Prisoner of the Crown

by Cheryl Oblon

  “I just want the name, not your commentary. What was his name?” I glanced down the hall. The quiet wouldn’t last forever.

  Aunt Elani chuckled. “His name?”

  “Dad wouldn’t tell me. You will. Even if it hurts me. I think you’ll tell me just to hurt me,” I said.

  “That’s not fair. I don’t want to hurt you. You were the platinum ticket to the favor of the royals. My brother leaving your mother was selfish and stupid. He could’ve kept his woman on the side, but men are the weaker sex. He had connections and gave them up. I don’t want to hurt you, but you’re allied with the royals now. I don’t blame you, but I can’t obey you.” She took a deep breath.

  “So, who was it? Maybe they know something about her state of mind. Who might’ve been trying to hurt my mother or upset her. If she’d received any threats. It’s a clue, not a shameful piece of information. Please,” I said.

  “Promise you’ll check on your father again. They might let me out tomorrow, but he won’t be so lucky. Try to help him,” she said.

  “I’m not breaking either of you out,” I said flatly.

  She grinned. “Just check. Like tonight. Inquire to the queen about his well-being. Or that Prince Nemal. He’s so protective of you.”

  “I happen to have gone to school with the princes and princesses. LeFawn is a friend. At least, I have some people trying to help me. I’ll check on my father. Tell me,” I said.

  “Don’t say things like that. Never put the idea that you might be losing your mind out there. That great aunt of yours was so nice. The most beloved Royal Seer ever. It happened so fast. The change and the death. People were upset, but it was done.” My aunt snapped her fingers.

  I shivered as a chill tripped down my spine. “The name.”

  “Simma,” she said with a smile.

  In two seconds, I’d processed the woman’s name. That was the name of the spell caster Marel had told me about. The one who went to the country. The old friend. The puzzle pieces might be fitting, but I still didn’t see the motive and couldn’t make sense of it.

  “If you’re lying,” I said.

  “Use your extreme powers,” she replied.

  I closed my eyes and delved deep into her mind. There was no dishonesty in her answer. The image of my mother kissing this Simma woman was clear, but my mother was far younger than when she died.

  As I started to back away from my aunt’s mind, a physical hand shook my arm. I jumped off the chair and backed away from the rough touch. It was a guard.

  “What are you doing here?” he demanded.

  “I don’t know. I must’ve been sleepwalking in a vision.” I rubbed my eyes and hoped the lie would work. It wouldn’t help my mental health credibility, but having a vision wasn’t that insane. Visiting my family while doing it looked suspicious.

  Nemal stalked in, half-dressed. “A sleepwalking vision?”

  “I guess so. They moved my chambers, and I couldn’t sleep well. I don’t know what else this could be.” I tried not to look at his bare chest.

  “Someone attacked the guards,” Nemal said.

  “Maybe that was it. Maybe I sensed my family was in danger down here from someone invading the dungeon. I would’ve woken up if someone stopped me in the halls.” I leaned against the cold wall for support.

  “She could’ve shocked them,” said the first guard.

  “One of the men was beaten. His face is all bloodied up. You think she did that?” Nemal grabbed my hands and held them up. No blood. No dirt. No nothing. “Her delicate hands would be broken.”

  “I think I gave my dad some water,” I confessed hazily. I could’ve used my mind to beat up the guards, but it’d be one smooth strike, not multiple pummels.

  “That’s okay. Marel found you were missing and called me. Do you remember anything?” he asked.

  I shook my head. “Sorry, I really don’t. I sleep hard, but sometimes the powers just take over a bit.”

  “She probably scared off whoever did this. We’ll check surveillance.” The other guard nodded.

  “I’m sorry. How did I get past the guard at my door?” I played this visions thing since they were buying it.

  “Marel found him asleep. You got damn lucky the guards didn’t stun or tackle you. Don’t do it again.” He led me to a hallway.

