Authors: Juli Blood
“Crown Prince Alexandros, I thank you for coming to us with this information. I’m sure we can count on your continued support in determining exactly what happened.” King Douglas made his way back to his desk. Bryan of c
ourse nodded his agreement as King Douglas continued. “Prince Randolph will appreciate the continued assistance of Gregory and any additional information you are able to acquire from your government. However, please understand that no matter what happens, your marriage will stand.”
Surprised that King Douglas would even mention his marriage Bryan again nodded and glanced over at Kalea. He felt as well as saw her blush and knew that she had been surprised as well. Suddenly he wondered if King Douglas suspected that he was hiding the additional information but decided it was just his guilty conscience.
“Very well then, I believe we have covered everything at this time. If there are any further developments you will all be notified,” King Douglas stated and everyone knew the meeting was over. King Charles and Queen Larraine left first, followed by Nathan when he realized that the others weren’t planning to leave just yet.
As the door closed behind Nathan, Gilbert asked
, “Which space ports are you planning to visit?”
“I’m not s
ure,” Kalea replied. “I intended to ask you which two you would recommend.”
“So is this two week trip the
Saxionias version of an after wedding trip?” Randolph asked.
“Yes,” Bryan answered. “We call it a honeymoon. It is a time for the
bride and groom to relax and celebrate their wedding away from the cares of everyday life.”
“Unfortunately, you won’t be able to get away from those just now,” King Douglas commented as he leaned back
against his desk. “But I do hope that you enjoy the trip.” Focusing on Bryan he continued, “You realize that because of this latest development I must insist on additional security. I can’t take the chance someone will make an attempt on Kalea’s life. Also, if there is another threat on her life she will return immediately to Estar Beta. Is that clear?”
Bryan, Kalea, Randolph and Gilbert all nodded that they understood. King Douglas didn’t use his ‘Father’ voice often but when he did, everyone listened.
“Good. Now Randy, why don’t you and Kalea go to your office so you can discuss this change in schedule and show her whom you’ve found to take Samuel’s place on the team so he can function only as her assistant? Gilbert, perhaps you should join them and give Kalea some suggestions regarding her trip.” King Douglas said while making it abundantly clear that he wished to speak to Bryan alone.
Without delay the three left and when they were in the hall Kalea used the link to whisper, ‘I don’t know what he wants but I’m here if you need me.’ Bryan tried not t
o smile as King Douglas, taking the chair beside him, began to speak.
“Bryan, I realize that you have been placed in a difficult situation. By marrying Kalea you have solidified an alliance between our worlds. Yet, as an individual, if the two worlds were to suddenly be at odds your loyalties would be torn at best. I do understand this but I would like you to try to understand this from my perspective.
“Not only am I protective of Kalea because she is my daughter and I love her, but as my only daughter Kalea will be queen when the time comes. I know that you were told this before the wedding but I don’t think you fully grasp the significance.
“
You see, Kalea is more than just the next queen from our family. She is also this generations “Hearer.” I don’t know if you are familiar with this term so I will try to explain. Each generation has one member of the royal family that is blessed in a special way by the Holy One. This individual begins to show evidence of this as a child and by the time they become of age they are prepared to fulfill their calling. As the “Hearer” Kalea will be the spiritual leader for the Royal Council.”
Shifting a little in his chair King Douglas continued, “In some generations the “Hearer” is not the next in line to rule and therefore the Royal Council has four members instead of three. This current generation is actually the first in
over a 150 years in which this was not the case. King Charles is the “Hearer” for our Royal Council. In personality he is almost the exact opposite of Kalea and his daughter takes after him. However she was not chosen by the Holy One for her generation, Kalea was.
“Now
are you starting to see why it is so crucial that nothing happen to Kalea? If for some reason she was not able to become queen it would devastate not only our family and the Royal Council but also the morale of the entire planet.”
Running his hands through his hair and shifting again, King Douglas continued. “I have studied your culture and realize that our system is completely new to you. I want you to feel free to ask me any questions that you might have. I also need to make it clear that if anything were to happen to Kalea after she became
queen you would not become king in her place.” Holding up his hands King Douglas quickly added, “I don’t believe you ever thought that might be the case but I just needed to make it abundantly clear should you be asked or come in contact with anyone that might be under that impression. This way you can honestly clarify it for them. Do you understand?”
Bryan didn’t answer right away. Almost as soon as King Douglas had begun speaking he had been working to control his reactions. It had quickly become apparent that King Douglas feared Kalea was in danger either from him or someone on
Saxionias. He struggled to listen closely as he prayed for patience. Now he prayed for wisdom.
