The Reluctant Empress

by Teresa Howard

  “Can you describe him? Why was he strange or odd looking?”

  The woman described the man, who appeared to be dressed in an expensive foreign costume. His manner as he stood across the way watching the hotel had seemed nervous. It wasn’t much to go on, but Arturon thanked her. “That could be important. Be sure to tell the investigators when they return.”

  He did not tell her about Ibella’s murder. If the local police didn’t mention the murder, he would not. At least this was a small lead on the killer. Strolling into the café near the corner, he scanned the crowd.

  “Morning, Brother. You are a long way from the Temple City,” a young waiter said. He was fresh-faced and pleasant.

  Arturon could tell he was at the beginning of his shift. “Yes, I am on sabbatical. Can I have some hot chai and maybe a sweet roll?”

  “Yes of course, Brother,” the waiter answered.

  Arturon nodded at the customers. “You do good business. How late are you open?”

  “We’re open all night. We serve breakfast for the night workers when they get off.”

  Perhaps some of these workers would remember the mysterious man. Waiting until he received his chai, he listened and decided to strike up a conversation with two men in a booth near him. Again, his presence in the city was remarked upon.

  “Brothers enjoy travel the same as anyone,” he said. “Unfortunately, my rest was disturbed by the police. I am afraid they are searching for a man dressed in foreign clothes who followed a woman from the hotel.”

  One man shrugged. The other man spoke up. “I saw a man like that standing around looking shifty. He was too well-dressed to be a vagrant or night worker. No posh restaurants here.”

  He blushed when the waiter carrying his order obviously overheard the comment because he frowned. “I meant no offense. The food is great here, but it’s not fancy, and the price is affordable.”

  “Have you seen the man before?”

  Both men agreed that the stranger was new to the area. They could add little to his description.

  Arturon watched the people going up and down the street; one of them would be a police person assigned to follow him. He sent a message to the Brothers and Sisters hiding in the area. Three agreed to go to the transport center and watch but feared the description was too sketchy for them to spot the killer.

  Inquiring about hostels or houses that could be leased for short periods of time, he found few available. He agreed at last to accept the hospitality of a friend of the Order who lived in the area. She had left the Order to care for an elderly parent.

  Angena bowed low. “It is an honor to serve the First Brother.”

  Arturon returned the bow, raising a hand. “I am here on official business, and my mission requires that I be anonymous. I count on your discretion to remain so. I am a simple Brother on sabbatical. There was an incident involving a murder, and I may be interviewed further, though I am not under suspicion.”

  Forty

  Lady Hanoree was acting very strangely. Hanoree watched her with concern. He expected her to be more aggressive in trying to discredit the girl. Instead, she seemed to be almost deferential. “Why are you acting friendly? You are almost acting as if you approve of the heir.”

  “You fool,” she snapped. “How do you expect me to get any information if I antagonize the girl and Sayeri? I want to gain their trust. I am pretending to be grateful they did not expose your son’s recent behavior.”

  He had the grace to act chagrined. He expected to find a complaint before the council. Whether it was the Dowager Empress Miette’s influence or some strategy of Sayeri he was happy.

  “What have you learned?” he said, trying to sound reasonable.

  “The girl is from the Imperial City, but her family is originally from the Southern Province. The Imperial line began there a century or two ago.”

  “I can find that on any news feed. What do you know that is not common knowledge?”

  “Her mother and aunt are missing, but she doesn’t seem overly concerned. I think either the Order or the League is hiding them.”

  This was something he did not know, and he found the news interesting. If he could locate and control Ninallia’s family, he might be able to control her. “Do you think she knows where they are?”

  Lady Honoree paused a moment before she said, “No, I don’t, but she seems unconcerned for a girl who sold herself as a dumas to get money for her mother’s medical needs.”

  Hanoree smiled. “That’s it. I can use this information. I didn’t know the girl’s mother is ill. She may be hiding in a clinic. What was the illness?”

