by M. K. Eidem
“During the gathering today it was suggested that Earth was destroyed to keep Princess Cassandra from challenging Queen Yakira.”
“Yes.”
The High Admiral’s eyes widen. He hadn’t been informed this had been discussed at the gatherings.
“That you have proof of this.”
“Yes.”
“Can you explain further what that means?”
“Admiral Zafar, you will not answer.” Valerian orders, as the two men’s eyes clash, Cassandra puts down her own forc.
“It means someone on Carina is working with the Regulians, and has been for nearly eight cycles.” Cassandra replies to Madame Terwilliger.
“I said you will not answer!” Valerian’s eyes bore into Cassandra’s.
“You have no authority over what I can and cannot say, High Admiral.” Cassandra’s eyes are as frosty as her tone.
“You know nothing.” The High Admiral lies.
“I know that for the last eight cycles a traitor has gone undetected under your command. I know that this traitor has been sending and receiving transmission, in Regulian, on Carinian channels. I also know that if it hadn’t been for Admiral Zafar and his crew, you still wouldn’t know anything about it.” Cassandra is unaware of the power her voice carries, the power of a Queen.
William watches her as she tears the High Admiral apart. Her conviction is absolute, her power undeniable. His Queen is a sight to see when she’s righting what she sees as a wrong.
Jotham can also see. He sees a young beautiful woman who will make a remarkable Queen, if she’s given a chance. He sees his friend’s pride in his life mate. He’s see her total commitment to him, something he hadn’t believed, in her subtle and not so subtle defense of him. He wonders if they know what they are up against.
The sound of the High Admiral’s chair being shoved back has the Admiral tensing, turning to protect Cassandra from possible attack. Seeing this, the King’s eyes shoot to Valerian.
“Is there a problem High Admiral?” The King asks in a calm voice.
“Your Majesty,” Valerian nods slightly. “Forgive me, I am not feeling well. I need to retire for the night.”
“I will call for the Doctor, High Admiral.”
“No Majesty, thank you, that’s not necessary. I believe I have just over indulged in tonight’s delicious meal. I will be fine by morning.”
“If you’re sure High Admiral.”
“I am.”
“Then I will have Captain Deffand escort you to your transport. To assure you reach it without interruption.” Jotham speaks briefly to a servant.
“Thank you, Majesty.” Valerian says through clenched teeth. As the High Admiral leaves the table, Deffand waits in the doorway.
With the exit of the High Admiral, conversation resumes at the table. When Cassandra goes to pick up her forc she finds her stomach wanting to revolt. Carefully she reaches for her water hoping it will settle her.
William senses the change, watching closely he sees the slight tremor in her hand as she reaches for the goblet. It is 2200, she’d been observed, assessed, attacked and criticized for nearly eleven hours and she’s held, but she is starting to tire. Looking to Jotham, William sees his friend has also noticed. Jotham remembers when his Queen had been pushed too far.
Standing King Jotham addresses the table. “I want to thank you all for coming tonight. I would like to personally thank Princess Cassandra for her open and candid remarks on some serious issues. I believe her life experiences have given her a unique opinion and outlook not only on Carinian life but life in general.” Cassandra returns the slight bow he gives her. “You will be escorted you back to the Guests Wing. I look forward to seeing you all tomorrow night at the Royal Ball in the Public Wing.” With the King’s dismissal everyone rises.
“Princess Cassandra if you’d join me? Dadrian.” Looking at William Cassandra joins the King, discovering he is forming some sort of receiving line.
Standing between the King and Dadrian, Cassandra thanks the Assemblymen and their spouse for attending the night’s dinner. With each couple Dadrian moves closer to Cassandra. Not quite touching but invading her space.
“Is there a problem Prince Dadrian?” Cassandra turns her head to find him within inches of her.
“No. Princess Cassandra.” Dadrian has been watching the Admiral as he moves in on Cassandra. He can tell he’s displeased but can do nothing about it. Watching the Admiral he misses the slight movement of Cassandra’s heel, as it pierces his instep he lets out a girlish squeal.
“Oh I’m so sorry Prince Dadrian. I hadn’t realized you were there.”
William watches Dadrian move closer to Cassandra. He can do nothing unless he wants to cause a scene. Just as he’s reaching his breaking point Cassandra drives her heel into his instep. William finds the resulting squeal very satisfying.
Kyle has been watching too, watching his father’s reaction to Dadrian and Cassandra. She has him worried about Dadrian? Obviously his father doesn’t trust the woman, at Dadrian’s squeal Kyle looks back to the group.
“Dadrian, what’s wrong?” Cassandra notices the King doesn’t ask if he’s ok.
“Nothing father, just a miss step.”
“My apologizes Majesty I hadn’t realized Prince Dadrian was so close when I moved.”
“I’m sure it was unintentional Princess.”
When the last of the Assemblymen gone Cassandra walks over to Kyle, “Will you be at the Royal Ball tomorrow?”
“I plan to be, yes.” Kyle responds to her.
“Do you have a place to stay tonight?”
“Kyle is staying in my suite.” Dadrian stands beside Kyle.
“Really, I’m sure your family will be disappointed to hear that.”
