The Reluctant Empress

by Teresa Howard

  Her lips twisted into slight smile. “I have heard the blood tests have confirmed his paternity.”

  “Is there no legal way to protect the Empire from such dishonorable people?” Hanoree asked.

  “I can think of a few instances where the Nobles ruled against a blood heir.”

  He sighed. “So, there are instances?”

  Lady Orand patted a flat stomach. “Perhaps we could continue this conversation over lunch?”

  He responded by ordering tea and a lunch he promised would be outstanding.

  Over tea and appetizers, she continued, “If the emperor was an unwitting party to the dumas contract, it would be void.” She popped another stuffed olive into her mouth and chewed. She swallowed. “That would be almost impossible to prove now, but another factor would be the moral character of the dumas. This too would be hard to prove since she is young.”

  Hanoree tried to control his irritation. “Is there no other circumstance?”

  Waiters came in serving lunch, and her answer was delayed until after the servants retired and they were eating. “A lesser known objection would be if the family line of the dumas were proven to be heretical or dishonorable.”

  Hanoree clenched his hands to suppress his anger. The girl came from the slums. Any connection to the royal line was over one hundred years in the past. He stopped. It would be easy enough to trace her line, even though it was obscure. Because it was bound to be, he could make sure it was dishonorable.

  Lowering his lids, he peered at Lady Orand. “Can you recommend someone to investigate discretely? I would hate for word of my doubts to reach the Dowager Empress. She is very sensitive.”

  Lady Orand smiled. “I would not trust anyone other than myself with such a delicate mission. You can depend upon my confidentiality.”

  Having obtained his goal, Hanoree was anxious to be rid of Lady Orand. When the she finally departed, he made a note to send chocolates. If gluttony was her weakness, he would certainly feed it.

  He was now free to focus on his second mission—he must get into the bank vault and retrieve whatever was in it. Also, he needed to find the missing wife of the assassin but did not have any clues where she might have gone. He sent men to interview the employees and patrons of the bar she ran. Satisfied the right wheels were in motion at last, he poured another glass of wine and retired to bed.

  Much too early the next morning his houseman tapped at his chamber. Hanoree fought to free himself from the blankets and from the dream of sporting with his mistress. How dare he be roused at such an unpleasant time? He glared at the houseman.

  “Forgive me, my lord. Your wife has arrived, and she wishes to breakfast with you. I thought it best to come to you. She is in the kitchen ordering cook’s day.”

  Hanoree jumped from his bed and started dressing. His cook was a prize possession; he was also temperamental. Spirits knew his wife could try the patience of the most patient of souls. “Tell Lady Hanoree I will receive her in my private salon. Please escort her there. I will join her after I finish dressing. Give the cook a suitable bonus with my apologies.”

  The houseman bowed low before hurrying to obey his master’s wishes.

  ~ * ~

  He saw Lady Hanoree standing near the fireplace. She seemed to be studying the flames and fighting to contain her agitation. She turned as Hanoree entered and did not wait for the servant to leave.

  “What are you doing to my son? Is it not bad enough you ruin your life and my reputation with your debauchery? Our son and heir has been introduced to drug dens.”

  Hanoree raised his hand. “Please, wife, I am as shocked as you over Pater’s behavior. I admit to having been distracted by other matters. I am glad you have come to take charge of Pater.”

  Lady Hanoree huffed as she glared at her husband. “What matters have you been concerned with that are more important than our son?”

  “I am concerned with his future. You have hidden yourself in the country, but you must be aware of this pretender.” That was a bold statement since his wife stayed away from court to avoid the public embarrassment of his many affairs.

  She bristled.

  He extended his hand in a placating gesture. “Come now, my dear wife, I need someone who can keep an eye on Sayeri and this pretender of a girl. She is not worthy of a crown. You are the one who should be sworn in as empress. Is it not our time?”

