed his hand on Brett’s back. “You need to clean up if you are to meet the Empress.”
Brett turned to face him. “I will never drink again,” the boy smiled weakly. “I cannot believe how our lives are changing. I have never been to a palace and now I will be at two.”
“You will soon be living in a palace of your own.” Harris smiled.
“You are right, I forgot that part,” Brett smiled. “Do you think I will find a beautiful Imperial to marry, as well?”
“Perhaps, Lady Samantha?” Harris joked.
“Oh no, she is beyond me,” he blushed.
“She is my sister and you are my brother; therefore, she is not beyond you,” Harris continued.
“I do not think Lady Elizabeth would agree.” Brett commented as he watched the sailors secure the ship to the docks below. “Is that Rothmar?” he asked, pointing at the palace in the distance.
“It is. Let us go prepare to meet the Empress.” Harris led his brother below deck. The sun was setting low behind the ship. And it would soon be dark.
Mary paced back and forth about the cabin. Greg dressed for his audience with Stela. Mary envied Greg. He seemed unmoved by all of this. He acted as though all that had occurred was normal, like he was about to go plow his field and not meet the leader of all Hulsteria.
“Why are you so calm?” Mary lashed out.
“What is there to be nervous about? The woman is just like you or I, no different.” Greg ignored the tone as he continued to dress.
“She is not just like you or me. She is worlds away from either of us. We are simple commoners. She oversees all that we know. She holds our fate in her hands. We have come to meet our future daughter-in-law but if we make one mistake our new home could be the dungeons.”
“I do not believe any of us would do anything to warrant a stay in the dungeons.” Greg laughed as he put on his coat. “You do need to learn to be calm. Accept that this is to be our new life and stop fighting it. I fear you will drive yourself mad with your worries.” He approached her. He grabbed her arm, stopping her pacing. “You will do Harris proud. You worked around these people for years when you served Frederick. You are more prepared for this than any of us.” He hugged her tightly. Her tremors made him shake.
“You know it was Elizabeth’s intention to embarrass me last night, but Harris wa
rned her against such actions. This will be our life. Worrying which Imperial-born guest will attempt to make us look a fool.”
“The only way for one to make you look a fool is if you allow it. You forget the prestige that comes from your son. He is to be Emperor Consort. The Imperials will not be looking to embarrass you but seek your favor.” Greg moved from his wife. “We need to go deck side to prepare to disembark.” He gave her a small smile to ease her. He knew it would do no good. He opened the door and allowed her to exit the cabin first.
Once topside they looked for Harris and Brett. Neither boy could be found. Mary began pacing again.
“What if something happened to them?” Mary ran her hands over her dress.
“I am sure they are fine, Mary. They are fine boys. Trust they have not gotten into any trouble. They are probably in their cabin preparing as we were.” Greg took her hand. “You need to stop this,” he scolded. “After you meet the Empress, if you still feel unease, we can discuss it further.”
Mary heard the steps approaching from behind her. She turned to see Brett and Harris approaching. Her heart was relieved. Perhaps Greg was right, she needed to calm herself. She was not coming before the Empress for some crime but to be embraced as family.
“Mother, you look wonderful,” Harris commented. “Why are you shivering? Are you cold?”
“Nerves, my boy,” Greg answered. “Your mother is worried we will end up spending our evening in the dungeons.”
“Mother, it was Stela’s idea to bring you here. She wants to meet you. She wants to get to know her mother-in-law. Please do not fear her, she is not a mean woman. I believe you will be very fond of her.” Harris embraced his mother hoping it would ease her mind.
“Very well. I am a fool,” Mary abdicated. “I am sure the Empress is a lovely woman. We will all become fast friends. We will all live happily within the Imperial capital.” Her sarcasm was obvious.
“I have instructed the captain to send our things to Rothmar after we dock.” Harris turned to watch as the sailors lowered the plank for them to exit. “I will find us transportation to the palace. It is getting dark and I fear it may be difficult to find a carriage.” Harris rushed down the plank.
“Be calm, Mary,” Greg instructed. “This will be a great night, just as last night was wonderful. Stop thinking the worst.”
Mary took his hand and followed him down the plank leading to the docks. She noticed her son talking to a fine dressed man.
“Mother, father, this is Malcolm D’Vay, Imperial Archduke of Red Hill and Duke of Culia,” Harris presented his parents to Malcolm.
“Greetings, Mr. and Mrs. Morrison. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance.” Malcolm bowed. He had recently been made Imperial Archduke. Stela bestowed the title that had belonged to Daniella.
“The pleasure is ours, Your Imperial Grace.” Greg bowed as Mary curtsied.
“Formalities are not necessary. We are to be family. Please call me Malcolm.”
“This is my younger brother, Brett,” Harris introduced his brother when he finally joined them. Brett bowed. Malcolm returned the gesture.
“Malcolm has allowed us to use his carriage to get to Rothmar.” Harris led the way to the carriage waiting.
Mary eyed the carriage. It was ornately decorated with gold over the black wood. Intricate carving, which she could not make out in the low light, covered the coach. The doorman opened the door as she approached and helped them to enter.
“How will he get back?” Greg asked as he took his seat.
“We will send the carriage back for him once we arrive. He spends most of the day and night waiting by the docks.” Harris looked back at Malcolm. He gave him a wave as he entered the carriage.
