by Vicky Savage
“Maria, I’ve got a more immediate problem. I could use your help.”
Once I explain that Ryder is coming to dinner and I need to look gorgeous, but I also have a meeting with Uncle Harold so I have to look imperious, Maria kicks into full fashionista mode. She shuffles through the princess’s things and zeros in on an elegant black floor-length gown with a beaded halter neckline, cut-in shoulders, and a V’d back. The silhouette is mermaid-style, fitted through the body, flared from the knees down.
She unzips it and holds it up while I step in. It looks killer, but a little too sexy for my meeting with Harold, until Maria shows me the short jacket that goes with it.
“This is perfect,” I say. “Now what do I do with my hair and jewelry?”
She studies me for a moment. “With that dress, you should wear your hair up and show off your beautiful arms and back for Chief Blackthorn.”
Maria coaxes my hair into a sleek up-do held together with pretty beaded combs. She selects a pair of diamond studs from the open jewelry chest and places them in my pierced ears.
“There. You need no other jewelry. You may wish to remove that bracelet,” she says referring to the TPD. “It’s a little heavy.”
“Nope. Can’t do it, but I think it looks all right.”
She smiles. “You are stunning. Neither gentleman will be able to resist your charms.”
“Thanks for always making me look good,” I say pulling on the short jacket. She closes up the jewelry chest, and I follow her out the door.
I stop by to see Mother before my meeting with Uncle Harold, but she’s not in her room. I’m pleasantly surprised to find her having tea and playing chess with General LeGare in one of the downstairs parlors. Watching them from the doorway, the moment is bittersweet. Mother laughs at something LeGare says. She looks young and carefree; her hair falls girlishly around her shoulders, a slice of silvery light from the window illuminates her face. I wonder how things might have been different if she and Father had divorced and she had remarried LeGare. My heart aches knowing that she may have sacrificed her own happiness for the welfare of the country. I hope I’m never called upon to do the same.
“Who’s winning?” I ask stepping inside. General LeGare pops up from his seat and bows. “How are you, Charles?” I ask.
“Very well, Your Highness.”
“Jaden. Come in darling.”
“Hello Mother. You’re looking well today.” I kiss her on the forehead. “Please sit, Charles. I didn’t mean to interrupt your game. I went to check on you in your room, Mother. I’m happy to see you’re up and about.”
“I’m feeling much better today. Sit down and visit with us,” Mother says. “You look lovely. Where are you going?”
“Nowhere. I just dressed early for dinner because I have a meeting with Uncle Harold. Is it all right if we use your office?”
“Of course, dear. You may use it as you see fit. I haven’t been in there for days. What is your meeting concerning?”
“I don’t really know. Harold said there were a few items of business that needed to be dealt with before morning.”
Her brow creases slightly, and she looks to LeGare. “Charles, do you know what might be so pressing?”
“I’m not certain. Perhaps it has to do with the Unicoi Village wall. I understand he has several work crews on stand-by for the project.”
“But that hasn’t been approved by the Council. I deferred it until the next meeting,” Mother says. “I’m not certain it’s a wise undertaking, in any event. We haven’t heard all the particulars yet.”
“It’s possible Prince Harold hopes to bypass Council approval, by getting Princess Jaden’s consent to the project,” LeGare says. “As your representative, she has the authority to sanction such a plan.”
“But that is completely inappropriate. The Council will be up in arms if the matter is handled behind their backs. Perhaps, I’d better attend this meeting with Harold as well,” she says to me, clearly agitated.
“No, Mother.” I smile and attempt to reassure her. “In the first place, we don’t even know if that’s what he wants to talk about. Second, please trust me to use good judgment on this. I’d never agree to something like that without talking it over with you. I get how important it is that the Council knows I’m carrying out your policies, not making backroom deals with Uncle Harold.”
She relaxes back in her chair and beams proudly at me. It’s a little embarrassing. “Jaden, of course you’re capable of exercising impeccable judgment in these matters. At times I forget that not only are you a grown woman, but you are strong, intelligent, and gifted. I became queen when I was only two years older than you are. Please forgive me if, after all this time, I have difficulty letting go.”
I kneel at the side of her chair and take her hand. “Thank you for trusting me, Mother. I won’t disappoint you. Now finish your game. I’ll see you both at dinner.”
TWENTY-EIGHT
Arriving at Mother’s office a few minutes before three, I turn on the lamps and clear a space on her desk. Then I sit back in her chair, like I own the place, and wait for Uncle Harold.
He shows up promptly at three o’clock, all smiles and charm. Planting a warm kiss on my cheek, he says, “You look enchanting my dear.”
“Thanks, Uncle Harold. Sit down.” He eases himself into one of the green leather chairs facing the desk and hands me a red box tied with a white ribbon. “This is just a small pre-wedding gift,” he says.
