"They would not mind my Queen."
"Then it's settled, I'll talk to Gahan."
Gahan sits in the Royal living area, that alone should have him stunned, but it’s the task the Queen's just presented him that has him speechless.
“So is it possible?” Lisa waits looks at him hopefully.
“The Queen asked you a question Gahan.” Agee prompts, knowing the young male is in shock.
“I…” Gahan looks down at the drawings again, trying to get his mind to function. What she’s proposed is astonishing. It has never been seen before, for a Guard to be given such a symbol that not only states his rank but his worth to his King, or in this case his Queen is unprecedented but could it be done? He frowns.
“You would want twelve of each style?” He looks at the four drawings.
“Yes, with protective storage cases for each set, made from the finest wood on Luda.” Gahan looks at her.
“I know of someone who could make such a case. He is young but talented.”
“So they can be made?” Lisa asks excitedly. “The medallions?” Gahan looks at the drawing one last time before answering.
“Yes, I can make the changes to the medallions, but the eyes….” Lisa had been about ready to get up and do her happy dance when the ‘but’ came in.
“The eyes?” She prompts.
“Charoite is expensive my Queen. It took me three years to acquire it for the Raptor.”
“Because of the expense or the rarity?” She asks.
“It’s expense and in this case for the quantity I would need.”
“Ninety-six, two for each medallion, twenty-four for my guards, and twenty-four for the King’s.”
“Yes my Queen.”
“How much would you need?”
“My Queen,” Gahan gives her a sad look. “I’m not sure they would even be sold to me.”
“Why not? You are the Queen’s Master Glassmaker. You require the charoite in the service to your Queen. Who would deny you?”
Gahan looks at her unable to speak. He still finds it hard to believe she wants him as her Master Glassmaker.
“My Queen,” Agee speaks up. “A missive from you, on the King’s stationery, would allow Master Gahan to purchase the charoite.”
“That’s all it will take?” Lisa looks at him disbelieving.
“Yes my Queen.” Rising Lisa goes to the desk that she’d cleaned out last week. Sitting she writes, when finished she hands it to Agee.
“Will that suffice?” She asks. Agee quickly reads.
“Yes my Queen.”
“Good, now how much will this charoite cost Gahan?”
“Cost my Queen?” He looks at her in shock. “What you gave me yesterday will easily cover this, my Queen.”
“No, I want this to be separate for that. This is for the Elite Guard and only the Elite Guard, you will need to make sure you have enough supplies so you can make repairs when needed.” Pulling the pouch out of her pocket, she opens it. “Which one?”
Gahan's panicked eyes fly to Agee, pleading for help. Slowly Agee reaches over choosing two stones. “This will not only purchase the stones my Queen but allow Gahan to secure the other supplies he will need.”
“Thank you Agee.” She smiles at her Captain then Gahan. “And thank you Gahan.” A knock on the door stops the men from replying.
"The King is in his Command Room my Queen." Kirk informs her.
Grim’s rage burns hotter than Luda's sun and if he doesn't get some answers soon he will implode. He'd awoken, to the sun's gentle rays caressing the beauty that is his Lisa. He planned to wake her with gentle kisses, followed by more making up. Instead, he'd been interrupted by the ringing of his comm.
Planetary defensive systems had discovered an unauthorized ship landing not fifty hectors from Luanda. By the time warriors were dispatched it had taken off, evading the planets defenses, leaving behind evidence of at least a dozen warriors disembarking. His warriors were scouring the area but none had yet been found.
"How were they able to get so far undetected?" Grim demands, slamming his fist down on his desk.
"I have personally reviewed the log sire.” Junius, Commander of the Luda's Planetary Defense Systems stands stiffly in front of him. "Our shields where shut down for three minutes, it is why the alarm wasn't immediately raised. The ship then entered the normal traffic flow for deliveries, it is only when it deviated to land that we became aware of its presence."
"Who." Grim demands.
"Sire, at the moment I only have my suspicions, I don't want to falsely accuse a loyal male."
