The Reluctant Empress

by Teresa Howard

  Houston lay back in the bed. The medicine slowed his heartrate, and the capacitor seemed to be working, but he his legs and arms trembled. The healer said he would be fine after rest. If the poison was going to be fatal it would have been soon after the bite.

  Houston smiled at Tegani when she brought him lunch. He was hungry. “Thank you, Sister.”

  She stayed for a few minutes. They didn’t speak. He found comfort in her presence.

  ~ * ~

  Hanoree was terrified of spiders. He wanted to return to his own palace, and Lady Hanoree was demanding she be allowed to do so. She was not convinced this was not his doing, though she should know he would not sanction such a plan. The city would learn of the spiders and be in a panic.

  He mulled over the facts. Who would want the heir killed so much he or she would risk the lives of everyone in the palace? An insane scheme that would cause chaos in the empire and throw suspicion on everyone. Perhaps it was a political enemy from one of the other kingdoms.

  He mentally reviewed the ambassadors and Nobles from outside the Empire who might be involved. Perhaps surveillance vids would help identify the culprit. The idea of tiny poisonous spiders sent chills up his spine. He motioned for Varick to bring him another glass of wine and tried to make some sense of the situation.

  Hanoree’s musings were interrupted by a signal from his comm station. There were some early vids he needed to review. The Nobles were being asked if they recognized the suspect caught on tape flinging the spider filled linens at Houston.

  Hanoree squinted at the screen. The woman wasn’t familiar, and her looks were unique. Her features appeared foreign; he would remember that face. Perhaps he could spread rumors that somehow the Order staged the attack. He hesitated. Since the First Brother authenticated the child’s paternity, he would hardly be a suspect. Perhaps he should pursue the true culprits.

  Imperial guards knocked on the door to inform Hanoree that they needed to fumigate his quarters. If he wanted to have luncheon in the dining hall, they would let him know when they were finished.

  “Of course.” He gathered his robe and headed out.

  His security cameras would ensure the guards did not do any snooping. Bowing to the guards to enter, he joined his wife for lunch. Her nerves were even more rattled than his.

  In the dining hall the Nobles chatted as they ate. He noted several suspicious and even hostile looks cast his way. “What do they think I have to do with this?”

  “As you say, they are fools,” Lady Hanoree answered. She looked toward a table where Miette was trying to ignore Lady Orand, who appeared to be pressing some point. “Perhaps you need to call your dog off?”

  He laughed. “I wouldn’t wager against Miette in that fight. In fact, if she doesn’t send Lady Orand packing, I will be mistaken in her ability.”

  As soon as he voiced the words, Lady Orand stood up in a huff, left the table and the dining hall. He tried to stifle his laughter and saw his wife doing the same. Even as they did, other diners looked at them with even more suspicion.

  ~ * ~

  Ninallia caused a stir when she entered the dining hall carrying Hiroto She looked around at the faces and could not fathom what she had done wrong.

  “Ninallia, child,” called Miette.

  She motioned toward Lady Orand’s vacated seat. She spoke to a servant and sent him scurrying to find a baby chair.

  Every eye was on Ninallia as she took the seat next to Miette who remarked a bit loudly, “How lovely that the baby can join us. I know you could not be persuaded to abandon him after such an ordeal.”

  To their credit, many Nobles agreed. They soon resumed eating. Most of the conversation concerned spiders and their venom. Ninallia heard whispers about possible enemies lurking in the palace. Others lamented that not even the Imperial Palace was safe in these troubled times.

  Because the fumigation would take a few hours, entertainers were brought in to sing and play instruments for the guests. Wine eased their nerves, and the guests began to feel merry. The music and laughter filled the room and carried throughout the palace. Ninallia found herself relaxing.

  ~ * ~

  Tegani heard the music. Houston was sleeping, and she refused to leave him with a guard to go to the dining hall. A tray had been brought in. Much heartier food than she had fed Houston. She smiled, thinking how he would grumble at this. She decided to save him the cake for when he woke.

