Jacinda's Challenge (Imperial 3)

  Jacinda had seemed to retreat from the public eye after Stephan’s death and now that Jotham thought about it, he couldn’t remember seeing her anywhere since the sochraide. It was a shame because Jacinda Michelakakis’ grace and beauty had always brightened any room she was in.

  Michelakakis…. Jacinda Michelakakis… Amina Michelakakis… leaning forward Jotham pressed a button on his desk.

  “Chesney, would you come in here, please? I have a job for you.”

  ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞

  Jacinda sat back on her heels, tipping her face up to the warmth of Carina’s three suns and letting it soothe her. She was in her garden, tending to the last blossoms of the season feeling a sense of contentment that she hadn’t felt in cycles. Her grandchildren had left several hours earlier and while she loved them, loved their exuberance and the energy they brought to her life, there were times she liked the quiet.

  She knew her children worried about her, afraid she spent too much time alone, which was why they made sure to send their children to her house at least once a moon cycle. Sighing, she looked back to the house. It really was too big for just her and she should turn it over to Danton. As a newly elected Assemblyman, he would need a residence such as this in Pechora to entertain, but she found she couldn’t let it go yet.

  There were too many memories here. This was the house that Stephan had brought her to after their Union. This was the house where all her children were born. It was the garden where further up the path, her life mate had died picking her favorite flowers. Leaning down, Jacinda smelled one of the blossoms.

  ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞

  This had never been the life Jacinda envisioned for herself all those cycles ago. She’d had such grand plans for her life and not one of them had included being involved in politics, especially not in the House of Protection politics.

  She had grown up in a house that had been filled with politics and debates. She’d watched her mother stand beside her father. Watched her support him in every aspect of his life as an Assemblyman of the House of Healing. She knew it was the life they had both chosen and both loved. It just wasn’t the life Jacinda wanted. Jacinda wanted to travel without worrying about appearances. She wanted to be just another citizen, not the daughter of a powerful Assemblyman. She’d known she didn’t wish to be the wife of one.

  One should be careful what they wished for… and what they wished against.

  Jacinda returned home after her first tour of duty full of excitement and ready to start the next phase of her life. She found Stephan Michelakakis sitting at her parents’ table and her heart had been lost.

  Stephan had been amazingly handsome to her, and not just in the physical sense. Although he had been that. But he was a man who’d known who he was. That is what first attracted her to him. He’d known what he wanted out of life and was totally confident he could achieve it. He’d been so unlike the boys she’d been dealing with over the last two cycles. They thought they were men, yet they were still searching for their place in life. Stephan had listened to her, really listened to her. He would seriously consider what she was saying and not just to get her into his bed. The way it had made her feel was indescribable. He treated her like an equal, an adult. She’d found it so irresistible and sexy. They’d been true partners, friends, and life mates.

  Their instant attraction to each other had caught both of them by surprise. Neither had been looking for a life mate and both knew there would be obstacles they would have to overcome. The first being Jacinda’s parents, who had been shocked when they found out about the relationship. Jacinda’s father, while older than Stephan, considered him a contemporary and not someone who should be interested in his daughter. It had taken some time, but eventually her father had come around, thanks to the prodding of her mother and once he saw how much they truly cared for each other.

  The next obstacle they had faced had been the Assemblymen of the House of Protection who felt Stephan should not be allowed to serve if his wife were from another House. It had been an uncertain time until King Jotham had finally weighed in stating that an Assemblyman’s wife did not need to be from the House of Protection for him to serve. While it had ended the debate, it hadn’t changed the attitudes of some. Jacinda had just ignored the snide comments made to her by some of the other wives. Over time, as Stephan became more influential and Jacinda had more than proven she was up to the task of being an Assemblyman’s wife, the comments ceased.

  ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞

  “Madame Michelakakis?”

  The voice of her housekeeper pulled Jacinda from her musings to find her standing only a few feet away.

  “What is it, Myesha?”

  “Madame, there is a messenger from the King at the door.”

