Cassandra's Challenge

  “Sir.”

  “Yes.”

  “She didn’t eat enough.” The Admiral finds himself grinning. Cassandra wouldn’t appreciate others worrying about her.

  “No, she didn’t. Leave it, I’ll make sure she eats.”

  “Thank you sir.”

  “No Hutu, thank you. I won’t forget this.”

  “Sir.” With a nod Hutu leaves.

  As the girls eat, Cassandra wonders what William is thinking. His world has just changed. Would he believe it? Accept it?

  Kayden told her what she decided to do was up to her. Is he telling her she has options? That they should leave if they want a life together? Could she do that to Victoria? Make her start all over, again?

  “Mama!” Amina jumps out of her chair to hug her mother.

  “Hello baby. I missed you.”

  “I missed you too. Where’s daddy?”

  “He’s talking to the Admiral.” Javiera gives Cassandra a pointed look. Nodding Cassandra looks to the ready room.

  “Something on your mind Chief?” Moving to sit behind his desk the Admiral waits.

  “Sir, I want to thank you for letting Amina stay here while we were on Alert.”

  “No thanks necessary, it was good for Victoria too.”

  “Yes sir, they’ve become good friends, as have Cassandra and Javiera.”

  “I know.”

  “Admiral, I’ve known you a long time.”

  “Since you were twelve.”

  “Yes sir. You were serving with my father.”

  “How is he?”

  “He’s fine. He and mom have a place near Lake Baku.”

  “What’s on your mind, Leander?”

  “Your decision to return to Carina, sir.” Hard eyes meet Leander’s.

  “My decision Chief.”

  “Yes sir. The right decision to protect the Queen, protect Cassandra.”

  “How have you come by this information Chief?” But he already knows.

  “Cassandra sir, she felt we had the right to know when she asked us to leave the ship with you.”

  “She what?” His voice is low and lethal.

  “Asked us to leave the Retribution when the two of you do, she asked, explained what was going on. Made sure we understood it wasn’t an order, wasn’t coming from you. If we decided we couldn’t it wouldn’t reflect on my service record.”

  “You’ve made your decision.”

  “Yes Admiral, we told Cassandra yesterday, we’re with you.”

  “Thank you Leander.”

  “Not necessary Admiral. I have family on Carina. This traitor has put them in jeopardy. He has to be stopped.”

  “Agreed.”

  “Mama, can we go to F Deck? We haven’t seen our friends in forever.”

  “I don’t see why not, if it’s okay with Cassandra.” Javiera turns. “It would give you a break. We could get together later, I’ve thought of some things you’ll need to know.”

  “Works for me. What about you Tori, you up for F Deck?”

  “Oh yeah!”

  “Let’s go.”

  “Daddy!” Amina runs into her father’s arm.

  “Hi squirt. You been good?”

  “Yes daddy. Guess what.”

  “What.”

  “Mama’s taking us to F Deck.”

  “Really.”

  “Really. Are you going to come too?”

  “I might for a little bit.”

  The Admiral rises as they walk to the hatch.

  “Victoria.” Walking over to him she looks up. Squatting down William gives her a hug. “You have fun, okay.”

  “Okay Admiral.” With a big smile she leaves. As Cassandra secures the hatch the Admiral sits back down.

  “You made her day.” Seeing he has something on his mind she takes a seat.

  “Who else?” She doesn’t pretend to not understand.

  “I wasn’t keeping it from you. They only gave me their decision yesterday. I haven’t had time to tell you.”

  “Who else.” The Admiral doesn’t break eye contact.

  “Tar.”

  “What are you doing Cassandra!?!” He runs a frustrated hand through his hair. “This could end their careers!”

  “I know that! So do they! You didn’t question my bring Lucas in.”

  “That’s different. You know he considers Victoria his life mate.”

  “So you understand why I asked him to be in charge of her protection.”

  “Yes, you couldn’t have kept him away.”

  “She’ll be his priority. I need her to be so I don’t have to worry about her if this goes wrong.”

  “Cassandra…”

  “I’m not doubting you William, I know you’ll protect us. But I’m your priority. I need to know Victoria is someone’s.”

  “Okay. Why Leander and Javiera?”

  “They’re my friends. I trust them. We’re going to need people we trust William.”

  “And Tar?”

  “You trust him.”

  “What else.” Cassandra knew that wouldn’t satisfy him.

  “William…”

  “Why Tar!”

  “Because he’ll watch your back!”

  “Damn it Cassandra! This is his career!”

  “And it’s your life!” Bracing her hands on his desk she gets in his face. “You’re in as much danger as I am, because of me! I have as much right to protect my life mate as you do!” Pushing away she storms into the other room.

  Stunned William remains sitting. Protecting him, she’s concerned about protecting him.

  She’s on the couch, head in her hands when he enters their quarters. Straddling her legs he sits on the table. Kissing the top of her head, he rubs her arms.

  “I’m sorry, I’ve always protected, not been protected.”

  “You’ll have to get used to it.” Determined eyes look into his. “I love you, I will protect you. I am not losing anyone else. I am not losing you!” As her voice breaks he pulls her into his arms.