  Arturon contacted her. The others are in an area with too much noise and interference. His mind touch was filled with concern.

  Everyone is safe, and Houston is recovering from the bites.

  I will return as soon as I can. Arturon would have heard of these spiders and would know they were not native to the Empire.

  Don’t do anything to put yourself in danger.

  I won’t. I believe the authorities have eliminated me for now. I can plead business and give the Order’s pledge. I will return to testify if needed. The Order has never gone back on a pledge. My word should be sufficient.

  Tegani sighed. She would welcome Arturon’s presence. She represented the Order, even though she was masquerading as Ninallia’s companion. Her hair was long again but no beads were woven into it, and she did not wear a Sister’s robes. She was very discrete when she used any of her abilities and communication with the Temple City was out of the question. She relied on Sayeri, but Arturon was more than her senior in the Order; he was a mentor and friend.

  She missed the Temple City. Would she ever be able to go there again? She felt a strong bond with Ninallia and her child, and what she experienced with Houston was both exciting and scary. A relationship with an off-worlder would never be sanctioned. Life in the Temple City would be too restrictive for him. Perhaps she would find a position here in the Imperial City.

  Houston stirred. He opened his eyes. “How long have I been sleeping?”

  “A few hours. The medicine helps you sleep and your body fight the poison. You are doing well. It is a good thing you have an artificial heart. Not many people would survive four bites.”

  He asked, “Did anyone else get bitten?”

  “I don’t know. The entire palace and grounds are being treated to kill the spiders. Arturon is on his way to the Empire. He should be here soon.”

  Houston smiled. He started to say more then drifted back to sleep. The strong sedatives slowed the spread of the poison in his system, and he remained sleeping most of the day. She would ask the healer when it would be safe for him to stop taking them.

  It was not long before security reported the spider situation was under control. Two servants had also been bitten. Because the healers took quick action, they were treated, and their recovery was hopeful. The smell of the insecticide was strong but reassuring. The crews had started to treat the palace grounds.

  ~ * ~

  Hanoree knew he was a suspect, and wanted to be the one to solve the mystery of the spiders to prove his innocence before the rest of the council. He researched the spider and looked again and again at the images of the woman.

  The spiders were native to one kingdom, and it was many miles away in the southern part of Bengar. He blinked when he saw the people. They were tall with distinctive dark hair and eyes. The woman in the photo looked very similar.

  He was even more puzzled. Why would someone from an unimportant southern kingdom try to kill the heir? He corrected his thinking. Must make sure he never thought of the child as the heir to the throne, because it would be necessary to kill him later.

  ~ * ~

  Arturon cleared his departure with local officials, and he traveled light, carrying everything in one bag. He boarded the transport and relaxed. This time he splurged on a private compartment. He wanted to spend the time doing research, and he needed privacy.

  He did a search for the kind of clothes the witnesses described and the scant physical description they provided. Not much to work with. When images arrived of the woman who attempted to kill the heir he reviewed
those. She was also identifiable by her foreign look.

  Arturon noticed that the two shared several similar features. In fact, both could be from the same kingdom. Something kept nagging at him. His thoughts were interrupted by a porter serving refreshments.

  Arturon ate some fruit, cheese, and bread. He was offered wine but abstained. He drank the house tea, though it was not up to the standards he preferred. He returned to work, connecting to the Orders database. It was risky, but Spirits willing, the benefits would worth it.

  When he considered the images of the woman with the spiders and read where the spiders were native to, he made an unusual discovery. The spiders were native to Hattar, one of the southern kingdoms. It was a small, unimportant kingdom. He ran a query, searching for known assassins from Hattar. After a moment, there was a hit.

  It was almost too easy; there she was, the woman who had posed as a maid. He reviewed the information the Order had on her and was surprised such a voluptuous woman had also used a male alias and persona. He sent the information to the Order and to the Imperial officials. Once Beliani was dead, why had the woman tried to kill the heir? Arturon was thankful Houston had been there to protect the Hiroto and relieved he was alive.

