Prisoner of the Crown

by Cheryl Oblon

  “Kimess, wake up,” LeFawn said.

  She shook my shoulder, and I sat up straight in the chair.

  “Sorry, I must’ve fallen asleep.” I looked up at the friendly and concerned faces of LeFawn and Remmy.

  Remmy checked the mug on the desk. “It wasn’t the tea.”

  “I won’t drink that. I worked on notes but…”

  “You were exhausted. You should get into bed,” LeFawn said.

  I reviewed my notes, but my vision blurred. I was too tired to continue, anyway. “How’s my mother?”

  Remmy took my arm and helped me to vacate the chair and sit on the bed. “I’m sorry. They tried, but she was gone,” he said.

  As my world sank, I asked, “Do they know what happened?”

  LeFawn shook her head. “I wish they’d tell us something. But I have three dresses in dark blue. Plus, Nemal sent this.”

  The rozalite necklace. I smiled for a brief moment.

  “Want it on? It is to be worn by the ruler of the fifth family.” Remmy took it from his sister and put it around my neck.

  “It’s the right thing to do. But I’m not ready for what it means.” I admitted my fear freely among these friends.

  Remmy stood back and nodded. “You’re ready. You’re the ruler of your family. This investigation will pass.”

  “After the delegation leaves and the treaty is signed, you can grieve properly. Go home and regroup.” LeFawn sat next to me supportively.

  “She needs sleep,” Remmy said to his sister.

  LeFawn plucked the pins from my hair. “You’ll be fine. I spoke to Mother. She’s known you all your life. We’ve always been friends. She’ll look out for you.”

  “We’re not little kids running around the throne room, LeFawn. We’re almost of age. Remmy and Minnette are. I have to lead and rule my family now. Not in a few decades like I’d expected. That’s if I’m allowed to.” I had no idea if I’d be confined until the delegation was gone, the case was closed, or longer.

  “You’re upsetting yourself over things you can’t control now. Or even answer. You need the rest.” Remmy dimmed the lights to a soft glow.

  “You’re right. I’ll get out of this dress and into bed. I promise.” I wasn’t stripping down to a slip in front of Remmy, even if I knew he wouldn’t be staring.

  “We’ll see you tomorrow.” LeFawn pointed to the dresses she’d hung up in the closet. “There are shoes, too. No jewelry.”

  I didn’t have the energy to stand and hug them. “Thank you. Both of you.”

  When they left, I felt a bit stronger. People’s sympathy or pity drained me, but my mother was dead. I’d better get used to it. Kicking my feet from my silver slipper shoes, I reached behind my back and pulled at the zipper. The long silken dress slid down as I stood. I hung the dress and put the shoes in the closet as well.

  I slipped into bed, and the tears began. Sleep was very unlikely, but I could cry in private. Staring at the closet, I missed my home. My mother and my family. Nothing in that room but the dresses was mine, so I stared at them and clutched my necklace.

  Silver was not a color for mourning. Plain or all black had been abandoned centuries earlier when militant groups had used it during wartime for their uniforms. The wearing of black alone had become associated with terror and widespread torture. Blue felt right. Dark blue worked perfectly.

  Mother was gone. I’d known it in my mind, but Remmy had confirmed it. Tears slid as I hugged my pillow. Mother would want me to survive. So many times she’d told me how working high in the court demanded sacrifice and strength. Somehow, I’d get through this without falling apart.

  Chapter 4

  Zipping the new blue gown, I stepped into the matching shoes. At some point in the night, after a lot of crying, I must’ve slept. There was no clock in the room, so I rummaged through the desk to find the tablet. One tap of the power button, and I found out it was ten in the morning.

  The notes I’d written were scattered, and I realized that I needed to hide them.

  “The bag,” I said.

  I’d seen a bag in the closet when I put my dress away. Since I wouldn’t be needing the silver dress and shoes for a bit, I collected the papers and folded them into the dress and tossed them in the bag. With the shoes on top of the dress, I cinched the bag. Setting it in the back of the closet, I hoped no one would notice it. I’d just take it home, whenever I could go, like soiled laundry.