  “Shhh…You’re not going to lose me.” With a hard kiss he pulls her close. “I’m here. I’m here Cassandra.

  Her fingers dig into his jacket as she buries her face, tears suddenly flowing.

  “It’s okay baby, it’s okay.” Fighting to control her tears she takes a deep breath, than another.

  “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to fall apart like that.”

  “You’ve had a lot going on.”

  “So have you. I didn’t mean to add to it.”

  “You haven’t.” Holding her he suddenly realizes what she’s doing.

  “You’re building your House.” Why hadn’t he seen it sooner?

  “Our House.” Tilting her head up, she looks at him. “With people we know. People we trust. People we love. Together William.”

  Looking into her eyes he sees his future. In a House they build together. Kayden was right.

  “Our House.” He seals their future with a hard kiss.

  Chapter 11

  In the days that follow the Regulians remain in the Relinquished Zone. Repairs are completed on the fleet and it’s decided that The Judgment would return with the injured. The Retribution maintains its defensive position waiting orders from the High Admiral.

  “So now we need to discuss your wardrobe.”

  “Wardrobe?”

  “Yes. Queen Yakira has sat on the throne for nearly fifteen years, since she was eighteen.”

  “When her mother died.”

  “Yes. But there was a challenge from a cousin. Normally it’s just a formality but not this time. So they went through the entire challenge process, not just the presentation before the Assembly.”

  “Wait, what’s the difference?”

  “Well if it’s just a formality, they are presented to the Assembly, birthmarks compared and it’s over.”

  “And in a full challenge?”

  “Then it can be up to a two week process.”

  “Two weeks?”

&nb
sp; “Yes. It takes time to gather a Full Assembly. While they are, there are dinners, gatherings, so members of the Assembly can meet the candidates. Form an opinion of them. It becomes about more than just the birthmark. At least for the House of Knowledge.”

  “They will be basically judging me.”

  “Yes.” Javiera’s look is sympathetic.

  “So my birthmark will be the last thing that matters.”

  “Even if yours is darker then hers they can decide to keep the current Queen if they feel she is a better choice.”

  “It’s this way with all the Houses?”

  “No. Those are obvious, the birthmark fills with color.”

  “They can’t argue with that?”

  “No.”

  Cassandra looks at Javiera, her mind racing. No one can see her birthmark. If she wants true justice for Earth she cannot present her birthmark.

  “What will I need?”

  “Everything.” Javiera eyes her clothes. “A Queen is a symbol, especially for the House of Knowledge. She must not only be knowledgeable, she must look knowledgeable.”

  “Shit, you’re telling me style matters.”

  “Yes.”

  “Our worlds really aren’t that different. I hate fashion!”

  “Is that clothes?”

  “Yes.”

  “Well you’re in luck. My mother’s younger sister and husband happen to make clothes. They can make you everything you need.”

  The look in Cassandra’s eyes makes Javiera laugh.

  “Seriously. They’re good. Let me show you.” As she shows her pictures Cassandra’s stomach starts to roll.

  “Javiera. I really appreciate the thought but I’m not sure….”

  “What?’”

  She looks at a picture of a woman with hair piled three foot off her head, a blue face, and little else.

  “Does that really look like me?”

  “That! No. I was just showing off.”

  “What is normally worn to these things?”

  As Javiera shows her pictures of different events the royals attend she starts to understand.

  “They wear the colors of their House.”

  “Yes.” The gowns, while different from Earth, are still gowns.

  “Your Aunt and Uncle can make something like this?”

  “My…”

  “Mother’s sister and husband.”

  “Yes.”

  “If I show them a picture, can they make it?”

  “I would think so.”

  “What much would it cost?”

  “Cost?”

  “Javiera, it won’t be free. They’ll need to be paid.”

  “The Admiral….” She stops as Cassandra surges to her feet.

  “How much?”

  “I don’t know. It’s for a Royal.”

  “I’m not a Royal yet.”

  “But Cassandra….”

  “No!”

  Entering his ready room William can hear women’s voices. Javiera is here. The two have been planning for more than two days. He starts to smile until he catches the tone of Cassandra’s voice. Something is wrong.

  “Hello ladies.” Entering their quarters he finds the two by the comm center.

  “Hello Admiral.” Cassandra is standing stiffly next to Javiera.

  “Hello Javiera. Are the girls with Leander?”

  “Yes.”

  “Could Tori eat with you tonight?”

  “That would be great. Why doesn’t she spend the night?’

  “Thank you.”

  “I’ll see you tomorrow.” Leaving Javiera can’t help but smile.

  “Very smooth.”

  “I thought so.” He pulls her into his arms.

  “What’s wrong?”

  “That’s my question. You were upset with Javiera.” When she tries to pull away he holds her still. “Tell me.”

  “Did you know this won’t be just about comparing birthmarks?”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Javiera says if there’s a serious challenge to the throne then there’s a different set of rules.” William thinks back to the last time the House of Knowledge was challenged.

  “Yes, I guess there is.”

  “Several weeks worth.”

