by Frank David
“Enough, this is pointless. The visions are false,” Robert protested.
“You know the truth, Highness. Let the vision finish, let your niece understand why you hated Rupert.” Braynard reached out to touch Robert once again. Robert jumped out of the man’s reach.
“There is nothing to know. I hated him because he was sick, he was a deviant. He preferred the love of a man. He was an abomination, that is why I hated him.” Robert moved across the room.
“Uncle, what do you not want me to see? What did you do to Rupert?” Stela was concerned. He was hiding something and she wanted to know what it was.
“There is nothing to see. This man is a witch. He is trying to plant ideas in both of our heads. He wishes to put a separation between us. You cannot allow him to do that.” Robert’s voice was shaking.
“I do not need him to show you what you need to see.” Braynard continued to show Stela the vision.
She saw Rupert and Robert in the study. Robert was sitting and motioned for Rupert to sit on his lap. Rupert hesitated. Robert grabbed the boy and forced him on his lap. Robert ran his hand down the boy’s back, stopping on his buttocks.
“You enjoy coming to Fordstram, do you not Rupert?” Robert asked the boy, fighting to be free of the man’s hands. “I enjoy having you here, but it costs me a lot to take care of you while you are here. You could make it easier for me by helping me out with something.”
“I do not think I wish to do anything. I am sure my mother will send money to cover my expenses.” The young Rupert sounded scared.
“I do not need her money. I have more than your mother could ever hope to have. I want what only you can give me. You want to make me happy, do you not?” Robert slid his hand down the back of the boy’s pants.
Rupert took his fist and slammed it into Robert’s crotch, releasing himself from the man’s grip. He ran out of the room. The vision stopped.
Stela looked at her uncle. He was sobbing. He knew what she was shown. It was true.
“You tried to take him and he refused. He was a boy! That is why you hate him. He refused you,” Stela accused her uncle.
“Nothing happened. I never attempted anything again.” Robert pleaded with his niece.
“Nothing happened because he stopped you. Had he not stopped you, we both know what would have happened.” Stela stood and walked toward her uncle.
He could not face her as she approached. “What do you plan to do with this information? Will you shame me before all Hulsteria? Two lives were ruined by Rupert, will you make it three?”
“You are wrong, uncle. Two lives were ruined by you. Perhaps had you not attempted to rape Rupert, his life may have gone differently. If that had not occurred, he might have been better equipped to understand love. You corrupted his view of what love meant.” Stela tried to remain calm, but her anger was strong. “I will not make known what you did if only to protect Rupert. I will give you a choice; you may abdicate your title to Kendric or I will strip you of your title in public. The choice is yours, uncle. Either way, you will no longer be welcome at Rothmar. If I see you within these halls after today, I will throw you in a cell. You can rot next to your sister.”
“My sister? Why is she imprisoned? What has she done?” Robert was not aware of the conspiracy Madeline and Frederick had orchestrated.
“She killed my father to prevent Roderick from ascending the throne. She and grandfather created an elaborate story about Roderick’s grandfather.” Stela did not want to go into the details. It all still brought her too much pain. “You will appear in court today and concede that Samuel died in a fire that struck the dungeon. You will then leave Jascaessau and never return. Is that understood?”
“As you wish, Majesty.” Robert had no choice but to give in to her demands. “Would you consider letting me take Madeline with me. I will keep her at Fordstram. I will ensure she never returns here.”
“I have not yet determined how to handle my mother. Sofia would like her to go live with Jacob. I believe she needs to be punished for her actions. Had she not killed my father, all that has occurred since the beginning of my reign would not have been. Rupert would still be alive.” Stela wanted her mother dead but also did not think she had the courage to do it. “Will you join me in the Grand Hall? Court will be starting shortly.”
The three made their way to the hall. It was empty. “Please take a seat and make yourselves comfortable while I go prepare.” She signaled the crier to begin letting the visitors enter. She then headed toward the salon just off the hall where she would wait to enter.