  “I didn’t plan anything this time. My aunt upset me. She made me feel guilty about my dad. Little things trigger big reactions. Visions don’t always come on command. I didn’t mean to do any of this.” Hopefully, my act worked. People routinely believed everything my mother said to them. She could be lying, but they believed her because of her gifts. I hated to deceive people I wanted to trust me, but I wasn’t a rebel or a traitor. All I wanted was the truth about my mother’s death.

  “Can you find your way back to the room?” He picked up my candle and lit it.

  “I think so. You trust me to do that without a guard?” I asked.

  “The guard was coming off your door based on your earlier trustworthy behavior. Might not now, but that’s for the queen to decide. My mother and I trust your loyalty. Minn is being a brat, but you’ve been through so much, you don’t need to be treated like a criminal. We’ll check out tonight’s incident. You can’t go home, but Mother wants to loosen the restraints on you. Bad time to stroll down here—visions or not.” He squeezed my shoulders.

  I wanted to hug and kiss him. No more constant guards. It was progress, even if I had to wait to earn it back. To be trusted after all of this meant a great deal. But I held back and smiled. “Thank you for trusting me. If I need to explain any of this tomorrow, I’ll try.”

  “The Queen’s Guard is in a lot more trouble than you are. They’re searching the castle and locking things down. This breach of security won’t land on your head. You helped us discover it fast.”

  “If they’re searching the castle, won’t they stop me?” I asked.

  “She’s right. Go with her. Make sure Marel is okay. They’re locked in for the rest of the night,” the guard said to Nemal.

  “Sorry, you just keep getting stuck babysitting me.” Still, I was relieved he’d be with me.

  He walked quickly and knew a shortcut or two. I was in my room in a matter of minutes.

  “You two behave,” he said.

  “I’m so glad nothing happened to her,” Marel fussed.

  I took the tea she offered me. “I’m fine. I’m so sorry.”

  “At least you left a note. I’d have been searching the castle myself.” Marel walked Nemal to the door.

  As soon as it was closed, she sighed. “That was close.”

  “You knew I wasn’t sleepwalking,” I said.

  “I hoped you were. I planted the idea of that and a vision when I called Nemal to try and save your neck.” She put the candle on the nightstand. “Get into bed.”

  “You didn’t have to call him at all,” I said.

  “You went to the dungeon. Alone. I waited for an hour before I called him. You didn’t come back. If the guards hadn’t stopped you and sent you back, something was way wrong.” She steered me towards the bed.

  “I put the guard to sleep.” I shrugged.

  “You better keep that power to yourself,” she warned.

  “It’s not a secret. I needed to see my dad,” I said.

  “Next time, ask Nemal. He’ll sneak you down safely. He’s not a tyrant, but he can’t protect you if you’re discovered by the wrong people.” Marel smiled. “Go to bed.”

  “You’re worse than a mother.” I climbed into bed, happy to give in to the comfort.

  She dimmed the lights. “My neck is on the line, too. I’m wrapped up in whatever you do. I’m on your side, but don’t forget my reputation is out there, too.”

  “It doesn’t have to be. You can bow out and send me a droid. I’ll be fine. I don’t want you to get hurt. I appreciate your help tonight, but you don’t owe me anything,” I said.

&
nbsp; “Yes, I do. You don’t see it because you didn’t know me before, but I’m stronger. It’s slow progress, but you’re helping me out of my shell.” She left.

  I rolled over the things I’d learned in my mind. Marel might be better off cutting ties with me soon. My life was becoming more and more complicated. I didn’t need to write anything down now. Simma and my mother. I wasn’t likely to forget that news.

  Chapter 12

  The next morning arrived too fast as Marel shook me awake and pushed me through a morning routine. I’d be explaining about last night to someone today.

  When Marel led me to the queen’s chamber, my stomach felt unsettled. It always happened when I ate breakfast and faced a big test at school or some sort of stress. I’d discovered new levels of stress recently.

  “Go on. Stick to your story and don’t embellish,” Marel advised. She had grown bolder with her advice, and it certainly helped to have someone in my corner.

  “Fine. Do me a favor when you have some free time—though you need to do it quietly so no one knows.” I had to get one name out of my head, or it might just fly out of my mouth.