“I sincerely doubt that.” Kyle watches his father approach.
“Your security detail is on its way Princess.” The Admiral informs her as he looks at his son.
“I don’t.” Cassandra waits until Kyle looks back to her before she turns to the Admiral. “I just need to thank the King.” She tells him. “I’m glad to finally get to meet you Kyle. I hope that soon we’ll all be able to get together in a less formal setting. Prince Dadrian.” Cassandra nods to him. Turning she allows William to guide her to the King.
“Princess Cassandra. It has been a pleasure sharing a meal with you.” King Jotham nods to her.
“And with you Majesty, it was truly an interesting meal.”
“Yes, it was. The King turns to his friend. “Admiral.”
“Majesty.”
“The High Admiral is now a threat.”
“I know.”
“You will take the necessary precautions.”
“Yes Majesty.”
“As will I.” The King turns back to Cassandra. “I look forward to dancing with you tomorrow night.” Nodding he leaves the couple.
“Dancing?” Cassandra shoots William a stricken look.
“Admiral, your detail is here.” Deffand stands just inside the door.
“Thank you Captain.” Giving his youngest son one last look, William puts a hand on Cassandra’s back guiding her from the room.
Entering the Royal Wing the Admiral turns to Marat. “Deffand will be clearing someone to repair the runner on the step.” Marat had been standing at the base of the stairs when Cassandra had tripped.
“Yes Admiral.”
Cassandra continues walking as William stops to talk to Marat. She’s tired, she knows she needs to rest, but she finds herself at the garden doors.
“Cassandra?”
“Can we walk in the garden for a little bit?”
“You’re tired.” He tips her face up, looking into her eyes.
“I am. But I’d like to walk in the moonlight with you.”
William’s heart is touched, a walk in the moonlight with his life mate, how can he say no? Opening the doors, he takes her hand. Stepping into the garden they pause, allowing their eyes to adjust to the darkness. The
air is cool and fresh, scented with night flowers blooming. They stroll along the path Lata created arm in arm reaching the center she looks up at the stars.
“Is this what you looked at when you were growing up?” William looks up.
“Yes. I used to lie on my back and stare at them for hours on end. Wondering what was out there. Who was out there.”
“They look so different.”
“Different?”
“None of them are where they should be.” Leaning back against William’s chest she sighs. “Maybe they’re trying to tell me something.”
“You’re right where you should be, in my arms, looking at the stars. I used to dream that someday I’d find this.” He kisses the top of her head.
“What, to stand in the dark, with a woman someone wants dead, who’s not only responsible for the death of seven billion people, but who has made your son and best friend doubt you?”
“Stop!” William turns her to face him, giving her a little shake. “To stand here, with my life mate, the woman I love, and who loves me. You’ve caused none of those things Cassandra. You’re dealing with what others have caused.”
“What about of Kyle?”
“It will work out. Give it time. Cassandra we’ve only been here three days.”
“Is that all? It seems longer” She looks up into his eyes. “Would you know….”
“What? What do you want to know?” He sees the glimmer of tears in her eyes.
“Where Earth was? Can you even see it from here?” William’s heart aches for her. Turning her around, he pulls her back against his chest. Taking her hand he points her finger to a very dark spot in the Carinian sky.
“Wait for it. There, did you see that faint sparkle.” He feels her nod. “That’s your sun. It likes to tease the eye, make you think it’s not there. But it is. It’s still there.” William feels her relax against him.
“I don’t know why…all I wanted was to stroll in the garden with you. But when I looked up….it was so different. I don’t know why I hadn’t realized it would be.”
“Why would you think of it? You’ve never traveled to a place where the stars changed. In your world they’re constant, never changing. There are many on Carina the same way. You have to travel a great distance for that to happen. You have.”
“In so many ways.” She turns to face him.
“Yes.”
“You make it bearable you know, just you.” She touches his cheek. “All the differences, the changes, the challenges, I can handle them with you at my side. You’re not like the Earth’s sun, teasing me that you’re there. You are the Carinian suns. Strong, steady, constant pulling at my soul in ways I never knew were possible, letting me know you’ll there for me.” Stretching up she kisses his lips.
“I will always be here for you.” William promises as he deepens the kiss. Pulling her close he runs his hands up her bare back, molding her to him. Sliding her arms around his neck Cassandra sinks into the kiss, letting his love flow over her.
William can feel her love, her trust and commitment to him in her response. He can also feel her fatigue. Easing her down he looks into her eyes, fatigue and love gaze back at him, kneeling before her, he grips her ankle.
“William?” She looks down confused, putting a hand on his shoulder as he lifts her foot.
Sliding her shoe off, William turns his attention to the other one, as her feet touch the cool grass she lets out a sigh of relief. Standing, William looks down she’s back to her natural height pulling her close, she fits perfectly in his arms.
“That’s better.” He kisses the top of her head.
“Yes, it is.”
With one arm around her, the other carrying her shoes he leads her back through the garden and up the stairs.
“I need to get Tori.” She lifts her head that has been resting on his chest.
“We’ll get her.” Together they approach Michelakakis’ suite. Leander answers their knock.
