At least the interviews were over, Saturna thought, as she made quick notes at her desk regarding the various suitors. She had taken her supper with Peep in her chambers because she didn’t want to attend another formal dinner with inhabitants fawning at her side talking about idle things. She was just thinking about calling Maize to retire for the night when her auri prepared her for the arrival of Gondee.
“Your Majesty, we require the translation services of Peep. A stranger, from a far away Solar System has been arrested for causing a disturbance. He arrived at the castle tonight and appears to be demanding payment for something. He became very distraught when we could not understand his language or read his document. He threatened the clerk with a weapon,” said Gondee.
“Oh dear, Peep I’m sorry to disturb you, did you hear what Gondee said?” called Saturna towards the miniature castle.
“Yes My Queen, I heard,” replied Peep appearing on the side balcony. She was in her night clothes. “I’m more than willing to translate and can be ready in minutes.” She instantly turned and dashed off.
Saturna sighed. “Things never seem to slow down, Gondee. As soon as Peep is dressed, we’ll come. You don’t need to wait for us.”
“With Peep’s assistance, I can deal with this matter, My Queen. I feel you have had enough of today. This incident may require us to work well into the night.”
“Thank you Gondee, I’m really exhausted and wish to retire. However, if you do find you need me, please send word.”
As Gondee left for the barracks with Peep in his jacket pocket, Maize arrived at Saturna’s chambers to assist and ready her for bed. Saturna felt guilty she hadn’t accompanied them, but she was so tired that she could hardly stand up. She remembered how carefree her life had been before she became Queen and smiled. If I had known what I was getting into, maybe I wouldn’t have accepted the crown.
Maize returned her smile and said through her auri, “You would have accepted the crown because you’re responsible and understand your duty to the inhabitants.”
“Yes, you’re right Maize, Gondee trained me well.”
Laughing together, Saturna jumped into the bed and immediately fell asleep while Maize finished tidying the bedroom.
Detis pulled the ninth brick on the ledge and the wall moved away exposing the secret passageway. Four Kievils including Hete looked at each other and then at the dark, cobwebbed tunnel. “How do you know these stairs lead to Saturna’s chambers, My Queen?” asked Hete, his eyes widening with fear.
“It’s my job to know and plan everything. Now shut-up before you arouse suspicion,” hissed Detis. Once inside the passageway, Detis lead the way with a handheld torch. The Kievils followed behind carrying several small containers. “Here, stop here,” whispered Detis. “Give me the hose. Now turn it on.” Detis placed the hose’s nozzle through a crack in the wall. When the handle on the container was turned a fine white gas seeped through the crack into the room beyond. After the second container was empty, all six of the intruders donned masks. By pushing a lever on the floor of the passageway, a previously invisible door opened. Laughing, Detis stepped inside Saturna’s chambers and over Maize, who was lying in a heap on the floor.
“Not her you idiots,” she whispered sarcastically as the four Kievils tried to pick-up Maize. “The one in the bed.”
Dropping Maize back onto the floor, they turned their attention to Saturna.
“She is so beautiful! A sleeping fairy,” said one of the Kievils.
“Shut-up you pea-brains and get her into the passageway before she wakes up!”
Finding Saturna light as a feather the four Kievils carried her easily back the way they came and into the forest to where the space pod was waiting.