“Oh, thanks.” I set the box on the desk. “Harold, Oz seemed very unhappy this afternoon. She says she misses her mother terribly and wants to go home. I think you should consider taking her back to live on the farm.”
He smiles indulgently. “Thank you for expressing an interest in her welfare, Jaden. She was merely having a small bout of homesickness, triggered by the Skorplings’ disappearance. She loves it here at the palace, with all her new clothes, and I’ve recently acquired a new pony for her. Don’t tell her, though, it’s a surprise. In any event, I certainly would never consider leaving my sister at such a delicate time.” His expression changes to one of concern and sadness.
“That’s understandable,” I say. Sliding the gift box over, I tug off the satin ribbon and remove the lid. Inside is a statuette of a black stallion carved out of onyx. It looks remarkably like Gabriel. “Wow. This is amazing. It’s identical to my horse. Where did you find it?”
“I commissioned it last week. I know how much that horse means to you. I am gratified that you are pleased.”
“Thank you so much. It’s exquisite. Is this why you wanted to see me?”
“Yes. It’s one of the reasons.” He reaches inside his jacket pocket and extracts a sheaf of papers. “Also, as I mentioned earlier, there is a small matter of business which must be attended to before morning. This was supposed to have been settled at the Council meeting, but things have gotten a bit backlogged with Eleanor’s illness. It’s a mere formality really. If you will sign these papers as the queen’s representative, we can move forward with the project on schedule. We have work crews standing by.” He unfolds the papers and places the last page on the desk in front of me.
Removing a pen from his other pocket, he taps the point on a signature line. “Just sign here,” he says, holding out the pen for me.
“What is this, Uncle Harold? What am I signing?”
“This is the work order for a project relating to the completion of Unicoi Village that has been pending for some time now. You may not know it, but many of those unfortunate people are still living inside tents. The conditions are far from optimal. Any means we can employ to hasten the completion of the village will greatly benefit the Unicoi people.”
“That sounds reasonable,” I say. “So this project is for building homes? What will the workers begin construction on tomorrow?”
“Actually, this project relates to security measures for the village. To insure the safety of the inhabitants.”
“Security?” I ha
ve to admire his creativity. “Like a fence?”
Uncle Harold’s face turns a rosy shade, and moisture collects on his upper lip. “Yes. That’s it, precisely. A security fence.”
“You want to build a fence around the entire Unicoi Village?”
“That is the plan. Yes.”
“And this is a good idea because ...?”
He leans back in his chair and crosses his hands over his stout and finely-clad belly. For a moment he looks at the ceiling as if composing his thoughts, then he turns his gaze to me. “Princess Jaden,” he begins in an annoyingly condescending voice. “I know you were largely instrumental in bringing the Unicoi people to Domerica, and for that I commend you. There are, however, many issues which arise when attempting to assimilate a foreign race into an already established culture. If caution is not exercised, mayhem may result. The wall is designed to minimize any conflicts which may arise should the Unicoi attempt to undermine our current governmental structure.”
“What kind of conflicts are those?”
His brow rises in surprise. “I could provide many examples. Unicoi might attempt to secure governmental positions or other jobs that rightfully should go to Domericans. They could attempt to move out into Domerican neighborhoods and send their children to Domerican schools.”
“And they would probably try to marry Domericans and have children with them?” I say.
“Exactly.”
“Have you forgotten that I’m engaged to Chief Blackthorn?”
“Of course not, but that’s different. You are royalty. It’s a political alliance. I’m simply attempting to protect the welfare of our own people, Queen Eleanor’s subjects.”
The blood simmers in my veins, but I stay chill like Ralston advised. “I believe Queen Eleanor considers all of the people to be her subjects. Domerican and Unicoi alike. What do the Unicoi think about the idea of building this wall?”
He pats the shiny bare patch at the back of his head, “I’m not privy to Unicoi sentiments regarding the wall. I have not asked them, nor do I intend to. Yesterday Chief Blackthorn expressed his opposition to the project, due mainly to his concern that lumber and workers would be diverted from the construction of new housing. I assured him that both projects will proceed simultaneously. There is plenty of lumber to go around. I realize he is your fiancé, but I do not see that as a valid reason to postpone things.”
He leans across the desk and points a stubby finger at me. “This is your first real test Princess, as heir to the throne and successor to your mother. A leader must make decisions for the good of the realm, without regard to emotion or personal relationships. You’ve the authority to sign these papers as the queen’s representative. I suggest you do so at once so that we may move on this project without delay.”
“May I have a look at those papers?” I ask, attempting to keep my voice and face as emotionless as possible.
