by Frank David
“It brings me no joy. I just think it was only a matter of time before your behavior caught up with you. Flirting will always get you in trouble, my dear.” Astrid gave Sofia a look that could only convey contempt.
“It only gets you in trouble when someone is interested in the one doing the flirting, something I am sure you do not have to worry about,” Sofia knew her cousin was attractive but needed to return the insult.
“Ladies, today is a festive day. I will not have the two of you going at each other during the ceremony or celebrations,” Stela was quick to put a stop to the argument, knowing neither woman would stop of her own volition. “Sofia, I am sorry Jacob has come to this decision. I had hoped you two would be able to repair the damage. You are free to stay at Rothmar for as long as you need. Also, our cousin has just informed me Edmund is alive and well in Xasha and has been named Regent to Lena's unborn child.” She hugged her sister. “I do hope you and Angelique will join in the festivities. Astrid, your betrothed should be attending.”
“Stelaphina, I would be honored to attend the ceremony and celebrations, if you have room for me in the palace.” Angelique wished she had postponed her trip. The idea of an extended stay was less than appealing.
“Thank you, Stelaphina. I have not seen him since we were engaged. Is he still as good looking?” Astrid’s eyes got wide as she asked about her future husband.
“Last time he was at the palace he seemed to enjoy my flirting,” Sofia made one last comment before her sister scolded her and stopped Astrid from responding.
“Yes, he is still very striking Astrid, but remember looks are not everything,” Stela commented.
“Maybe not for you, but looks are very important to me. I want to ensure we have beautiful children,” she laughed realizing how shallow she sounded.
“Are you sure Edmund lives in Xasha, Astrid? We were sure he was lost at sea. The wreckage was found off the coast of Shoudfield,” Sofia pressed her cousin for details.
“Yes, our ambassadors have confirmed he is ruling the realm and will serve as regent after the child is born. I was telling Stelaphina, the people do not want him as regent, so I believe Lena will be the child’s regent after his birth,” Astrid repeated.
“I would love to stay and chat with you, Astrid, but I have much to tend to. Sofia, please be a good hostess to our guests.” She gave her sister a stern look as she left the three women alone.
****
Harris woke to the light coming in, filling the room. He was not sure how late it was, but the sun seemed to be low in the sky. He hoped he had not overslept. He jumped from the bed and raced to Felicia’s room. He knocked, but there was no answer. He opened the door and found the room empty.
He rushed downstairs thinking she was there having breakfast with Caleb. He found the Duke sitting in the same spot they had left him the previous night.
“Your Grace, have you seen Felicia?” Harris was almost out of breath.
“Her Imperial Royal Highness has left to prepare for the tournament,” he responded without looking at the man. “I suggest you leave. I also suggest you forget any fantasies you have about my cousin. While she does not mind your lack of title, I assure you her parents will not be so forgiving. Should they find out about the events that took place last night, they would have your head. I would not dare tell them for they would blame me for allowing it to happen,” he glanced up at Harris. “The sounds of passion are never as silent as one thinks. Now, please leave my home.”
He turned to find Drake holding the door open. “Thank you, Your Grace, for everything you have done.” He bowed, then rushed out the door. Why would Felicia leave without him? He rushed past the gates of the manor toward the Imperial Palace. He needed to find her. He needed to tell her about what Braynard had told him. If he could not find her and tell her, she would kill him, if he chose to believe the words of the Scientia.
He approached the palace. The gates were surrounded by guards. Would they even let him in to enter the contests? He approached the gates. A guard stepped in his way.
“Can I help you?” the guard asked.
“I have come to enter the tournaments,” Harris was nervous.
“Contestants are to enter using the rear gates. The main gates are for guests of the ceremony,” the guard said as he pointed in the direction of the back entrance to the courtyard.
Harris turned to leave as a carriage pulled up. He saw Felicia’s father inside. The man looked at him with a hint of acknowledgment. As Harris turned to run toward the entrance, he looked back. Frederick just stared at him. Perhaps the Scientia was right. Was he the son of the Grand Archduke? He had no time to think of the possibilities, he needed to find Felicia. If she was carrying his child, he needed to convince her to not compete.
He reached the back gates. Again, guards were blocking his entrance. “I am here to enter the competition,” he said as he approached a guard.
“Enter, registration is to the left. Do not wander the grounds. Do not speak with any of the guests unless they approach you. If you fail to follow these instructions, you will find yourself in the dungeons. Trust me, you do not want to end up there,” the guard said as he gestured for Harris to enter the courtyard.
He found the tables for registration but could not see Felicia. There were many men surrounding the tables. He had not anticipated so many entering. He approached the table. An old man was seated there.
“Name and kingdom?” the old man bellowed.
“Harris Morrison from Raamsfeld, my lord,” his nerves were increasing.
“Are you of peerage?” the old man asked.
Harris knew the answer before last night, but now he was not sure. He was the son of a farmer before last night, but now, today, it was possible he was the son of an Imperial Grand Archduke. “No, my lord. I am the son of a farmer, seeking my future and fortune.”
