Jacinda's Challenge (Imperial 3)

  "Ready to show her who’s really in charge?" Jotham watched a smile bloom on her face making her even more radiant.

  "Oh, yes. I can't wait to see the look on her face."

  "Then let’s go show the people of Carina the most beautiful woman on the planet and the one that holds my heart."

  ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞

  Stephanie just stared at Peter to stunned to speak. She had been worried when he pulled her aside, thinking he was removing her from the security detail, but she never for a moment thought it could be for something like this.

  "Could you please repeat that?" she asked quietly.

  "Your mother has agreed to be Jotham's wife. Because of this, I need to pull you from the security detail."

  "No! This is where I need to be," she argued back.

  "Lieutenant..."

  "No sir, I mean it. I know this is where I need to be. It's a feeling that's been growing all day. Please, I understand what you are saying, but don't pull me off the security detail. Hardly anyone even knows I'm here. They'll be focused on Mom and Danton. Please."

  Peter gave her a considering look. His own instincts had saved him on more than one occasion. He needed to trust Stephanie's.

  "Alright, but if I see anyone overly interested in you, I'm pulling you. No questions asked. Agreed?"

  "Agreed." Spinning on her heel, Stephanie returned to her post along the wall behind the members from the House of Protection and while her eyes were sharp and clear her mind was in turmoil.

  ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞

  Danton stood talking to Assemblyman Terwilliger and his wife, Evadne, as the first of the Royals began to arrive. There was never any set pattern to who arrived when at these things. Except for the fact that the House hosting the Ball always arrived first so they could formally greet the other Royals.

  "So, Danton. How are you finding your first Royal Ball, so far?" Evadne asked him as she took a sip from her glass of wine.

  "I can honestly say it's been a life-changing experience," Danton replied blandly.

  "It can be, can't it?" Evadne agreed. "I just love this event. I just wish it happened more than once every five cycles."

  "I'm not sure our world could handle that." Danton's enigmatic reply had Evander giving him a sharp look.

  "Of course, we could," Evadne missed her husband's sharp look. "Your mother loved this event too. Oh, how I wish she were here. We always had the most amazing time together at these things, and her gowns.... they were always amazing. Queen Cassandra is the only one ever to come close to outdoing your mother. Just imagine what it would be like to have them both here together. It might make someone," her eyes went to Adelaide, "finally realize she has no fashion sense."

  Danton subtly looked to where Evadne's gaze had gone and nearly choked on his drink when he saw what Adelaide Pajari was wearing. While it was in House of Protection violet that was the only good thing that could be said about it. The gown that he assumed was supposed to enhance her bony, bird-like frame instead hung from it like weeds blown into a fence. The hair she'd pulled back from her sharp features only enhanced her bird-like appearance.

  After the cycles he'd watched his mother dress for these events and knew how much pride she took in being at his father's side, in supporting him, Adelaide standing beside Elliott was an affront to his senses.

  "I see what you mean," Danton finally replied to Evadne.

  Evadne was stopped from replying by the changing of the music announcing the arrival of the host Queen and King. All heads turned to watch the arrival of Cassandra and William, and they didn't disappoint. The High Admiral was wearing his Coalition uniform, and although he was the King of the House of Knowledge, his pants were still the deep violet with a black strip down the leg, representing the House of Protection. His jacket, the snowy white formal one all Coalition members wore, announced his rank on its collar while all the medals he'd earned filled his chest.

  At his side, her hand resting lightly on his arm walked Cassandra. Her gown was in a deep sapphire blue that made her eyes stand out, but stitched across its bodice were violet crystals showing her support of her husband and his House. On her head was the smaller royal crown she had chosen for the event because of its weight and the short royal robe that she wore just over her shoulders so it cascaded down her back to just reach the floor.

  They paused for just a moment inside the entrance, allowing everyone to see them and the polite applause to die down. Then they moved through the crowd, nodding occasionally to those they knew until they reached the official 'royal' area where they would welcome the others.