  “Sure. What is it?” she asked.

  “Find out where Simma is now. Secretly, of course.” I headed in as the lady attendants waved to me.

  I curtsied, then waited.

  The queen shook her head. “I want to trust you, Kimess.”

  “You do trust me, Your Majesty. You’re testing me, but you trust me. I’m far younger than most seers, but you wouldn’t let me be around the guests and use my powers if you doubted me. If you believed I were siding with the rebels, I’d be in the dungeon, too.” I smiled.

  She frowned. “That aunt of yours is a radical. Men rebels I almost understand, but a woman?”

  “My aunt is out to advance herself any way she can. When my parents split, my father’s family lost some of their royal connection, and I think my aunt resents it. Resents me. I wish I could say she was just worried about her brother being in the dungeon for five days. She wants to exploit my new situation. It was an act for all of our benefit.” I used a lot of words to sum up what the queen already knew.

  “Yes. The dungeon. Your father is alive and simply being questioned,” said the queen dismissively.

  “Maybe she did make me feel guilty. I don’t normally sleepwalk, vision or not, but considering all the stress lately, it’s not shocking. When I have a chance, I’ll try to get some more visions and have them in a controlled environment.” I couldn’t deny where I’d been, but hopefully, she’d believe that it was just growing pains.

  “Nemal said he found you in a sort of trance. Staring into your aunt’s cell. Did you gain any useful information?” the queen asked.

  I shrugged innocently. “Not really. I don’t remember much. She wanted me to let her out. I refused that. I remember giving my father some water. He swears he didn’t hurt my mother and doesn’t know who would. I remember wondering why the guards were asleep and not stopping me. Then, I remember Nemal.”

  “You don’t remember leaving the room?”

  I shook my head. “Sorry, I don’t. I’m sorry I worried Marel. I wasn’t trying to run away or free any prisoners. I don’t know what compelled me to sleepwalk down there last night. Maybe I thought whoever hurt the guards would hurt my father. As much as I know he must be questioned and punished for any crimes you uncover, I don’t want him dead.”

  “Understandable. We are still investigating your mother’s death. Here and now, you seem quite reasonable and stable, but your behavior last night…Trancelike states where you don’t remember half of what you do. That is not a good sign, my dear.” The queen tapped the arm of her chair.

  “But I didn’t hurt anyone. I didn’t do anything bad. My powers may just be expanding with the new position. My mother said odd things happen when our powers grow. When I was twelve, one night all of the clothes in my closet flew out and scattered all over the room. She said I’d done it in my sleep. My telekinesis was advancing and subconsciously demanding that I use those gifts. I had to exercise them. Plus, it wanted me to wear more teen dresses than little girl designs. I had to pick them all up, but got some new gowns made.”

  “Sounds like a good trick for a new wardrobe,” she said.

  “If it were my trick, it would’ve been much more elaborate and convincing. I understand you must be wary, but these are rare occurrences, not a pattern of unstable behavior.” The fib of my trance might cost me more than if I’d just admitted to a dungeon stroll, but confessing to a lie now would only get Marel in trouble in addition to myself.

  “What concerns me is the lack of control you have in those situations. You could say the wrong thing to the wrong person. These negotiations are very delicate. The Bachal need more than we can give. They don’t have much to offer but what they call protection of the borders. I need you sharp and on my side,” the queen said.

  “I’m always on your side. I will do whatever I can. Tell me where you want me to be today. Marel said the schedule is packed, and I have many duplicate invitations.”

  “Yes, the Bachal are trying to divide us up. Remmy is holding a luncheon for the princes and princesses to get to know each other. You should attend that. The young are less guarded with their thoughts. The king is used to having a Royal Seer staring him down. He can play strategy games. After the lunch, join us in the diplomatic hall where the negotiations will begin. You will have a seat against the wall behind me. Don’t speak unless I speak to you. Take in all the information you can from their minds and reactions. We’ll talk after the dinner. You will be seated with the crowned Prince of Bachal for dinner. Charm him.” The queen smiled.