  Arturon would soon be back where he could help protect them. My Lady was quiet, and he feared her health might not be well. A gentle touch found her mind sharp and reassuring.

  With her identity and images now public, even Imperial security will be able to find her, My Lady said.

  Arturon smiled.

  My Lady did not mince words when it came to her views on Imperial security and government. When the boy rules he will make things better.

  Arturon wished he shared her confidence that Hiroto would reach the throne.

  ~ * ~

  Hanoree received similar information from his spies, and he shared the report with Varick.

  “It won’t take long, now that they know her identity, to have her in custody,” Varick assured him.

  A ping told Hanoree there was an incoming message. The face of Beliani’s assassin filled his screen. He almost fainted at her audacity.

  A husky female voice spoke with a pronounced accent. “You look for me; I have found you. If I am captured, I will tell of your plot. If I am killed many sources are set to identify you as the one who arranged the murder of your emperor. I will tell the council that you hired me to kill the baby. You need for me to go away, Lord Hanoree. Credits, lots of credits, will make that possible.”

  She had the nerve to blackmail him. Was there no end to her madness? Hanoree couldn’t be sure if Beliani had talked or if this woman was bluffing, but he did not want to take a chance. She would find out how foolish it was to challenge him. Once he had the witch, he would show her what torture was like.

  ~ * ~

  Arturon was relieved to learn that Houston was recovering from the effects of the spider venom. He was better, but still weak. Tegani had relayed information to him about Houston’s recovery.

  The League was working with the Order secretly. They did not have many operatives on Bengar but would provide surveillance equipment and assistance.

  Once in the Imperial City, Arturon made his way to the palace and found Tegani’s room. When he tapped on the door, a male voice bade him come in. A weak Houston lay on the bed, dark stubble highlighting his pale face.

  Houston held out his hand in the Earth custom of a handshake. Arturon took his hand and returned a half bow. He was too reserved to inquire why Houston was in Tegani’s bed but sensed the two had feelings for each other. How would Tegani feel when Houston’s mission was complete and he returned to his people? He hoped Houston would find a reason to stay on Bengar.

  “The healer is very pleased with your progress. If you are up and about tomorrow, I was wondering if I might call on your assistance and expertise.”

  “I can go right now.” Houston started to get up.

  Laughing, Arturon assured him the matter could wait. Tegani and Sayeri protested the next morning when Houston prepared to go with Arturon. “He needs more rest.”

  “I am fine. I could use some exercise,” Houston responded.

  “I am going with you,” Tegani said.

  “Sister, your duty is here protecting the heir. I am sorry you do not trust me to protect your friend,” Arturon said.

  She lowered her head. “Forgive me, Brother. I will strive to follow your teaching.”

  “We are going to retrieve the evidence against Hanoree,” Arturon explained.

  “You have the bank and code?” asked Houston.

  “I will need your assistance to retrieve it. And a disguise, and as you would call it, cover,” Arturon answered.

  After a couple hours of shopping and preparation, a tall older man dressed warmly and walking with a cane approached the bank. Once inside, Arturon approached the clerk and handed her the box information. She slid the sign in sheet to him. He had practiced the name and wrote it with confidence. The clerk nodded in the direction of the large vault room.

  Houston had instructed Arturon to hold his head to one side and use the scarf to prevent security from being able to identify him. Outside the pedestrian traffic seemed normal. He could see Houston nearby, listening on a headphone. He would warn Arturon if any Imperial forces approached, and he would be able to hear if there were any problems inside or any signs of trouble.

  Arturon uttered a soft explicative.

  “Are you okay?” Houston responded. “I’m on my way in.”

  “It’s empty. Stay there. I am coming out.”

  Arturon fidgeted when he joined Houston. They bought sandwiches and walked to a park table. It was far enough from traffic and other tables to be private. If they made an unusual looking couple, it was not one that would cause undue notice.

