“Vin, stop the recording and return my authority to normal,” he ordered, voice trembling, while looking down at the sphere that rippled just above the Arm of the Emperor, then up to Sasha, whose eyes showed loving concern as she studied the forgotten wound on his forehead.
“My duke,” Her words hit him like a sledgehammer, pure love pouring through their bond, a feeling stronger then he had ever felt before.
“Look out!” Vickie screamed. Trent moved without thinking, pushing Sasha to the floor.
Searing pain erupted through his shoulder as a laser bolt caught him, passing straight through. A grunt escaped his lips as he spun away from Sasha, rolling like a ragdoll across the warehouses floor. A warm, sticky fluid pooled around his distant body, his lifeblood exiting with his gradually slowing heartbeat. His breath became shallow, his vision fading, eyes going dark. But he kept them open, searching desperately; he had to know before the end.
Within the growing haziness his vision fell upon a dazed, but safe, Sasha, who was crawling towards him, tears storming down her ghostly white cheeks. He forced a smile; I love her so.
“Stay safe...my love...” he whispered as the last breath escaped him, the sound of laser bolts disintegrating the shooter, the man he had just banished, and Sasha's screams of utter despair, following him into eternal darkness.
*********
Sasha paced restlessly through Alutia Palace's medical clinic's lobby, fear overwhelming her as she tried not to think of what was happening within. After Trent had been shot, protecting her, yet again, everything became a blur, only bits and pieces clear enough to recall.
A man, possibly Sir Seb'Losh, had pulled her away from Trent, who lay motionless in a growing pool of his own blood, so the medics could treat him. She’d cried in the arms of Tiana and Vickie as they wiped the same blood from her hands and face. Then someone else had pushed their way to her side, begging for her to approve something, of what, she couldn't recall, being too distraught to make a decision. But she did remember, somehow, providing Countess Liana permission to act in her stead. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, she followed the emergency stretcher holding a motionless Trent, listening to a report of how the last pockets of resistance had fallen.
It was a nightmare, and only became worse when they arrived at the medical clinic to find it empty, no medical personnel yet assigned. She'd begged the ABF Field Medics to save Trent, save her love, and at that moment, Medical Officer Quo'Moy arrived. Apparently, he’d been on standby, waiting in lower orbit with a second battalion of ABF Battleguards, just in case such a scenario befell them. Within minutes of receiving the report of Trent being shot, he'd landed, armored battleguards rushing him to the medical clinic with all haste. Once he arrived, it'd only taken him a moment to make a decision; sending Trent to the critical wing for emergency tubing.
Sasha's heart started to race, unable to catch her breath, knowing what that meant. Trent is going to die. She collapsed to her knees, burrowing her face in her hands, gasping desperately for air. Tiana and Vickie, who had been watching over her from one of the couches that lined the lobby’s walls, rushed to her sides as she again broke down into incoherent sobs. She couldn't bear the thought of losing Trent; it being too much, too soon.
Minutes ticked by like hours, her thoughts falling deeper and deeper into darkness, a gentle cooing in both her ears the only thing keeping her from being encased in the cold abyss of her sorrow. But even that left her behind.
“Sasha,” the word was light, gentle. “He's ok, Sasha...go see him,” she looked up, eyes puffy and tears still falling like rain. Medial Officer Quo'Moy stood before her, a tender smile on his steady lips.
“Would you like to see him?” he asked. She struggled to her feet, nodding, his words not fully registering. Vickie and Tiana, seeing her sway, placed their arms around her in support, and together, they shuffled slowly into the critical wing of the medical clinic.
Emergency medical tubes lined the walls, each four meters long, ellipsoid shaped, with stabilization units extending from their open fronts, allowing critical patents to be inserted in a matter of seconds. Only one of the tubes stood occupied and Sasha, without hesitation, freed herself from her ladies arms, running to the PDU on its side that projected an image of Trent floating in the regenerative liquid; life signs stable. Relief overwhelmed her and she collapsed to the floor in utter exhaustion, Tiana and Vickie again, rushing to assist.
