Jacinda's Challenge (Imperial 3)

  "King Yusuf," Barek acknowledged the greeting.

  "Jotham," Yusuf turned his attention to him.

  "Yusuf," Jotham returned the greeting already knowing whom Yusuf really wanted to speak.

  "And Jacinda...." Yusuf let his eyes travel over her, lingering a little longer than was polite. "It's been a long time."

  "It has Yusuf," Jacinda acknowledged. "Over fifteen cycles, if I'm not mistaken. When the Royal Ball was held at the House of Healing."

  "Yes, you attended it with your husband. An Assemblyman from the House of Protection?"

  "Yes. Stephan. He's been with the ancestors for ten cycles now."

  "He has?" Yusuf frowned. "I'm sorry. I wasn't aware of that fact."

  "Why would you be? As you said, Stephan was from the House of Protection."

  "Yes, but you are from the House of Healing, the daughter of one of our Assemblyman. I should have been made aware of such a thing. After all, our families have been close for generations." Yusuf moved a step closer invading Jacinda's personal space. "Had I known, I would have assisted you in your time of need."

  Jacinda felt Jotham stiffen at her side and knew he understood exactly how Yusuf meant to 'assist' her. "While I appreciate the sentiment, Yusuf," Jacinda gave him a hard look. She wasn't going to let anyone, King or not, talk to her like that. "It is unnecessary and unwanted. While honored to say I was born in the House of Healing, my true destiny has always been tied to the House of Protection. It's where I belong. Standing beside the man I love." Jacinda's gaze traveled to the woman who was coming up to stand behind Yusuf. "Hello, Pima, you are looking as wonderful as ever."

  "Jacinda." Pima put a hand on her husband's arm not acknowledging the compliment. "This is a surprise."

  "It's good to see you too," Jacinda answered as if Pima had given the appropriate response. "How are your children?"

  Manners finally kicked in forcing Pima to reply. "They are well. And yours?"

  "Fine. Just fine."

  Cassandra signaled for the music before turning to William, "I believe that we should start the Ball. Shall we, my love?"

  Lifting her hand, William kissed the ring he placed there at their Union. "It would be an honor, my love." With that, he led her to the floor.

  "Jacinda?" Jotham held out his arm.

  "That would be truly lovely." She took his arm and let him lead her away.

  Soon every Royal followed and the Ball officially began.

  ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞

  "What do you think you are doing, Elliott?!!" Adelaide demanded ripping her arm from his as he pulled her from the room.

  "I am stopping you from making a complete idiot of yourself. King Jotham knows exactly what he's doing and he is within the law! Do you want to be arrested for threatening the King and his future Queen?"

  Elliott's mind was flying. He needed to get out of here and disappear. Tonight! Everything was now making perfect sense. The in-depth investigation into the Sokol Corporation had to be because Jacinda told Jotham about Stephan's investigation. An investigation he'd stopped after Stephan's death. If that was true, then they were much closer to discovering his deceit then he ever imagined.

  "No one would dare arrest me," railed Adelaide.

  "You truly believe that, don't you?" Elliott looked at her in disbelief. "That the King is going to defer to you? You have lost your mind, Adelaide. No one will support you against King Jotham including me."

  "I always knew you were weak, Elliott."

  "Better weak than crazy, Adelaide. Now I am leaving. Are you coming?"

  "No! Someone has to keep this atrocity from happening." With that, Adelaide stormed back into the Ball.

  Elliott watched Adelaide leave in disbelief. He moved toward one of the guards to inform them that she could be a possible threat then paused. If he warned them, they would prevent him from leaving and he needed to leave, get Bebe, and get off this planet.

  Spinning on his heel he pulled his comm out of his pocket and left the House of Knowledge.

  ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞

  Jotham pulled Jacinda close, not caring what was considered a 'proper' distance. He needed her in his arms, needed to feel her body pressed against him. Yusuf's words had infuriated him. For that little foabhor, King or not, to insinuate something like that to Jacinda... What would he have said if she had attended as his companion instead of his future Queen?

  "It's alright, Jotham." Jacinda let her fingers lightly graze the skin along the back of his neck trying to ease the tension she felt there.