“Certainly.” He passes the packet to me. I gather the papers and the signature page, folding them together carefully. Opening the top drawer of Mother’s desk, I place them inside. “This is a matter for the Council to consider. I will not circumvent their authority by signing the documents tonight. What I will do is call for a special Council meeting to discuss the issue. The decision of the Council will be final. Thank you for your time.”
He blinks. “Are you dismissing me?”
“Yes.”
He rises. “I see. Very well.” He edges to the door, but turns before opening it. “Princess, allow me to point out that what happened with the Skorplings today was a direct result of your failure to heed my advice,” he says in a low, menacing tone. “I suggest you carefully contemplate my recommendation on this matter. I would hate for another calamity to befall you as a result of your ill-considered actions.”
Hot rage catapults me from my chair. “Are you threatening me?”
“Of course not. Let us say I am encouraging you to act cautiously in this and all other matters. Some of your recent actions have reflected poorly on your judgment, and I am concerned for your reputation.”
“What are you talking about?”
“You have not attended church services once since your return. Do you even plan to be married in the church?”
“That’s none of your concern.”
“You are to be the moral leader of our country. Appearances should be very much your concern. It’s been reported that Ryder Blackthorn was seen leaving your room at an early hour this morning. As your uncle, I believe it is my place to strongly counsel you against such blatant improprieties. Your father has obviously abandoned his duties in that regard, and your mother has served as a poor example by cavorting with General LeGare while still a married woman.”
“Just hold it right there. My mother does not cavort.” Stomping to the door, I fling it open. “Get out of here, before I throw you out myself.” He brushes past me. “And if you ever say a word against my mother or father again, I promise you will regret it.”
Glaring at me defiantly, he nods curtly, and leaves.
I slam the door behind him. Game on, you conniving piece of shit! My pulse races and my mind flips into hyper-drive. Harold as much as admitted he had something to do with the Skorplings’ disappearance. Now he’s threatening to do something else. My eyes are drawn to the onyx horse statue on the desk. I know how much that horse means to you, he had said. Farmer Selkirk’s beautiful horses immediately come to mind … poisoned. He’s not going to harm Gabriel. It’s time to have a talk with Mother. I remove the papers from her desk and toss the statue and its pretty red box into the wastebasket on my way out.
Mother’s room is crowded with ladies-in-waiting, fussing about, putting the finishing touches on her makeup and jewelry. She looks smashing.
“May I have a word with you?” I ask
“Of course, dear.”
“In private.”
She catches the arm of the woman applying her blush. “Ladies,” she says loudly. “Please leave us.”
They immediately hustle from the room. The last one closes the door softly. “Sit down, darling. How was your meeting with Harold?”
“Not great, Mother. Charles was right. He wanted me to authorize the construction of the wall around Unicoi.”
“What did you tell him?”
“I told him no. But I said I would call a special meeting of the Council to discuss the issue and vote on it. He wasn’t happy about that. Tried to bully me into it. He even made some veiled threats.”
She looks astonished. “He threatened you?”
“Well kind of. He said he didn’t want something bad to happen to me because I refused to follow his recommendations.”
“Oh Jaden, I believe you are being overly sensitive. Uncle Harold loves you and feels a responsibility toward you. He wishes to be an advisor and mentor to you. He strongly believes that this Unicoi wall is integral to the safety of Domericans. I’m certain he was only attempting to persuade you of its importance.”
“Well he has a strange way of doing it. Listen, Mother I feel like Uncle Harold is angry with me on a subconscious level for reappearing and ruining Osrielle’s chances of becoming queen. He tries to intimidate me at every turn. I’ve heard rumors that he bullies others who disagree with him as well, and he retaliates against those who challenge him.”
“Have any of these rumors been substantiated?” she asks.
“No. Not yet.”
She clasps her hands in her lap, which usually signals lecture time. “Jaden, there will always be unsavory rumors about members of the royal family floating about Domerica and even the palace. Such stories are circulated about anyone occupying an office of great power. They are almost never true. You will undoubtedly find yourself the subject of such rumors once you have ascended to the throne. If you wish, I will speak with Harold and ask him to be more delicate in his communications with you.”
“No thanks, Mother. I don’t need you to tell others to play nice with me. Here’s the thing, Osrielle is m
iserable here. She misses her mother and the farm very much. I’ve already decided I don’t need Uncle Harold as an advisor or on the Council. What I’d like is for you to remove him from office as Lord High Steward and send him and Oz back to Hempstead.”
She shakes her head vigorously. “I am sorry, Jaden. I appreciate that Harold can be difficult at times, but I will not do that. When Harold learned of my illness, he immediately dropped everything and hastened to my side—even at the risk of his own marriage. He took over the business of state for Domerica when I became too weak to perform my duties. My older brother has done an admirable job. He has earned his title, and I shall not be the one to strip him of it.”