“King Douglas,” Bryan began. “I understand your concerns and though I do not fully understand
the intricacies of your hierarchical system of government, I would never have expected, under any circumstances, to become a ruling member of your world. As for Kalea being the “Hearer” for this generation I am still not clear on what that means but I think that perhaps she will explain it to me when she feels it’s time.
“What exactly my
role as Kalea’s husband will include after the terms of the alliance have been fulfilled and she becomes queen is of great interest to me. However, above all other concerns, even this one, I place my relationship with God. You refer to Him as the Holy One but my research indicated that it is indeed the same Creator God that I worship. As such, you likely understand I have certain beliefs regarding the value of life and the responsibilities of a husband.” Bryan paused and waited for King Douglas’ nod before he continued. “I can assure you that I take those beliefs very seriously and plan to continue to live my life accordingly.”
King Douglas respected Bryan’s answer and decided to demonstrate his trust in Bryan. “Bryan, my instincts tell me to trust you and so I will. Unfortunately, there are others that do not deserve that trust. I will be assigning a maid to Kalea that has additional skills.” Both men knew he meant that the maid would really be part of Kalea’s security detail. “Also her personal assistant is a fully qualified physician.” At this Bryan allowed himself to show his surprise. “I know it is unusual,” King Douglas continued. “But I spoke w
ith Kalea about it yesterday and she understands. However, she doesn’t know about the maid and I think it will be best if we keep it that way. As a child, Kalea quickly learned how to lose her security detail when she really wanted to. Now she understands the need but if she knew that her security was getting this tight she might…overreact.”
Remembering her reaction to the automated security
response system of the shuttle Bryan understood. “I won’t lie to her sir, but I won’t offer the information either,” Bryan replied.
“Excellent!” King Douglas surprised him by saying as he rose to his feet. “I suggest you get that message regarding the
delay sent off as quickly as possible. Good day, Bryan.”
Bryan
rose also and simply said, “Thank you, sir.” As he stepped into the hallway he saw Nathan waiting for him, together they started toward the shuttle bay.
‘Kalea?’ he called
via the link.
‘Yes?’
she replied her curiosity peeked.
‘Everything went fine with your father. He simply had a few fatherly concerns to discuss and he wanted to tell me about your new personal assistant, the doctor. I really need to send word to my father.
I know you’re busy. Why don’t we meet for lunch?’ Bryan suggested not wanting to go the whole day without seeing her.
‘Lunch together sounds wonderful; just let me know when you’re available.
Oh, and Bryan I don’t know what my father said but thank you for working so hard not to get upset.’ Kalea replied wanting him to realize just how much she appreciated his efforts.
Having arrived in the shuttle bay Bryan stopped and shook his head as
she finished. ‘You felt that, hmm?’
‘Yes. You were concentrating so hard on staying calm that I got agitated. It took me a moment to realize why. Once I realized what I was feeling I tried to help by relaxing. It may not have helped, but I tried,’ Kalea answered as she
pulled up another document on her AVID screen. She was leaning against the wall waiting for Gilbert and getting some work done while she waited.
‘We’ll talk about it when we can find time
,’ Bryan said as he reached his shuttle and started up the short ramp.
‘As you wish,’ Kalea replied and then
turned her concentration on the information before her.
11
Edward entered and gave a respectful bow before he approached. “Forgive the interruption, Your Highness, but Princess Kalea requests your presence. She is waiting on the balcony.”
“
Is it urgent, Edward?” Bryan asked slightly distractedly as he handed a data pad to Leo.
“I don’t believe it is an emergency, Your Highness but I know Princess Kalea has a meeting later and this might be her only opportunity to see you before this evening.” Edward answered.
“Very well Edward. Thank you.” Looking up he said, “Leo, I will be back soon. Check in with all the team leaders and see if they have any additional questions or have run into any difficulties,” Prince Bryan directed as he rose from his chair and followed Edward.
“Very well sir,” Leo replied
to his back.
Edward led him to the doorway to the balcony and then bowed as Bryan entered.
Surprised, Bryan stopped in the doorway, amazed at the bounty before him. Princess Kalea sat at the round table reading something on a holographic projection before her while sipping a glass of juice. Behind her along one railing a long table held bowls of fruit, fresh steaming bread rolls, glass pitchers of various fruit juice and baskets containing a variety of small sandwiches.
“Wow!” Bryan said as he stepped to the table.
“Good, you made it. I thought this would ensure you don’t miss lunch again.” Kalea smiled as Bryan tore his gaze away from the food.
“Thank you
. I can’t seem to get used to all the different foods and colors,” Bryan said as he grabbed a plate and began to sample a little of everything.
“You know every time you say something like that I get nervous,” Kalea said as she watched him load his plate.