  "It's not." His eyes bore into hers as his hand tightened on her hip. "He had no right!"

  "He's been brought up to believe he does." She continued to let her fingers caress his neck as they moved around the room flawlessly together. "It's one of the things I immediately noticed about you at the Academy. You never expected special treatment, never demanded it. You were the first heir I ever met that didn't act entitled. After meeting your parents all those cycles later, I have to say it surprises me."

  Jotham found his humor return and he relaxed at Jacinda's words. "I owe that to Will and his parents more than my own," he told her. "I spent a lot of time with them growing up, especially in the summers up at their cabin. Will's mother was a no-nonsense woman and she treated me no differently than she treated her own son. Sometimes I wished she would, especially if she caught me trying to sneak a treat when I'd already been told no."

  "She put you in your place, did she?" Jacinda smiled up at him.

  "Yes, she did. I truly grieved when she met the ancestors."

  "I wish I could've met her."

  "She would've liked you," Jotham told her. "You would've liked her. She would've reacted just as you did when I requested you help me with Amina. Actually, you let me off easy compared to what Candee Zafar would've done to me."

  "Really? I'll have to remember that," Jacinda teased. When the music began to fade away, she realized that they had been dancing and talking the entire time in front of every Assemblyman on the planet. Not to mention everyone watching the broadcast. Slowly she and Jotham separated and then turned to approach the Assemblymen of the House of Protection.

  ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞

  Danton, along with every other person in the room, watched as his mother danced with Jotham as though she'd been born to be with him and maybe she had.

  No longer was she just his mother.

  No longer was she his father's wife.

  Now she was a Queen and she shone like one.

  Now everyone saw her for who she really was, including himself, and he was in awe to be able to call her Mother. Turning slightly to his right, he caught Stephanie's gaze and saw she was thinking the same thing and he knew Ethan sitting at home watching was too.

  As the music ended, his attention turned back to the floor and he watched Jotham lead his mother toward the remaining representatives from the House of Protection.

  "I believe an explanation is in order." Evander Terwilliger's words brought Danton's attention back to the front.

  "Since when am I required to explain myself to you, Assemblyman Terwilliger?" Jotham demanded somewhat shocked that Evander, of all people, was the one confronting them.

  "Pardons, Majesty," Evander quickly responded. "But with all due respect, I wasn't addressing you." He turned his attention to Jacinda. "You, young lady, have some explaining to do. I have known you for nearly forty cycles... couldn't you have given me a little heads up?"

  Jacinda threw her head back and laughed. Evander was the only one here that could get away with calling her a 'young lady’ in that parental-tone everyone remembered from their own childhood.

  "Oh, Evander... you've always been able to make me laugh." Jacinda leaned over to kiss his cheek. "Thank you."

  "Anytime you need to, I am always available, my Queen."

  And with that, a man Jacinda had always respected gave her a deep, formal bow. Immediately, every other man from the House of Protection followed suit while the women
all gave her a deep curtsy. Jacinda felt her eyes fill at their acceptance.

  "You may all rise," Jotham told them gruffly, their immediate acceptance of Jacinda touching him as well. "And thank you. It means a great deal to the both of us. Now this is a Ball, so it is time we all enjoy ourselves." After that, everyone started to talk and mingle.

  "Jacinda!" Evadne immediately grabbed on to Jacinda's hand and pulled her to the side. "Look at you! You're glowing!"

  "I am so happy, Evadne."

  "It shows. Oh!" Evadne immediately dropped Jacinda's hands as Royals guards moved closer. "I am so sorry! I should never have touched you!"

  "Evadne," Jacinda immediately picked Evadne's hands back up and gave the guards a hard glare that had them retreating. "From nearly the moment I arrived in Pechora, you have guided me, supported me, have been my mentor, and a true friend. I hope that will continue because now, more than ever, I will need that friendship."

  "It would be a true honor to assist you, Majesty." And again Evadne curtsied to her.

  "Mother." Danton walked up to her and kissed her cheek. "May I have the honor of a dance? With your permission, of course, King Jotham." Danton looked to Jotham.