"They landed within fifty hectors of my Queen and offspring Junius and we didn't even know it!" Grim again slams his fist down. "I will have the name!"
"Yes sire.” Junius has served his King for many years and in all that time, he’d never seen him so enraged. “The shields were lowered over the Andeen Region sire. Baccuus was on duty when they were lowered, he manno, Lord Focke, rules that region."
"Have him brought to Luanda. I will question him personally."
"Yes sire."
"Alger, status on the intruders?"
"They still haven't been located." Grim growls his displeasure.
"I want the guards on the walls doubled!"
"Yes sire."
Grim has never felt so ineffective in all his life! Never have intruders made it to the planet's surface undetected and now, when he has females, they are within fifty hectors! It is unacceptable.
“My King.” Both men turn when a Guard speaks. “The Queen is requesting to speak with you.”
"Tell her I am busy." The guard doesn't move.
"My King, she waits, just outside the door. The two young ones are with her, along with Agee, Kirk and a male I do not know."
“A male!” Grim’s eyes fly to Alger.
“Yes my King, he arrived a short while ago and was escorted to the Royal Wing by Warrior Kirk.” He says no more, just looks at Alger.
"Commander, I want Baccuus here within the hour and find me those warriors!"
"Yes my King." With a bow, he exits, only to step aside for the Queen. Junius is shocked when she smiles at him before walking up to the King, putting her lips against his. She is followed by two tiny females, they too smile at him. He's heard rumors about them, that they are very different from Tornian females but he expected the stories to be exaggerations, now he's not so sure.
"Hi." Lisa smiles at him. "I hope we aren’t interrupting. We have a surprise for you." Grim is about to tell her he doesn't have the time when Miki takes his hand, her little eyes shining with such excitement that he can't bring himself to extinguish it.
"I have only a few minutes." He replies grudgingly.
"That will be fine." Lisa turns and Grim tenses at the sight of a young male he doesn’t know. He is flanked by Agee and Kirk and followed by two of Montfort’s men carrying a large crate.
“Over there.” Lisa directs them. “Thank you Trist. Thank you Shaw. Grim this is Gahan.” She holds out her hand, indicating he should join them. “He’s going to be my Master Glassmaker.” Lisa informs him.
“Sire.” Gahan gives him an awkward bow. “My Queen if I may?” He gestures to the crate.
“Yes, yes, of course, on that table.” Gahan nods then turns to his task of uncrating the Raptor. Grim watches him closely before looking around the room, surprised to see Junius still in the doorway.
“Commander Junius, isn’t there something you're supposed to be doing?” Grim’s question is deadly softly.
“Yes sire!” Quickly he exits.
“Hello Captain Alger.”
“My Queen.” He gives her a slight bow but his eyes never leave Gahan.
“Gahan is an exceptional artist. I have a great many plans for him.”
“Artist?” Grim questions.
“Someone who makes beautiful things and what he’s brought today is beyond beautiful, it is magnificent.”
“Lisa...” He doesn't have time for
her pretty things right now. There is a threat and he needs to end it.
“It really is Grim.” Carly pipes in. “When mommy saw it, she said you had to have it.” Grim swallows his harsh words. Looking to this Gahan, he finds Agee and Kirk blocking his view. He gives a low growl of displeasure.
“Ready my Queen.” Gahan announces stepping away from the table, with a nod from Lisa, Agee and Kirk part.
What’s revealed has Grim stunned. It's a Raptor caught the moment before it strikes, its wings spread, its talons extended, its mouth screeching a silent war cry. The bird’s body is black as midnight, giving it stealth, but it still pulses with power and movement as rays of light strike the colors subtlety embedded in its wings. However, the eyes are most startling…they are piercing, revealing the bird’s total commitment to its task and it’s ruthlessness to complete it. He has never seen anything like it.
“You made this?” Grim questions, looking to Gahan.
“Yes sire.”
“Do you like it Grim?” Miki hesitatingly touches his hand, looking down he sees the doubt in her eyes. “It’s a Raptor like you, like your warriors.” She informs him.
