She almost spat out that last bit. I was surprised to see her fired up now, passion flowing through her slender frame. In no way was she a fighter, but I would not want to get in her way when she was angry. “If I bring this concern to my parents now, they won’t have a choice, and I’m sure they’re doubting it already themselves.” She spun towards me, a hand covering her mouth in realization. “Ivan, you may have freed me.”
“Well I’m glad to have killed that bird with one stone. Ha!”
She didn’t laugh as she excitedly sat along the side of the bed. “Ivan… there’s no more Isaac. It’s you and me. It may have been an accident, but I think you did it…”
I smiled softly. “Even if it’s just in private. I couldn’t hope for more.”
She leaned over and kissed me. “Get some rest. Hopefully, we can get you home soon.” Home. It was the first time I had ever related the palace mentally to home. I still felt like an alien there, but maybe that could change with her. I closed my eyes and dozed off. God, I’m lucky.
Chapter 38
A few hours later, the doctors cleared me for release, and I rode along with Julia back to the palace. Our hands barely touched in the middle of the back seat, out of sight of the chauffeur and his rear-view mirror. We enjoyed our little rebellion. A little touch was enough to ignite the fire within me and I yearned for the future we were working towards where a stupid earring didn’t matter. For us, for everyone.
She gazed out the window as we drove. I admired her bravery. She was risking everything by being with me, and unlike me, she had the world to lose, even if it was a glass one.
The chauffeur had the radio on, and something caught my attention. “Sir, could you turn that up a bit?”
He was a bit surprised at the request but complied. The anchor’s smooth voice crackled through the speakers, “…the terrorist threat. Therefore, the General Secretary announced this morning in a speech at the People’s Assembly that the United People’s Front will be instituting a, quote, ‘bold and new security strategy to ensure the safety and success of all people in Northern Mississippi.’” I looked nervously across the back seat at Julia before concentrating on the broadcast again. They’re pulling themselves together. “We will now play a clip from our leader’s speech.”
There was a rustling as they roughly switched over the recording. The General Secretary’s rough and fervent voice flooded through the speakers. “This three-year plan is essential as we shake off the rust that has accumulated around our ankles; we have been infiltrated by forces seeking to destroy our glorious system. The Planning Committee has approved three crucial changes that are needed to shield ourselves and protect our enlightened nation. First, we must shift away from importing international goods produced by enemies of our people. I have instructed the Ministry of Trade to institute an extensive and comprehensive round of embargos and tariffs on offender nations, including, but not limited to, the United Kingdom, the Republic of Dakota, the Republic of Texas, and the Scandinavian Union.” It sounded like he almost spat in disgust after speaking the country’s names.
The inspiration for the embargos was definitely the Anglo-Nordic Coalition’s consistent pressure on the Fifth International’s western and northern Europe allies. This would only further increase tensions. Royals won’t like that. Can’t get fancy clothes from the collective. Meanwhile, the rest of us will starve reliant on the socialists’ useless farms. Great plan.
After a round of applause, he collected himself and continued. “Second, to accommodate this shift, there will be a reallocation of the Red population from within the service and entertainment-based sectors into industrial and agricultural output. All Red Tags not under special arrangements will also be provided housing for the first time in our new production cities: Aitkin, Willmar, and New Ulm in Minnesota, Harshaw in Wisconsin, and Clarion in Iowa.”
He paused as this was met by applause again from the UPF puppets in the parliament. “We will no longer allow large swathes of our people to live in squalor in places such as West St. Paul. They will produce for the collective and will be provided for.”
Camps. They are recreating the camps. The Enclave is done. They’re going to kill them... I gripped Julia’s hand nervously and bit my cheek. She looked nervous, but there was no way she could understand what his true plans were.
“Finally, we must address the security concerns stemming from a conspiracy against our people and the collective. We have uncovered a plot, financed by capitalist scum within the so-called Free State of Dakota, who seek to undermine everything we hold dear. These foreigners have secretly been funneling money and weapons to the terrorists. They are attempting to weaken and divide us from the inside while they prepare for war.”
Fear is a powerful weapon. Dakota had been one of the few areas in the former Kingdom of America that didn’t fall to the socialists. Instead, they instituted a fairly freedom-oriented republic, and over the last century, thousands of Northern Mississippians had attempted to flee across the border. The country was the constant target of socialist rhetoric and, while their system had its own problems, they didn’t enslave a significant portion of the population. Dakota also had nothing to do with the Militia as far as I was aware.
“They seek to sow doubt in our minds about our way of life through lies and deceit. This conspiracy, led by the terrorist Coyote, has led to rumors about government surveillance.” I’m famous. Why does that scare me? He coughed and spoke sternly, enunciating every word clearly. “The United People’s Front will not tolerate foreign actors undermining our system, and we will take the necessary actions to prevent the perpetuation of such deceit by terrorists.” He can’t even deny the spying. “As a result, we will be redoubling our efforts to punish those who commit crimes against the collective, in action, written word, or speech. Our cherished Prism and way of life must be protected against these threats, no matter the cost.”