“Why?” Bryan asked as he placed the now full plate down across from her.
“Because I wonder what the food on
Saxionias will be like. Is it all colorless and bland or does everything just taste the same?”
“Actually we have a wide variety of foods and flavors. It’s just that all our food is processed in one way or another
, as I mentioned earlier. Food here is so fresh and so little of it is processed that I’m amazed,” Bryan said as he reached out to take her hand for prayer.
With a smile Kalea
snapped her wrist and turned of the display, then bowed her head and together they thanked the Holy One for the bounty before them. Raising his head Bryan decided to redirect the conversation. “Have you had any problems with the Environmental Restoration teams?”
“
No. Everything there is going smoothly. I’m just surprised at how much has happened in the last few days,” Kalea said as she took another sip of her juice. “Saxionias has probably just received your message regarding the situation with SC-17 and our change of plans.”
“Actually, I expect to hear back from them later today.
When I sent the message, I received one letting me know that two other relay satellites had been secured, increasing the speed of communication between our two worlds. Now there should only be a few hours delay between messages,” Bryan stated as he peeled an orange.
“Excellent. I knew they were working on that but I’m surprised they were able to complete it so quickly,” Kalea replied between bites.
“I think my father put pressure on the engineers when my first message home was about the vaccinations Dr. Wingate insisted on. I don’t think the engineers were happy but if they didn’t properly secure the relay satellites…well let’s just say I’m glad I’m not them,” Bryan smiled as he popped a section of the orange in his mouth.
Smiling back, Kalea kept eating
, and decided that waiting until her mouth was empty to reply was silly. ‘So do you think your father will panic with the change in plans?’ she asked via the link.
‘No,’ Bryan answered wit
h another smile as he bit into his sandwich. ‘I made it clear that the change was my idea. Then I sweetened the deal by pointing out that once we arrive on Saxionias we’ll be there for at least a few months with the Environmental Restoration teams.’
‘That will make your mother happy,’ Kalea replied. ‘Mine, on the other hand, may not be quite so happy. I haven’t even seen her since the wedding
, we’ve been so busy. I’d better make some time for her yet today. Speaking of time…what’s on your schedule for this afternoon?’
‘I have a meeting with
Nathan and Gilbert to go over more detailed information on the briefing he gave them before our unexpected trip to Delta Point. Then I plan to hand everything over to Nathan. So by dinner, if all goes well, I should be free to make whatever arrangements are needed for our trip. I should hear back from Saxionias by then so if there are any problems or changes that need to be made, I can deal with those also. What about you?’ Bryan asked.
‘First, I will be interviewing prosp
ective maids. Then I have to meet with Franklin and see how preparations are coming regarding security for our trip. Gilbert recommended two space ports and I decided to simplify things and take his advice,’ Kalea shrugged before taking another bite of her sandwich. ‘I was actually surprised by his suggestions. He recommended Space Port 7 which is by a vast nebula and Space Port 10 which is actually the newest and most distant spaceport. Somehow I thought he would suggest Space Port 2 and Moon Station 4 both of which are visible in the night sky.’ Kalea laughed, and Bryan tried not to choke on his juice as he joined her.
“A little protective are they?” Bryan asked aloud without really thinking about it.
“Yes. I think the only reason he didn’t suggest them is because he knew I expected him to,” Kalea replied. “He’s really been working on his attitude lately. I think he finally realized that he doesn’t want a baby for a queen.”
“I can’t imagine what it must be like for them,” Bryan replied.
“It was probably easier for them than you might think. After all, our grandmother was queen and they always knew that one day I would be as well. They also knew that I didn’t get any special treatment growing up. My parents raised us as equals. I didn’t get more or less attention than my brothers and I had to work just as hard to earn my degree as everyone else. The only area in which I received any special treatment was my spiritual training and I don’t think either Randy or Gilbert envied that at all.”
“
Your father mentioned something about your being the “Hearer” for this generation. He didn’t really explain and I must admit I’m curious,” Bryan stated.
“I’ll tell you all about it and answer as many questions as I can on the shuttle to Space Port 7. We will have a bit of time an
d hopefully no interruptions, unlike now.” Kalea answered having finished her lunch and sitting back to enjoy the conversation. When Linda stepped into the doorway.
“Yes?” Kalea asked.
“Forgive me for interrupting Princess but I have several ladies for you to interview for my position,” Linda said.
“Not for your position Linda,” Kalea corrected. “The position is for a traveling maid. I expect you to be here well rested and waiting for my return.”
“Yes, Your Highness,” Linda answered meekly.