Charity was waiting for her when she entered. “I saw you enter with Robert. How did he take the news about Samuel?”
“He took it better than I had expected. He will not cause any issue in court. He will agree it was an accident that took Samuel’s life.” Stela was not giving her cousin all the details that were exposed in the library. She feared if she shared the truth about Robert and Rupert, Charity would react poorly.
“How did you manage that? I was sure he would make it very difficult for you.” Charity was relieved that the Imperial Archduke would not push the subject of the fire.
“We came to an understanding. He has agreed to support my explanation and bring the subject to a close.” Stela did not like keeping Charity in the dark but knew it was for the best. “I cannot wait until this is all behind us. Zephyr’s naming ceremony will help to take our minds off everything that has been happening.”
“Yes, it will be a nice distraction. Have you decided who his naming parents will be?” Charity was happy to change the subject. She had had enough of the Samuel scandal.
“I have. They will be announced at the ceremony. A tournament has been scheduled. It seems perfect as I have lost three guards. I will need to fill those positions. I hope the competitors are worthy.” Stela needed to replace the guard killed by Malcolm and the guard killed in the fire. She also needed to replace Calvin now that he was an Imperial Archduke.
“I am sure you will have many fine competitors. You do need all the guards should we go to war. Perhaps you can take more than you need to ensure you are properly protected if Edmund lives.”
“Good suggestion cousin, thank you. I wish I knew if he were alive. It would make it easier. I would know that we must prepare. As it stands, I do not want to worry the people if there is no threat.” Stela only wanted to know what was before her. Even with the kingdoms watching for ships, she did not want a surprise attack. She knew she had to prepare.
“Enter,” Stela called out to the knock on the door.
“Majesty, the hall is full. Are you ready to enter?” Jordan stood before the Empress.
“Yes, thank you, Jordan.” Stela stood waiting to be announced.
“I will talk to you after, Stela. Good luck.” Charity took her leave.
Charity entered the hall. She spotted Calvin sitting alone. She hurried to join him. It seemed people still held hatred toward his kind, refusing to sit with him.
“Calvin, I am so glad you decided to come.” Charity sat next to him.
“Charity, it is nice to see you. I was not going to come, but I needed to know what was to become of Samuel.” He kept his head down as he spoke. “It would seem the attitude of the people remains. No one would look at me when I entered. I found this seat and the others that were sitting near me moved.”
“Do not let it bother you, Calvin. You outrank most of the fools gathered here today. You are more than welcome here in the Empress’ eyes, do not forget that.” Charity placed her hand on his, trying to offer some comfort.
The crier announced Stela. The door to the salon opened and she emerged. She walked toward the throne at the far end of the room. She noticed the stares she was receiving, the only smiles coming from Charity and Calvin. It would seem the crowd was particularly hostile. How would they react when she shared the news of Samuel’s death?
Thomasine appeared to the left of her throne. She was surprised to see the woman standi
ng there. She was not normally stationed by her side during court.
“Majesty, the Master Scientia suggested I be close,” she whispered as Stela took her place on the throne.
“Thank you, Thomasine,” Stela responded as she looked out over those gathered. Jordan took his place to her right.
“Greetings. I wish to address what I believe most of you are here to witness, the trial of Samuel Roberts,” she took a deep breath. She saw Charity giving her signs of encouragement.
“Samuel was found in his cell this morning dead. A fire broke out in his cell and he did not survive.” The room erupted into chaos. People began shouting. Claims were made that Stela had him killed. They required satisfaction, an innocent man was killed.
“I understand this news is not what you came to hear. I was just as disappointed by his death as all of you. I wanted to see the man properly tried for his crimes. My guard is investigating the fire. As I am given more details, they will be shared with you.” Stela looked to Robert. She needed him to support her claim now to prevent any further disturbance.
