Jacinda's Challenge (Imperial 3)

  "People change, Stephanie, time changes us and life changes us. I don't know if Jotham will make Jacinda his Queen, but I do know he loves her. All you have to do is see them together to know it." When Stephanie didn't answer, he asked her a question. "Let me ask you this, if the situation were reversed. If you fell in love with a man, a good man, a man who loved you and wanted to share his life with you. If that happened and your mother felt, you needed to give him up because it might interfere in her life. Would you?"

  "Of course not! She's my mother! All she's ever wanted is my happiness."

  "But you don't want that for her. Should she have died with your father?

  Stephanie paled at the accusation. "No!"

  "Then let her live, Stephanie. Let her love and be a part of it, be her daughter."

  "It's not that easy."

  "It is if you let it be. Family is a precious thing, Stephanie. I know that better than anyone. You don't want to lose yours because of your selfishness."

  "I... I'll think about what you've said, Captain."

  "Do that. Now get back out there and don't let Woodrow take you down again."

  "Yes, Sir." Spinning on her heel, she left the room.

  ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞

  "King Jotham?"

  Jotham looked up from the comm in his office to find Deffand standing there looking slightly ill at ease.

  "Deffand, I'm in for the night," he told him.

  "Yes, Majesty, I know. I was hoping I might be able to have a word with you."

  "Of course," Jotham eased back in his chair. "What can I do for you?"

  "I... something was brought to my attention that I feel you should know about."

  "Alright." He didn't think he had ever seen Deffand this uncomfortable before.

  "It concerns Jacinda."

  Jotham was immediately on his feet. "Has something happened to her? Is she hurt?" She had only left the night before, deciding it would be easier if she slept on the flight to Kisurri so she could wake refreshed and start her day. He hated watching her get on his shuttle without him, hated knowing he would be sleeping alone for the next few nights.

  "No! No, Majesty! I never meant to imply that!"

  "Then what?!!" Jotham demanded, his heart still pounding in fear.

  "There have been some comments made about Jacinda, to Jacinda, that I don't believe you have been made aware of."

  "Comments?" Jotham slowly sat down. "What kind of comments? Made by who?"

  "Madame Adelaide Pajari."

  Jotham groaned. He knew this wasn't going to be good. "What happened?"

  "Apparently, Madame Pajari confronted Jacinda in the Public Wing about her not belonging there and demanded she be escorted out of the Palace."

  "She what?"

  Jotham's voice had gone colder and more lethal than Deffand had ever heard it. "Green was following Jacinda, per your orders and witnessed the entire thing. When he stepped forward to interfere, Madame Pajari took it that he had come to her aid, as she is an Assemblyman's wife. Before Green could correct her, Jacinda asked him to escort her out of the room."

  "And he did it?"

  "Green's immediate concern was to get Jacinda away from a possible threat. I went back and reviewed the recordings. Madame Pajari was acting erratically."

  "And why am I just finding out about this now?"

  "Green believed Jacinda would tell you about it and that you would then send out a clear and detailed directive in regard to how these situations were to be handled with your..."

  "With my?" Jotham asked.

  "Companion, Majesty," Deffand replied quietly.

  "Companion!" Jotham shot back out of his chair. "Green called Jacinda my companion?!!"

  "No, Majesty," Deffand immediately denied. "Jacinda called herself that and informed him that he would have to get used to it, because once it became known the two of you were involved, there would be more comments made."

  "Fuck!" Jotham ran an angry hand through his hair and began to pace behind his desk, his eyes flying to the empty space where Lata had been. Why hadn't he considered this? Yes, there were Royals, both men, and women, that had what was politely called 'companions' because many of those Unions were politically motivated like Yakira's, instead of love matches. And while companions were often seen at small private gatherings when the spouse isn't present, they were never acknowledged in public. But Jotham had no spouse, so he hadn't considered it an issue.

  "She never said a word," Jotham whispered.

  "I gathered that, as did Green, as the weeks passed."

  "So why didn't Green tell me?" When Deffand again looked uncomfortable, Jotham frowned. "Deffand?"

