“What does the child represent to him?” Crausin inquired and then answered, “Power of some sort.”
“Yes, but Vaush isn’t the one with the power, it’s her biological parents,” Comron conjectured.
“Very good.” Telkuve grinned. “That’s the smart question—who are this girl’s real parents? First, we’d have to determine what constitutes special to Larrs.”
“Anything that could help him advance his house by gaining more political power,” Comron answered.
“Particularly anything that could advance his position toward the imperial throne,” Crausin added. “Perhaps her parents were powerful members of the imperial court and she was the product of some high ranking official’s impropriety.”
“That is a distinct possibility,” Telkuve conceded.
Crausin shook his head. “It would be one thing to oversee her upbringing, but Larrs raised her as one of his own, gave her his name.”
“Which means he wanted her honor-bound to his family,” Comron concluded. “To feel a deep sense of loyalty to House Bastionli … in the event that—”
“That she may one day inherit the great power that her parents once held,” Crausin finished the thought.
“Precisely,” Telkuve nodded grimly. “I believe that girl would place House Bastionli very close to the throne—the imperial throne.”
That thought made all Van Lavens everywhere shudder. “You’re suggesting she’s the emperor’s bastard?” Crausin scoffed nervously at the idea. “Supreme Prince Thalonius is first in line. His mother saw to it that no one should precede him.”
“Yes, by murdering his primary wife,” Telkuve said. “Immediately after which, Emperor Sorren had her executed.”
“Your speculations are interesting, but irrelevant,” said Crausin. “Thalonius has been named the emperor’s heir. No bastard daughter could challenge that.”
Comron thought of Vaush’s flawless honey-toned skin, dazzling hazel eyes and long dark hair. The late emperor had been quite fair-skinned, blue eyed, and flaxen haired. “I have to agree with my father. Besides, there’s not a bit of Hrollaugr family resemblance.”
Telkuve gestured for Crausin to return his comp-pad. “Apparently, you’re forgetting what his primary wife looked like, not at all surprising considering the brevity of the marriage.” He tapped at the keys to project a holographic image. “Now cross the emperor’s likeness with hers and that explains Lady Vaush and how she could blend so easily into Larrs’ natural family.”
“He hid her in plain sight,” Crausin said soberly.
Comron stared at the lovely woman in the image with skin the color of warm caramel. She smiled beautifully, her delicate features frozen in youthfulness. Large, expressive, brown eyes gleamed brightly and dark wavy hair cascaded over her bare shoulders as she turned, glancing playfully over her shoulder at whoever captured her image. There was no doubt her exotic beauty and charm would have captured the emperor’s attention while she served as Imperial Translator in his court.
“No, no, no … this woman died before she had any children,” Crausin’s words were hurried. “Vaush Bastionli can’t be her daughter!”
“Why else would Larrs have adopted her?” Telkuve insisted.
“Lord Telkuve, if this woman never had any children, the point is moot,” Comron said, remaining unconvinced that Vaush was related to this woman.
Telkuve stood. “I admit that’s the part I find puzzling. I only know that Larrs believed there was something special about that child and that infant Vaush appeared on the scene very close to the time this woman,” he pointed at the image, “would have been carrying the emperor’s child.”
Comron stared at the intriguing young woman in the holograph, but could see no obvious resemblance to Vaush. But the next time the woman looked over her shoulder and gave a half smile, he caught a glimpse of Vaush that nearly stopped his heart.
Frythe’s gates! Could it be?
“We need more information,” Crausin said, his face pinched with worry. “You tested her DNA for a genetic match to Larrs, have you done so for the late emperor?”
“I’m waiting on the results as we speak,” Telkuve answered.
Crausin closed his eyes and rubbed his temples. “Do you have any idea what this could mean for Nethic?”
The reminder sent a shock wave through Comron. The rise of House Bastionli heralded the fall of House Van Laven. No doubt, Larrs would use whatever power in the mighty imperial arsenal to grind Nethic under his heel.