“People, I have spoken at length with the Empress on this matter.” Robert stood, the crowd calmed as he spoke. “As you know, I did not believe Roberts should be persecuted for the death of my cousin the Imperial Archduke of Carlisle. After speaking with her Imperial Majesty, I believe what she says. She had no hand in the man’s death. It was an accident. The man believed himself to be imprisoned without cause. Perhaps he was struggling to free himself from the chains that contained him and the torch in the room fell and started the fire. We cannot blame the Empress for what occurred. I believe she is just as saddened as all of you over his death.” Robert looked at Stela. She nodded.
“This is an outrage,” a voice called out from the crowd. “Your family has a history of prisoners winding up dead in your dungeons.” The man stood. It was Forester Edwards, Duke of Troon. “Samuel lived within my Duchy until you made him a Grand Duke. He was a kind man, a simple man. Rupert stained him, but I do not believe for a minute he played any part in the Imperial Archduke’s death.” He moved toward the Empress.
Jordan made ready to stop the man as he charged. Suddenly a wall of flames appeared between the Empress and the crowd, stopping the man in his tracks.
Charity watched in horror as the flames grew. She realized the flames were coming from her. How was this possible? The Scientia was right, she had little control over her powers.
“Not only does she kill those who oppose her, but she is also a witch,” Forester backed away from the flames.
Stela looked at Thomasine. “It was not me, Majesty.”
“I am no witch. I have killed no one. My cousin, Malcolm D’Vay of Culia murdered one of my guards, and I spared his life. It was a direct attack against me, but I allowed him to live. Why would I want this man dead? I had no hand in his death,” Stela stood behind the flames trying to convince the people she was innocent. She watched as several people fled the hall in fear.
The flames lowered as she continued to speak. “I do not know how this fire started, nor the fire in the dungeon. I promise you, I will find the cause of both and punish anyone who is involved. I do not condone these actions.”
The Imperial guard appeared at the back of the room, ready to protect the Empress should the crowd become unruly. Their swords were drawn, instilling more fear in the people. The room emptied quickly, leaving only Stela, Charity, Calvin, Robert, Thomasine, Jordan, and the guards.
“Thomasine, you had nothing to do with either fire?” Stela questioned the woman.
“No, Majesty. The Scientia are not permitted to take a life. I would not have done such a thing to a man who was defenseless.” Thomasine stood firm in her position.
“Could there be another Magister within the palace, one that you are not aware of?” Stela needed to know who she was dealing with.
“There is, Stela,” Charity stepped forward. “I am the one who caused both fires.”
“You? But how? You are no Magister.” Stela was confused why her cousin would admit to such a thing. “I have known you my entire life and you have never exhibited such powers.”
“The Master Scientia visited me earlier. He explained it all to me. I was born with the power, but it was hidden from me. Seeing Samuel must have brought the power out, awakened my skills. In my dreams last night, I saw Samuel burning. I had no idea it was real, it was but a dream to me. Then when I saw the Duke charging at you, something inside of me conjured the wall to protect you. I am sorry,” Charity was not sure what was to become of her. Stela had promised to punish the guilty.
“Thomasine, is this possible? Could her powers have been somehow contained?” Stela looked to her advisor for answers.
“I have never heard of powers being contained, other than using a Suspensionis,” she watched Charity closely as she spoke.
“We have to give the people justice for what happened, but I cannot offer them Charity. This puts me in a very precarious position.” Stela knew the people would not be appeased until someone paid for Samuel’s death.
“I will offer myself to appease the people,” Robert spoke up. “I have done enough against my family. It is time that I make amends. They will require proof that I have such power to bring flame from nothing.” He turned to Charity. “Will you help me prove my guilt?”
Stela was surprised at her uncle’s offer. “I cannot allow you to sacrifice yourself. We may not always agree, uncle, but I will not allow you to do this.”