  Hanoree watched her expression change to reflect her growing ambition. For the first time in years they enjoyed a pleasant breakfast. He could trust her to spy on the pretender and throw a barb or two in the way of that upstart and her child. Few knew the ways of court better than Lady Hanoree.

  After they ate, she left, happy and determined to see their son and make sure he was on the mend.

  Hanoree drank his drug-laced wine to calm his nerves. When both were taking effect, he returned to bed. He slept soundly, dreaming of wearing the Imperial crown.

  Thirty-Six

  My Lady waited for spring to reach the Temple City. Hanoree controlled an army, and they were surrounding her city. Her allies were working with the rest of the Council of Nobles to reign in his power. Hanoree’s soldiers blocked the roads, but air drops of supplies were coming in, thanks to the League. There were also ways to get around the blockade if one knew the area. She and her people were used to this weather. They were nice and warm while Hanoree’s army was cold and miserable all winter.

  My Lady sipped tea. Inaction was difficult when one was being provoked. She missed having Arturon with her. They shared an excellent connection, but it was not the same as having him here. His absence was for the best. If the Temple City fell, the Order could not afford to lose both leaders at one time. She was troubled by her latest report from the general. The assassin’s wife had run away from the safe house. Until they found her, there was no hope of getting into the assassin’s bank vault.

  Her morning reports brought further bad news. Inquiries were being made into the history and loyalties of Ninallia’s family. My Lady feared a challenge to the legitimacy of the heir. There were many Sisters and Brothers throughout the kingdoms, but most in the Empire were hiding, and their lives were in danger. She did not want to risk their safety.

  A formal request came from the Empire for the return of the assassin’s wife and for information about the location of Ninallia’s mother and aunt who were last seen in the Imperial City not long before the deaths of the emperor and empress. After protests, they issued a clarification that her mother and aunt were not connected to the assassinations.

  My Lady felt a sharp jab of pain in her chest. Not now, she thought, it cannot be my time to go. She willed her body to calm. The pain passed, and she shook her head. How much longer could she stay the resolve of the body? She could not tell Arturon for he would hurry back to the Temple City and be trapped here. She trusted the Spirits would allow her to remain until this crisis was handled.

  “My Lady, you are not well?” a voice behind her spoke. Her personal healer stood by the chamber door.

  How long had she been there? She turned and smiled. “It is nothing.” My Lady tried to sound confident.

  “It is your heart,” snapped the healer. She laid her hands on the older woman. She looked troubled. “I will mix medicine that will help for a time. You need surgery.”

  “Not now, my friend. Not now.”

  ~ * ~

  Arturon was heartened by the reports he received from the Temple City. The League general kept his promise during the winter months, and the city was never without food and supplies. However, Hanoree’s army did not withdraw as promised by the Council of Nobles.

  Until the troops withdrew Arturon could not return, and he sensed My Lady’s health was failing. She pretended otherwise, but he could feel it; the stress was taking its toll. Warned about Hanoree, Arturon worked to combat his efforts. He couldn’t understand how the League allowed Beliani, the assassin’s wife, to escape and disappear into one of the largest cities on Bengar. Pra
y the Spirits they were doing a better job protecting Ninallia’s mother and aunt.

  He knew Tegani and Houston would protect Ninallia and Hiroto. Arturon would only bring suspicion on the Order if he stayed at the Imperial Palace. Since he could not return to the Temple City of Uban, his best plan was to locate Beliani and convince her to testify against Hanoree. There was no reason for the woman to be loyal to the Order, and he did not blame her for being afraid. Hanoree would be happy to see her dead. She was wise to avoid capture.

  Dressed in simple robes, Arturon was disguised as an ordinary Brother taking a sabbatical. He entered the bar once owned by Beliani. Looking around the room, he stopped in surprise. There were three Imperial soldiers at the bar talking animatedly to the barkeep.

  “I am new here,” the man protested. “I never even met the previous owner.”

  “Who would know her the best?” the soldiers demanded.

  He indicated two of the barmaids, motioning for one of them to come over. She looked annoyed at the presence of officials and took her time joining them.