The blood drained from his face. What have I done? Had he sealed the doom of his world by falling in love with Vaush? By saving her, he had played right into Larrs’ hands and, in so doing, practically gift wrapped Larrs’ victory over Nethic. The guilt and humiliating shame was devastating.
“The irony is, Larrs almost lost the girl,” Telkuve commented as if oblivious to Comron’s pain.
“What’s that?” Crausin asked in his private despair.
“On Patheis.” Telkuve wagged a finger at Comron. “Too bad you weren’t privy to this knowledge while you were there. How easily you could have handed Bastionli a crushing defeat.”
Comron suddenly looked as if he would be physically sick and Crausin’s concern for his son overcame him. “Comron, you didn’t know. None of us even suspected.”
Telkuve’s com unit signaled at his ear. “Yes?” he said. “Excellent, give me a direct feed.”
Comron sat on the edge of his seat and waited for Vaush’s genetic results to feed into the comp-pad. Telkuve’s eyes rapidly scanned the data, but even before he spoke the words, the expression on his face said it all.
“Devil take us,” he gasped. Being a longtime staunch ally of House Van Laven made him a prime target for Bastionli wrath.
Crausin snatched the pad from his hands. Comron was quickly at his side, reading along.
“Mother of whores!” Crausin exclaimed. “How the hell did Larrs get hold of Emperor Sorren’s daughter?”
“I don’t know, I don’t know,” Telkuve said pacing the floor. “But the results show indisputably she is Hrollaugr’s biological child.”
Comron was too shocked at the revelation to speak. She has no idea! He was due to see her in a few days once he dispatched with Spira. With the imminent passing of the emperor, Larrs would certainly reveal the truth to Vaush at any moment. Where would that leave the two of them? And what would be the fate of his world?
“Who else knows of this?” Crausin asked, an intense look of concentration in his green eyes.
“I’ve only shared this with you,” Telkuve said. “Fera doesn’t realize what he has.”
“Is there any chance he’ll speak to Larrs about what he shared with you?” Crausin inquired.
“No. He’s scared shiteless. I told him to lie low, and we’d deal with it.”
“I imagine Prince Thalonius, the Emperor-Apparent, will have something to say about all this,” Crausin said. “He won’t stand aside idly while this usurper takes his throne.”
“Thalonius will be informed, but we can still offer our assistance to rid him of this particular problem.”
“Thereby garnering the favor of the Imperial House,” Crausin said, raking his fingers through his raven hair. “If we act quickly, we could turn this around to our advantage and beat Larrs at his own game.”
“It would be a master stroke!” Telkuve exclaimed. “We could make use of the current uprising against the ruling House of Ti-Laros. Arrange the strike so it appears that one of the insurgents hit them.”
“Yes, yes,” Crausin said with a glint in his stunning green eyes. “But we need only eliminate the girl. Larrs will probably slit his own throat after we serve him this defeat.”
Immobilized by the shocking news, Comron could say nothing as he listened to them casually discussing plans to murder the only woman he’d ever loved. He wanted to cry out to them to leave her alone and to find another way to defeat Larrs, but he could say nothing without betraying everything.<
br />
“Whatever we do, we must do it quickly,” Telkuve warned. “There are whispers that Emperor Sorren will be removed from the respirator this week, according to his own will.”
“Which means that within days Larrs will introduce the world to Vaush Bastionli—rightful heir to the imperial throne.” Crausin shook his head sharply. “Damn, that crafty jackal nearly pulled it off.”
Gripping Crausin’s shoulder, Telkuve recalled him to the moment. “This is too delicate a matter for us to handle on our own. We’ll have to call in some favors.”
At that moment, Marbury stepped into the room. “Sire, Colonel Fenlin is here to see you.”
“Not now,” was Crausin’s terse response.
“But, Sire,” the old man said tentatively, “you said when he had the isopherum findings to notify you immediately.”
Telkuve eyed Crausin. “Have you an answer on that matter?”
Crausin waved a hand in irritation. “Send him in.”
Comron watched absently as Fenlin opened the door and strode into the room. “My liege,” he said, giving a crisp salute, his cropped hair now graying at the edges.