  One by one the other Houses arrived. First the House of Faith, then the House of Growth, followed by the House of Healing. All moving to Cassandra and William to be officially welcomed to the House of Knowledge. A low buzz began to fill the room as everyone waited for the arrival of the last house, the House of Protection. Some were wondering why it was the last to arrive when normally it was among the first. Jotham liked to leave early, as he had no Queen, but perhaps it was because Barek would be accompanying him this cycle. His first Royal Ball.

  Danton could feel his own tension growing as the moment was fast approaching that would change not only his life but also that of their world. Earlier he'd seen Stephanie standing her post behind him and the look they exchanged told him she knew what would be happening that night. Now he took a slight step back wanting to see the Pajaris' reaction to what was about to happen.

  "Danton, is something wrong?" Evander asked noticing the move.

  "No, I just wanted a better view."

  "Then you need to move closer not further away. Here, you can have my spot, I've been seeing this for cycles."

  "No, Evander, thank you but I'm fine right here."

  "You're sure?"

  "Yes."

  Just then the music changed, announcing that the House of Protection had arrived and Evander turned around.

  ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞

  Barek waited in the common living area of the Royal Wing, wearing his Coalition dress uniform of purple pants and white jacket. He knew he should probably be wearing his more 'royal' attire, but tonight wasn't about him and he wanted to be able to help protect Jacinda if he needed to. He couldn’t move as well in the royal trappings of a robe and crown. So instead, he'd chosen this.

  "My, don't you look handsome, Barek." Jacinda's words had him looking up to find her and his father entering the room.

  "Thank you."

  "If I were thirty cycles younger, you'd be giving your father a run for his credits." Reaching out, she instinctively straightened one of the medals on his chest that was crooked, as she would have for one of her own children. "There, now you look perfect."

  Barek found himself blushing at Jacinda's words and a warmth filled his heart that she would take the time and cared enough to correct something he'd missed. It was something he realized his own mother would have done had she been there. "Thank you." He gave his father a teasing look. "And anytime you want to lose the old man...."

  "Stop flirting with my woman!" Jotham demanded, but he was smiling as he said it. "Give me a run for my credits," he huffed, pulling her away from Barek so her back was flush against his chest. "This boy doesn't know nearly enough to handle a woman like you."

  Jacinda looked over her shoulder and smiled at him. "You know you're the only man I want, Jotham Tibullus, but that doesn't mean I can't enjoy looking at a handsome man. Especially one that's the spitting image of you."

  Jotham found he couldn't argue with that and as his eyes ran over his first son he felt a surge of pride that had never been there with Dadrian. He'd finally made his peace with that, and with what had happened, thanks to Jacinda. Now it was time to get on with the rest of his life.

  "You know, Barek," Jacinda touched the circlet in her hair. "We never asked if you were okay with this."

  "Of course I'm okay with it!" Barek gave her a somewhat shocked look. "You've made my father a very happy man and given my
mother back to not only me but to our people. I know she would approve of this so I'm extremely okay with it."

  "Given your mother back?" Jacinda looked from Barek to Jotham in confusion.

  "I placed Lata's portrait back alongside mine in the King's Wing."

  "You did?" Jacinda felt her eyes soften, knowing what it had taken for him to do that. "Oh, Jotham...."

  "It's where she's always belonged," he told her firmly. "Not hidden away and forgotten by most, and soon your portrait will hang on the other side of mine."

  "But..." The King's portrait was always closest to the door.

  "It is what I want, for everyone to see the women I love, on either side of me."

  "I... Alright... if that's what you want."

  "It is."

  A knock on the door had them all turning before it opened and Deffand entered, followed by Green. The hall behind them was filled with the men from both guards.

  "Majesties," Deffand bowed to all three. "It's time."

  "Why is Kort here?" she asked looking to Jotham. "He and his men were supposed to have the night off."

