Prisoner of the Crown

by Cheryl Oblon

  “That’s not it. I told Minn. She knows I like men,” Remmy said softly.

  I smiled at Faldar and hugged Remmy. “Good for you. Is that why she’s hiding over there with her harem?”

  “I didn’t tell her about…” He gestured to Faldar. “No one knows but you and Nemal. Minn was fine with it, but that’s here. That’s her thinking I’ll find some nice Lazrel man. She’ll look like such a progressive queen to keep her gay brother close.”

  Faldar pouted. “I’m not nice enough?”

  “You’re leaving soon. I can’t stand it.” Remmy turned and watched the soldiers in formation.

  Faldar walked up and stood next to Remmy. “You think I want to go?”

  I slowly approached and slipped to stand between them. “We’re not alone on this viewing deck, gentlemen.”

  Remmy smiled. “You’re so good at this.”

  “No, I’m not. Your mother still might kill me. She’s just left me hanging for weeks. Sorry, I didn’t mean to throw my troubles on yours. But, trust me, when things get hard, that’s when you can make mistakes. You have to be smarter.” I was fairly confident I wouldn’t die, but some fates were worse.

  “Remmy, you’re safe. Whatever happens, you know you can be yourself here. It’s not common among the royals, but everyone loves and respects you. Be brave.” I wished my mother had been brave. Then maybe Remmy wouldn’t feel so alone.

  Faldar nodded. “I’m the problem.”

  “Your country is the problem. Male dominated. Over populated. Ignorant,” I said.

  Faldar eyed me for a second. “There are people like me. They live on the fringe, but they aren’t hunted down and killed.”

  “Are they treated as equals?” I asked.

  “All our people are cared for. Medically and in their old age—yes,” Faldar said.

  Something about that statement was a lie, but Remmy’s feeling were pushing too hard on me. His heart broke at the thought of losing Faldar.

  “We’re not the same, but his people aren’t monsters,” Remmy said.

  “So, he’s safe to go home. Do you want to visit him?” I asked.

  Remmy’s fear level shot up, but he hid it well.

  “You know how to push buttons, Lady Kimess,” Faldar said.

  “Prince Faldar, you can’t take my prince home with you and call him husband. You can’t tell your people you love him. Can you?” I asked.

  He glared at me.

  “We don’t have anyone like that here,” Remmy defended.

  “Because you haven’t told your mother yet. That’s all. Nemal knows. Minnette knows. I know. No one has run screaming to the queen. It’s not a big deal here. Your people love you, Remmy. You’re good to them and smart. Knowing your truth will make them feel safer. That diversity lives in the castle. The queen won’t love you any less.” I looked over at Minnette.

  She gave me a look of concern but more about the foreign prince than her brother. I smiled and nodded. She didn’t need to worry.

  “I couldn’t do that,” Faldar admitted.

  “What would your father do?” I asked.

  “Kill him,” Remmy said.

  I shook my head. “Not really.”

  “Not personally,” Faldar said.

  “Assassins?” I asked.

  “No, he’d send me to battle. To take over a small country or subdue the fringe elements. It’d be dangerous, and I’d be poorly supplied. Not enough men or arms. He knows how to play this game. Taking our soldiers in trade is smart. The more he wants, the more he takes. He bragged so much about his army’s size and strength that he had to give you good men.” Faldar stared out at the sea of men on the lawn.

  “I’m sorry your father is the way he is. Maybe he would surprise you?” I wanted to find hope.

  “He might throw me in the dungeon for life. He’d say it’s a fitting punishment.”

  I shuddered. Remmy’s pain grew, and I wanted to change the topic, but how?

  Faldar put a hand on his forehead. “Sorry, it’s not your problem. Either way, my brother would be next in line. I’d lose my throne, my place, and, possibly, my life.”

  “You can run. I’ll go with you. We’ll get a boat and sail to the land of the fairies.” Remmy leaned in.

  I nudged the men apart to avoid talk. “You could try the land of the fairies. I was told it was nothing but a myth when I was little, but since then, I’ve learned it’s real.”

