“What are you going to do about it?”
“I'm not some pansy-assed Trillond officer,” I replied. “I’ll kick your ass. I don’t care who you are, Princess.”
She came at me with my own damn sword. When I had thought I would need my armor, this was not what I had envisioned. I blocked her strikes and yelled at her to stop.
“Damnit E'Aria,” I shouted, “you're going to nick up the edge or break it.”
I saw an opening when she raised it above her head. I stepped in, grabbed her with both hands by the wrists and lifted her off the ground. The sword was pointed straight up in the air. She was kicking me and crying, of all things. I got one hand on the blade and shook her with them both. She finally let go.
I held the sword up in the air in case she was going to try to get it back. She just stood there sobbing. I put it away and wrapped my arms around her, stroking her hair with my gloved hand.
“Those two are like dolog pups, ferocious, killing any threat to them or their pack brothers and sisters, then fighting and playing with each other so roughly that if you didn’t know you would think they would kill each other,” the king said to those around him.
“Dear king,” Taz said. “Those two love each other very much, although I do not think it is in the same way. Nevertheless, their love is strong. He would have killed them all in a minute for her had she just asked.”
“Yes, she is unlike any Trillond royalty that I can remember,” Xamand said. “No offence intended. I will be arriving shortly, King Aok, and would like to meet with you and the princess.”
“Yes, thank you, Emperor Xamand. I will have rooms prepared for you,” the king said, and cut the transmission.
I was looking around as I held E'Aria. A lot of people seemed to be in shock. I think she needed to say something to them.
“Hey, let’s wipe your face off so you can give the people here a little speech, then go get cleaned up,” I told her. She seemed to be calming down.
“Yes, maybe you are right. I did make a mess, didn’t I?” she said with a small smile.
“Yes, but you also made a statement, a very strong statement. Reemphasize that, then soften it up with some peace and prosperity talk.” I motioned one of the servants over, although I didn’t think he was going to come.
“Get the princess something to wipe her face and arms off with, and be quick about it,” I said.
“Don’t get in the habit of ordering my people around,” she told me.
“You know, I don’t have an official resignation from you, so I think that means you still work for me,” I joked. “So don’t give me any lip.”
I took the towels from the servant and had her close her eyes, then wiped in circles around her eyes. From the corner of her mouth, I wiped in an upward direction on both sides. When I was done, she looked like a blue-green smiley face. She walked back up on the dais and addressed the crowd. I cued my recorder again and got a little video of her.
I wasn’t sure anyone here would get it, but back on the ship they would get a kick out of it. Thinking about the ship, I figured I should get back there and bring some of the others down as a guard detail. The fun might just have started.
Chapter 14
“Alona, what do you think happened?” Emily asked.
“Hold on a minute, dear, I think I'm about to find out,” Alona Aok, the Prime Minister of Trillond, answered. Emily Brous was her human protégé, who had at one time been the Alliance Military attaché to Hyson, a Trillond planet out near the border.
For years they had been in an alliance of worlds with Trillond and had never mentioned the species living beyond their borders. There was a lot of space between them, so maybe they thought it didn’t matter, or that it was none of their business, who knew. Well, the cat was out of the bag now.
Alona and Emily walked off the ship together and got in a waiting transport. “It seems the future ruler of Trillond has killed five senior officers and incapacitated the First Lord of the Military tonight,” Alona told Emily.
“You mean E'Aria? She did all that?” Emily said. “Maybe she’s taking the blame for Ben?”
“No, there were at least a hundred witnesses. They military officers admitted to a plan to seize control if she became Regent tomorrow. It was essentially admitting to treason. She did use Benjamin’s sword, though, so you could say he had something to do with it.”
“That figures. I knew he couldn’t be here and not having some connection,” Emily said.
“The emperor will join us later, along with Prime Minister Jinwasys,” Alona said. “Captain Dakkon will remain with the ship. I think they are going to be part of the search for any additional traitors.”
“We missed it all, Alona.”
“Oh, I doubt that dear,” Alona replied. “Benjamin is still here, so something will happen. Just wait and see.”
zzz
The shuttle from the Claymore arrived a couple of hours after the melee with my crew for guard duty. My new Cjittan shuttle rendezvoused with the Claymore and everyone got a chance to get their belongings before we returned later to leave. Half of the crew came down for a couple of days of guard duty and rest, then would switch with the others.
I sent Binda the vid I made, and she professed her undying love for me for doing so. Well, not really undying, but she did say she loved me.
The one person I was worried about was Natalia. I didn’t know how she would treat E'Aria, and I still didn’t have any answers for her. E'Aria and I were on speaking terms at the moment, but that was all I knew. I had Natalia bring her weapons and armor and had the crew armed as well. I put two with E'Aria and two with the king. I figured two of mine were better than six of his. The guards were unhappy about Matt and Bill standing watch with them, so I talked to them. I have a way with people.
“What the fuck do you mean they can’t stand here?! These men have been kicking ass and taking names since before time,” I said, getting in their faces. I'm sure my guys didn’t miss the barb.
“We cannot allow any armed soldiers not of the Trillond Empire to be anywhere near the king,” the soldier said slowly, as if I was hard of hearing.