“I can see that Miki and I like it very much.”
“Really?” Her face blooms with joy.
Lisa can tell Grim is struggling with his impatience at their interruption. Obviously, he’d been in the middle of something important when they’d arrived.
“Girls I think Cook is waiting for you.” She reminds them that Cook had promised to let them make the Luda version of cookies today. “Trist and Shaw will take you.”
“Okay mommy. Bye Grim.” They both give him kisses then head for the door.
"Take Kirk with you!" Grim orders, causing Lisa to raise an eyebrow before she turns to Gahan.
“Gahan, if you’d wait for me in the hall, I’ll be out in a few minutes, and we can finalize the plans.”
“Yes my Queen.” Grim notices the bow he gives Lisa is much more relaxed than the one given him. “My King.” Turning he leaves. Lisa waits until the door is closed before turning back to Grim.
“I won’t stay long. I can tell you’re busy. I just wanted to discuss with you my plans for the Guard medallions.”
“Medallions?”
“Yes, to designate they are members of the Elite Guard. You told me to think about it and I have.”
“I’m sure whatever you decide will be fine.”
“I want your input.” She hands him the drawings. "I also want to update your Guard medallion.”
“Lisa…” The ringing of his comm has Grim moving to his desk.
“Yes.” He demands.
“Sire, Baccuus is missing.”
“I want him found Commander. Now!”
“Yes sire.” Grim runs a frustrated hand through his hair, turning to address Alger he sees Lisa still there.
“I don’t have time for this Lisa.” He informs her impatiently.
“Just a few more minutes, please, just look at the drawings. These two would be for my Guard and these two for yours.” Grim forces himself to look at the wrinkled sheets she’s carefully pulling from his hands. They appear to be of the current medallion with some insignificant changes.
“Why two?” He forces himself ask.
“One for every day.” She holds out the two. “And one for court dress.” She indicates the others. “The medallions, while different, will indicate that both Guards are from the same House, the House of Luanda.”
“Your Guard won't need court dress.” Grim flings the papers onto his desk.
“Of course they will, for whatever functions we need to attend as King and Queen of Luda.”
“You will not attend such functions. Have one made for your Guard if it pleases you, my Guard will not want it.”
“Grim…” His comm rings again.
“I don’t have time for this Lisa! Do as you have since you’ve arrived, it makes no difference to me or my warriors.” Grim answers his comm.
Alger’s watches the Queen’s body go completely still before she slowly turns. He is shocked at how pale she’s become, her eyes bruised, her lips trembling.
Realizing she’s drawn his gaze, Lisa stiffens, her face becoming an emotionless mask. Giving him a barely discernible nod, she walks from the room. Agee shoots him a furious look as he follows her.
Alger looks back to his King, still on the comm and wonders if he realizes the harm, he’s just caused. Reaching out, he looks at the drawings he’s been hearing whispers of all morning. Whispers, of the great honor the Queen wishes to bestow, not only on her Guard but also on the Kings.
Ending the communication, Grim turns back, finding Lisa gone and his Captain frowning over the drawings she’s left.
“There is still no sign of the warriors.”
“They will be found sire.” Grim isn’t sure what he sees in his Captain’s eyes when they finally meet his.
“What is it Alger?”
“I have been the Captain of your Guard since you became King and before that I served your Uncle.”
“I know this Alger.” Grim frowns at him.
“In all that time, I’ve been honored to serve such a noble House. The strength of character you’ve shown since you were injured is something every warrior here aspires too. But now….”
“Now?” Grim doesn’t try to hide his confusion. What could cause his most trusted friend to question his choice of serving him? “Truth Alger!” He demands.
“Now I wonder if you truly understand your warriors at all.”
“Why would you say this Alger?”
“Because of this.” He holds up Lisa’s drawing of her ‘everyday’ symbol.
“What about it?” Grim demands. “It’s nothing but a medallion with color.”
“It’s more than that,” Alger informs him quietly. “At least to your warriors. Did you know she asked Agee’s opinion first?” He sees he didn’t. “She was worried they would be ashamed to wear it, to wear her symbol, she doesn’t even understand what she is offering.”