  “It’s real. What they used to call Ireland. It doesn’t have a name now. No one can get to it unless they need magical protection.” Faldar shrugged.

  “The myth is only those who need help and protection can get there. Once there, you can’t leave.” Remmy folded his arms. “Better than any other ideas he’s had.”

  “My father will come after me no matter where I run.” Faldar’s eyes filled with tears.

  “Unless you tell him the truth. Then, he won’t want you. At least, if you tell him here, we can flee,” Remmy replied.

  “That’s true. We could protect you. Get you to a boat before he forces you to return,” I said to Faldar.

  “He’d know you helped me, and he’d start a war,” Faldar said.

  “He’s going to start one, anyway. Someday, some year. Postponing the inevitable only hurts more.” I walked away from them and paced the viewing deck.

  “Maybe not. I’m trying to convince him we’re better allies than enemies,” Faldar said.

  “He is,” Remmy added.

  “I believe you. But the way your country is run, you’ll run out of food, eventually. Out of supplies. Out of other small countries to conquer. But, if Faldar were on the throne…” I hated myself for wanting to send him back. Maybe his father would perish in battle, and Faldar could change everything.

  “I don’t want to be at war. We could learn from each other.” Faldar nodded.

  “When you’re king, you could change how your kind are treated.” I smiled.

  “Are you suggesting something?” Remmy asked.

  Like an assassination? “Nothing lethal. I’m saying if we can avoid war until Faldar takes the throne, it’ll be good for everyone. Waiting will be hard, but it won’t be forever. Then Faldar won’t just be running off to be happy. He’ll be a true king sacrificing his happiness for his people until he can bring them peace and freedom for everyone.”

  “My father will live forever,” Faldar said with a sullen expression.

  “No one lives forever. I promise.” I looked at the troops.

  “I’m sorry; I forgot about your mother. I should go. I’m not good company just now.” Faldar stalked off.

  Remmy got up.

  “No, wait here,” I said.

  “You command a prince?” he snapped at me.

  That stung. “Remmy. I want you to be happy. I do. You carried me to help when I was hurt. We’ve always been friends. Finally, Minnette believes I’m not trying to marry you. Don’t turn on me now.”

  He laughed. “Minn was shocked.”

  “When we’re so close to people, we don’t always see reality. We see what we think is true. You and I were close, and she was worried I’d slip into her family. It was completely wrong, but she feared it. You fear your mother’s judgment, even though you know she’d never love you any less. Fear makes people do stupid things.”

  “Love makes you do stupid things, too. I’ve done plenty of dumb things with Faldar. I’d do anything to stay with him,” Remmy said.

  “I’ll help any way I can. This is serious and different. You two crossed some lines. But running off to fairyland isn’t going to fix it. You both would look like cowards. There’s no need to do that here,” I said.

  “He can’t stay. I love him. It’s not just fun. I can have plenty of men here for that if I want.” Remmy leaned on the wall. “He understands me like no one else ever can.”

  “I know. I feel how you two love each other. I’m not doubting it, but his father�
�” I didn’t have a great fix for this.

  “That old dragon shifter will live forever. He doesn’t want to give his son even a little power or input. The king wants to put him out in the field—in battles to prove himself.” Remmy glared at the scene below.

  I shrugged. “Princes who will become king must prove themselves.”

  “It’s nothing really dangerous and always close enough to send help.” Remmy shook his head.

  “That could be the mother’s concern. Let me think about this. If you’re sure you want to be with him, maybe there is a way,” I said.

  Remmy stared at me. “I’d do anything.”

  I nodded. “I know. But you’ve only known him a few weeks. Now might not be the time.”

  “You’re the seer. Do you see a better time?” he asked through gritted teeth.

  “I’ll try to get a vision and let you know.” I knew in my gut this was the chance to keep Faldar out of Bachal lands. In our world, he’d be safe. If we could just keep him here until his father died…

  “Thanks, but I don’t think we have many options.” Remmy marched off.