  "Really? You feel you have to ask if you can dance with your mother?" Jacinda raised an eyebrow at her son.

  "Tonight? Yes," Danton replied undaunted by his mother's eyebrow. "Tonight is a night of firsts and I want to start out on the right foot. I think we all do."

  "You will always be on the right foot with me, Danton, as long as you don't step on my toes as you once did."

  Danton tipped his head back and laughed. "I will try not to. Shall we?" he asked holding out his arm to her.

  "I would love to."

  Jotham watched as Danton led his mother to the floor. He didn't even think they noticed how others parted for them.

  "My King," Jotham turned as Evander spoke to him. "I realize my opinion does not matter, but I would like to say I have never been prouder to be an Assemblyman from your House than I am today. With Jacinda Michelakakis as our Queen..." Evander found his throat tightening up.

  "She is truly a remarkable woman, isn't she?"

  "She is, Majesty. The ancestors have truly blessed our House."

  "I believe they have, Evander. I truly believe they have."

  ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞

  As the night proceeded, Jotham watched as every man was vying to dance with Jacinda. After Danton it had been Barek, then Evander, and then William. When Yusuf stepped forward though, Jotham had had enough. There was no way he was letting that man touch his Jacinda.

  "Pardons, Yusuf, but I find my patience has run out with others dancing with my Queen. I'm sure you understand." And with that Jotham whisked Jacinda onto the floor for one of the last dances of the night."

  "Thank you for saving me. I wasn't sure how to politely tell him to fuck off."

  Jotham found himself laughing. "Maybe I should have waited a few minutes longer for I would have liked to see Yusuf's expression when you told him where to go."

  "But that wouldn't have helped much with inter-house relations."

  "I don't care. The little foabhor needs put in his place." Jotham suddenly realized how late it was. "Are you ready to retire for the night?"

  "More than," she told him.

  "Then let me tell Barek we are leaving and retire. I feel the need to make love to my Queen."

  ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞

  "I haven't seen the Pajaris, have you?" Barek asked Danton quietly as they stood togetherin the back of the room watching thier parents dance.

  "They left shortly after you arrived at the Ball," Danton replied just as quietly. "Adelaide was becoming quite vocal in her disapproval of the future Queen."

  "Really?"

  "Yes."

  "And they didn't return?" Barek asked.

  "No," responded Danton.

  "Madame Pajari did." The quiet statement coming from behind them had both men turning to find Stephanie standing in the shadows.

  "What?" Barek asked.

  "Madame Pajari returned," Stephanie told him, "but she has yet to offer her congratulations to the Royal couple. Instead, she is remaining along the outer edges. Watching."

  "She could be a threat Stephanie," Danton told her.

  "To the King?" Stephanie questioned.

  "To Mom," Danton told her and saw her eyes widen.

  ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞

  Jacinda smiled as Jotham led her back to Danton and Barek, people parting as they passed. This night had been magical. All her worries had been for nothing.

  "NO! I will not allow this!" Suddenly, Adelaide Pajari appeared out of nowhere shoving her way through the crowd, pulling out the restraints that once held her hair, as she lunged at Jacinda.

  "No!" Jotham yelled stepping in front of Jacinda, willing to take the strike if it saved his Jacinda when they were both thrown to the floor.

  ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞

  Jacinda suddenly found herself flat on her back on the hard, cold floor, her breath driven from her as Jotham landed on top of her. She heard the shouts and screams that filled the room, but her only concern was for Jotham, who wasn't moving on top of her.

  "Jotham!" She grabbed his shoulders shaking him. "Jotham!"

  "I'm fine," he groaned rolling to the side so he was on his knees facing her. "Are you?" His eyes frantically ran over her searching for any sign of injury.

  "I'm fine. I just had the wind knocked out of me for a minute." Her eyes in turn ran over him. "Are you sure you're okay?"

  "I am. A guard pushed me out of the way." Rising, he helped her to her feet. He couldn't believe how close he'd come to losing her, right here in a room filled with guards. Wrapping his arms around her, he pulled her close and felt the tremors that ran through her as she wrapped hers around his waist.