Wondering what was with all the formality Kalea stood and walked toward Linda only to have her step back
and out into the hallway. Turning back to Bryan, Kalea said, “It was nice having lunch with you. Oh, and don’t forget today is Preparation day. Would you like to join me in welcoming Holy Day in the garden this evening?”
“I look forward to
it,” Bryan replied with a smile.
Smiling, Kalea turned and followed Linda. Without a word Li
nda led her toward the second floor library.
“Queen Nadia is waiting to help you in your selection process,” Linda said as she placed her hand on the door to open it.
“Linda, wait. What’s wrong?” Kalea asked with her hand over Linda’s.
“I feel like I’m letting you down by not going with you,” Linda whispered as she looked at the floor.
“Nonsense,” Kalea said as she gently squeezed Linda’s hand and then leaned closer to whisper. “Father is simply using this opportunity to put a security officer as close as he can.” At this Linda looked up and Kalea continued. “He thinks he is being sneaky but I knew the moment he asked if you were coming with me that this was his plan. There probably is only one woman in there that would even come close to working out. Mother will encourage me to choose her and I will. She will be the best female officer available that I haven’t met.”
Not sure exactly what to say Linda
nodded and simply opened the door. Kalea smiled and entered the library completely confident that she was right. A quick glance around the room gave her three highly probable candidates. Taking her seat next to her Mother she smiled and said, “Shall we begin?”
~
For the second time today Edward arrived to summon Bryan from a meeting.
“Forgive me, Your Highness; I’m sorry to disturb you but King Douglas just returned from a Royal Council meeting and he needs to speak with you.”
“Very well, I think we were nearly done here. Nathan, if you have any additional questions, just let me know.”
Nathan simply nodded and Bryan turned and accompanied Edward to King Douglas’ office.
“Prince Bryan, thank you for coming so quickly
.” King Douglas greeted as Bryan and Edward entered his office.
“
Of course, Sir,” Bryan replied as he took a seat. Edward stood back, not sure if he would be needed.
“Bryan,” King Douglas began and Bryan noticed that they were again less formal. “I
have met with the Royal Council. After speaking with some of our advisors a suggestion was made. With the discovery of the Nitroplast 7 and its connection with Saxionias, the Royal Council was advised to revisit the issue of your returning to Saxionias with Kalea.”
King Douglas leaned back onto his desk and waited a moment for Bryan’s reaction.
Not sure what they might be concerned about Bryan simply waited and tried to keep an open mind.
“After much discussion, they
reaffirmed that Nathan was indeed the best man to coordinate things here and keep things moving. However, they felt that it would help to ease tensions if another Saxionias royal were to come simply as a guest or diplomat if you will,” King Douglas explained.
“What exactly does the
Council feel this person would provide?” Bryan asked wondering what they really wanted.
“
They would like someone with direct access to the royal family of Saxionias, and his advisors. It was felt that although Nathan has the expertise we need, he doesn’t have the political influence that you do. If another royal were to come that could at least provide a voice for us, it would…well it would simplify things,” King Douglas answered standing and moving around to take his seat.
“I’m not really sure who would be available
.” Bryan replied as he mentally checked off each of the young men in the royal families that would be able to fulfill this request.
“Bryan
, you trusted us with sensitive information, information that clearly implicated Saxionias involvement in some way. Personally, I’m still inclined to believe that the Saxionias government had nothing to do with this incident but the evidence is sketchy. Now I know that your brother is, or soon will be, preparing to take your place and after reviewing the information I received on the other royal family members, I think that perhaps your sister would be the best royal for this position.”
Bryan worked hard to control his shock at the suggestion that his sister come
to Estar Beta. Taking a deep breath Bryan replied, “Sir, you know that Saxionias does not view women the same way that you do here on Estar Beta. My sister has
no
political influence at all.”
Hearing the added emphasis that Bryan placed at the end King Douglas glanced at Edward to verify that he understood correctly. When Edward confirmed that he had
, King Douglas answered.
“I know.” With a smile he continued, “But
not everyone here understands that. It was my hope that if you can convince your Father to allow your sister to come in your place it will appease the advisors of the Royal Council without sending the message that we distrust Saxionias’s sincerity in this matter.
“It is also my hope that if anything else should come to light
, you would be our voice to your government and use
your
political influence to help resolve any issues just as you would if you were here,” King Douglas replied as he leaned a bit to the side and rested his arm on the arm rest.
Considering all the possible ramifications both politically and relationally Bryan took a moment to give the matter some serious thought. He realized King Douglas was trying to downplay the seed of doubt that had been planted by the discovery of the Nitroplast 7. Wondering how long it would be until they discovered the truth about the
experimental fuel and what that would do to the alliance, he realized that he would definitely need to prove that King Douglas’ trust was not misplaced.