  I strolled over to Minnette. This had to be a horrible day if she was a calmer conversation choice.

  “Those men looked so serious,” she said.

  “Diplomacy can be tense. But at least you know I’m not after Remmy.” I shared a look with her.

  “Nemal does seem to be able to keep you in line.” She walked away from her group of men.

  “Me, in line?” I asked.

  “I’m trying to be nice.” She straightened her posture. “Find me a husband who’ll adore me, never betray me, and is useful and handsome.”

  I bowed my head. “I’ll do my best.”

  “If you and Nemal ever stop fighting, maybe when you’re twenty.” She nodded.

  “I never asked for your brother. Either one of them. Did he ask?”

  She held up her hand. “No, but Remmy mentioned Nemal was always helping you. I had the wrong brother, but I wasn’t totally off.”

  “Why are you being so nice to me?” I asked flatly.

  Minnette looked around. “I guess I’m not very good at subtle. Not with you.”

  “You’ll be queen, and hopefully, I’ll live long enough to be your seer. We should be honest and direct with each other, for both our sakes. The respect is understood.”

  She smiled. “I like that. Your day of judgment is tomorrow. I’m sure they meant it to be a surprise, but you deserve a little warning. I want you to know that I don’t hate you, in case it doesn’t go well. Mother refuses to discuss the inquiries with me. I don’t know what she’s concluded.”

  “Well, thank you for the information. I suppose I should have a few words with some people. Discreetly,” I said.

  “Good idea.” She looked back at the men. “Any of these men have potential?”

  I smiled. “The tall fire caster with green eyes. But go slowly. He’s bookish and quiet. You are very vibrant and powerful. Don’t scare him off.”

  My stomach sank as I headed to my chambers. Tomorrow. Nothing like a surprise. Over three weeks I’d been in the castle, and finally I’d learn my fate. The Bachal were leaving tomorrow morning, and it appeared the queen would waste no time in resolving things. It was what I’d asked for, but how could I ever begin to be ready for it?

  Chapter 29

  My day of judgment had arrived. The Bachal had decided to delay their departure a couple days, and I suspected Faldar had found some excuse to make that happen. Officially, they wanted to give us a taste of their cuisine and parties for the closing event but needed a bit more time.

  No doubt it thrilled Remmy, but it only extended the agony. I wanted to help, but he stood with his mother, right now, and I was the one who needed help.

  Judgment day hadn’t been postponed.

  I stood before the queen, without my tiara, in a dark blue gown. Some distance away was my father. We were in the massive throne room, and it was packed.

  I wasn’t chained, but he was. There were also five large men with laser rifles. The crown believed I couldn’t take them all out, not all at once. They were wrong.

  I’d made my case last night in a private meeting. If I had to flee for my life, I would, but I hoped it wouldn’t come to that.

  Zoma had brought along her proof for the queen. The records and the herbs. It had to be enough.

  The queen raised her hand, and the room fell silent.

  “I would like to apologize to Lady Kimess. She has been left waiting for weeks to know the fate of her parents and herself. Her mother’s death is a great loss to all of Lazrel and a great offense.” The queen nodded to me. “In this time, a young woman stepped up to do her duty, despite the doubts and the dangers.”

  I bowed, but since I’d been told not to wear my tiara, I had a bad feeling about this. I wasn’t going to get away without some form of punishment.

  “Your father ran when my men tried to question him.” The queen stood and paced.

  I looked over and saw my father terrified, for the first time.

  “Lady Kimess was faced with the same questioning and came here with dignity. There have been men trying to sway her to the rebel side. People have tried to kill her. I can’t even imagine all that at her age.” She shook her head. “What father would do that to his daughter? Test her loyalty.”

  “I never did that,” he said.

  A guard punched my father in the jaw.

  I winced and turned away.

  “Your daughter visited you. She made sure you had food and water. And that’s after you abandoned her and her mother. If you’re not a rebel, why would you not see your daughter?” the queen asked.

  “I thought it would be easier on her mother if I stayed away,” he said.