  Arturon shifted in his seat, ordering a mug of ale, and listening to what was being said without being caught. Turning away from the bar, he pretended interest in what was happening outside the window. He focused his hearing and caught most of the conversation.

  “Always full of herself, Beliani was. She acted like she was better than me, but I can tell you we grew up in the same neighborhood. She thought that husband of hers made her special. It doesn’t surprise me that he was a crook.”

  “How do you know he was a crook?” they asked.

  “Why else would Imperial security be interested in his death and her whereabouts?”

  “You knew her growing up? Where was that?”

  “Rison City. It’s on the coast. As soon as I save enough credits I am going back there. Say what you will, the Imperial City is a dirty and hard place for poor people.”

  After a few more questions the soldiers seemed satisfied. He averted his head and appeared to be interested in his ale. They walked right past Arturon. There was no use in questioning anyone here. Lord Hanoree’s men would have frightened the workers. Arturon paid for his drink and was leaving when someone grabbed his arm. Startled, he almost swung a fist at the person.

  A gap toothed old woman smiled up at him. “Brother, will you join an old woman for a little ale? I seek penance.”

  “The Spirits grant forgiveness.” He bowed and sat at her table.

  Sharp eyes stared at Arturon from a weathered face. Something about this old woman told him she was not what she seemed. She dipped a piece of bread into her soup and put it in her mouth. After a swallow of ale, she spoke. “Imperial guards are hunting my Beliani, guards loyal to Lord Hanoree.”

  Arturon blinked. How could this simple old woman be aware of such a thing? He considered her face, could detect no guile. “An unusual observation, grandmother.”

  The old woman laughed and fished a piece of meat from the soup and chewed it with her bad teeth. She sucked the juices and then spit what was left into a napkin. “You are a true Brother of the Order?”

  He bowed slightly. “I have that honor.”

  “Can you get a message to someone higher up in the Order?”

  He smiled. The old woman might be seeking alms, but he did not think so. “My words reach My Lady of Wisdom, as do all of her people.”

  “Tell her she has to forgive and help my daughter. Lord Hanoree will kill Beliani because of what her awful husband did.”

  Waving over the barmaid, he ordered another ale and some sweet bread pudding. He wanted to appear to be a lesser Brother helping a poor woman by taking care of her meal. He placed a few credits on the table. “Do you know where your daughter is?”

  The old woman’s face lit up. She cleared her throat and answered, “Not where she is. My Beliani is too kind to place me in danger. I know where she was.”

  Arturon frowned and waited until she finished most of the pudding. “Will this help us?”

  “There is a place in a Southern Kingdom that is known for assisting those who wish to change their identity and start over, or to hide. Beliani told me her husband planned to go there after his last mission. He promised to start over with her.”

  He had heard of this place. There were, in fact, several such places. “You think she’s gone there?”

  She reached into her pocket. Feigning a coughing fit, she dropped her napkin. He bent and picked it up, slipping a small folded note into his robe. They grew quiet as she finished her pudding. Arturon blessed her and put an alms bag with a few credits into her hand. He nodded to a couple of customers who seemed to be watching. He stopped and blessed a woman and baby near the door.

  The old woman seemed very concerned with helping her daughter. Arturon waited until he was back in his room that evening to open the message though it seemed to burn in his robes. It was simple: I think of you often. You would not recognize your own daughter now. One day I hope you can visit the Adamari coast. La Cabbra is beautiful. Ibella.

  Slowly, he reread the note. There was something not right in the message. At first glance it was simple and direct. He folded it and almost finished his small supper before it hit him. There was no coastal city of La Cabbra in Adimar. There was a small rather poor city called La Cabbra, but it was far from the coast. However, there was a large port city, popular with travelers, called La Cabbra some three hundred miles south on the coast of Risar. It would be easy for Beliani to hide and start over there.