  "Green knew Jacinda would be upset when you were informed, and he didn't want her upset at him."

  Jotham's lips twitched at the thought that one of his Royal Guards would be afraid of upsetting Jacinda. "So he wants her upset at you instead."

  "So it would seem," Deffand agreed.

  "Thank you for bring this to my attention. I will take care of it."

  "I... yes, Majesty."

  "You have something else you wish to say, Deffand?"

  "I... I just want to say that I have the greatest of respect for Jacinda. She is a truly kind woman, and..."

  "And?"

  "And if someone makes an inappropriate comment about her or to her, in front of me, I don't care who they are I will shut them up painfully." Deffand's eyes glittered at the thought.

  Now Jotham did smile. "I will give you a medal for it too. Thank you, Nicholas, and I promise you no one will be making inappropriate comments about Jacinda."

  Chapter Thirty-Two

  "Jacinda, thank you so much for coming early." Kia walked up, her hands flying as she spoke.

  "It wasn't a problem, Kia, not when you didn't complain about making my gown."

  "As if. Clothing you is a joy. How is it that after all these cycles your measurements have hardly changed?"

  Jacinda laughed, "Oh, Kia, you are so good for my ego."

  "You are good for my business. It's only going to take one look at you wearing this gown at the Ball and every woman on the planet is going to be pounding on my door. Come. Let’s make sure everything is perfect."

  "Oh, Kia," Jacinda whispered moments later as she looked at the image reflected back at her in the mirror. "This is amazing."

  Kia stood behind her, a satisfied look on her face, as she ran a critical eye over the gown. She really had outdone herself this time. The gown had changed, grown since its original drawing a month ago. It was the same, form-fitting sheath, with no sleeves, that clung to her figure. The applique had taken on a life of its own. Once Kia had started applying the beads, she realized she needed to go bold or go home. Instead of the beading just along the hem, she filled the lower quarter with waterfalls full of beads that pooled around Jacinda's feet, arranged in such a way that House of Protection violet shone through as the royal crown. After that, the upper half of the dress demanded more and Kia had answered. She continued the crown theme across the bodice, knowing Jacinda could carry it off. Then on a whim, she'd inverted the design so it accentuated the curve of her hips. It truly was one of Kia's best works.

  "Walk," she ordered watching the movement of the gown carefully. "You need higher heels. Zee!" Kia clapped her hands together and the assistant came running. "Four inch heels."

  With just a nod, Zee hurried away to get the shoes.

  "Kia, four inch? Are you sure?"

  "The dress will hang better and you won't have to worry about stepping on the hem, not even when you're dancing." She looked up at Jacinda and knew her concern. "Jotham will still be taller than you by several inches, Jacinda."

  "You're sure?"

  "Yes. The two of you together... I will be glued to my comm watching how stunning the two of you will look together."

  Jacinda blushed, "Thank you, Kia."

  "No thanks needed. Now," she said as Zee entered the room, "lift your foot." As Jacinda did Kia c
hanged her shoes. "Now try it again."

  Jacinda did and found Kia was right, as usual, the dress did flow better and was just off the floor enough so she wouldn't worry about stepping on it. "You were right."

  "Of course I was," Kia told her absently her eyes still on the dress. "Turn. Good. Stop." Kia came up closer, inspecting the beading that flowed along the back of her hip. "The beading is a little loose back here. I will have it fixed and will personally deliver it to the Palace tomorrow."

  "Alright." Jacinda turned giving herself one last look in the mirror unable to believe how beautiful the gown was. "Thank you, Kia, I truly love it."

  "You are most welcome, Jacinda."

  ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞

  Jotham sat in his living room and stared at the velvet box that he had placed on the table before him. He had personally gone into the Royal vault to retrieve this particular item, not wanting anyone else to know about it. He wasn't sure what he was feeling as he looked at the box. He never planned on using it again. Had believed Barek would be the next one to, but here he was.

