Authors: Juli Blood
“Of course.” Turning
, he faced Leo and asked, “So, what exactly is on my schedule other than a tour of the palace and grounds?” He walked to the bench at the end of his bed and sat down.
“Well Sir
,” Leo replied. “As I mentioned, today’s schedule is very light. Tomorrow morning you meet Princess Kalea’s parents and brothers at breakfast. Edward will be there to translate. All other family members, the Royal Council members and other guests will be at a pre-wedding gathering on the grounds. Lunch will be served and the reception will continue until an hour before the wedding. Then the wedding is to be held in the Sanctuary at sundown. Apparently it is tradition for the bride and groom to leave right after the wedding while the guests go to a formal reception.”
“So I have no contact with the
princess before the wedding?” Bryan asked.
“It would appear so, Sir.” Leo replied.
“Very well.” Bryan stood and stared out the window for a moment. “I believe I will freshen up Leo. Have you had a chance to get us settled in?”
“Yes Sir. Would you like to indulge in a bath sir?” Leo asked.
“Yes I believe I will. Why not? It might help loosen up my aching muscles from the trip.” Bryan answered as he walked toward the bathroom and began shrugging out of his casual jacket.
“I’ll get your things sir.” Leo said as he headed back into the closet.
Within minutes Bryan was chin deep in soothing, almost unbearably, hot water. He loved the fact that he could completely stretch out his legs. It was a luxury just to be submerged in water, let alone do it in complete comfort.
Water on his world was expensive. Purification processes along with a limited supply meant that most people could only afford enoug
h water for basic survival. Sonic showers were used for personal cleanliness and other cleaners and fluids for buildings and clothing.
Being a royal
, Bryan could have enjoyed a bath more than once a year but he didn’t. Sonic showers were faster and he couldn’t justify the waste. He knew that some people had barely enough to drink.
Yet here
, on a world that had plenty of water, clean air and wildlife, it was too strong a temptation. He would also be willing to bet that most of his staff had also taken a bath, when they realized they could. This thought made him smile as his eyes closed in comfort.
Later, after he finished bathing, shaving, dressing and eating
, Bryan was ready. He called Edward, who met them at the head of the stairs. With a flick of his wrist and a few hand gestures, Edward displayed a 3-D holographic map of the palace. Using his left hand as a pointer and using different colors, he was able to show the areas of the palace that were public verses private, the private areas of each of the royal family members and so on. When he had completed his overview including the location of the princes’ staff members now and where they would be moved after the wedding, they began the physical tour.
Bryan was surprised at how few people they came in contact with
, both in the palace and while out on the grounds. Edward must have sensed it because he said, “This afternoon everyone is resting or pursuing other Holy Day activities. It was even rumored that Princess Kalea slipped away in her personal shuttle earlier for some peace and quiet. We were led to believe that you held similar beliefs?”
Frowning slightly Bryan decided to address that question later. “Would sh
e have used the shuttle bay below our suite?” Bryan asked.
“Why yes.” Edward answered in surprise. “You must
have seen her leave then. No other Royals have used that exit today.”
“Then the rumor is true.” Bryan answered. “While she is away
, do you think we could see the shuttle bay?” he asked.
“I don’t see why not.
Follow me.” Edward led them to what appeared to be a recessed area along one wall. After signaling them all to stand on what appeared to be a large metal disc in the recessed area in the wall, Edward touched a panel and an energy field surrounded them as they gently descended from the second level to the shuttle bay located about halfway down the cliff face and over 100 meters above the valley floor.
“These security guards will accompany us on our tour.” Edward explained as two guards took up flanking positions when the group exited the lift.
“This shuttle bay is rather small; it only houses six personal shuttles and one of the escape shuttles. You, of course, understand all of that as you are a royal as well.”
Gesturing as he spoke
, Edward continued, “The empty bay to your right is Princess Kalea’s. Her shuttle is one of the more um…fast? I forget the term but it means stylish and fast.”
“Racy?” Leo offered.
“Yes that’s it. As I was saying she enjoys a faster ship and she uses it frequently. The next shuttle here on our left is Prince Randolph’s; it is very similar to Princess Kalea’s, but a slightly older model.”
As they continued forward Edward pointed out the other three family shuttles most of which were standard on the exterior with a few added comforts inside. They were nearing the launch bay when one of the guards interrupted Edward.
“I’m sorry,” Edward explained. “I’m afraid that we must leave now.” Turning he led the group back to the lift.
“Why?” Bryan asked.
“It seems the princess will be returning shortly and she called ahead to make sure that no one would be here. She wishes to remain alone. I hope you’re not offended Your Highness?” Edward asked hesitantly as they boarded the lift.