  The next morning, Arturon booked passage to the city. As a Brother of the Order, his entrance was free into all kingdoms but would be noted. He was posing as a lesser Brother but assumed Imperial forces and Hanoree either knew or could uncover his identity. They would be watching him, so he must be careful not to lead them to Beliani.

  Thirty-Seven

  Ninallia eyed Lady Hanoree skeptically. It was customary for ladies to be presented when they arrived at court. It implied Lady Hanoree was acknowledging Ninallia’s position as mother of the heir. Given who and what her husband was, Ninallia doubted her intentions.

  After greeting Sayeri, Lady Hanoree tilted her head at Ninallia for a moment. “Well, you have a look of the late empress. I suppose my husband is being a royal pain.”

  She smiled and inclined her head.

  Lady Hanoree glanced toward the crib where the young emperor was sleeping. “May I see him?”

  “Of course,” Ninallia answered, and Lady Hanoree walked over to the crib. Hiroto woke and looked up at her with wide lavender eyes. She gasped and stepped back. Startled, Ninallia reached for her son.

  Sayeri took Lady Hanoree’s arm. “Silence Sister, remember your oath.”

  “But he is born.”

  “Yes, I know, but this is not for us to say.”

  Lady Hanoree’s face was flushed. “Does My Lady know?”

  Sayeri shook her head. “I have not dared tell her.”

  “But the First Brother has seen?”

  “Few are gifted to see this. He is not. You are bound by your oath.”

  “I never joined the Order.” Lady Hanoree rubbed her hands on her skirts.

  “You were trained. You have the sight.”

  Lady Hanoree kept shaking her head. “I have not joined the Order.”

  “You took the novice oath and are bound,” Sayeri repeated.

  Ninallia watched the two women and lifted Hiroto into her arms. What was going on?

  Lady Hanoree tugged at her skirts. She appeared to be in a position she found unbearable.

  Sayeri placed her hands on the woman’s shoulders. “Keep your silence, Sister. Let the Spirits rule in this matter.”

  Lady Hanoree left the room. When Sayeri would have followed, Ninallia stood in her way with her arms crossed. She gave Sayeri a look that dared her to try deceiving her. “What was that about?” she demanded.

  “It is a gift few have. I did not realize she shared the gift, or I would have prepared her or preve
nted the audience.”

  “What did she see when she looked at my son?”

  “I do not know. Lady Hanoree would need to answer that.”

  “Perhaps I should recall her. I mean to have an answer to this now.”

  Sayeri walked to the crib. She smiled down at Hiroto. “Many are born with ability; the Order trains the best of these. It does not matter what station the person is born to.”

  Ninallia understood this. Royal protocol and duty would prevent her from going to the Temple City herself for training. As she looked at her friend and advisor, she realized it was more than that.

  Sayeri continued, “Once in a thousand years, sometimes longer, a child is born who is special. The gifts manifest without training. We say that such a child is born to the Order. Their lives are controlled by the Spirits, and they are guided by the Order.”

  “An emperor cannot be trained by the Order,” Ninallia said. She was confused. If this was true, why not leave and allow Hanoree to rule?

  “He will not be trained by the Order. That does not mean he has not been chosen by the Spirits. The wisdom of the Order will be manifest in him.”

  “Is this prophesy, lady?” Ninallia asked.

  “If My Lady knew of this, she could tell me what to do.”

  “Can’t you speak to her?”

  “I dare not. Too many Sisters and Brothers might hear, and word would get out.”

  Ninallia agreed. “Lady Hanoree knew at once; she recognized the prophecy. We must find a way for My Lady to see my son. If what you say is true, won't she see it too?”

  “Sending her images of the child will rouse suspicion.” She pursed her lips for a moment then sent for Sister Tegani.

  Once Tegani arrived, Sayeri discussed an idea Ninallia supported. The Council might approve a short video of the young mother and baby. It would appear harmless if they did not present him as the emperor. The whole planet was eager to see Hiroto.

  “Why are we doing this?” Tegani asked, tilting her head.