  Reaching out, he opened the front latches that held the box closed. Then swinging the sides out, opened it to reveal the betrothal circlet for the House of Protection. It was the sign that she willingly accepted the responsibility and duties that came with her Union to the heir. Or in this case, to the King.

  It was a simple piece really, especially in comparison to the crown each Queen designed for herself. This was the only thing they all wore, made of gold mined many millennium ago and studded with large, square-cut violet gems that the House of Protection drew its color from. It glowed as it sat in its velvet home, but he knew it would glow even more when Jacinda wore it.

  He thought about it before Deffand had informed him what happened with Adelaide Pajari. However, he and Jacinda had wanted to take this slow, even though he had insisted that she attend the Ball with him. He hadn't considered what accepting that would cost her, she had and yet she had still agreed. The moment he had moved Lata's portrait back to where it belonged, he'd known he was going to ask Jacinda to be his next Queen. Never to replace Lata, but to be his Queen on her own terms. Well, at least her own terms once she accepted him because they were not appearing at the Royal Ball until she was wearing this circlet.

  He knew there would be those that would protest the Union because Jacinda wasn't born into the House of Protection, but the precedent had already been established with Cassandra's Union. It was only the heir to the throne, who must wed within his or her own House. He wanted Jacinda, and he was going to have her as his wife and as his Queen.

  Closing the box, he went and placed it in his luggage. He wanted to be with Jacinda. He missed her and for once he was going to put his needs first. Walking over to his comm, he contacted Chesney.

  "Notify everyone that we are leaving for Kisurri as soon as my shuttle is readied."

  "Yes, Majesty. I will make the necessary calls."

  ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞

  Jotham was shocked when less than two hours later every member of his travel staff along with his security were on board the shuttle, not one of them looking frazzled.

  "Deffand!"

  "Yes, Majesty?" Deffand was immediately at his side.

  "You had no problem getting all the security force here?"

  "No, Majesty." At Jotham's disbelieving look, Deffand's face cracked into a smile. "We have all been packed and ready to leave since Jacinda departed, Majesty. I actually won the pool."

  "The pool?" Jotham quizzed.

  "We all bet on how long it would take after Jacinda left, before you would be following her." Deffand gave him an unapologetic, smug look.

  "Have I become that predictable?"

  "Only in that you hate being separated from her. I hope to one day be that predictable." Deffand's expression became neutral again. "Was there anything else, Majesty?"

  "No, Nicholas, and thank you for everything. I'll make sure Jacinda doesn't stay 'upset' for too long."

  "Greatly appreciated, Majesty."

  ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞

  "Is my drawing really hanging on the wall in your house? Like one of those?" Brett pointed to the masterpieces hanging on the walls as they ate first meal.

  "It really is," Jacinda told Brett. "My daughter-in-law framed it beautifully. You will have to come visit so you can see it."

  "Can we, Mom? Can we go to Jacinda's house?" Brett turned excited eyes to his mother.

  "We'll have to see. But you realize if we go you will miss your lessons with Mister Johns."

  "Oh yeah, I like those," Brett frowned obviously conflicted.

  "Maybe when there is a break, you and your parents could come visit," Jacinda suggested.

  "Mom?"

  "We'll see, Brett. Right now you need to get going or you'll be late for class."

  "Okay." Gathering up his things, Brett ran from the room. "Oh, sorry, King Jotham! I'm late," he said as his bag bumped into Jotham just entering the room.

  "No harm done, Brett. Have a good day." But he was talking to empty space.

  Jacinda spun around in her chair at Jotham's voice. "Jotham! You weren't supposed to be here until tonight!" She was immediately up and in his arms.

  "Well, I came early." Leaning down he captured her lips in a hard kiss. "I missed you."

  Jacinda felt her eyes go misty. "I missed you too. Have you eaten yet? I think there's some left."

  "Right, after those four little monsters got done? Good luck with that." Will smiled at Jotham. "I'll contact Hutu and tell him to send up another plate. The usual, Jotham?"

  "Actually, I'm good. I had first meal on the shuttle." He gave Will a hard look. "Do you have some time?"