  “You can’t be worried about that?” Looking at her he sees she is.

  “It involves dinners. Gatherings. Being judged on how you look, dress, act.”

  “It won’t matter.”

  “It will.”

  “Not once they see your birthmark it won’t.” Looking at her life mate, she realizes he doesn’t understand what she wants.

  “When will they see it?”

  “As soon as we arrive. No one will be able to argue you are the Queen. You will be safe.”

  “Are we back to that?”

  “Cassandra,” William is honestly confused. “What do you want?”

  “Justice. True justice for seven billion people.” Her eyes bore into his. “I want the one who murdered my family. Who terrorized my niece, who’s responsible for the deaths of your crew. Who allowed the Sentinel to be attacked.”

  “You can have that once you’re Queen.”

  “NO! I can’t order justice, any more then you can order loyalty. It will be up to your Assembly to decide if the people of Earth deserved to die. If the offspring of Sabah and Kayden, Carinians’ from different Houses, can finally find justice in the Carinian Assembly, with Carinian laws, when one of their own order they’re deaths.”

  William gazes into his life mate’s eyes, seeing the determination, the rage. She of all people has the right to her rage.

  “It will make everything more difficult.”

  “I know, especially for you.”

  “Me?”

  “I won’t be safe. Not yet. But William, I need to know. I need to know if everything they brought to Earth. All the good, the “light”, what they consider the best of Carina is real, because if it’s not, then I don’t want to be here.”

  “You would be willing to leave. Start over again?”

  “The only thing that matters to me here is you!”

  He’d already considered stealing her away taking no chances. But now, understanding what she wants, unable to argue, he can’t do it.

  “What were you and Javiera arguing about.”

  “Who says we were arguing?”

  “I do. I know your tones. You were upset. Why?”

  “There are dinners. Gatherings. People judging, showing off.”

  He gives her a lost man’s look. Exasperated Cassandra looks at him.

  “What are you going to wear?”

  “Me? My uniform….” William suddenly replays all the ‘dinners’ he’d been too.

  “Exactly.”

  “So we find you some clothes.”

  “Find me?” Knowing he’s sinking William grabs the branch that is Javiera.

  “What did Javiera say?”

  “That she has family that can make me clothes.”

  “So there you go.

  “Do you really think that I would go to a dinner that reflects on you as much as me wearing one of these things!” Cassandra gestures to the comm. Looking at it William pales.

  “That’s no who you are.”

  “No, Javiera says these are bragging pics.”

  “So they can make something you like.”

  “Supposedly.”

  “So what’s the problem?” As she stares at him, William is truly at a loss. “Cassandra, honesty whether we like it or not.”

  “This isn’t about honesty! William, these are designer gowns.”

  “Okay….”

  “Damn it! How do I pay for them!?!”

  “How do you…” He pulls her to her toes. “I PAY FOR THEM! You are my life mate! MY QUEEN.”

  “William, I don’t know what these cost. I don’t know what you make. I have nothing of value to offer.”

  “Nothing of value.” William’s voice is lethal.

  ?
??Not on Carina.”

  “You think that matters to me.”

  “No, I don’t. I know it doesn’t. But it matters to me!” Framing his face she meets the deadly look in his eye. “I told you about my mother. What I didn’t tell you was that within six months my father sent me to boarding school, a school far away from home.” She explains seeing his confusion. “From the time I was ten I’ve been on my own.”

  William’s eyes bore into hers.

  “He loved me. I know he did, but I looked so much like my mom that it was hard for him to see me every day. I understand that… now. I had my own money, knew what everything cost. Paid my own way.” Looking at him she sees he’s eyes calming. “I’m having a hard time not being able to pay for anything!”

  “And not knowing if I can.”

  “Yes.”

  “Cassandra, I am an Admiral in the Coalition, a member of the royal family, this won’t be a problem.”

  “Would you tell me if it was?”

  “Yes. Honesty whether we like it or not.”

  “Okay.” Stretching up to kiss his lip. “I’ll tell Javiera to call her family.”

  “Good.”

  “So, Admiral.” Her eyes sparkle into his. “It seems it’s just the two of us tonight. All night. What do you think we should do?” Looking into those eyes he can’t help but be captivated.

  “I plan on being very close to you. All night long.”

  “Really? Well if you must.” She sinks into the kiss as he carries her to bed.

  Later, after Hutu has collected the last meal’s dishes, Cassandra snuggles back into William’s arms, lazily caressing his bare chest.

  “Is there any news on Tibullus?”

  “No.” His voice troubled.

  “What’s taking so long?”

  “There’s a support crew there now.”

  “You need to get him out of there. If the Regulians find out he’s alive they’ll attack again.”

  “If he’s alive.”

  “He is.” William shifts to look down at her. “I refuse to believe we were meant to figure all this out, only to have him die.”

  “If he is, I can’t just order him back.”

  “Can you use me?” She pushes up from his chest.

  “Use you?”

  “The Challenge. A First Son would be required to be there, wouldn’t he?” William raises an eyebrow. “Can’t you get him on the Judgment, without anyone knowing?” Leaning back he considers what she’s saying.