“Look, I have permission to supply additional security to the King and the Princess Regent,” I told them. “For all I know, you people could be part of the plan to overthrow the king and take his throne.” That struck a nerve. The poor guy spat and sputtered and got all indignant.
“You off-world trash. You don’t know anything about the royal guard,” the guard said.
My armored glove hit his jaw and his body turned to jelly. One of the guards was in shock. The other cracked a smile for a second, then it was gone. So he didn’t like his boss. He got my vote.
“This trash didn’t even hit you hard,” I said, looking down at the dazed guard. “You, smiley,” I added, gesturing to him, “you’re in charge now. Get this one out of my sight and you two get back here. You give my guys any problems, and they are going to do the same to you. Do you understand?”
“Yes, Reaper,” he answered, “we understand.”
“Good,” I said. “I'm going to introduce them to the king, so you two watch the door.”
The king was thrilled to have Matt and Bill on guard duty. He knew that if they were my people he would be well protected. I had the feeling E'Aria had told him all about us. I explained we had people guarding E'Aria as well. Harry and Nedra looked very daunting standing outside her door. It dawned on me that I needed to find a weapons smith on Trillond to have Harry-sized weapons made so I could get my axe back.
King Aok took me aside and did his best to explain E'Aria's behavior. He had heard through the grapevine she'd left us with no explanation. He took responsibility, saying he had coerced her into leaving. It seemed E'Aria has always been headstrong. He told a few stories. I put meeting her on an Alliance warship with his stories, and believed him to be telling the truth.
He hadn’t given her a lot of choice. She could stay with us and give up everything, or come hom
e and take her place as a proper Princess of Trillond. Then he had surprised her by making her Regent, which had been his plan all along. He said she had been unhappy and cried every day for a week after she got back. Then she became angry at me, saying I didn’t come after her.
Bottom line, she was a mess, and now there was no telling what would happen because of her actions.
I told him he needed to recall every ship captain, every general or admiral he had and have them in the great hall in the morning. He also needed to appoint a new first Lord of the Military whom he could trust to nurture E'Aria.
I went on to say he should go ahead and make known the arrest of the current first lord to everyone and see who didn’t show or acknowledge his order. He told me the affairs of state could not be decided so quickly. I think I had pissed him off when I told him he wasn’t retired yet, and needed to do it now and not wait while bullshitting around. I explained he didn’t want to give them time to think. If they didn’t respond or show up, then we would go after them.
Matt must have felt for the king, or at least he wanted to keep me out of prison. He was more of a diplomat. He reminded me that even at full speed, not all of the ships in the Trillond Navy would be able to meet the schedule I was suggesting.
We decided the ships could be tracked, so that if they at least complied with the order and returned home, the king could meet with those arriving late separately. It was the rats we were looking for — the ships that headed in the opposite direction or totally ignored the order. Matt said he and Bill would help the king if he wanted it, making plans.
I got the hint and went to check on E'Aria. I entered the hallway. It was not hard to miss Harry and Nedra, along with two royal guards and my daughter, pacing back and forth outside her door. My two largest crew members were unsure what to do with the small, well-armed figure in black armor. They seemed to be paying attention to the guards, which was good. Natalia was agitated and upset, I could tell by her actions, and they were keeping the guards from doing anything stupid.
I stood in her way as she turned and walked back, holding out my arms. She settled in for the hug. “What's wrong, sweetie?” I asked, kissing the top of her head.
“E'Aria won’t let me in, and the Trillond guards won’t let me break the door!” Natalia said.
The guards looked worried when I looked at them, until I smiled. They were in a tough spot. I stepped over to the door and knocked.
“E'Aria,” I called, “open the door and let us in. Let's talk for a few minutes, then we will leave you in peace. I promise.” My voiced echoed down the hall. It was way too quiet. I started to knock again when I heard the click and the door popped open. I pushed on it gently. No one was there, so I opened it more and stepped in.
E'Aria sat on a couch with a remote in her hand. She had been crying. Natalia followed me in and I shut the door. Before I had shut the door and moved two steps, Natalia had covered the distance and was standing in front of E'Aria with her hands on her hips. E'Aria saw Andrea's armor and broke down again, sobbing. Natalia couldn't take it. Any anger she harbored evaporated, and she moved in quickly, wrapping her arms around E'Aria, holding her and kissing her face, telling her it would all be alright.
I couldn’t take it. I knelt in front of them both, reaching out and wrapping my arms around them. I stayed there for about five minutes until their sobbing ebbed and told them I would be back later. They started to talk and I knew things would be alright.
I opened the door to find Harry blocking the way. Two of his arms crossed were and the other two hanging loose, with cinderblock-sized fists attached on the ends. Taz was ordering him to move and he played it deaf, ignoring her as if she didn’t exist. I couldn’t see his face, but I could see hers and was sure that was the case. It didn’t help matters that Nedra was smiling and made no effort to hide it. Then I heard my name.
“Benjamin, would you please tell this monstrosity to move before I move him,” Taz said, the tension evident in her voice.