“You have no say in the matter. I am abdicating my title and have been banished from Jascaessau. What do I have to live for? I will tell the people I killed Samuel in an attempt to bring a revolt. The people will believe me. I have not been kind when talking about you or your reign. Allow me to do this for my family.” Robert walked toward Jordan. “You may take me to the dungeon, Captain.”
“Robert, why are you protecting me? You could easily tell the people it was I that killed Samuel. I would be tried and convicted. I would be hanged, or worse.” Charity had never known the man to think of anyone other than himself or his children.
“I was less than admirable to Rupert. It is something I have had to live with for many years. I consider this payment for my inappropriateness. If I am meant to die for what has transpired, I will accept it graciously.” Robert looked at Stela, “Please do not tarnish my reputation further, niece.” The guards led the man away.
“Wait! I need him to make a confession in front of others. There can be no question as to his involvement in this matter. Take him to the courtyard. I am sure there are many still gathered there.” The group headed toward the courtyard of the palace. The doors opened. Much of the crowd still lingered there, waiting for something. As Stela exited, the crowd began to yell, sending curses in her direction.
“People of Hulsteria. The person who is responsible for the death of Samuel is in my custody. I will bring him forward now so that you may hear his confession before sentencing is passed.” Stela motioned to the guard to bring Robert forward.
“I did it,” Calvin pushed past the guard. Charity tried to stop him. “I was overcome with grief at the loss of Rupert. I feared the man would not be found guilty. I needed to be sure he paid for what he did to Rupert and to me.” Calvin looked at Charity. “I will give you proof of my guilt.” He raised his hand to give Charity the signal to start a fire, but none came. He looked at her, she shook her head. He raised his hand again and pointed toward the center of the courtyard, people ran from where he pointed. A great fire sprang from the ground. It began to dance, almost mocking those gathered. He lowered his hand, and the fire ceased. Charity looked around. She had not done this. Thomasine smiled, letting Charity know the act was hers.
“Kill him,” the chants from those gathered grew. “The faggot must burn,” others added. “Let him taste his own fire.”
Stela raised her hand to silence the crowd. “Calvin, I find you guilty of the death of Samuel Roberts. Is there anyone here who will speak
on Calvin’s behalf?” She looked to Charity. Calvin pleaded with Charity with his eyes to remain silent. “Since there is no one who will defend you, I have no choice but to sentence you to death by hanging. Guards, please prepare for the execution. I do not wish to delay the punishment,” she turned to Calvin. “Why would you do this? Robert hated Rupert. You should have allowed him to take the blame,” she whispered to him.
“I know what occurred between Rupert and Robert. Rupert confessed it to me. He also told me it was what made him the man he was. Had Robert not done what he did, it was quite possible Rupert would not have become the strong, self-assured man we all loved. While what he did was despicable, it was a turning point for Rupert. Also, I did not want him to get off so easily. I want him to live with the guilt until he is taken naturally. He is a true Imperial Archduke; the people would not allow him to be executed. I have also found the man cannot be trusted. He may have recanted what he promised to save himself.” The guards led Calvin to the gallows to prepare.
“May I have a minute with Calvin before you take him away?” Charity approached the guards as they placed the cuffs on his wrists. The guards looked to Stela and she nodded her approval.
“Why did you do this? I cannot let you take the blame for what I did.” Charity pleaded for him to change his mind.
“I could not allow Robert to take the blame. He would have died in shame. That shame would have carried to his family. I could not allow you to admit to the crime. You have two lovely boys to raise. My story was believable. I was angry with the man who took Rupert from me. Also, I am giving the people what they want, one less gay in Hulsteria. As I see it, it is a win for everyone. I will be reunited with Rupert if the stories we are told about God are true. You have been a good friend. This is my way of thanking you for helping me after Rupert was killed.” He leaned in and gave Charity a kiss on the cheek, “Do not worry about me. I am doing this for Hulsteria. I do not think the people could handle another scandal.” The guards pulled him away.