“He should stay tubed for at least a week, but he will be stable enough to be removed tomorrow, unless, of course, Your Grace would like to override his order?” Quo’Moy’s question surprised her and brought some semblance of reason to her mind.
“What do you mean? Was he awake?” Sasha asked, voice raspy.
Quo'Moy shook his head. “No, he made me promise that if I ever had to tube him in the future, then it would only be acceptable if his life was in danger, and even then, only for the minimum amount of time required, a stubborn man he is.” A frown crossed her lips at the memory of Trent's fear of being tubed. She knew overriding his order would be in his best interest, not wanting to see her love, her duke, in constant pain. But the idea vanished with a sigh.
“In Alutia...we listen to our hero's requests, Quo'Moy. Even I would not dare to question one of his decisions.” She let an inkling of dry humor touch her words, knowing it would help wash away at least some of her lingering sorrow.
“Of course, Your Grace, I will need to see him at least six times a day for three periods and his left arm will need to be immobile for at least half that long,” Quo'Moy replied, seeming to have become accustom to the selfish whims of his charges making his life more difficult.
“That is acceptable. Thank you again for all you have done...Medical Director.” The man froze, a look of utter disbelief touching his thin, aged face, making her smile. The knowledge Trent would be ok finally sinking in and fully clearing her mind.
“Feel free to hire whatever staff you require, just make sure they pass Sir Seb'Losh's background check......unless...you would like to turn down the promotion?” Quo’Moy, obviously stunned, shook his head slowly, knowing the prestige of being a medical director for a duchy, but also what the appointment implied.
“Your Grace, I am honored, but what of the prohibition against commons working on paradise planets? I thought the only exception was for servants,” inquired the new Alutia Medical Director, more than one of the surrounding faces showing bafflement at her appointment. She placed a hand on the medical tube containing Trent, tenderly reaching for their bond, give me courage, my duke, and took a deep breath.
“That is only a tradition, not law...and we have all lived with commons long enough to know it is a ridiculous tradition......one that I planned on abolishing at some point in the future. But Trent's courage is contagious,” she looked down at her wrist. “Vin, please make Quo'Moy's appointment official and send out a general notice that Alutia'Earth is open to immigration of nobles and commons alike,” Sasha paused, mind working, ignoring her whispering ladies. “But require applications at first, we will want to limit the numbers until a few more cities can be grown and we have loyal administrators on hand.” She felt the tug of Trent's emotions as she spoke, their bond fully active, and she knew how proud he was of her. His feelings telling her that she was doing the right thing. More tears threatened to break free as she turned to Sir Seb'Losh, who stood at attention guarding the door, combat armor still covered in blood.
“If you would be so kind, could you find some men to fetch a table and chair...along with a bed. I will not be leaving this room until Trent is released,” Sir Seb'Losh nodded without question, expression going distant. She looked to Tiana, who sat stunned, hair disheveled, curly blond locks falling across her eyes, a single laugh breaking free.
“Tiana, could you let Countess Liana know of my decision and politely ask her to greet the arrivals in my place until tomorrow? I reall-,” Sasha jumped, Regalia hugging her tight.
“It's o
k, Sasha, we will handle everything......right?” Regalia released her and turned to Vickie and Tiana, who both nodded their agreement. Sasha couldn't contain herself and let tears of joy escape as she hugged the little girl.
A group of ABF Battleguards entered the medical clinic, carrying a table and chairs, along with a small bed. She released Regalia, nodding her thanks to the young girl, then pointed the men to a spot beside Trent's tube. They placed the bed directly next to it, the table and chairs on the opposite side.
“I hope you don't mind me doing this, Quo'Moy?” she questioned, fatigue starting to take its toll.
“Of course not, Your Grace. I'm happy to have you,” he responded professionally, but with words full of honesty. Sasha smiled her thanks, seating herself in the chair closest to Trent's tube, finding a warm, aromatic beverage placed before her. She smiled up at Gil'Da, who must have arrived while she was deep in despair, and accepted the stern look she received in response that couldn't hide eyes of caring concern.