“No
, I understand.” Bryan answered as he realized that he wasn’t ready to meet her yet either.
“Very good, Sir. Now would you like to view th
e grounds?” Edward asked more cheerfully than necessary.
“Yes
, that would be fine.” Bryan answered a bit distracted as the blue landing lights in the shuttle bay started to flash.
The lift took them to the first level of the palace and without paying much attention
, Bryan followed Edward down the hallway and out a door. It wasn’t until the sunlight almost blinded him and the fresh breeze started playing with his hair that he was brought back to the present.
Before him stood a tree
, taller than any he had ever imagined. Its branches reached up as high as the palace and its shade looked cool and inviting. As they walked forward Bryan noticed a bench on the far side of the tree completely hidden by the tree’s thick trunk.
A
path of small muted white stones led off into the distance but Bryan didn’t wish to follow. Moving over to the bench he sat down and looked to Edward.
“Edward, how large is this garden?” he asked.
“Well, Your Highness, let me show you.” He said as he flicked his wrist. With a few quick finger taps and hand gestures a three dimensional hologram of the palace and grounds appeared.
Leaning forward so that the
prince could see it clearly Edward explained. “You see we are standing or um…located here.” Edward cleared his throat and continued, “The gardens follow this hill all the way to this lake. The far side of the lake is the boundary to the forest preserve that you see here.” He indicated a thick line of trees at the edge of the hologram. “The preserve goes all the way to the top of the ridge and then on the far side of that there is more undeveloped forest that is protected.”
“If you wish to see the complete extent of the gardens there is a very good view from this third floor bal
cony on your wing of the palace,” Edward said pointing to the hologram. Bryan realized the scale of the hologram was significant as he looked over Edwards shoulder at the large balcony which looked like a tiny half-moon shape on the hologram.
Bryan sat back on the bench and stretched out his legs. Folding his arms
behind his head he said, “Edward, why don’t you show Leo the grounds. I will remain here.”
“Yes Sir.” Edward turned off the hologram
with a snap of his wrist and lead Leo down the path.
The guard, Harold
, moved back out of view so that he could only see Bryan’s legs and stood his post. It wasn’t long however until he was fighting his own desire to explore the grounds and smell the flowers. He had never experienced nature. It had always been something taught in school but never seen outside of a museum or one of the few remaining botanical gardens. Silently he begged Crown Prince Bryan to begin wandering along the paths.
Unfortunately for him, Crown Prince Bryan was again lost in thought even as his senses reveled in the sights and sounds around him. Everywhere his
blue eyes looked he wondered what Princess Kalea was like. ‘Is she graceful like the swaying trees? Is she sweet like the scented flowers? Does she enjoy all this beauty or does she take it for granted?’ Disgusted with himself he whispered under his breath, “For a man getting married tomorrow, I sure don’t know much about my bride.”
It wasn’t long until Edward and Leo returned. Bryan sat up straighter when he heard them coming.
Remembering something that Edward had said earlier, when they neared he asked, “Edward what day is it?”
“It is the 13
th
day of the 6
th
month, Your Highness.” Edward answered politely.
“Yes, but what day of the week is it?” Bryan tried
again.
“Why it is
the seventh day, Your Highness.” Edward clarified.
Bryan
’s brow furrowed in thought as he tried to place all the pieces. “But didn’t you say that everyone was celebrating Holy Day today?”
“Yes
, Your Highness, we always celebrate Holy Day on the seventh day, in accordance with the Ancient Writings. Forgive my curiosity, Your Highness, but I was led to believe that you believed the Ancient Writings as we do.” Edward cleared his throat and then asked as politely as possible, “Was I misinformed?”
“I do believe in the
Bible or the Ancient Writings as you call them. But my people and I celebrate Holy Day on the first day in celebration of the resurrection of the Son.” Bryan answered still slightly confused.
“Son? Oh
, you mean The Way. Yes, I see. I knew there were a few differences in translation but I didn’t realize that it included the day to celebrate Holy Day. Fascinating.” Edward murmured more to himself than to anyone else. “We shall have to compare our understandings of the Ancient Writings and see if there are other areas in which we differ. However,” Edward was speaking clearly again as he made eye contact with the prince, “you do believe that salvation comes only by accepting the sacrifice of The Way or as you call him the Son?”
“Yes
, of course” Bryan answered as the confusion left his face and he rose to his feet. “I made sure that we agreed on that before I consented to this marriage. But it does seem that we have more differences than I realized. As you say, I must look into this.” Bryan sighed as he looked out over the garden again. “But I guess it will have to wait until after the wedding.” Bryan paused shifting his weight from one foot to the other and studied the grass at his feet. Looking off toward the horizon he murmured softly, “Tomorrow at sunset.”