  The tablet lit up and beeped.

  You have an audience with the monarch in thirty minutes.

  I checked for other messages. Something from LeFawn or Remmy. Nothing. Only an automated message an hour ago that said to eat breakfast from the machine. The programmable food generator in the wall was standard in most homes. Easy to use. I walked over and pushed the buttons. Jam on toast and green tea.

  Sitting down with my basic meal, I had to eat. The weakness had hit me in the shower this morning. No dinner last night. Nothing, really, except the cheese and crackers. I needed to keep going and look like I could handle it…whatever it was.

  Whatever the queen wanted.

  I touched the necklace and hoped I didn’t burst into tears when I saw another person. Finishing breakfast, I examined myself in the mirror. An audience with the queen was a big deal. I looked tired and sad but presentable. My blonde hair never went straight or curled properly, and it had irritated my mother.

  For a second, I missed school. Most of the students thought I was pretty, and, right now, my ego needed a little boost. I wasn’t tall or the best student; my instincts got in the way. I had common sense. I tripped in heels, so I wore flats. I was short, and if I wore much make up, I looked like a younger child trying to be an adult, so I was subtle with cosmetics. Part of me wanted red hair like Zoma or dark eyes like Minnette, but I had bigger problems in the moment.

  The circles under my eyes weren’t normal, but they couldn’t be helped. Petite and pale, as my grandmother called me until she’d died. It still fit. Pretty enough, but the boys didn’t fight over me. Boys were the least of my problems.

  Best to be early. I pushed the button for the guard to open the door.

  A female in uniform stood there. Not Nemal, as I’d hoped.

  “I have an audience with the queen soon,” I said.

  With a curt nod, the guard pointed. I began walking, and she followed closely enough to grab me if I ran. Grab or shoot me with her laser pistol, actually. Yet I sensed a bit of respect in her. My rank still meant something. I was the ruler of the fifth family. Plus, if she tried to stop me, I could retaliate.

  Holding my head high as I walked, I headed for the gilded throne room adorned with gold, platinum, and elegant tapestries. The gaggle of people that hung around court always amazed me. Didn’t they have homes to run? Jobs to do? My mother had gone to court daily and stayed only when the queen requested. Not appearing to crave rank or power had served my mother well.

  The Queen’s Guard on duty held up a hand as I approached.

  “Has the time changed?” I asked.

  He glanced into the room. “No. Just finishing up. You’re next.”

  The other guard left me. I wanted to run. Run home. Run away somewhere. All these guards and being treated like a criminal was driving me crazy. It hadn’t been a whole day. I hadn’t done anything wrong, yet I was being punished. My mother was gone, and I was being watched like a suspect.

  “Lady Kimess, Ruler of the Fifth Family,” a loud little man announced.

  I walked the long royal purple carpet toward the queen. Minnette and Nemal stood next to their mother. LeFawn was behind Remmy on the other side of the queen. I kept my expression neutral even though I was relieved to see my friends.

  As I arrived before the queen, I turned out my palms and bowed my head before dipping into a curtsey. I said nothing.

  “Stand, Lady Kimess. The crown is sorry for your mother’s death. She lapsed into a coma and died,” said t
he queen.

  I stood and looked at her. I had to keep my composure. Too many unanswered questions remained. I had to appear sound and calm. The queen stared intently at me. Her dark red hair towered atop her head, making her seem even taller, and her pin-straight posture intimidated people easily.

  The woman radiated power and confidence. She was not much older than my own mother. They’d always gotten along well.

  I had no idea what to say. “Thank you, Your Highness.”

  “I’ve reviewed the testimony and information regarding the circumstances of your mother’s death. Most worrying. I’m sorry that she was not able to speak or see you. The healers tried everything they could, but she never regained any consciousness. I’m not convinced I have all the facts, yet. We are bringing in more people to interview.”