  “Hanoree cannot have the evidence,” Houston said

  “No, he would have made a move against Ninallia by now,” agreed Arturon.

  “Who would have known there was a vault?”

  Houston chewed on the delicious sandwiches. Their flakey crust oozed with velvety cheese and spicy meat. “This is heaven to my taste buds after the mush they fed me during my recovery from the spider bites.” He paused, tilted his head. “Something occurs to me. It is something so impossible and outlandish, I almost cast the idea aside. Someone has the evidence, and they are blackmailing Hanoree.”

  ~ * ~

  Arturon laughed. “That makes a twisted kind of sense.”

  Houston definitely had come up with a probable cause. For a while, he and Houston sat in companionable silence as they finished eating lunch. After, Arturon agreed with Houston to meet back at the palace later. They went their separate directions.

  Leaving the food place, Arturon reported their conclusion to My Lady.

  She responded, who would be bold, or crazy, enough to blackmail Hanoree? That would be a death wish. Beliani is dead because she thought she could hide from him on her own. This killer is a madman or a fool. Protect the others if you can.

  Yes, My Lady, I will do my best, Arturon answered and then broke the connection.

  He returned to the palace to talk with Sister Tegani and Sayeri. They were in Sayeri’s room enjoying their own lunch. He poured himself a cup of tea and gave them a summary of the day.

  “If the stakes were not so high I could wish the blackmailer success,” said Sayeri.

  “That means Beliani’s murderer and the woman who attempted to kill Hiroto with spiders are one and the same,” said Tegani.

  Arturon shot her a sharp look. “As you say, there is a connection. We are dealing with a cunning or, perhaps, foolish person. If she or he has contacted Hanoree, they are dead. If he finds the blackmailer, he is in control of the evidence against him, and we are in danger.”

  ~ * ~

  The Dowager Empress Miette shook her head. As a young woman she had been trained for two years at the Temple, but as a royal, she was not a member of the Order. Many times, My Lady was on the opposite side
of a political situation. Miette respected My Lady but did not let that interfere with ambition.

  One of her loyal ladies was a member of the Order, though not active for years. My Lady had reached out to Miette through her. It confirmed her suspicions that Lord Hanoree might be connected to the death of the emperor.

  Miette bowed her head. She had continued to support Hanoree after the emperor’s death, determined the bloodline would continue. Now with this news and the heir, she was reconsidering him. She sent her own spies to locate the murderer and proof of Hanoree’s complicity in treason and murder.

  .

  Forty-Two

  Hanoree was enjoying tea with Varick when another message from the killer came in.

  “You don’t want me to be caught or killed, Lord Hanoree. Perhaps you need to understand what I have.” There was silence, then the killer laughed. “I visited a certain bank vault. It wasn’t hard. I wasn’t the first. Beliani’s box was empty. She took the credits and certain jewelry when she fled. She spent quite a bit on cosmetic surgery trying to hide. I found the important stuff in her husband’s box. What was his name? Rico? You know, you hired him, didn’t you? He named you, gave details, and left proof of your guilt.”

  “You have nothing.”

  “Oh, I have your head. Your hands are all over the assassination. You must help me to protect yourself. I need credits and a way to leave the Empire undetected. It is too dangerous here. I didn’t count on this many people trying to take you down.”

  He decided to play along. “What do you need?”

  “Credits, a new identity, passage out of the Empire or off Bengar should do it. Not much considering I am giving you the Empire.”

  “How are you giving me the Empire?” he shouted. “The infant is the heir.”

  “Please, Hanoree, can’t you even take care of one little baby? He cannot be that hard to kill.”

  Hanoree wanted to scream with rage. This woman tried to kill the heir with her crazy spider attack. He failed when he tried to get rid of the girl and that pretender to his throne. Something always got in his way. He could take care of two birds with one stone. “Would you consider finishing the job for me?”