After a moment he turned and walked back toward
the palace. Everyone followed and Edward soon took the lead again so he could open the door.
“Would you like to continue the
tour, Your Highness?” Edward asked.
“No Edward. I believe I would like to eat and then retire to my chambers. I have some things I need to l
ook into and other matters that need my attention.” Glancing around Bryan asked, “It’s this way isn’t it?”
“Yes Sir, just up that flight of stairs to the third level and down the hallway to your right.”
“Thank you Edward, good day.” Bryan said as he started up the stairs, Leo and Harold, the guard, on his heel.
3
Princess Kalea was surprised by how distracting her upcoming wedding was to her during the worship service. The sanctuary looked the same this morning as it did every other Holy Day, clean and bright with the sun shining through the windows making the sand colored stones glow. Yet all she could think about was the fact that tomorrow she would be standing in front of the altar pledging to be the wife of a man she did not know or love.
Distracted from the message that was presented and frustrated with herself
, Princess Kalea left immediately after the service and rushed straight to the shuttle bay. A blast of power sent a thrill through her as she banked and pulled up to clear the ridge. It took nearly twenty minutes before she reached her destination.
Gracefully
, she landed the shuttle on the only level ground for miles. Just barely wide enough to allow her to walk around the shuttle, the ledge was two hundred feet below the top of the cliff face. It was bare rock that tipped slightly in toward the ledge. Most pilots wouldn’t even consider attempting to land on it, but then, Kalea was not most pilots. Privacy was one of her passions, and danger was more of a hobby.
Exiting the shuttle
, Princess Kalea hugged its side as she carefully made her way to the back of the ledge. Ducking under the wing, the tip of which was just a matter of inches from the cliff face, she started down the narrow path that led off to the north.
Fifteen minutes
of slow careful walking brought her to a second ledge, this one larger and sporting a few trees. A small crevice in the cliff face provided a natural drain for rain water, and a basin on the far north side of the ledge held a natural pool and supported the grass and trees that flourished here.
Sitting on a large rock near the
water, Princess Kalea worked at quieting her soul. With deep cleansing breaths, she let her gaze roam over the grass and trees and then come to rest on the pool of water.
“Holy One, I have been so distracted by my fears. My head knows that this is the right thing to do. You led me to this decision and I
KNOW that. In You I have no doubt, but in me and in the prince, I do.” Releasing a deep sigh Princess Kalea looked up to the sky and closed her eyes, focusing on the Voice as it whispered and stilled the raging thoughts in her mind.
A gentle smile touched her lips as she rested in the peace that the Voice comforted her with. Off to her right a small bird chirped and
another answered, but even their cheer could not entice her from the moment. Time seemed to stop and the peace slowly seeped into every corner of her mind like warmth from a hot bath.
“Thank You
, Holy One! Thank You for understanding and accepting me. Thank You for this peace. Please help me not to lose it again.” Princess Kalea smiled at her own silliness. She knew peace was her choice.
Opening her eyes she looked for the birds that she had heard earlier. They were on the far side of the trees and all she could m
ake out were flashes of color amongst the greenery. Slowly, she rose from the rock and started to look for the birds in the tree. As she came around a second rock at the side of the tree, one of the birds took flight.
Holding perfectly still she waited. After a moment when the second bird didn’t fly off
, she again began to move around the tree. She saw its white tipped tail and was ducking to see around the branches when suddenly, her AVID beeped. The bird, startled by the sound, took flight and was gone, diving down the cliff face in order to avoid the danger.
Rolling her eyes
, Princess Kalea moved back toward the pool as she flicked her wrist and answered. “Yes?”
“Princess
, this is Doctor Wingate. I have the test results.”
“I will be there in about 45 minutes.” Princess Kalea answered as she sprinted across the ledge and then slowed when she reached the path. “Caution may take time now
, but it allows time later,” she whispered repeating one of her mother’s favorite sayings.
From the shuttle she called security to make ready the landing bay and was docked and out of the shuttle in record time. Running through the underground passage
, she reached the Med Lab in just over 40 minutes. Leaning against the wall, she slowed her breathing and forced herself to calm down before she entered, still three minutes early.
~
“Randy do you think I missed anything?” Alexis asked as she fidgeted on the window seat.
“Yes.” Randolph answered c
almly from his seat across the room.
“Oh, heavens what is it?”
Alexis jumped up and began wringing her hands as her mind quickly reviewed all the preparations.