The tape ended, and the anchor’s smooth voice returned, “That was our glorious leader, the General Secretary Lawrence Bachton…”
Julia and I’s eyes met across the backseat. This is bad.
Chapter 39
We have awoken the beast. Social media was flooded with reports of raids and arrests against some of the more vocal anti-government leaders following the General Secretary’s speech. Julia was rightly nervous, but she had the protection of the monarchy, even if her parents had their disagreements. The rest of us aren’t so lucky. So many others were at risk, though, and it appeared that the UPF’s complacency was gone as the streets once again were full of their goons. If they can’t convince us to be loyal, they’ll beat us until we change our minds or die, whichever comes first.
Upon our return to the palace, we were met by Michael and his usual nose-held-high demeanor. “The King requests both of your presences in the throne room.”
Julia softly nodded, the princess had returned. “Of course. Thank you, Michael.”
He didn’t leave. “I have been asked to escort you.”
They don’t trust us? She nodded and softly raised an arm horizontally, palm up. “Of course. After you.” She collected herself, regaining her regal demeanor and preparing for the impending confrontation.
As we walked, a few of the guards and servants who we passed gave me sorrowful looks, the only ones I’d ever received from them since my arrival. By then they must have known what had happened. And they actually feel bad? Maybe they do have some humanity left.
The throne room doors creaked open as we entered, and I surveyed the large, stone room with its ice-blue decorations. It was amazing how two months ago I had walked into this room, alone and a stranger to the mysteries the palace held within. Today, I was far from alone and all too familiar with the secrets of the royals.
We were met by a wintery aroma which flowed from the candles scattered throughout the throne room. The watchful eyes of the King’s council studied our approach from their herd to the King’s right. Be careful.
Isaac k
nelt to the left of the King, his head down and his parents standing at his flanks. A bruise graced the left side of his face where I’d kicked him. It felt good to have given his annoyingly perfect face a solid blemish. Wilhelm Preus’s glare met mine and sent a shiver down my spine. What is it like to watch your only son kneel in defeat for attacking someone like me?
Julia held her head high and glided down the aisle towards the throne as I slid behind her, still light headed. The King looked fondly upon his daughter and furrowed his brow upon me. Glare all you want. This is your fault.
We approached, and I dropped to one knee. “Your highness.”
Julia gave a slight, respectful bow, remaining standing. “Father.”
He nodded, acknowledging us and rubbing his large stubbled chin, pondering. His icy eyes showed sorrow and exhaustion. With everything that had happened with Alexandria and now this, it had been a long week for the family. Despite my disagreements with the King, I pitied him as a father, helpless to stop all of it.
The King spoke flatly, his powerful voice under leash as he considered his words. “I do not believe that it requires explanation why you are all here today.” He surveyed us all. “The events of Friday morning were shameful and completely disrespectful to the royal family. Isaac, you attacked one of my servants in my house.” He slammed his fist onto his arm rest and Isaac flinched. “Instead of bringing your concerns to me directly, you believed it acceptable to beat him over the head with a stone, like a barbarian.” His eyes fell bluntly upon Isaac, who did not raise his head. “You have brought shame upon both your house and mine.”
Isaac’s voice came, short and raspy. “Yes, your highness.”
The King turned his attention slowly to me and sighed. “And you, Ivan. You felt that it was acceptable to order, what was it, five bottles of $5,000 champagne under his name?” I nodded as he continued. “You intervened in my affairs, violating my family’s arrangement with the Preus family with your immaturity and rashness.” Fine, but I didn’t hit anyone with a rock or force my daughter into a marriage.
I lowered my head before meeting his eyes. “Yes, your highness.”
He rubbed his hands restlessly along the throne’s arm rests and looked to the sky for a moment, taking a breath and searching for inspiration. He looked back and forth between Isaac and me. “After consulting with the council, I have settled upon what I believe to be appropriate punishments for you both.”
He sighed again, looking at me before speaking to Isaac. “As a result of your actions, the Queen and I are no longer comfortable with your betrothal to my daughter and our agreement is terminated.”
Wilhelm scowled and raged. “This is unacceptable! My son was attacked by the Red boy and forced to defend himself.”
“After hearing a guard’s account of the incident, I have no choice but to say that the opposite seems to be the case, Wilhelm. With the evidence before me, I find Isaac Preus guilty of aggravated assault.” He upped his intensity. “By the power vested in me as King of Northern Mississippi, I strip you, Isaac Preus, of your royal status and ban you from royal property indefinitely.” That’s it? He’ll be forced through the Prism but will be given a cushy spot with his connections to the UPF.
Isaac did not seem to believe the punishment was light and snapped. “You can’t do this!” He struggled to his feet, eyes wild.
Wilhelm hissed and joined in. “My son shall not be expelled from my property by an arbitrary decision of a biased King! You refuse to honor our agreements and deny my son his birthright? What kind of King are you?”
The King raised his voice. “You would do well to remember to whom you are speaking. The decision was reached by unanimous agreement of the council, unless you would like to challenge our system of laws?”
Isaac scowled and returned to his knee, shaking his head while his father stood, arms crossed. “You will regret this, Timothy.”