“What news have you?” Crausin asked, eyeing the pock-faced man.
“We traced the shipment of isopherum rods to Vega IV. From there, we isolated them in the city of Meher. And there we discovered what appeared to be an abandoned shipyard.” He took a step closer. “My lord, it was merely a decoy for the operations going on beneath the surface. A fleet of ships were being constructed, all outfitted with the isopherum rods!”
Comron’s thoughts snapped into focus. A ship outfitted with isopherum rods meant only one thing. The ships were designed to breach the powerful force field surrounding the Murkudahl home world. Someone was staging a massive invasion, someone who hadn’t openly supported the reversal of the Murkudahl Edict. The crucial question now was who.
“It took some doing, Sire, but we have obtained substantial evidence proving the operation is being funded by none other than House Bastionli.”
The shroud of coldness that fell over Comron chilled him to the core. Larrs Bastionli was planning to seize the imperial throne and launch a full-scale invasion of the Murkudahl home world. With his daughter on the throne, upholding the Murkudahl Edict, no other faction would dare approach the Murkudahl home world. Larrs alone would have free reign to plunder the defenseless Murkudahl. The intricate set of plans within plans was ingenious!
Telkuve voiced everyone’s concerns. “Harnessing the powers of the Murkudahl would allow Larrs to build the ultimate fighting force for his personal army. With their weapons and technology, coupled with their superior strength, speed, and intelligence, they’d be unstoppable. Any who oppose him would be pulverized under the weight of his military machine. Need I mention who’ll be at the top of his list?”
Crausin thrust his hand at Fenlin. “Let me see your report.” But they all knew it wasn’t necessary. Captain Fenlin was far too astute to make such a claim without fully substantiating it.
Comron watched with quiet alarm as Crausin’s eyes scanned the words on the small com-tablet.
“My lords,” Captain Fenlin said. “You can imagine our shock. All along the Bastionlis have staunchly supported the Murkudahl Edict, yet they’re amassing an invasion force larger than all the other houses combined. Why the pretense?”
“To divert our attention,” Crausin said. He turned to Telkuve. “That man must be stopped at all costs. We need to inform Thalonius at once.”
Fenlin looked confused. “My lord, if the Bastionlis wish to deplete their treasury by overbuilding their fleet, why would you wish to stop them?”
“You’re dismissed, Fenlin,” Comron snapped, his mind still reeling with the revelations.
Vaush, we are all in great danger!
“I believe we’ll require the services of Recaban,” Crausin said grimly.
“Recaban!” Comron said.
Crausin cast a fiery look at him. “We can no longer afford to choose our allies. Recaban’s vast network will be invaluable at this time.”
“Recaban will exact a heavy toll,” Telkuve said.
“The toll for failure will be higher,” Crausin replied, pinching his fingers together. “Bastionli is this close to succeeding, and if he does, Nethic is fucked to hell.”
Telkuve heaved a heavy sigh. “I’ll put the findings into a report and make haste to Novoxos. You needn’t worry, old friend. Thalonius will know who’s doing all the heavy lifting in this endeavor,” Telkuve added. “House Van Laven will rise or fall with Overcrom.”
Dear gods, Vaush, they’re coming for you!
CHAPTER 28
Vaush stood outside the hospital room mustering her courage to go inside. Captain Laney Hunner, head of her guard and dear friend, had regained consciousness a few days ago and no visitors had been permitted. Reluctantly, Vaush opted to use her royal ties to remove the obstacles and open the way for a brief visit. But, seeing her dear friend now, so frail and broken, it was like seeing a mere ghost of who she was.
Enough of this! Laney needed her strength now, not some weepy-eyed creampuff. She took a deep breath, squared her shoulders, and marched into the room bearing a colorful bouquet of flowers.
“Sleeping on duty … slacker,” Vaush said upon catching Laney’s eye. She tried to ignore the frightening state of her friend as she lay in the bed with all manner of contraptions surrounding her. Laney’s back had been broken, along with two legs. She sustained a major concussion and internal bleeding. They said it was a miracle that she survived. Vaush said it was Laney just being stubborn old Laney. Though silently, she thanked the heavens for watching over her dear friend.