“Thank you, dear Gil'Da...may I ask what happened to Til'Ma?” Gil'Da glanced over her shoulder at Vickie, then back to Sasha, an unexpected smile on her lips.
“She is overseeing one of your mother's gifts, Your Grace. It appears about 100 servants were sent ahead to prepare for the crowns arrival, but also to stay on permanently. It seems Servant Til'Ma is quite capable of leading a large household staff.” Gil'Da must have caught the fear that flickered across Sasha's face. How could they be sure none of Duke Zehman's assassins were onboard? “They just landed, Your Grace, Countess Liana reviewed their credentials before they were allowed to enter the atmosphere, as per your instructions,” A wave of relief overtook her; they will be fine without me for a day. Vickie approached, taking a seat at her side, letting a calming hand rest on her shoulder as Sasha nodded goodbye to Tiana and Regalia, who left to deliver the news.
Chapter 4
The magnificence of Alutia Palace's Grand Court instilled awe within Tiana’s heart, she having only witnessed one court of such grandeur in her life. Hundreds of rose vine pillars, their girth larger than even the Towerwoods of Tidelia, grew from a black onyx floor shined to a reflective finish. Rare gems, jewels, and crystals from every corner of the universe lay flush within its surface, twinkling mysteriously alongside swirling sparkles that shined hypnotically just beneath. A rose stone walkway cut through the floors center, like a river of freshly bloomed roses presenting a clear path to the rulers of this great hall. Along the flanking walls appeared enormous, porthole-like windows covered in living glass of varying hues, with brown vines growing between in a way that seemed planned, but also abstract, playing tricks on the eyes of those who tried to discern its artist’s true design. High above, at least 100 meters from the distant floor, hung massive bioglobe chandeliers, clear globes of radiance imbued with floating dots of illumination that would coalesce into varying shapes, similar to the grand murals of programmable matter art that covered the full-length of the lower walls.
Tiana tried to take it all in as she hurried through the 20 meter high, double-door fashioned from living rose wood, which was the primary entrance to this grand court. She thanked the ABF Battleguards who were on guard duty, allowing her to pass their cordon without question.
She had noticed their numbers had multiplied considerably around the entire palace since the long walk to the medical clinic, hours before. Most had changed into their standard dress uniforms of black and crimson. But there were still squads that wore full reactive combat armor wandering the halls, concourses, and forays, heading to the surroundings forests, apparently in search of a few traitors who escaped into the wilderness.
She hurried towards the far side of the grand court, each step echoing across what Tiana estimated to be its 500 meters of length. Regalia's steps echoed in unison alongside, then sped up as the younger girl started to fall behind, her strides slightly shorter than Tiana's own.
Two imposing thrones became clear in the distance, set atop a dais surrounded by a u-shaped flight of stairs. On the thrones flanks grew two imposing statues, their sexes indiscernible, and heads, faceless. They reached halfway to the distant ceiling, holding between them, in outstretched hands, the most intricate Alutia Crest she'd ever seen. The crest twinkled in the hued sunlight that cut through one of the distant windows, the millions of exotic, sparkling gems making it appear surreal, even magical. But the way the same light touched the towering statues alongside, made them appear menacing. She couldn't help think they may come alive at any moment, breaking free of the massive arch in which they were partially entombed to strike down anyone who dared question the hall's great rulers
Each of the steps leading up to the thrones alternated between a stone of red rose and that of pure black, with an article of the NHA Founding Charter carved upon each, in Aisha, the ancient tongue of Planet Origin. Tiana found one of the thrones familiar, being almost identical, but of a much larger size, to the one that had graced the command deck of Sasha’s private shuttle. It was constructed from exotic metal sculpted in the shape of rose vines, with hundreds of blooming, rose shaped jewels covering its surface, and the Alutia crest as its backing. The opposite throne was of a mysterious, shimmering blue alloy Tiana had never before seen, fashioned with the same vines as Sasha's, but with a blue and white planet that looked like Earth as the backing, the Alutia Crest at its center.