The King shook his head and gestured to the guards. They held Isaac’s arms, forced him to his feet, and walked him outside the room, followed by his parents. Isaac scowled at me as he passed. “You’ll pay for this.”
I just cocked my head to the side and glared at him. He had won the battle, but I had won the war, and dang it felt good.
The King returned his attention to me, studying me for a second. He spoke, softer and more understanding than with Isaac, “You crossed the line, Ivan.” He sighed. “You are to repay your debt to the Preus family, $25,000. Beyond that, I believe you received a more than adequate punishment from Isaac yesterday.” $25,000?
I tried to find words, stumbling over them. “I… I don’t have that kind of money, your highness.”
Julia stepped forward without hesitation. “I will pay my servant’s debts father.”
The King nodded. “Very well.” There actually seemed to be a hint of pride on his face. This isn’t a punishment for me. He is testing her honor.
She wouldn’t be able to use the family’s money for such a payment, so she would have to use her personal funds. They were extensive, but $25,000 was no chump change, even for a princess. How can I possibly repay her?
The King gestured to the door. “That is all. Isaac, the guards will see you out. Everyone else is dismissed, except for my daughter. We have much to discuss.”
I rose and bowed. “Your highness.” I looked at Julia, checking that she would be alright. She gave a slight smile and rocked her head to the side, letting me know it was okay to go. I nodded and followed the council members out of the throne room and into the hall.
Waiting outside in the hallway for Julia, I leaned my head back against the cold marble wall, my fingers rubbing my temple. The chill from the wall was the only thing tying me to reality as my pounding post-concussion headache had my vision spinning again. He didn’t kill me, but this might.
One of the guards noticed my struggle. “You okay, Red Tag?”
I held my eyes shut in pain. “I’m fine.” I’m not fine.
It felt like an eternity before Julia emerged from her discussions with the King. “Ready to go, Ivan?” I hadn’t noticed her approach and lost my balance in surprise. She looked concerned. “Everything alright?”
I massaged the front of my head. “Yeah… just… ack… my head is spinning.”
She spoke calmly, “C’mon, let’s get you some rest.”
We headed towards her room. Julia glided down the halls, smiling and nodding to people who we passed as I shuffled behind, trying to avoid embarrassing her but looking like an absolute wreck in the process. I am doing wonders for her reputation.
A cool pine aroma met us as we arrived in her room, adding another unnecessary input to my brain. I forget. Is irritability a side-effect of the concussion or am I just in a mood?
Julia shut the door and pulled me to the couch. “Lie down for a while. I have some letters to write and the girls won’t be coming to the party for a few hours.”
I sat and squinted. “What did your dad want to talk about? And how can I repay you?”
“We had a nice father-daughter chat, that’s all, and consider that repayment for saving my life.” Why do I feel like she is hiding something? I didn’t have the energy to question her, though. “Now, sleep.”
“Are you sure? What if someone comes in?”
She leaned over in front of me and gave a wry smile. “That’s why you’re on the couch…” She kissed my forehead. “I’ll wake you up in a bit.”
I groaned in protest but lied across the couch and quickly faded to sleep as she drifted towards the desk.
Chapter 40
My dreams were rarely pleasant, but the nap brought with is a particularly disturbing image. I stood, wearing my white blazer, in an open prairie, the wind howling and the grasses rustling against my legs. Thunder rolled in the distance and a chill ran down my spine. I scanned the field. Empty. I need to find cover.
Pushing my way through the field, I headed towards the tree line for protection from the oncoming storm. As I neared, a pie
rcing scream came from the hill to my right. I looked at the tree line one last time, abandoning safety under the rustling trees and instead sprinted towards the hill, desperate to find the source of the scream. My heart pounded as a second scream followed as I neared the summit. Where is it coming from?
The sky darkened as I reached the top of the hill, and thunder cracked nearby, the lightning providing but a few flashes of light. Rain poured from the sky as I scanned ahead, searching for the voice and yelling, “Hello? Where are you?”
Lightning flashed, and another scream followed just ahead. My heart was racing, and adrenaline pumped through my veins as my body entered fight mode. What is happening? I followed it into a second field that stretched endlessly into the distance.
I couldn’t see anyone until a crack of lightning illuminated two figures a dozen or so meters in front of me: a woman and a figure in black. Careful. I approached, slowly, my hands raised to protect my face from the driving rain. I called out, “Who are you?”
The woman struggled against the figure, who had a knife to her jugular from behind. She screamed, panicked, “Ivan!”
Julia. No. I continued my approach, cautiously, and tried to calm her down. “Julia… Julia, it’s going to be alright.”
She was breathing heavily, her icy eyes wide in fear. “I… I don’t remember how to get out of this… not when he has a knife.”
Another flash of lightning cracked nearby, allowing me to get a better view of the attacker. His deep blue eyes dared me to approach as his red tag flapped in the wind. He did not speak.
I looked at him, at most three meters away. “Who… who are you? What do you want with her?”
His upturned eyes narrowed, challenging me. I know those eyes. Suddenly I realized, the bandana. A shiver went down my spine as the freezing rain smacked against my face.
The Fractured Prism (The Prism Files Book 1) Page 18