  Her thoughts shouted it was my father.

  I asked, too quickly, “You haven’t found my father yet?”

  “Your powers are exceptional. Your mother always said you were advanced and powerful. Very powerful.” The queen glared at me.

  “I’m sorry. I’m still learning to control them.” I had to watch what flew out of my mouth. At home, my mother encouraged me to share so she could check my powers and interpretations. But Mother could block me out, as well.

  “You’re forgiven. You’ve been through a great deal. We will track down your father. He’s fled your aunt’s home where we believe he was staying. The guards checked at the home of the woman he’d been seeing recently; he was not there either. We think they may be trying to leave the country.”

  I frowned. “The country?”

  “Your father was in the movement for men to rule. Wasn’t he?” Minnette shot at me.

  “He had supported that idea, yes,” I admitted. It was nothing new.

  Minnette folded her arms. “Men have full equality, except for five positions in the entire country. After the horrors of war after war in history, how can they think we’ll allow them to endanger the country and lives? Men want conquest. They can’t be content with one country and running it safely.”

  “All men aren’t the same, but I’d agree that, given the history, it’s not worth the risk for five positions.” It was my best stab at diplomacy. I felt for men like Remmy, out of the line of succession because of his gender. But the film history of the great wars was maintained to keep the truth alive.

  The queen held up a hand to cease the exchange. “Well, your father will account for his whereabouts and inform us of your mother’s state of mind when he did see her. Now, you tell me what happened.”

  All eyes focused on me.

  “I came home early from school because of a headache. I called to my mother. I didn’t sense her presence. The droid told me Mother hadn’t left, so I ran upstairs. I found her in the tub. I don’t know what happened to her.”

  “Too much sleeping herbs is the best the medical team has. She took in a lot of water, and her brain was deprived of oxygen. Who would hurt your mother?” the queen asked.

  “I have no idea. She’d kept to herself recently.” I knew nothing would progress until they had my father in custody.

  “Depressed over the divorce. Of course.” The queen sighed.

  I shrugged. “Ashamed that she did not pick a better spouse. She was simply waiting until the divorce was old news.”

  “She couldn’t sleep. The healers gave her the herbs,” countered Minnette.

  “Very true, she had trouble sleeping. She worried that people would doubt her and not trust her as seer. The queen’s opinion and being of use to the crown was very important to my mother.” I had to tread carefully with Minnette. She’d be the one I served after her mother. We needed each other, but no matter how I’d tried, she’d never liked me.

  The queen nodded. “Love is a mystery, and we are all victims or victors, at times. My husband died scaling the castle walls. Men do enjoy some odd physical sports. The lack of safety precautions made it more fun for him. Not sure I’ll ever forgive him. But love is complicated. I told your mother as much, but self-doubt can be crippling. Do you doubt?”

  “I never doubted my mother’s abilities.”

  The queen grinned. “And your own ability?”

  “My mother taught me well, but I’ve never tested it on a real situation.” I should’ve had years to apprentice under my mother once I’d turned eighteen. Sitting quietly in the back and using my powers to monitor what she did and talk to her about it later.

  “You will test it very soon. The Bachal are coming. I need your assistance. They no longer seem as content as before. Men like to conquer.” The queen leaned back in her plush purple throne cast in silver.

  “I’ll do my very best.” What else could I say?

  “Good. We’ll speak on that later. You’ll be at every reception. Keep your mind and ears open.” The queen nodded dismissively.

  “Your Highness, about my home…” I began.

  “You will remain in the castle, under guard, until the Bachal are gone, and until I’m satisfied as to the cause and circumstances of your mother’s attack. She’d been on those herbs for months. Someone could’ve poisoned her. Aren’t you concerned?”

  “Of course, Your Highness. I’m grateful for your attention to the matter. My estate, however, must be managed.” I wanted to go home, but seeing to the efficient management of the estate was a much more mature argument to put forth. Every food-producing estate mattered.