  "That was before we were informed of your change in status, Majesty," Deffand spoke first.

  "But..."

  "It's necessary, Jacinda," Jotham informed her. "Let them do their job. It makes them feel needed."

  Jotham's words caused every man to stiffen.

  "They are needed!" Jacinda immediately defended the guards. "They perform a very important and dangerous duty!"

  Barek hid his smile. He knew exactly what his father was doing. Not only was he causing Jacinda to accept the guards presence, but by her defending them, he was cementing their loyalty to her.

  "Then what are we arguing about?" Jotham asked gently and watched Jacinda open her mouth to only close it again, her expressive eyebrow shooting up.

  "Sneaky, my love, very sneaky. I see I'm going to have my hands full with you."

  "That you are," he agreed. "Shall we go?"

  Taking a deep breath, she nodded, "Yes."

  ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞

  Deffand and the King's guard took the lead while Green and the Queen's followed behind, surrounding the Royals with their protection. Jacinda and Jotham walked in front while Barek walked to her left and just slightly behind.

  Jotham could feel the tension growing in Jacinda with every step they took, her grip on his arm tightening.

  "Relax, my love. It will be fine."

  Jotham's words drew Barek's gaze and he too could see her tension. He didn't like it, and raised his gaze to his father but found Jotham had stopped and turned Jacinda toward him causing everyone to stop.

  "We don't have to do this right now if you want more time to become comfortable with everything before we announce our engagement," Jotham told her. "I just felt this would be the easiest way. I'm sorry. I should have consulted you first. Barek can represent the House of Protection. Jotham's hands went to the latch on his robe, ready to remove it to give to Barek.

  "No," Jacinda covered his hand with hers stopping him, her eyes full of love but firm. "You have nothing to be sorry for and now is the perfect time. I'm the one who's sorry. I shouldn't be this nervous; I have you at my side." Stretching up slightly, she gently kissed his lips. "Let’s do this." Turning, she nodded to Deffand and they started to walk again.

  As they exited the more secure wing, Jacinda could hear the music change announcing the arrival of a Royal, and knew her life was about to change forever. Smiling, she knew she was ready for it too.

  Chapter Thirty-Four

  The guards parted and moved to the side and slightly behind as they reached the entrance to the Ball. Their move allowed the Royals to be seen, but they could still react quickly if the need arose.

  The applause that immediately began as the guards parted started to dwindle as people realized that someone was standing between Jotham and Barek. A low murmur began to ripple through all of the Houses, and even the Royals, as people began to not only recognize who stood between them but that she wore the betrothal circlet.

  Doing something never before done at the entrance of a King, Jotham turned Jacinda toward him and kissed her, so there would be no doubt that she was to be his Queen.

  Jacinda put a startled hand on his chest but returned the kiss whole-heartedly. Her nerves had passed and she was now ready to take her place next to the man she loved.

  When the kiss ended, Jotham held out his arm and Jacinda confidently placed her hand on it allowing him to lead her through the crowd and toward her new life.

  ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞

  "Oh, my...." Evadne Terwilliger's faintly spoken words seemed to echo the feelings of the entire contingency from the House of Protection especially those that recognized Jacinda. Never, had the House of Protection shone so brightly or appeared so regal and it was all due to Jacinda.

  The embellishments on the gown she wore resembled the well-worn gold of the House of Healing, but when combined with the House of Protection violet, it seemed to represent something more, the healing of a House.

  Evander spun around to give Danton an assessing look, one that Danton silently returned. "You have some explaining to do, young man."

  "I don't think there's anything that needs to be explained. Do you?"

  Evander turned back to look at Jacinda walking up to the other Royals, the bridal circlet seeming to glow on her head and smiled. "No, I guess there's not."

  "No!" Adelaide gasped not caring who heard her. "No! That is not possible!"

  "And why is that?" Danton asked, watching as Adelaide Pajari's face became nearly as violet as her obnoxious gown as her gaze followed his mother's progress toward the other Royals.