  “She didn’t say. I could ask, but since she doesn’t speak of the mother or aunt, it would seem odd for me to bring it up.”

  Hanoree stroked her hand. “You are wise, my love.”

  Lady Hanoree changed the subject when she said, “Is there any news of Pater?”

  Hanoree reported that Pater was currently in a clinic recommended by Dowager Empress Miette. Their son was not happy. Only the promise of an increased allowance when he completed the treatment kept him in there.

  Lady Hanoree laughed. “Don’t let him fool you. The Dowager Empress Miette is promising to fund him if he behaves. He is playing both of you. Make sure his tests are clean before you transfer any credits into his account.”

  They agreed that perhaps this was the best thing to happen to their son. He needed the old dowager’s iron hand on his neck for a while. That or a stint in the Imperial guard or army were Pater’s best hope for rehabilitation.

  Hanoree spent a harmonious evening with his wife. When she left to prepare for a court appearance the next day, he took a relaxant and was preparing for bed when his guard knocked.

  He closed his eyes and took in a breath. Fifteen minutes later and he would have been calm enough to face anything. Calm, he reminded himself, but perhaps not sharp enough. “Come in.”

  A messenger entered. The man was too nervous-looking to be delivering a good report. Hanoree’s stomach tightened.

  “My Lord, I have news. The wife of the assassin has been killed.”

  “She was not to be killed until I was certain of her information.” A dangerous fury filled Hanoree. “How do we know her information was true and not a lie?”

  The messenger looked down. The carpet pattern seemed to fascinate him. “Someone killed her before we were able to question her.”

  The volume of Hanoree’s response brought servants rushing in. He waved them away.

  “Where is this professional who cannot follow simple orders?” Hanoree had lowered the volume, not the menace in his voice.

  The messenger shrugged. “I am not privy to my master’s plans.”

  “Take this message to your master. This is what happens to those who fail me.” Hanoree pulled a weapon.

  The messengers face showed puzzlement before Hanoree shot him. His body would deliver a strong message. Hanoree rang for his servants to dispose of the body and clean the evidence from his conference room.

  His associate would either produce the person or face the consequences. His stomach churned, and he sent to his healer for something to settle his nerves. Could he not trust anyone to handle the simplest tasks? The man should have brought the woman back, and Hanoree would have gotten the information from her. Then he could have become a hero by having her executed. He didn’t know what evidence the assassin might have shared with the woman or others.

  He dressed and decided to join the other Nobles for lunch. Perhaps something new would turn up. If not, at least the woman was dead. She could not testify to anything her husband told her, and any reports would be third hand at best. He wanted to get back the credits he paid Rico for the job. There were also several items missing from the royal apartment. As the future emperor, they belonged to him. That doxy wouldn’t have known their value.

  ~ * ~

  Sister Tegani listened gravely as Arturon spoke in her mind. Beliani was dead, and the local authorities
were looking for her murder, but they had few clues. Perhaps someone wanted more than her life. Someone wanted the information and evidence she possessed at the time. He planned to return to the Imperial City as soon as the authorities permitted.

  Hanoree was Tegani’s prime suspect. It would be nothing for him to hire killers. She watched him. He seemed to be agitated. His eyes were bright, and his movements jittery. It was early, and there had not been much drinking in the palace yet. His wife was much calmer. Tegani noted that she remained loyal to at least part of her Temple training and that Dowager Empress Miette’s presence at court seemed to be permanent. The council Nobles seemed overly festive and nervous—eating, talking animatedly, and laughing to each other.

  “My spies tell me there was a body removed from Hanoree’s chambers this morning,” Lady Sayeri whispered.

  Tegani gasped. This was something she was not used to. The Order did not operate in such a manor. She longed for the tranquility of the Temple City. Lord Hanoree threatened both.

  “No one knows what will happen. The council members are afraid, and the young Nobles are excited. Everyone is scheming to gain power.”