  The monarch shook her head. “Your ex-wife mattered more than your daughter.”

  “She was depressed. Not herself,” he insisted.

  “My mother was not mentally ill. Never,” I countered.

  “This is a difficult situation. Does Lady Kimess simply want to save her own neck and her mother’s good name? Then again, if you hadn’t seen her, how did you know that your ex-wife was depressed?” The queen asked.

  “When I left she was,” he replied.

  “Words aren’t enough. The word of a trusted seer, maybe. Someday. But not now. Not yet. The word of a rebel is worthless.” The queen took her throne. “Luckily, your daughter is clever enough to know she’s better off proving who is guilty than trying to prove your innocence.”

  “I didn’t kill my ex-wife,” he said.

  “No. You didn’t. But you know the people who did. You also tried to get your daughter away from me.” The queen pointed to Zoma.

  A view screen appeared on the wall, and there I was speaking with Rouch, his words giving away the offer.

  My father looked at me for a brief second. “I had nothing to do with that. She was trying to save me, and I appreciated it.”

  “Nice try. Minn, the pouch.” The queen extended her hand.

  Minnette gave her mother the herb pack.

  “This is what was given to your daughter. To help her sleep. It was tested against what was given to your ex-wife. Also to help her sleep. Also by Rouch. Both contain a minute dose of a rare poison. It’s part of a flower, so it was harder to detect, but it does kill. The poison builds up in the body and makes the person more tired. More depressed. Until it slows breathing and leaves the person languishing. Gradual weakness as it slows the heart and lungs.” The queen tossed the bag on the floor.

  “I don’t know that man. I would never poison my daughter,” he said.

  “No. However, if she refused to flee with you and join the rebels, your friends might.” The queen waved at her guards, and they dragged a bloodied Rouch before us.

  “For the crime of killing the Royal Seer by poison and attempting to kill another Royal Seer, you are sentenced to death. Now.” The q
ueen nodded.

  The laser axe swung, and I shuddered. The man deserved it, but I’d never get used to sudden executions.

  The body was left there.

  “You have many friends, Lady Kimess. But you also faced many betrayers. You mentioned a widower to your friend, Zoma. She went back and found the time you were dancing with him. He also offered you a way out.” The view screen played the dance.

  While we watched, Wardlow was dragged from the back and tossed onto Rouch’s dead body. Wardlow tried to climb off, but the guards held him.

  “For the crime of proposing to an under-aged girl, for offering her rebellious freedom, and for defying your queen and country, Wardlow, your sentence is death.” She nodded.

  The axe swung, and I shut my eyes. Two men were dead, but they were traitors. Rebels. I had to brace myself. My father couldn’t get less. It had to be worse.

  “Galdar, father of Kimess. You are a rebel and a traitor. You abandoned your family when they served no purpose for you. I don’t know if you were aware of how your rebel friends eliminated your wife, but had you visited your daughter, you would’ve seen it. I don’t believe you wanted your daughter killed, but those are the men you allied yourself with.” She shook her head. “I sentence you to hard labor.”

  I exhaled.

  “Five years of hard labor. When your daughter is twenty-one, then you will be killed. I won’t make her a complete orphan now.” The queen waved, and the guards dragged my father away.

  “Your Majesty, that is extremely generous…” I stopped myself before I said it’d be easier for him to die quickly, now. Easier for me or him? She wanted to drag it out. She wanted to make him pay more and me to learn how rebels were treated…in case I ever thought about joining them.

  “Calm yourself. I know you only played a part with Rouch to get him to say enough to prove he was part of it. I’m ashamed rebels were found in my castle. We’ll be launching a full inquiry. If you want to overthrow your monarch, you’ll have a fight on your hands.” She gazed sternly at the crowd.

  “Lady Kimess, you are innocent of any wrong doing regarding your mother’s death. You have showed true loyalty to me. Yet your father is a rebel. I believe you’ve chosen which side you belong to. Chosen well. However, if your mother suspected any rebellion or wrongdoing, she never reported it to me. Not with my healers or within my castle.” The queen sighed.