Laney’s face was purple and blue around the eyes and cheeks; the rest of her face was pale and lifeless. No use of the flesh mender would be made until they could assess the full extent of the damage and recovery.
“You really don’t … pay me enough,” she said in a weak, scratchy voice that unsettled Vaush more than anything else.
“Ha! Vintage Laney Hunner. You probably did this on purpose just so you could negotiate better wages. You know, you only had to ask. She pulled a chair alongside Laney’s bed and sat. “They say you’re making remarkable progress, and that they should be able to transfer you out of here in a few more days.”
“Yeah, you know,” she grimaced, “… me.”
“Hey, don’t try to speak. They’ve only given me a couple of minutes with you and I have a few things to say.”
She nodded, eyes closed. “Don’t … do girly thing,” she said dryly.
Vaush chuckled. “I won’t, but I do want to thank you for saving my life. You put my safety ahead of your own up there, and it nearly cost you your life.”
“They pay me,” she replied, coughing, “to do that.”
“Yes, well, we both know you’ve gone far beyond the call of duty on a number of occasions, and I want you to know that I don’t take any of that for granted. This time let me be the one to take care of you.” She glanced at the door. “When they transfer you out of the special care unit, I’ve requested that they send you to Gosselton Heights along with a couple of nurses, assistants, and all the equipment to care for you there.” Vaush shrugged when she saw the humorous glint in Laney’s brown eyes. “Right, so maybe it’s not exactly me taking direct care of you, but we do actually want you to live, so I’ll leave your care to the professionals.”
Laney stared at her.
“The point is you shouldn’t be left to recover here in some cold, antiseptic hospital room. You should be surrounded by people who care about you like family.” Vaush looked away knowing how much Laney hated all things emotional. “Because that’s the way I see you. You’re like the sister I never had.”
“But you have a sister,” Laney smirked painfully. “Hellena ring a bell?”
Vaush snapped off a flower and flung it at her. “You know what I mean, and you’re completely ruining the moment,” Vaush laughed, knowing that wa
s exactly the point.
For the first time Vaush wondered where Laney’s true loyalty lay. She was not a true ethnic Ti-Larosian, though she’d spent most of her life there and had been in the service of House Bastionli for many years. But what of her sense of loyalty to Vaush? Laney had faithfully kept her secrets before, but would hiding her romance with Comron Van Laven prove to be too treasonous for Laney?
“Girly,” Laney said dryly and chucked the flower back at her.
“Oh, quiet before I reach over and do something completely awful like hug you,” Vaush said and rose to set the flowers in a vase on the nightstand. “Anyway, they’re going to chase me out of here in a minute, but I’ll be back to see you tomorrow.”
Laney nodded.
“So don’t give them any trouble, just do as they say so we can get you out of here soon. All right?”
“Yes … Your Grace.”
“That’s right, I’m ordering you to get better so you can come home where you belong.”
Despite herself, she saw the look of emotion in Laney’s eyes before she glanced at the flowers. “Nice.”
“You’re welcome. Get some rest, and I’ll see you tomorrow.”
Laney nodded and closed her eyes but Vaush could tell that her spirits had been duly lifted. Contented, she rejoined her private guard detail and headed back home to Gosselton Heights.
CHAPTER 29
The day after Duke Tekulve’s startling revelation, several key parties were assembled through eye-com conferencing to discuss how best to eradicate their mutual problem. Comron glanced at the quartered holographic screen. Telkuve Overcrom telecommunicated from Novoxos and represented Thalonius’ interest. Duke Fera of Relledon was still hidden away in fear of Larrs but had managed to join the call from an undisclosed location. The stout, pointy-bearded Ilian Brigune, Duke of Wostfall, joined from his home, seeking to capitalize on the opportunity to earn the good graces of Thalonius and to thwart Bastionli’s master scheme.