  “They cannot deny the First Brother’s evidence!”

  Sayeri pointed to where Lady Orand stood in animated conversation with one of the council members. The lord looked anything but happy to be listening to whatever she was saying. “Lady Orand is digging for anything treasonous in Ninallia’s family history. She will fabricate something no doubt, but My Lady will be able to contradict her. No one keeps better records than the Order; no one can falsify those.”

  Supper was served, and Sayeri took the arm of a young Noble, following the group into the dining hall. Ninallia was seated at a table next to Lady Hanoree. It was an unusual seating arrangement. Tegani was seated at another table, and Hanoree sat across from her.

  She met his eyes and smiled. If he thought to intimidate her, he would be disappointed.

  Everyone stood as Dowager Empress Miette entered. She was dressed in deep morning. Long absent from court, her presence caught everyone’s attention and turned at the meal into a formal occasion. The servants rushed around in confusion. A council member rose from the head table to offer her his seat. She shook her head and walked over to the table where Ninallia was seated. At her sharp look, two young lords jumped up, and servants placed one of the finest chairs across from Ninallia.

  The first course was served. In the kitchen, the Imperial chef scurried to prepare a dessert worthy of the Dowager Empress.

  It took a few minutes for the lords and ladies to relax and enjoy the meal. Lady Orand’s efforts to gain the attention of the Dowager Empress and perhaps move closer was met with a chilly stare. She retreated behind her soup. That made Tegani smile.

  “Now child, tell me how my delightful grandson is doing,” Miette said.

  “He is well, your majesty,” Ninallia answered in a modest tone.

  “There are many people here tonight who do not wish him or you well.”

  There was a gasp, and the table grew quiet. The Dowager Empress Miette looked pointedly to where Hanoree sat watching them. “I am not among them. Always remember you can depend on me.”

  “Thank you, Your Majesty.” Ninallia smiled.

  Tegani was sure that statement would be spread throughout the palace before the dishes were removed and washed.

  Miette looked pointedly around the table, and they began talking of other things. Lady Hanoree was very quiet. Surely, she hadn’t missed Dowager Empress Miette’s warning. It was meant for her and Lord Hanoree. Empress Miette would help Pater, but not support Hanoree as emperor. He would not be pleased. But that pleased Tegani.

  The servants brought in a flaming pudding. From what Sayeri told Tegani, this had been a favorite of Miette’s and her husband’s when they ruled. She clapped her hands in delight.

  ~ * ~

  Back in her quarters Ninallia picked up her son and gave him a kiss. What was she getting him into? Backstabbing and even murder seemed common at court. It was as if these people thought they were above the law. When her son ruled, it would not be so. She would teach him to be a good and just ruler. He seemed to agree with her thoughts. A tiny hand reached up and touched her chin. He babbled happily. A shadow of sorrow fell across her when she thought of how many people were dead because of his birth.

  Sayeri came over to Ninallia and smiled at them.

  “You miss your grandson,” Ninallia said. “I’m sorry that I am keeping you from him.”

  “Yes, I do, but my people will take good care of him and have him completely spoiled when I return.” Sayeri laughed. She gave Ninallia a hug and whispered, “This will not go on much longer. The council must decide soon, and Arturon will return.”

  “He loves you,” Ninallia said, returning the hug. Arturon and Sayeri had missed so much in the past. They deserved happiness.

  “He is the First Brother; his place is in the Temple City. He will succeed My Lady.”

  “That doesn’t mean you can’t travel back and forth. He should spend time with his grandson, and he would love spending time with you.”

  “You are a romantic child,” Sayeri scolded, but there were tears in her eyes.

  The baby cooed, and she and Sayeri watched him laugh and play. Hiroto was growing strong and was a happy and well-behaved infant. How the prophesy would manifest itself and how it would affect them was part of the mysterious future.