“Why does he spend so much time at the docks?” Brett asked, trying to get comfortable.
“It is a long story. He is waiting for word of Daniella, the former Imperial Archduchess of Red Hill.” Harris’ tone made the others aware it was a topic that should not be discussed.
“The two were to be married. Daniella hid a secret. She was a follower of Diana. She was sent to infiltrate Stela’s court, become one of her confidants. Braynard, the Master Scientia, discovered her betrayal. She has been in hiding ever since. Now Malcolm and Stela both wait to receive word on her whereabouts,” Harris conveyed the condensed story. “She also killed Malcolm’s mother.” Mary gasped as he said the words.
“What do you know about the Master Scientia?” Mary asked.
“I know the man seems to know everything about everyone but how, I do not understand.” Harris wondered why she was asking about Braynard. “Why do you ask?”
“He spoke with me last evening.” Mary looked out the window, trying to avoid Harris’s stare.
“What did he say to you?” Harris insisted.
“Nothing.” Mary was instructed not to share their conversation and something inside of her told her she needed to obey the request. “He simply introduced himself. He seemed…odd. I was simply curious if you knew anything about him.”
“I have learned to listen to what he says. Those that go against him are not usually happy with the outcome. He put Imperial Prince Royal, Roderick in a coma because he spoke out against him.” Harris worried about what transpired between his mother and Braynard.
“Whatever he told you, if he instructed you to keep it to yourself, I suggest you heed his warning.” Harris reached for his mother’s hand. “I believe he is a good man but not one which you should cross,” Harris offered the warning.
The coach came to a stop at the gates of Rothmar. A knock at the door stopped the conversation.
“Yes,” Harris called out.
The door opened. The guard stuck the lantern into the coach to see the faces. “What is your business at Rothmar?” The guard sounded gruff. “My apologies, Imperial Royal Highness. I did not recognize you. I will give you entrance right away.” The guard closed the door. The coach began to move once more.
“This is it. You will meet Stela and your new life will begin.” Harris was suddenly nervous. He knew that Stela would love his family as he did, but still they were commoners.
The door opened as the carriage came to a stop. The doorman offered his hand as the occupants exited. “Please proceed to the entrance. The Empress will meet you in the Throne Room.” The doorman bowed as the last passenger stepped down.
“It is three times the size of Dunmere,” Brett observed.
“It is, and it should be,” Harris laughed. “Come, I cannot wait for you to meet Stela.”
Mary found the entrance to Rothmar to lack the warmth of Dunmere. The walls were bare unlike the paintings that donned the walls of Dunmere. It was a cold uninviting palace, she thought.
“This is the Great Hall. It is where Stela holds court.” Harris pointed out the room as the group passed.
Mary noticed the hall was more appropriately decorated, giving some personality and feel.
The footman stopped in front of the door to the Throne Room. “The Empress will join you shortly,” he said as he opened the door.
The four entered the room. At the far end sat the two Imperial thrones. This room was reserved for receiving special guests. Mary could not understand why Stela would meet them here. Surely, she did not consider them special.
Brett admired the items that decorated the room including the swords and suits of armor. “Is this what you wear when you fight, Harris?” he asked.
“When Edmund attacked, the army wore such items. I did not,” Harris responded.
“What did you wear?” Brett continued.
“There is something I need to show you.” Harris raised his hand with palm outstretched. The small flame appeared and began to grow. “It would seem those born of Imperial blood have gifts. My gift is fire.” Harris closed his hand and the flame disappeared.
“How did you do that?” Brett’s eyes were wide with wonder. “Can you do it again? Does it hurt?”
“I just think about the fireba
ll and it is manifested. I can call forth the fire whenever I desire. No, it does not hurt. From what I understand, fire cannot harm me or any of the Magister Ignis.” Harris watched as his mother and father looked at him in shock.
“Are the Imperials the only ones with such powers?” Brett questioned.
“No, there are others. Some come from a long line of Magisters. Others have turned to Diana to obtain power. The followers of Diana denounce God and serve Her. The power is not worth the cost, in my opinion.” Harris could see his brother’s mind already beginning to turn. “Do not even consider it, Brett.”
“You have all the luck. Imperial father, fireballs, and marrying the Empress,” Brett said dejected.
“Do all those born with Imperial blood have such gifts?” Mary asked quietly.
“It is my understanding they do. From what has been explained the powers were locked away many years ago. With the coming troubles facing Stela the powers were unlocked and all Imperials have been discovering their gifts.” Harris looked at his mother. “Do not worry, mother. The fire is not only able to inflict damage, it also can be used to protect me.”
“How does one discover their gift?” Mary pressed.
“For me, it just came to me. I discovered my gift on the way to Jascaessau. I had met a young woman, who would turn out to be my sister, Felicia. Something had occurred on our journey and the fire protected us, however, at the time I did not realize the fire was mine to command. I would learn the truth later.” Harris shared the story, removing the incriminating details.
“Talking of your gifts, are you?” Stela laughed as she entered the room. “He is so very proud of the gift he has been granted.”
“Your Imperial Majesty,” Mary curtsied.
“Imperial Majesty,” Greg and Brett said and bowed in unison.
Harris rushed to meet Stela. “Stela, this my family. My mother, Mary. My father, Greg. And this, this is my brother, Brett.” He grabbed his brother and pulled him toward them.