  Jacinda frowned at Myesha’s words. Why in the world would one of the King’s messengers be coming here? Suddenly she realized the mistake. “He must be looking for Danton, Myesha. You can tell him his address.”

  “Yes, Madame, I thought that too, but Captain Deffand assured me his message is for you.”

  “Captain Deffand?” Jacinda didn’t try to hide her surprise. Deffand was the head of King Jotham’s security and had been for the last fifteen cycles. He wasn’t a messenger. What in the world was going on?

  Rising, Jacinda brushed the dirt from the knees of her pants then removed her gloves, dropping them into the basket of flowers she’d been cutting. Moving to Myesha, she handed her the basket. “Would you see to these for me please, Myesha, and I’ll go see what is going on.”

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  Jacinda absently raised a hand to her hair making sure it was still pulled back as she’d arranged it that morning. She remembered Captain Deffand. He had always been present when the King addressed the Assembly. He was a tall, good-looking man who took his duty very seriously. He had never taken a wife, at least he hadn’t when Stephan had been alive, but that could have changed in the last ten cycles.

  Entering the entryway, Jacinda saw that time hadn’t dimmed her image of the King’s Captain. He was still handsome and although he had aged as they all had, it looked good on him. The look in his eyes told her he still took his duty very seriously.

  “Captain Deffand, a pleasure to see you again.” Jacinda held out her hand and after only the slightest of hesitation, he shook it.

  “Madame Michelakakis, it is good to see you again too.”

  “Would you like to sit?” Jacinda gestured to the room behind her.

  “Thank you, but no. King Jotham asked that I deliver this to you.” Deffand held out the sealed envelope to her.

  “King Jotham?” Jacinda was frowning again as she took the envelope, trying to figure out why the King would be sending her a message, let alone have his Captain deliver it.

  “Yes, Madame. He also requested that I remain for your reply.”

  “Really,” Jacinda raised an elegant eyebrow as she turned the envelope over. Seeing that the King’s seal was still intact, she ran her finger underneath, breaking it. Pulling the single sheet out, she turned away from Deffand and read.

  Why did Jotham wish to speak to her? About what? Why in person? Thinking how she could rearrange her plans for the next day, she looked to Deffand.

  “Tell King Jotham I will be there at one tomorrow.”

  “I will let him know, Madame Michelakakis. A limisin will arrive here at 12:30 to transport you.”

  “No, Captain, I have some errands to run tomorrow. I will get myself to the Palace.”

  “But, Madame Michelakakis, the King…”

  “I will make sure I am on time, Captain. I remember how pressed for time the King always is.”

  “Yes, Madame Michelakakis.” Bowing, Deffand turned and left the residence.

  Chapter Two

  The next day, walking through the Public Wing of the House of Protection, Jacinda let the memories flow over her. It had been over ten cycles since she’d walked through this Wing. It was after the Annual Ball that welcomed in the new A
ssemblymen for the House of Protection. She and Stephan had attended as they always did and had enjoyed themselves immensely. They had chatted with longtime friends, nibbled on the delicious food and danced the night away. It had been an incredible evening. Less than a moon cycle later, she buried her life mate and she’d never entered the Palace again. Until today.

  Stephan’s office and that of every other Assemblyman’s was in the Assembly Hall in Pechora. It was a large building in the center of the City that when a full Assembly was in session had room for the Assemblymen from all the other Houses.

  The doors at the far end of the Public Wing blocked the first corridor that would lead to the King’s Wing. When she approached, she stopped.

  “Jacinda Michelakakis,” she told one of the guards protecting the door. “I have an appointment with King Jotham.”

  Just as the guard raised his communicator to confirm her appointment, the door behind him opened and Captain Deffand stepped out.”

  “Madame Michelakakis,” he nodded slightly to her.

  “Captain Deffand,” Jacinda returned his nod, smiling slightly. “As you can see I’m on time.”