  “Your servants and droids are doing well. I have brought your cousin and her daughter here to the castle for interview. They’ll stay a bit, and then she can return to oversee things if you can’t go yet. You trust her, surely.” The queen chuckled.

  The room echoed her mirth.

  “Yes, of course. Thank you so much, Your Highness. I would love to see my cousins.” I wanted a friendly face I could trust. Even LeFawn might get pumped by her mother or sister for information about what I’d said.

  “Not now. Their interviews need to be conducted independently. We want the truth. Adults keep things from children, and while you are very nearly grown, legally, you’re not yet old enough. If the crown determines it’s in your best interest to remain in the castle under royal protection, it will be for your own good. You understand.” She leveled a stare at me.

  I felt like I was six, not sixteen. Two years from adulthood, and I needed a babysitter?

  “I understand. I also understand my duties as the ruler of the fifth family. I want to do my duty to the crown and my family. I trust you will allow me to have a say in the running of my estate and my family even if I still need some guidance.” I nearly had to bite my tongue to keep that sounding civil, but telling off the woman who could declare me cursed and unstable was not smart.

  I was smart. I might not be as pretty as some or as powerful as others. But I could play this court game and survive. From now on, I’d be part of the court and its intrigue.

  “Good. So, you know of no one who wanted to harm your mother?” she asked.

  I played along with the murder angle. “No one. She wouldn’t have told me, and she could block my powers so I couldn’t simply read her mind at will. Please find who did this to her.”

  Nemal smiled slightly, and I felt his approval. As I branched out and felt the room’s opinion, I knew the odds were against me. Most were curious, but many believed my mother had overdosed on purpose because of the shame. I had to hope there was evidence of something else.

  “The crown will do everything in our power. You may have dinner with your cousins after I’ve spoken with them. Until then, I think you need your rest in private. Nemal, take her to her quarters,” ordered the queen.

  He stepped from behind the throne in his uniform, bowed to his mother, and walked to me. I gave a last curtsey and followed him.

  Once we were free of the throne room, I took a deep breath. “I can’t even be trusted to walk to and from my room alone?”

  “I warned you.” He shr
ugged.

  “Thank you. It’ll be worse when they get my father. If he’s running. Why is he running?” I walked quicker as if it’d burn off this tension.

  “Slow down. You need to keep it together. Whatever he knows, or did, or didn’t do, that’s for him to answer. We’ll find him. They’ll drag him back from the borders if they have to.” Nemal’s jaw tightened.

  “Why would he run?”

  “Exactly. Our justice system isn’t perfect, but we don’t jail people for divorce. But it’s not going to come down on you. Don’t defend him until you know what, if anything, he’s accused of.”

  I didn’t need coaching. “Why would I defend him?”

  “We all protect our parents. We’re part of them. None of us are perfect, but an attack on them is like an attack on us.” Nemal opened my door.

  I watched the code carefully without being obvious.

  “Thanks for the walk. I know my father is far from perfect, but I can’t believe he’d kill my mother. Flaws are one thing, but murder is another.” I entered the room.

  “Get some more rest, and eat something. I’ll check on your cousins. Make sure my mother doesn’t get behind so you get your dinner.”

  “Thank you.” I wanted to kiss him on the cheek or something, but the female guard outside the door made me think twice about it. Too personal. Inappropriate, even if it was innocent appreciation. I was being watched carefully. No one could think I was after the queen’s son to protect myself.

  “No problem. Go have some lunch and a nap.” He left.

  My jail cell was comfortable, but they weren’t relaxing the ties or the sentence just yet. I touched my mother’s necklace, and it seemed to echo Nemal’s advice. Like her spirit was in the stone. Food and sleep would help.

  I pulled out the tablet and found that I could access the online reference library. I checked all the information they had on the Bachal. Studying might help distract me while I ate, since my appetite was still absent. My mother was gone. I wanted to fall on the bed and cry.