“What is she offering Alger?” Grim growls.
“A symbol of their worth, my King.” Alger growls back not intimidated. “For all to see. Did you even look at this?” He shakes the drawing at him. “She's having the eyes made from charoite, two in each medallion! Charoite she’s paying for.” Grim frowns, picking up a drawing. “She also wants to put them in the King’s Guard medallion, so everyone knows how highly they are valued, that they matter. You of all people should understand that, my King.” He sees he has shocked Grim.
“You truly don’t understand what she has come to mean to your people do you.” Alger drops the formality and speaks to Grim as the friend he is. “You brought this female to Luanda to maintain your position but that is not what has happened Grim. She has elevated it and not because her offspring are female.” Alger walks over to the Raptor.
“Look at this, she took one look at it and saw the truth. She saw you. Saw your worth. You are the Raptor Grim, you protect Luda but she…she makes it worth protecting, worth dying for. She is the beauty of Luda but makes every person believe it is them. She acknowledges an effort, thanks for the smallest of deed. She’s elevated half your household to some level of power, maybe only over one person but still…” Alger shakes his head feeling as if he’s talking about an ancient one.
"It is known that she rests with you. That she tends her offspring. She has taken all that you have given her and placed it for all to see and enjoy. Yesterday, she chose a common glassmaker, of questionable origins and made him the Queen’s Master Glassmaker, giving him the means to open his own shop. She is not Tornian but I tell you this, there is not one of your warriors that wouldn’t willingly die to protect her, she is theirs as much as yours.”
“They’ve heard of this?” Grim asks quietly, looking from the drawings to his friend. “They want this?”
"Yes and now they may never receive it."
"What are you talking about, I told her to proceed
." He demands.
"You told her to do as she wished because it didn't matter. To you or your warriors. That there is no reason for her Guard to have a court medallion because she wasn't worthy of attending to the duties of a Queen."
"I said no such thing." Grim refutes.
"It is what you implied in your impatience. It is what she heard. What I heard. You have made her your Queen, yet deny her all that entails. You treat her as you would one of our females and expect her to feel worthy? I saw the hurt you inflicted before she left."
Grim moves to follow Lisa, pausing when his comm rings, with his eyes still on the door, he answers his duty.
Lisa is numb as she walks out of the room. Grim didn't really mean that...did he? That nothing she’d done since arriving mattered. All the work she and his warriors had done to make Castle Luanda a home, a place to be proud off, had been allowed only to keep her busy...to please her. That she didn't matter, not to him, not like she thought, not in the way she wanted.
Last night they’d talked, really talked and she thought they finally understood each other, grown closer, but she’d been wrong. Suddenly, the tiredness she’d woken with returns with a vengeance. Looking up she sees Gahan’s hopeful face and forces a smile on to hers. She will not destroy this talented young male, she doesn't care what Grim's opinion is. He told her to do what she wished so she would.
"My Queen?" Gahan prompts.
"The King says you are to make the medallions Gahan, and I want them as soon as possible." She informs him.
"Yes my Queen!" His smile is brighter than Luda's sun. "And the drawings?" Lisa realizes she’d left them where Grim dropped them, she isn’t going back to get them.
“The King wishes to keep them.” Agee barely hides his surprise at the Queen’s lie. “Do you need them?”
“No my Queen, I remember what you wanted.”
“Good, so you’ll start today?”
“Yes my Queen.”
“Agee would you see Gahan out?” She looks to her Captain, ignoring his concern. “I’ll be in the Royal Wing.”
Storm clouds darken the afternoon sky, blocking out the light and warmth of Luda’s sun, perfectly reflecting Lisa’s mood. Returning to the Royal Wing, she finds her thoughts are in turmoil. Why had Grim spoken to her like that? Like she was some annoying houseguest. He’s proclaimed her his Queen and from the texts, she's read it is the same here as on Earth, yet Grim doesn’t want her to fulfill those duties. Why? Because she isn't Tornian?