  "Sure. Here or my office?"

  "Here is fine, I think Jacinda would like to hear this. Cassandra too."

  "I need to get to my trainees. Will, you'll fill me in later?" Peter asked rising from the table.

  "Yes."

  "I have a meeting with Director Metaxas unless you need me here." Cyndy rose too.

  "I see no reason for you to be here," Jotham spoke.

  "Come on, Pixie, I'll walk you to your limisin."

  "I can get there myself you know," Cyndy teased.

  "Yeah, but then I don't get to watch your cute ass as you walk."

  "Peter Chamberlain! What am I going to do with you?" Peter's response was lost as they walked away.

  "It's good to see them so happy," Will said quietly. "We owe a lot of that to you, Jacinda."

  "You would have figured it out yourself. I just sped up the process."

  "It would be nice to think that, but I'm not so sure." He looked to Jotham. "Let’s at least have some coffee. I need it. It seems Sabah is getting her first tooth and she only wanted me to hold her."

  "And you savored every minute of it," Cassandra challenged sweeping into the room.

  "I did, but I still need coffee. Pittaluga’s coffee."

  "You have totally ruined him, Jacinda. When I met him, William would drink sludge. Now... it's Pittaluga coffee or nothing."

  "I'm so sorry," Jacinda responded without a hint of remorse in her voice.

  "Yeah, I can tell." Picking up the coffee tray before William could pour a cup, Cassandra carried it to the sitting area that overlooked the garden.

  "I could have done that, Cassandra," William protested.

  "Before or after you drank half the pot?" she asked.

  William had the decency to blush.

  "That's what I thought. Jacinda?" Cassandra looked to her.

  "I'd love some. Thank you, Cassandra."

  "Jotham?"

  "Please."

  "Cassandra...."

  "Guests first, William." Slowly, very slowly Cassandra poured William a cup of the so desired brew, then handed it to him laughing. "You are so bad, William Zafar."

  "I'll show you bad," he told her before taking a long sip of the coffee. "Later, when we're alone."

  Cassandra just blushed in response.
r />   After several moments of everyone enjoying their coffee, William finally spoke. "Well, I have some news concerning those transmissions between Pajari and Stannic."

  "Transmissions?" Jacinda raised a questioning brow at Jotham.

  "Yes, you know that Rogue Stannic, an Assemblyman for the House of Knowledge was arrested."

  "Yes, but mostly it has been pretty hush-hush," Jacinda admitted.

  "He wanted me dead," Cassandra informed her bluntly. "Me and all my children."

  "I..." Jacinda looked at Cassandra in shock before her eyes pinned William. "Why is he still alive?"

  Jotham started to chuckle. "I didn't know you were such a blood-thirsty thing, my love."

  "I'm not. Not normally, but Stannic has always been a fucking little foabhor. I just never thought he'd take it to such extremes."

  Silence greeted Jacinda's heartfelt statement.

  "What?" she asked looking at the three shocked faces.

  "Where did you ever learn a phrase like that?" Jotham finally asked.

  "Oh please," Jacinda waved a dismissive hand. "I did go to the same Academy you did and I served in the Coalition. It's not like I haven't heard it or said it before."

  "Yeah, but you are usually so... polite and... tactful," William said.

  Cassandra snorted causing Jacinda to look at her and the silent look they exchanged said. 'Men!'

  "So back to this transmission?" she queried.

  "After going through his comm it was discovered he was communicating regularly with someone in the House of Protection."

  Jacinda didn't even hesitate, "Pajari."

  Everyone in the room looked at her in shock once again.

  "What now?" Jacinda demanded.

  "How could you possibly have known that?!!" William demanded.

  "Because they are both purists. They believe anyone who isn't from a 'pure' bloodline is beneath them."

  "That is absolutely ridiculous!" William scoffed. "There is no such thing as a 'pure' bloodline, not even their own."

  "I wouldn't try telling them that." Jacinda gave him a long look. "So I assume the communications were related to Barek and whom he would choose as his Queen."