  “I never thought you wouldn’t be, Madame Michelakakis. If you’ll follow me.” He gestured for her to proceed him down the corridor. “The King is waiting for you in his private office.”

  Jacinda’s eyebrow raised slightly at that, but she moved through the doorway. Why would Jotham want to speak to her in his private office?

  They walked without speaking for several minutes as Jacinda reacquainted herself with her surroundings. She had traveled down this corridor before. If you turned left at its end, you would enter the Guest Wing used for off-planet dignitaries. She’d gone there once with Stephan when he had a meeting. Jacinda had accompanied him so she could entertain the man’s wife. Turning right, you moved toward the Servant’s Wing where all the staff lived if they chose to.

  Guiding her to the right, Deffand led her passed the Servant’s Wing to another set of guarded doors. These led to the Royal Wing and the King’s Wing. The Royal Wing was to the right, and if she remembered correctly, it was where Queen Cassandra of the House of Knowledge had initially stayed when she arrived on Carina all those cycles ago. Before she’d been able to challenge Queen Yakira and claim her throne. What an amazing thing that had been. For a descendent of the lost Princess to actually return and reclaim her throne. Stephan would have loved to witness such a historic event. Unfortunately, he died two moon cycles before it occurred.

  “Madame Michelakakis?” Deffand’s question had her realizing she had stopped moving and was looking toward the Royal Wing. “Is everything alright?”

  “Yes, Captain, forgive me, I was just thinking back to when Queen Cassandra arrived and stayed in that Wing.” She nodded toward the Royal Wing. “Stephan would have loved to have witnessed the return of the true Queen.”

  “He was a good Assemblyman, Madame, and an even better man.”

  Jacinda looked up to the Captain and had to fight the tears that wanted to fill them at his sincere words. “He was, Captain, thank you for saying that.”

  “It is the truth, Madame. Assemblyman Michelakakis was well thought of and respected. His guidance in the Assembly has been sorely missed at times.” He gestured to the corridor to his left and they slowly began to walk toward the King’s Wing.

  “Yes. Well, while I may not have my finger on the pulse of the Assembly anymore,” she gave him a sideways smile. “I do still hear things and you’ve had your hands full lately.”

  “Yes, Madame,” he replied noncommittally.

  “So tell me, Captain, have you found your life mate yet?”

  “I… my what?” Deffand’s steps faltered.

  “Your life mate. The last I knew you were single.”

  “I… yes, I was and still am.”

  “That’s a shame, Captain.”

  “Shame, Madame?” Deffand raised his eyebrow at her, hearing the sincerity in her voice.

  “Yes. No one should go through this life alone, Captain. Especially not a man like you. You have dedicated your life to the protection of our King and in doing so, have protected his people.”

  “That is why I remain single, Madame.”

  “I don’t understand,” she frowned at him.

  “And neither do other women.”

  “No, Captain, what I don’t understand is why you feel your life mate wouldn’t understand your dedication to your King.”

  “I discovered early in my career, Madame, that women do not like to have a man leave unexpectedly with no explanation.”

  “That would be because they weren’t your life mate.”

  “You are saying you never became… upset with your husband, when he was suddenly called away?” Deffand’s tone was disbelieving.

  “Sometimes,” she admitted, “but being upset didn’t mean I didn’t understand. I knew who Stephan was before we had our Union and what it would mean. My father was also an Assemblyman, Captain. I grew up with him suddenly leaving, but Stephan and I also sat down and discussed it. If I couldn’t have accepted that part of his life, then we wouldn’t have had our Union.”

  “There are few woman that are that understanding, Madame,” Deffand told her quietly.

  “Oh, I don’t know about that. I believe the right woman for you is out there somewhere, Captain. You just haven’t met her yet. Perhaps I can help you with that.” Jacinda gave him a smile before her gaze traveled to the portraits hanging along the walls. They were the portraits of the past Kings and Queens of the House of Protection. She knew the only time they were moved was when a new King took the throne and then they were moved down allowing the reigning monarchs the place of honor next to the doors of the King’s Wing.