  "Jacinda?" Leaning back slightly, he looked down at her taking in the paleness of her skin.

  "I'm fine, just hold me." Jacinda soaked up the comfort Jotham's arms offered and thanked the ancestors he was safe. "I can't believe Adelaide would do something like that."

  Jotham looked through the guards that had encircled them and saw that Adelaide was currently being restrained by Green and his men.

  "Get her out of here, Lieutenant. I'll deal with her later."

  "Mom!"

  "Danton, I'm fine." The fear in Danton's call had Jacinda's eyes searching for her son through the guards, but she couldn't find him.

  "Mom, you need to get over here! NOW!"

  Jacinda suddenly realized the fear in her son's voice wasn't for her and Jacinda's heart stopped. She was immediately out of Jotham's arms and pushing her way through the guards encircling them. "Move!" she ordered and when they finally did, Jacinda froze.

  Lying there surrounded by Nicholas, Peter, and Danton, who were on their knees, lay Stephanie. The two metal spears from Adelaide's hair protruded from her back and her jacket was soaked with blood as she struggled to breath.

  "Stephanie!" Jacinda's heart-wrenching cry tore through the clamor-filled room and had everyone quieting.

  Jacinda was immediately on her knees next to her daughter, uncaring about the blood or protocol. "Stephie, baby, it's Mom. Talk to me, baby." Tears streamed down Jacinda's face, as her hands fluttered over her daughter not sure where to touch. Finally, she gripped the pale hand that rose toward her.

  "Mom?" Stephanie's eyes fluttered open for a moment searching for her.

  "I'm here, baby. I'm here." Jacinda lowered her head to the floor making it easier for Stephanie to see her.

  "You're okay?" Stephanie whispered.

  "I'm fine."

  "King Jotham?"

  "I'm fine too, Stephanie." Jotham was on his knees next to Jacinda. "Thanks to you, we both are."

  A weak smile appeared for a moment on Stephanie's lips before it faded. "I told you, Mom," she whispered weakly. "I told you I needed to be here."

  "You did, baby." Jacinda refused to let her voice wobble even as tea
rs streamed down her face. She needed to be strong for her daughter. "And you were right. Now I'm going to tell you and you are going believe what I tell you. You are going to be just fine. The doctor is on his way and he's going to take care of you. Do you hear me, Stephanie?!! You are going to survive this!"

  "It's alright, Mom." She squeezed her mother's hand weakly. "Don't cry. I'm not afraid of dying."

  "Stephanie Anne Michelakakis, you will not talk that way! Do you hear me? You are not going to die! I forbid it!"

  "Spoken like a true Queen..." and with those words, Stephanie's entire body seemed to go lax.

  "Stephanie!" Jacinda screamed.

  ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞

  Jotham watched helplessly as Jacinda paced the room, her beautiful gown was now bloodied and torn, but she'd refused to leave her child. Stephanie had been in surgery for hours now. Dr. Bliant had rushed her in the moment he'd seen her and they'd heard nothing since.

  Everyone had been in to check on them. Evander and Evadne. Peter and Cyndy. Cassandra and William. But they'd had nothing to tell them. Danton had been on his comm nonstop talking to his brother and aunt, keeping them updated on what had happened while Barek was in constant communication with Green, who was interrogating Adelaide. Rising, Jotham stepped into Jacinda's path and wrapped his arms around her, stilling her.

  "Jacinda, you need to sit for a while. You will do Stephanie no good if you collapse from exhaustion."

  "I..."

  "Mom, Jotham's right," Danton added his voice to Jotham's as he disconnected his comm, exhaustion and worry written all over his face. "Sit, if only for a few minutes. Please, for me."

  Finally, she nodded and let Jotham lead her over to the chair next to Danton. The minute she sat she took Danton's hand.

  "She's going to be okay, Mom. You know how stubborn Stephie is."

  "I do," she squeezed his hand. "She used to work so hard to keep up with you and Ethan."

  "We gave her such a hard time."

  "You did, but she wouldn't have had it any other way. She loved every minute of it, just as she loves you."