  I nodded. “I’ll do my very best. May I ask one question?”

  “I haven’t determined the situation surrounding your mother’s death, yet. I’m sorry. She’d understand that these negotiations are critical.”

  I cracked under pressure and went another way with my one question. “I understand that, as well. If I could just see her. Her body. If she’ll get a funeral once we have the chance for it.”

  “Nemal shared that with me. When the time is right, a visitation and funeral will all happen. I promise you that. Now, I think it might upset you too much. With the guests, it’s not the right time. But that isn’t really what you were going to ask me.” She leaned back and smiled.

  “How did you know?” I asked.

  “I’m a mother and a damn good negotiator. Now, let’s have it,” she said.

  “Who attacked the guards and broke into the dungeon? What did they want?” I asked.

  The queen sighed. “It was Savan, the king’s brother.”

  “Why would he go there? Are you going to imprison him?” My jaw fell, yet the queen seemed very casual about it.

  “I’m not sure why he did it, but we won’t punish him. He’ll simply say he was exploring and overreacted when confronted. There would be some theatrical apology. It’s best to let him think he got away with it, for now. Maybe the Bachal are looking for allies if they have to move against us. Spies or men on the inside. You ruined his plan. He didn’t get to spend much time there at all before he heard you coming and moved on.”

  I asked, “Why didn’t he just knock me out, as well?”

  “It doesn’t look like he saw you. He heard someone else coming. Probably thought security had been alerted and a large contingent of guards were on the way. Either way, your little sleepwalking was a stroke of luck. But be careful about those night walks. Now, go get ready for the luncheon, and help Remmy. He’s a good diplomat, but small talk isn’t his strength all the time.” She waved me off.

  “I’m surprised Minnette isn’t throwing the lunch,” I said.

  “Minnette is the crowned princess and soon to be engaged. She needs to learn from me all of the intricate little things to watch out for in negotiations. Her place is with me at every turn. Your mother thought she had plenty of time to mentor you. I want to le
arn from her misfortune. Now, go,” the queen commanded.

  I bowed, then left. No big lecture or punishment. But the king’s brother sniffing around for spies and allies? They had to know that sort of move would be discovered. Was it a friendly warning that the Bachal were going to attack or take what they wanted? I didn’t like the feel of it at all.

  Chapter 13

  I indulged in a bath and extensive grooming before the luncheon. So far my neck was safe, and it didn’t seem like my father was in that much danger. More like they were keeping him out of the way until the crown could manage the situation. The view of him chained to a chair haunted me, but freeing him would doom us both. If he had the means to get away, he would’ve succeeded.

  Marel had kept her word and gotten me a laser hair remover. Rumor was it could be modified to make a weapon, but I just needed to feel smooth again. Ladylike. The barely visible blonde hair scratched and irritated me at night. I swept the soft pink light up and down one leg and then the other.

  It was painless except for the patch of skin where the wax had fallen. The stress had built up until I felt tense, but numb, most of the time. I couldn’t let myself fall apart over losing my mother. If I let down my guard, someone would take advantage. Feeling anything took the edge off the exhaustion of keeping up appearances. The sting rushed relief through me. Odd but good. I turned up the setting and hit the same spot. I put on a brave and mature face so often lately that feeling anything reminded me I’d survived. I was alive and not a prop to be used by my family or the crown.

  Hearing Marel enter the quarters, I finished grooming and toweled off. Luckily, the day gown was a smoky, grayish blue and easy to get in and out of without help. Marel knocked on my door.

  “Come in,” I said.

  “I brought a late round of breakfast. Let’s get that hair curled and set.” She went to work on my hair with the curling rod.

  “Breakfast? I’m going to luncheon in an hour,” I said.

  “You’re a lady. You’re not supposed to be stuffing your face at diplomatic functions. You’re supposed to talk and impress everyone. Get information out of them. Eat a small meal now, so you’re not starving. You can eat a little at lunch but look like you’re more interested in them.” Marel focused on her hair arranging.