“She’s asleep in Amina’s room.” Leading the couple back they find the two sleeping friends sharing a bed. Handing Cassandra her shoes, William leans down to scoop Victoria up holding her protectively in his arms. Silently they head back to their suite. As Cassandra pulls back the bedding, he carefully lays the sleeping child down.
“Aunt Cassie?” Sleepy eyes open.
“Right here kiddo.” She tucks the covers around her.
“You’re back.” Tori looks to see the Admiral.
“We are and you’re in your own bed, go back to sleep.”
“Okay.” With the ability of the innocent, she’s back asleep. Leaving the suite William quietly shuts the door.
Entering their suite Cassandra can feel the remaining weight from the day disappear. Here she was just Cassandra, in love with William. Looking at him over her shoulder, she gives him a soft smile. Seeing it he runs the back of his hand along her cheek.
“Go change, you need to sleep.” He tells her softly. Nodding she heads to the closet. Inside she slips her dress off her shoulders. Hanging it up, she takes off the legging and eadai. Sliding on the violet nightgown Kia has made, she sighs. The silky feel of the material against her bare skin is unbelievable. Pulling on the sapphire blue robe she walks out of the closet.
William has taken off his jacket and is talking on his portable comm when she returns. Picking it up she returns to the closet hanging it up listening to Marat he watches her, his eyes enjoying the way the robe clings to her figure.
“Yes, that will be fine.” Disconnecting he follows her into the closet.
“I can do that.” He touches her shoulder.
“I know.” She turns to him. “I wanted too. You were busy. Is everything okay?”
“Yes.” William turns her. “Marat was just informing me the Wing is secure.” He runs his hands up her arm. “Go to bed. I’ll be there in a minute.” With a gentle kiss he moves her along.
As she leaves William unbuttons his shirt. It’s been a long night. But a lot had been learned. Whether he liked it or not Dadrian was involved with the attacks on Barek, his controlled had slipped just long enough to convince him. Cassandra played him perfectly with her comment about the assassination attempts.
He’d also seen Dadrian’s interest in Cassandra, an interest that is partly because of him, but more Cassandra’s beauty. There have been incidents in Dadrian’s past regarding beautiful women that had been hushed up. While Cassandra had handled him during the reception line, he’d have to make sure she was never alone with him. Pulling on his sleeping pants he enters the bedroom only to stop short.
Cassandra is pulling back the covers, her robe lying at the foot of the bed. Thin straps hold up a simple floor length gown. Her back is partially exposed while the front shows only modest cleavage. But it’s the color that stops him. Violet, deep violet, it always pulls at something basic in him seeing her in his House color.
Taking off her robe Cassandra starts pulling back the covers on the bed. It had been a long day, she is tired. But she’d learned a lot. The High Admiral has been trying to discredit William by spreading half truths, some of which were addressed tonight. He is trying to keep the knowledge that there was a traitor secret, so it wouldn’t reflect badly on him, at least until he is caught. Then he could have the glory, that isn’t going to happen. He also has a spy in the House of Protection, telling him Victoria’s movements, Lucas would need to be informed, security tightened around her, nothing is happening to her niece.
She’s also learned a great deal about Dadrian. He is a cocky little shit, her pretending not to know who he was proved that. As Second Son he felt entitled, not only for respect but for attention. He is also involved with the attacks on the Sentinel. When she’d said assassination attempts, he’d immediately thought of Tibullus. It was telling. He also didn’t like William, he took special pleasure in the High Admiral trying to discredit him, he also very much wanted to be King.
Now Kyle, she hadn’t learned nearly as much as she’d wanted to a
bout him. He didn’t seem to fit with Dadrian, while both were second sons Kyle was quiet, reserved, thinking before he spoke. He’d known about the Succession Protection Law, surprising his father. He loved his father he hadn’t liked the way Valerian had spoken to him and while he isn’t sure he should believe the rumors, he still didn’t trust or like her. Isn’t sure she hasn’t turned his family against him. William is right she needs to give it time.
“Let it rest for a while.” Turning her to him, William lets his hands flow down her back, molding her to him. Looking up she sees he knows she’s been replaying the night in her head.
“You know me well.” She rests he hands on his chest
“I know you.” Leaning down he captures her lips, letting her know he has other things for her to think about. His hands caress her backside, the silky material sliding under his hands.
Stretching up on her toes, she wraps her arms around his neck. Lifting her William lays her down. Lying on his side William fingers the delicate purple strap of her night gown tracing it down to the swell of her breast. The gentle caress has her nipples tightening under the thin material. Need begins to rage through William, she is his, this vision in violet.
Cassandra sees his eyes begin to smolder at her body’s reaction to his touch. Her breath catches as he leans over suckling her through the material. Instinctively she arches up offering him more, her fingers sinking into his hair.
Skimming a hand down the silky material he pulls her gown up, gaining access to the even softer skin underneath. Intimately he caresses her finding her wet and ready.
“William…” She can’t hold back her moan.
Using his hair she pulls his head up latching her mouth onto his. The kiss is deep and intimate letting him know her need. Twisting she hooks a leg over him, pulling him closer.