I was behind Harry and felt somewhat safe so I said. “No.” I expected something just south of a verbal nuclear strike, but instead I heard her not quite stomping her feet, although making a departure she wanted heard.
I poked my head between Nedra and Harry and looked both ways, then pulled the door shut behind me, stepping out into the hallway.
“Coward,” Nedra said. Harry grunted his agreement.
“C'mon, big guy, you always gonna take her side?” I asked.
“Well, what do you call it?” Nedra asked.
“Utilizing a fortified position from which to engage the enemy,” I answered smartly.
“Coward,” she said again.
“Yeah, probably,” I concurred.
“Ben, if you're going to flirt and tease the queen of a very large and dangerous ancient empire, you should at least try and learn her native language,” Nedra said
I looked at her not understanding, since I had translator nanites.
“Did you hear her speaking as she walked away, and didn’t you wonder why you didn’t understand it?”
“Is that a trick question?” I answered.
“I assumed as much. Just lock your door tonight,” Nedra said. “I believe she spoke in Ancient Cjittan, and it translates into something like fileting the skin from your body and feeding it to you.” “Damn, she has some issues,” I said.
“Yes, and a tall human male wearing black armor would be one of them,” Nedra added to affirm what I had said.
“Give E'Aria and Natalia a little more time,” I told them, “and if Taz comes back calm, asking to talk to them, check with them and ask if they will let her in. They need some time alone.”
“Ben, changing the subject — we have been on duty for half a cycle already, and we will need to rest soon if we are going to accompany the princess throughout her day tomorrow,” Nedra said.
“Give me a second. Let me ask E’Aria something,” I said. E’Aria, can Nedra and Harry come in and guard you from inside your apartment?
Yes, send them in. If they are tired I will arrange bedding for them, but it will probably be on the floor, E’Aria answered.
Go on in, you two. She is going to get you settled. One of you sleep for a while, then switch,” I said, then looked at the Trillond palace guards. “They will be inside. If anything looks suspicious or you have to leave the door unguarded, please notify them at once.”
“We will not be leaving our post and will do as you say, Reaper,” one answered stiffly.
“Thank you both. I may be back later,” I said, and went looking for my room.
zzz
“I’ve been wondering how long it would take you to get away from your princess,” Taz said. She was sitting in my room, of course.
“Don’t you have a room? I am sure they provided you with something very luxurious,” I answered.
“You kissed me in a room full of dignitaries and royalty and you kissed her also. Is the game you’re playing one where you stack the deck?” she asked.
“Have you been playing poker with my crew?”
“You know Xamand has a sister who is fourth in line for the throne. If you could catch her eye, you would have a royal lover in all three empires.”
“Thanks, not a bad idea,” I said. “I’ve met her. I think she’s kind of cute.”
“You know I will kill you before I will let anything like that ever happen!” Taz replied.
“Taz, would you stop threatening me? I’m not scared of you. Let me try to explain in a way your jealous little brain can understand,” I said.
“I already understand,” she answered. “You would have a mate a galaxy above your station, and not just one, but two. No male could be so fortunate. You are playing a dangerous game.”
“I am not playing anything,” I told her. “E'Aria and I are friends and it will never be anything more. You have been pursing me, not the other way around. I won't lie and say that it’s not had its moments, but your twisting the shit out of
things.”
“I will leave your room. Do not expect me to ever come back!” she yelled, getting up.
My hand shot out and pushed her back down onto the couch. “You’re not going anywhere until we talk this thing out.”
“I said I was leaving.”
“You try and get up and your nanites will have a lot longer than a five-minute repair to do, you get what I’m saying?” My voice had gone angry and deep.
She crossed her arms and pouted, but I didn’t care. I was going to make her listen and hope she understood. I began taking off my weapons and armor slowly, watching her and calming down. “Will you let me speak with you without any threats of violence?” I asked. “I promise to do the same.”
Her nod was the only answer I got. That was fine. I was in my thermals now, having taken everything off during the last couple of minutes while she waited patiently. I had talked to her before in a serious manner on Harry’s home world, but she had already twisted that conversation around.
“I want to make a statement, then ask you a few questions. Would that be okay?” I asked. She just nodded again.
“I love E’Aria,” I said. “In the time we have spent together, she has grown on me, and never acted like a pain-in-the-ass royal princess. The love I have for her is the same love I would’ve had for my baby sister, had we grown up together. It was not that long ago I found out E'Aria was a princess. I didn’t know who she was other than an Alliance Engineering officer.” I paused and continued.
“Even had my subconscious thought anything else when I learned of her true identity, I knew it would never work out as anything other than what I had been feeling. That would make it simple for me to just treat and love her like a sister, no matter what. I think E’Aria felt differently about me, but she has never pushed it. I was with Andrea for most of the time E’Aria has been with me, until she died, and then you came on the scene shortly after.
“Then E’Aria began to treat me differently. She was angry with me most of the time and it didn’t get any better, and I didn’t know why. One day she just left, which you already know. Tonight she kissed me, and I didn’t refuse it or make a scene, and if it pisses you off then you’ll just have to deal with it, but it doesn’t mean that there is anything between us.”
The Chronicles of Benjamin Jamison: No More Lies (Book 3) Page 11