  Ninallia let him play on the floor and crawl around. When he tired she tucked him into his crib, and he fell asleep. Sayeri helped Ninallia undress and climb into a small bed next to the cradle.

  ~ * ~

  Sayeri kissed Ninallia’s forehead and lowered the light. Outside the room, she noticed Houston on guard in the hallway and stopped to discuss the day’s events.

  “The League knows Beliani has been murdered and were not surprised,” he said. “She chose to leave their protection. With no contact for weeks, her death was predictable. The general assured me the League will continue to monitor the situation at the Temple City and stand ready to lend air support and even drop ground troops if needed.”

  Sayeri shook her head. “The League cannot intervene unless My Lady of Wisdom asks for help or her life is in danger. We need to tread warily; the people will not support an emperor put on the throne by the Order or by the League.”

  “That old woman will never ask for help,” Houston said.

  “Never be too sure. She means for the Hiroto to take the throne. She sees it as destiny. He is a child of prophesy.”

  “The enemy of my enemy is my friend,” Houston quoted.

  “No, the League is an ally in this. They just don’t realize how critical it is to our future,” Sayeri replied.

  Forty-One

  The palace was waking up. Houston watched the servants carrying breakfast trays and housecleaning supplies. He was guarding the royal nursery where Ninallia and her son slept. A maid carrying clean linens for the crib, came near, and caught his attention. She was tall with a voluptuous body. He didn’t recognize her, and something was not right. He was well-trained and knew most of the servants. Also, there was nothing of the servant in her face. It was hard and arrogant.

  He stepped between her and the door. “You are new?”

  “Yes, my lord,” the woman replied.

  That sent off alarms. No palace trained servant would call him that. Servants talked, and they would know he was an outsider. “I will take those.” He indicated the linens.

  “I have to change the crib. It is my job, my lord.”

  “I will take those. The child may still be sleeping.”

  The woman looked down and turned as if to go. Taking a few steps, she whirled and threw the linens at him. He started to lunge for her when he felt a sting. Glancing down, he saw hundreds of tiny spiders crawling all over the linens and on him.

  The door of the room opened, and Tegani ran out. She stomped on the spiders and called for help. Other servants ca
me running, and when they saw the spiders they shouted. Soon servants brought toxic spray and killed the spiders. After a moment Tegani managed to get Houston into her room.

  “Ninallia and Hiroto are safe,” she said. “Sayeri got them out through the other door. You need to lay down and let me see your skin. I have called for a healer.”

  Weakness made his legs tremble. His heart pounded, and his skin was damp and cold. By time the healer arrived, he was laying on the bed.

  The healer’s face was grave. “This is a very toxic spider; the venom attacks the heart. How many times was he bitten?”

  Tegani blushed. “I found three bites, but I have not removed his clothing.”

  “I do not know anything about human physiology. For a Bengarian the bites are often fatal and would be if the person had heart problems.”

  “I have an artificial heart-lung capacitor,” Houston said.

  The healer prescribed something to slow the blood flow to the heart and bed rest. “The spider venom acts quickly. No anti-venom can be given.” He patted Houston’s shoulder. “Venom cannot stop a machine.”

  Tegani thanked the healer as he left, then gave a hovering Sayeri the good news. “I think he will be okay, but he will need rest. What have you heard?”

  Sayeri replied, “No one has been able to find the maid, and the whole palace in chaos. Many of the Nobles want to leave, but they are afraid to go because they might carry a spider to their homes in their luggage. The council is meeting to decide how best to rid the palace of the spiders. They fear spreading them to the rest of the Imperial City.”

  If one or two of the spiders escaped they would infest the city. The Dowager Empress Miette sent a servant to check on Ninallia and her personal healer to look at Houston. A servant handed him a personal note from her. It read: We cannot thank you enough. Such a bite would be fatal for an infant.

  What she did not say was implied. She would use her resources to get to the bottom of this attempt on her grandson’s life.