“Very well, which events are you entering?” the old man seemed annoyed with the questions.
“Swords and fists, my lord,” Harris surveyed the area, looking for her, as he answered. His heart was heavy in his chest, he was sure the old man could see his chest pounding.
“Wait over there. You will be found when it is your turn to compete,” the old man pointed to a ring over near the stables. “Here, this is your number. When it is called, go to the man at the doors to the ring,” the bony hand outstretched with a piece of paper with a crudely written number scribbled on it. He shoved the paper into his vest.
He saw her, over by the stables. She was not signed up for the fists, was she? She was not prepared for that. Swords perhaps, but not for fists. He rushed toward her.
“Boy,” a voice called out. He turned in the direction and saw Frederick calling him over. “Come here, boy,” the voice called out again.
“Your Grace,” Harris bowed.
“What is your name and where are you from?” Frederick sounded stern.
“I am Harris Morrison from Raamsfeld, Your Grace,” he could not look the man in his face, keeping his head down.
“Who are your parents?”
“My father is a farmer, and my mother is just a wife,” Harris was not sure what to say. “I believe she used to be in your service, Your Grace.”
“I thought I recognized you. She would bring you to the Palace when you were young. How is your mother? I have not seen her in years.” His tone had changed.
“She is well, thank you, Your Grace,” Harris looked up quickly at his face. A faint smile was on the otherwise rigid face.
“Why are you here, Harris?”
“I have come to enter the tournaments. I want to secure my future, Your Grace. I want to serve the Empress,” Harris could feel his body moving with each beat of his heart.
“I wish you luck, son. I am sure you will do fine. If you do not succeed here, please come visit me. I am sure I can find something for you to do at the palace,” Frederick gave a full smile.
“Your Grace, I warned the commoners to not speak with g
uests. He will be punished for disturbing you,” a guard grabbed Harris, pulling him away from Frederick.
“No, it was I who approached him. Let him be, he has done nothing wrong. He was simply answering my questions,” Frederick gestured for the guard to leave.
“Your Grace, you should not speak to the contestants. You do not know their intentions,” the guard released Harris.
“I am sure this young man means me no harm. If I were entering the tournaments, perhaps,” Frederick laughed as the guard bowed and took his leave from the two.
“Thank you, Your Grace, I did not want to spend the day in the dungeons,” Harris bowed again.
“Please, call me Frederick. You knew me as a boy, no need to be so formal,” Frederick felt an arm touch his. He turned to see his wife by his side.
“Who is this Frederick?” she asked.
“This is Ms. Morrison’s son. Remember her? She worked in the kitchen of the Palace I believe. She used to bring him to the palace,” Frederick suddenly became nervous.
“Your Grace,” Harris bowed before Elizabeth.
“I believe I do remember your mother. Did we not let her go for stealing?” She gave Harris a disapproving look.
“No, Elizabeth, that was not Ms. Morrison. Do not be rude,” he looked at his wife. She stared back. He could sense she was not pleased. “Good luck, today, Harris. Remember my offer,” Frederick nodded and led his wife to the palace to prepare for the ceremony.
Harris turned but she was gone. Where was she now? He needed to find her. He ran over to the stables. “Felicia,” he whispered hoping she would hear him. He felt a tap on his shoulder. He turned to find her standing behind him, her face was covered with dirt. Her beauty was still obvious even covered with filth.
“Why were you talking to my father?” she scolded.
“Why did you leave without me this morning?” he returned.
“I did not want us showing up together. Also, I needed time to sort things out after last night,” Felicia blushed.
“About last night,” Harris started.
“I do not want to talk about last night. I had a momentary lapse of judgment. It will not happen again,” she was cold in her response.
“You need to know something before the tournaments start.” Before he could tell her, she ran off. He chased after her, but she ran into the crowd forming around the tournament rings. He could not talk to her with others around.
****
Astrid stared at her cousin. The two were left alone. Angelique had been shown to a room to rest before the ceremony. “Today must be difficult for you.”
“Why do you say that?” Sofia knew where Astrid was going but wanted the woman to say the words.
“Well, bastards do not have naming ceremonies. Is not your daughter about the same age as Stelaphina’s son? It is a pity you are not able to hold a similar celebration for, what is her name?” Astrid walked over to the rows of chairs placed before the thrones and sat.
“It is true, my daughter, Layla, is a bastard, but I do not love her any less than a child I might have had with my husband,” Sofia sat a few rows from Astrid, keeping a safe distance from the woman.
“I suppose you will not be having any children with him. Do you plan on having other bastard children?” Astrid was not being rude, she was being a Trokhan.
“I do not know what the future holds for me, but if I am meant to have one hundred bastard children, I will love them all equally.” Sofia did not allow her cousin to anger her. “Do you hope to have many children with Kyle?”
“If God allows, I will give him many fine boys,” Astrid blushed at the question. “It is important to give your husband boys. Girls hold no value.”
“Is not your sister heir to your father’s throne? In Hulsteria, girls have the same rights as boys.” Sofia was offended by her statement.