At the bottom of the steps leading to the thrones, set to the left of where they started to bend towards the wall, sat a nondescript stewards throne with two green liveried Tidelia Guards flanking a stone faced Countess Liana. Before her stood a noble wearing a uniform of gold, silver, and black, flanked by an older man, wearing robes of the same color, obviously an administrator. Four guards in a similar livery stood at their backs, scanning the shadows warily.
“Lady Tiana, would you join me please,” Countess Liana instructed when Tiana had come within ear shot. She immediately knew something was amiss by the slight tension in her mother’s words. She hurried over, Regalia on her heels.
“Yes, Mother?” Tiana asked politely with a curtsey, watching the tall, handsome noble, who looked to be sculpted from marble, out of the corner of her eye.
“This is Prince Georigi of Galaxy 102,” she gestured towards the attractive man. “Your Highness, this is my daughter, Lady Tiana, and Sasha's lady-in-waiting, Lady Regalia. I would like you to repeat to them what you have just informed me.” As much as it didn't show, it was obvious to Tiana that her mother was deeply troubled, in the past Tiana being the reason more times than not.
Prince Georigi bowed low, letting his shoulder length blond hair flow across his “noble perfect” features. “Of course, Countess Liana, it would be my pleasure.” He turned to Tiana, throwing his head back as he stood to clear the tumbling golden locks from his strikingly blue eyes. “Lady Tiana...Lady Regalia,” he bowed again, “it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance. I am Prince Georigi, fiancé of the Grand Duchess Sasha Alutia.” Tiana's heart stopped as her brain comprehended what he just declared.
“The what?” she spouted, unable to contain her unladylike response.
Prince Georigi seemed distress by her confusion and lack of manners. “You are the second lady to show utter bewilderment at my words today, Lady Tiana. This was something decided well before I was born and I have come with a guarantee of Grand Duchess Sasha's hand in marriage.” Tiana looked to her mother with eyes wide, who'd kept the same unreadable expression, but with one eye lid closed a little more than the other. A sign Tiana knew meant she was using her BC node surreptitiously.
“Excuse my rudeness, Prince Georigi, but you have been mislead. Grand Duchess Sasha is already wed to Sir Trent of her own desire. The ceremony taking place in the coming days is one of elevation,” Prince Georigi hand went to his chest as he stumbled back from her words. The administrator at his side, who had been silent until now, stormed forward, his rob rippling wildly.
“That is impossible! I have the marriage contract approved b
y King Dohan to have the second son of the Nv'Lac family marry a daughter of Vn'Oco!” Tiana stared at the furious man fumbling in his robes for what she knew would be a marriage contract, finding his perfectly rounded face and flat features, mixed with the single puff of brown hair atop his head, reminding her, quite dramatically, of an apple.
“That is odd, Sir Mandle, since by decree of the emperor, no son or daughter of the Vn’Oco royal line, except the crowned prince or princess, may be married away against their consent. So even if you have a marriage contract approved by the late King Dohan, it has no legal authority within this galaxy,” Countess Liana explained in a tone no one would question, or at least Tiana thought until she watched Sir Mandle's face contort in rage.
“That...that...that is preposterous! I've never heard of such a thing! I demand to speak directly with the grand duchess to have this matter resolved immediately!” Spittle filled the air as the man shouted, stamping his foot toward Liana.
“That is impossible at the moment, Sir Mandle,” Tiana interjected before her mother did anything too rash. “Grand Duchess Sasha is tending to her injured husband and will not be holding formal court until at least tomorrow afternoon,” she glanced to her mother, who nodded and picked up where she left off.
“And by that time, King Johan and Queen Vahna will have arrived. I am quite certain they would be more than pleased to explain this law to you more thoroughly, Sir Mandle.” Sir Mandle's skin went a ghostly white and at that moment, Tiana knew something was definitely amiss. Why would he be so concerned about meeting with the king and queen? Only one obvious answer came to mind; this was all a farce.
The Noble Petty, Complete Edition (Alutia Rising Series, Book 2) Page 12