  As they moved closer to the doors, Jacinda was saddened to see that only Jotham’s portrait hung outside them. The space that had once held Lata’s portrait remained empty, as it had been since her death.

  Jacinda had never understood why Jotham had it removed. Maybe if he had taken another Queen, it would have been understandable, but he hadn’t…. She wondered where the beautiful portrait had gone.

  Deffand silently noted how Madame Michelakakis’ eyes paused on the space where the Queen’s portrait once hung. He hadn’t even been in the Academy at the time of Lata’s death, all those cycles ago. He remembered his shock the first day he’d been allowed to guard these doors and her portrait hadn’t been there. Looking at the current guards, he nodded and they silently opened the doors.

  Jacinda allowed Deffand to lead her into the King’s Wing. There had been a time when Lata had been alive, that she would come visit the Queen here. They would walk through the gardens and talk, but that had been in the very early cycles when they both had been new to their roles and responsibilities.

  ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞

  Jacinda and Stephan’s Union had only been six moon cycles old when Jotham assumed the throne and made Lata his Queen. There had been dissent in the Assembly about her and Stephan’s Union that Jotham’s father, King Kado, had done nothing to stop. Jotham had immediately taken action informing all that an Assemblyman’s spouse could come from another House, that only the heir to the throne must choose within it. It had been a relief to both her and Stephan.

  While Jacinda had grown up in politics, she had never actually dealt with the inner workings of the Assembly wives. Each one of the wives was trying to position themselves in the best possible way with the Queen to help their husband. Queen Johanna had already chosen those she favored and those she just tolerated. She hadn’t yet made up her mind about Jacinda before she had died.

  When Lata became Queen, there had been a mad scramble among the wives with each trying to become a member of Lata’s ‘inner circle’. Most were hoping to be able to take advantage of Lata’s youth and inexperience to forward their own agenda. Jacinda had been one of the few who had made no attempt. She had just silently watched as Lata carefully but calmly navigated the waves of comments and a
dvice flowing around her. She had never appeared flustered or agitated. She would thank them, saying she would consider their advice and then make a kind comment about either the woman or her husband before moving on. She had acted like an actual Queen.

  It was only when Jacinda found Lata in the garden one day, her shoulders slumped with her face in her hands, that Jacinda realized the toll it was taking on the young Queen. Lata and Jacinda’s younger sister, Palma, had been best friends in the Academy and while Jacinda was several cycles ahead of them, she still remembered Lata coming to their house during breaks. Lata had always been a smiling, outgoing girl ready with a kind word and a gentle touch. Seeing her like that had hurt Jacinda’s heart so she reached out to her.

  At first, it had been stiff, as Lata thought Jacinda too wanted something from her. However, over time Lata realized Jacinda was just offering her friendship, no strings attached, and they had become friends. Much to the consternation of the older wives.

  ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞

  “Madame Michelakakis?” Deffand’s quiet question had her realizing her mind had drifted again as she walked passed the familiar rooms. But now she stood before the doors to the King’s office, a place she had never been and it was time to put those memories away. Her smile told Deffand she was okay and he opened the door.

  Inside sat, a man Jacinda knew was Chesney, the King’s Personal Aide. He immediately rose as she entered.

  “Madame Michelakakis,” he greeted, “a pleasure to see you again.”

  “Mister Chesney, it’s been a long time.” Jacinda’s voice was as warm as her smile. “How is your family?”

  “Yes it has and they are well, thank you for asking. I will let King Jotham know you are here.” Turning, he went to the doors that his desk seemed to be guarding.

  “Madame Michelakakis,” Deffand moved to face her, “it has been a pleasure to escort you today.” He bowed slightly to her.

  “The pleasure was all mine, Captain. It’s been a long time since I’ve strolled down a corridor with a good-looking, young man.” Jacinda laughed softly when Deffand began to flush and couldn’t help but tease. “I will make sure to keep my eyes open for you.”