“Yes, my sister is heir, but that is only because my mother did not give my father a son. Had my father had a bastard son, my sister would not be the heir. In Trokha, we do not believe women make good leaders. Once my sister married, her husband became the heir, as long as they remain married. We also do not believe the deviants should hold power. I understand your sister created a scandal with her new laws dealing with the gays. I am sure the Benedictus is not happy with Hulsteria. Perhaps, she is being punished for going against God. Do not be surprised when war reaches the shores of Hulsteria. When you turn your back on God, He turns His back on you,” Astrid had a look of condescension as she spoke the words.
“Your sister will be known as the Empress Consort even though it is her bloodline that holds the throne? That makes no sense. Women can rule just as well as any man.” Sofia could not believe the view in Astrid’s homeland. “The deviants, as you call them, are just like you and me. They just love differently, why should that prohibit them from holding a title?”
“The women of Trokha understand our laws and abide by them. I can see how well women rule; your sister is a shining example. As for the deviants, I suppose you could be right, if the Church were not so clear about how the Almighty felt about them. I think Hulsteria is a bit too liberal for my liking. I might need to convince Kyle to return to Trokha with me. I believe he will find life in Trokha much more to his liking.”
“I do not think he will. He is used to seeing women in positions of power and knowing they can manage it well. He has seen the improvements for those who were once second-class citizens. He sees the joy of gay men and women being free to love without fear of punishment or violence. You do not understand our ways, and I respect that, but do not come to Jascaessau spreading your hate. We had our struggles when Stela passed the laws and changed the political landscape, I do not deny that. I do believe Hulsteria is better for the changes Stela has brought, and you would be wise, while visiting, to agree with those changes, if you know what is good for you.”
“You are correct, Sofia, please forgive me,” Astrid apologized. “Our two countries have always held different views, but the level of respect has always been great. I will not speak another word of your ways. I am excited for the Naming Ceremony. It seems I picked a good time to visit.”
“Yes, it will be fun. How long are you planning to stay? The festivities run for the week,” Sofia tried to be cordial. She did not trust her cousin but did not want to fight today.
“I had no set plans. I would love to stay for the entire festival, if Stelaphina agrees,” Astrid stood.
“I am sure Stela would be delighted to have you stay as long as you like,” Sofia stood, joining Astrid.
“I think I would like to visit the courtyard. I saw many of the competitors gathering. Would you like to join me?” Astrid asked as she walked down the hall toward the exit.
“I would like nothing more, but I do have to prepare for the ceremony,” Sofia stopped as they approached the entry to the Great Hall. “Please enjoy yourself. I am sure you will find someone to accompany you.”
“Thank you, Sofia. If nothing else my men will accompany me.” She raised her hand. Three men bearing the coat of Trokha came to her side.
“Only three men? You travel light, Astrid,” Sofia commented as she headed off in the direction of the stairs to the Imperial bed chambers.
“I assure you, I have many more men out in the courtyard,” Astrid laughed as her cousin walked away.
Sixteen
Harris found her trying to mix in with the others gathered waiting for the start of the games. She tried to rush off when she noticed him approaching, but he grabbed her arm, preventing her from escaping again.
“Why do you keep running off? We need to talk, Felicia,” his eyes pleading with her to listen to him.
“Very well, Harris. It seems I will not escape you until you say what you need,” Felicia seemed annoyed. “Also, please do not call me Felicia. I have registered as Marcus Samms, I do not need anyone knowing I am a female.”
“You can change your name, but your beauty still shines through. You can smear dirt on your
face, cut your hair and wear boy’s clothes but your femininity is still obvious,” Harris whispered, not wishing for the others to overhear them. He led her away from the crowd. “I am sorry for last night, I did not mean for things to happen as they did. When I returned to my room, a man was there waiting for me. He told me you were carrying my child and that I needed to tell you before the games today. Otherwise you would kill me.”
“How would this man know I was with child?” Felicia was suspicious. She also wondered how the man knew of her plan to end Harris’ life. He had touched her in a way that she could not bear. She could not have this distraction, not now. She had hoped the two would meet in the games. His death would appear accidental, none would know it was planned. She knew he would not fight her. She knew his feelings for her were stronger than hers for him.
“This man knew many things. He said he was the leader of the Scientia. He told me many things. He also told me I am the bastard of…” Harris was not sure how to tell her they were siblings after the events of the previous night. “He said I am the son of Imperial Grand Archduke Frederick Lester. It would seem we are brother and sister, Felicia.”
“He lies then,” Felicia felt her anger growing. “He is obviously a sick man to make such lies.”
“I do not think he lied,” Harris responded. “Your father approached me when I arrived. He asked about my parents. He admitted my mother used to serve at Dunmere. The same details the man gave.”
“So, your mother served my family. That does not make you my brother,” Felicia’s anger was becoming uncontainable.
“Felicia, I think you should tell Harris why you are so upset,” the voice came from behind her. She turned to see a man in a dark robe, his face covered by the hood. “Admit to him what you are too afraid to admit.”
“Who are you?” Felicia asked.
“Master Scientia,” Harris bowed. “I was just telling Felicia about our discussion.”