  "Because she's not even from the House of Protection," Adelaide spat out her eyes still on Jacinda.

  "I believe the King is well aware of that," Evander told her.

  "Then he should know that this breaks the Law!" Adelaide rounded on the elder Assemblyman and Danton quickly stepped between them.

  "There is nothing in the law that states the King must wed within his House." Danton's eyes were hard as he looked down at the woman who he now realized was poisonous to his House. "Only that the heir must. That was established with Queen Cassandra's Union to the High Admiral."

  "That doesn't matter! In addition, someone like you will not lecture me! This is the House of Protection and that woman," her arm arrowed out to point at Jacinda, "doesn't belong in it.

  Danton's eyes narrowed, "I'm sure the King would love to hear your opinion of his future Queen, Madame Pajari, and before you say anything else let me remind you that she is also my mother and I will not tolerate you speaking ill of her in my presence."

  "How dare you!" Adelaide puffed out her chest indignantly. "I'm..."

  "The wife of an Assemblyman." Danton's eyes were hard as they met hers. "While I am an Assemblyman. Perhaps you need to be reminded of your place in this House."

  "How dare you! Elliott!" Adelaide turned to her husband for support.

  "Shut. Up. Adelaide." Elliott told her in short, sharp sentences causing everyone there to look at him in shock, including Adelaide. "Assemblyman Michelakakis, I apologize for my wife. She has been unwell for some time and I believe it would be for the best if we were to excuse ourselves."

  "I think that would be best," Danton agreed and watched as Elliott dragged his struggling wife away, the other members of their Assembly parting to allow them a rapid exit.

  ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞

  Cassandra didn't try to hide her smile as Jacinda and Jotham approached, even though she was as surprised as everyone else. She had never doubted Jotham's feelings for Jacinda, but she thought it would take him a little while longer to propose. It seemed Jotham was a lot like William, once he found the woman he wanted, he didn't waste any time making her his.

  "I, Queen Cassandra and my King, High Admiral William Zafar, would like to formally welcome the House of Protection to the House of Knowledge. Welcome, King Jotham, future Que
en Jacinda and Prince Barek." Cassandra recited the formal greeting that was standard at the Royal Ball. Cassandra found the rhetoric tedious, and it was only because William's hand lightly squeezed her waist, that she stopped her eyes from rolling as she spoke.

  "Thank you, Queen Cassandra. King William." Jotham's lips twitched as he used the title he knew irritated his life-long friend. The slight narrowing of William's eyes was William's only response, but it told Jotham he would get even as he recited the required reply. "On behalf of the House of Protection, it is an honor to be here."

  "Thank you, Queen Cassandra. High Admiral Zafar," Jacinda used the title Cassandra had used, knowing it was what Will preferred. When she automatically went to bow her head, Cassandra's quietly hissed 'No' stopped her and Jacinda's eyes flew to hers.

  "You are a Queen now, Jacinda," Cassandra whispered for her ears only. "You bow to no one."

  "She's right," Jotham leaned over to whisper in her ear. "I'm sorry, I should have said something."

  "Queen Cassandra. High Admiral Zafar. I also wish to thank you." Barek spoke, drawing everyone's attention as his father quietly spoke to Jacinda. "It is truly an honor to be here."

  "Prince Barek," Cassandra stepped outside of protocol and gave him an honest, open smile. "The pleasure is all ours."

  "Thank you, Queen Cassandra, and might I just ask, how is it you grow more beautiful every time I see you?" His words had the High Admiral grunting at him in displeasure as Cassandra laughed.

  "You, Prince Barek, are truly incorrigible. Just like a few other House of Protection men I know." Cassandra's eyes traveled from Barek to her husband.

  "I do not believe it is just the men from the House of Protection, Queen Cassandra," King Yusuf stepped up now that the formal greetings had been finished. "The men from the House of Healing can be just as incorrigible, given the chance. Prince Barek, wonderful to see you again."