Lifting his eyes from the book he had been reading
, Randolph caught her eye and calmly said, “You forgot that today is Holy Day and because of that you are missing the ‘Rest’ that this day has to offer. Now, the wedding is going to be fine. However, I am worried about you. You always tell me how much you love setting everything aside on Holy Day and focusing on praise, worship, and us. Today you are so distracted that you are missing it. I’m worried that come Second day you are really going to regret being so distracted today.”
Shoulders slumped
, Alexis crossed the room and knelt by the couch. “You’re right, thank you for reminding me. I just get so caught up in everything that I…well I guess I let it tie me up.” With a slight shrug and grin she brought a smile to Randolph’s face.
“Want me to help you undo some of the knots?” He asked with a mischievous twinkle in his eyes.
“Sure!” Alexis answered as she turned so her back was to him anticipating a neck and shoulder rub.
Randolph sat up and started to rub her neck
. Purposely getting tangled in the straps of her dress as often as possible. After a few minutes he said, “This just isn’t going to work. You’re going to have to take this off. Actually,” he said as he stood moving around in front of her and offering his hands, “why don’t we head into the bedroom and find you something more comfortable to wear while I massage away those knots.”
Alexis recognized the look in his eyes and willingly grabbed his hands and tried not to smile
too much as he led them to the bedroom. This would definitely get her mind off the wedding, at least for a couple of hours.
~
“Really? You’re positive?” Princess Kalea asked for the third time.
“Yes. We have done multiple tests and run them several times each. I would not have brought anything to you if I wasn’t absolutely positive.” Dr. Wingate answered in his most assuring and confident voice.
“Thank you Doctor. I would appreciate it if you would keep all of this confidential from everyone.” Princess Kalea stated.
“Everyone but the King, Your Highness. He; of course, gets the results.” Dr. Wingate reminded her.
“Has he asked for them yet?” Princess Kalea asked.
“Well, no. He hasn’t mentioned it actually.” Dr. Wingate answered.
“Then could you please not give him the results until he asks? I w
ould really appreciate it.”
Wondering at the reason behind her request and yet
seeing no harm, he answered, “If he should ask I will give him the information immediately, but I won’t offer it.”
Smiling gently
, Princess Kalea turned and slowly exited the Med Lab. Watching her from the window as she walked back to the palace through the garden, Dr. Wingate again wondered at her strange request. Shaking his head, he returned to his office to secure the file before he went home.
~
Princess Kalea went directly to her suite. She entered via the secret passage from the library on the second floor. As the panel slid back into place, she settled into the corner window seat and gazed out at the formal Queen’s Garden as she prayed.
“Most Holy One, Thank You. We can truly be one. Only
You could have made this possible.” Wrapping her arms around her legs, she laid her head on her knees. “It’s more than I dreamed. Thank you. Please help me to be worthy and help me prepare. Oh, Holy One, most brides have more time. I only have a little more than a day. I’m so excited…I will never be able to concentrate without Your help.” Closing her eyes; she took a deep breath and released it slowly. Relaxing her tense muscles, she focused her heart and mind on the task ahead.
With her attention focused inward
, she didn’t notice the beautiful colors that danced on the clouds as the sun set behind the palace. Nor did she notice the servant that came to call her to the evening meal, only to back out of the room quietly, thinking the princess was asleep.
~
Hours ago the moon had risen slowly over the distant horizon at the far end of the valley. Its soft luminescent light caressed the landscape as it chased away the deeper shades of black and gray. Dim lights could be seen far below, but the stars outshone them. All was quiet and still.
Bryan watched it all from his bedchamber. Leaning
against the corner window frame with his head resting against his raised forearm, he turned slightly as he closed his eyes.
“Lord…a lot of prayer and thought went into this decision. Not just my prayers
, but also those of my family and Nate. We all thought this was Your will. Were we wrong? Do we both truly know You? Or have they just told us what we wanted to hear so that we would agree to the arrangement?” Disgusted with that idea, he pushed off from the wall and started to pace the room.
“That’s ridiculous, because we need the arrangement more than they do. We are the ones who denied
Your laws and ruined our world. Yes, they will get additional defenses but they could get them almost anywhere or improve their own given time.” With a sigh he stopped pacing and walked slowly back to the window. Hands in his pocket, shoulders tense he lifted his gaze to the heavens and said, “Lord, if this is truly Your will, please give me peace.” Silently he listened with his heart.
Slowly, ever so slowly, the stress of the last week slipped from his heart and mind. He could feel it leave as his shoulder and back muscles relaxed. The thoughts that he had forced silent as he listened fi
nally ceased.
Peace.
Nodding, Bryan turned and walked over to the bed. With a gentle sigh he sat and removed his shoes, and got comfortable, resting his head on the pillow.
“Thank You Lord. May Thy will be done.” Bryan prayed as he drifted off to sleep.