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"Sir, we have an incoming comm from Nuga."
"Let's hear it," Captain Lucas Zafar ordered.
"This is Captain Burk at Mining Station One on Nuga, reaching out on an open line for assistance from any Coalition ship in the area."
"This is Captain Zafar of the Guardian, Captain Burk," Lucas responded. "We understand your situation and are currently en route. What's your status?"
"Captain, we are currently at Attack Level Two." Burk knew Zafar would understand that meant that while they were no longer currently under attack, hostiles could still be in the area.
"Understood. Are all primary targets secure?" Lucas asked.
"Yes, all structures are sound, minimal damage or loss of life."
"Good." That relieved a great deal of press for Lucas. "Immediate needs once we arrive?"
"Only standard procedures for attacks like this." Lucas heard a muffled voice demanding something. When Burk spoke again, he sounded disgruntled. "I would also request to be informed of what ships you find upon your arrival."
Lucas frowned, why would Burke want to know that? Suddenly he realized it wasn't Burke, it was Ethan. Ethan who was new to the ways of Royalty was concerned about their escort.
"I can do that. I'll contact you again once we're in orbit. Guardian out." Lucas disconnected and immediately entered a code on a secure line. Leaning back in his chair, he waited.
"What have you got, Captain?"
"High Admiral, we have reestablished communication with Nuga on an unsecured line. The Regulians have broken off their attack. Unknown why. Our long-range scans reveal two Regulian ships heading for the Relinquished Zone at a high rate of speed. If we alter course, we can intercept."
"No. The Fleet can do that. Proceed to Nuga and secure it," the High Admiral ordered.
"Yes, High Admiral. Captain Burk informed me that all primary structures were sound with minimal damage or loss of life."
"Good." The High Admiral tone was clipped. "How long until you arrive?"
"We're two hours out."
"Two hours?" The High Admiral didn't need to expand his question more than that for Lucas to understand.
"We're testing the actual rather than theoretical limits of the cyclotron propulsion system," Lucas informed him.
"And?" The excitement in the High Admiral's voice was easily heard.
"She's extremely fast, even faster than tests predicted. It has cut our en route time by a third."
"There have been no ramifications?"
"None. Every system is running well within normal parameters."
"That's good to know. Any other ships show up on your scan?"
Again Lucas knew what his father was asking without saying it. "There were no other contacts, High Admiral. Burke asked about that too, I believe at Prince Ethan's request. I informed him we'd check upon our arrival."
"Understood," the High Admiral said, the loss of those men weighing heavily on him. Contact me when you've recovered Prince Ethan and his remaining detail."
"I will. Will you be informing King Jotham?"
"Once the Prince is secure, I will notify his Commander." With that, the High Admiral ended the comm.
∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞
Stephanie stood in the garage as the limisins carrying her nephews and sister-in-law arrived at the Palace. She closed her eyes for a moment knowing she needed to focus. Otherwise, her family would know something was wrong.
The forced smile on her face became more natural as her nephews exploded out of the limisin, Kasmira calling after them in exasperation.
"Boys! What have I told you?" But the boys just ignored her and ran toward Stephanie.
"Hi, guys." She leaned down to hug each of them before straightening to give one to Kasmira who had caught up.
"I swear." Kasmira returned Stephanie's hug before looking down at her sons. "When your father gets home, we're going to sit down and have another long talk about how you two act in the Palace."
Stephanie's stomach clenched at Kasmira's words, but her expression didn't change. "They're just being boys, Kasmira."
"Boys who don't listen to their mother," she complained.
"Well, we can't have that. Shall we have Turk take them down to the detention cells until they learn their lesson?"
"What?" Eliron asked, paling. "There are d... detention cells in the Palace?"
"Of course, where else did you think we put those that cause trouble in the Palace?" Stephanie asked blandly.
"But... but..." Roland stuttered. "We're..."
"Even Princes have to listen to their mother," Stephanie told them.
"Really?" Eliron asked.
"Really, just ask Prince Barek."
"We will."
"Until then, what do you say to your mother?" Stephanie encouraged.
"We're sorry, Mom." They turned to face her as they spoke.
"You're forgiven. This time. But your father will still be talking to you."
"Yes, Mom."
"Well now that's all settled, shall we go see your grandma?" Stephanie asked. "I'm sure she'll have some snacks waiting for you in the garden. Turk and Landon, if you'll accompany us, the rest of your men can go off duty until further notice."
"Yes, Commander."
The boys behaved perfectly as they walked the corridors of the Palace, the aura of the place obviously still impressing them. If Stephanie were honest, there were times it still impressed her. She nodded to the men standing guard at the doors of the King's Wing, and they opened them.
"Can we stop in and see King Jotham?" Roland asked. The King had shown them his office the last time they were visiting and said they were always welcome to stop by.
"Not today, Roland," Stephanie told him. "The King is in a meeting, and Grandma is waiting. But you'll see the King tonight at last meal."
"Oh, okay."
Stephanie noted the guards that were placed at discrete intervals as they continued on to the King's private rooms. They were there on the off chance a threat was ever able to get this far while giving the Royal Family a sense of freedom within the Wing. Only in a Royal’s private rooms would they be completely alone.
"Wait here," Stephanie ordered Turk and Landon when they reached the doors to the King's private rooms. Then without knocking, opened them and gestured her family through.
"Eliron! Roland!" Jacinda's happiness was easily heard as her grandsons ran into her arms. "Oh, I've missed you." Looking up, she gave her daughter-in-law a sheepish smile. "You too, Kasmira."
Kasmira just laughed. "I know, Jacinda, although I have to admit I was surprised by the sudden invitation."
"As was I. Jotham only said he wanted the family to have last meal together tonight. Would you know anything about that, Stephanie?" Jacinda asked her daughter.
"I only know what you do about the meal, Mom," she told her skimming around the truth.
Jacinda's eyebrows drew together slightly. She'd been involved with politics for too long to not catch the little nuances of things not said. But she wouldn't question her daughter further right now, not with her grandchildren present.
"Well then, I guess we'll just have to wait until last meal to find out. Boys, there are fudge chip wafers out in the garden if you'd like some."
"Wafers!" they exclaimed and ran for the garden.
"Boys!" Kasmira yelled after them then muttered. "The detention cells are sounding better and better."
"As if my grandchildren could ever deserve the detention cells," Jacinda told them righteously. "And by the way, how did you ever hear about those?"
Kasmira was more than willing to throw Stephanie under the transport and pointed to her sister-in-law.
"Stephanie!" Jacinda looked to her in shock.
"Oh, as if you and Dad never threatened us with the cells growing up," Stephanie reminded her.
"I did," Jacinda admitted, "but these are my grandchildren!"
"So you're saying there's a different set of rules for grandchildren?" Stephanie raised an eyebrow at her mother.
"Of course there is," Jacinda said it as if everyone knew that.
"If you say so, Mom. Look, I have to go. I'll see you both tonight at last meal." Nodding to Kasmira, she kissed her mother's cheek then left. Turk and Landon fell into step beside her as she started down the corridor.
"I want you two to get some much-deserved downtime while you can. Kasmira and the boys won't be leaving the King's Wing anytime soon." Landon and Turk looked at each other but said nothing. "Things might get dicey here later. If it does, I'm going to need to heavily rely on you two."
"You can count on us, Commander," they told her.
"I know, and thank you." She nodded to the guards as they opened the exterior doors. They didn't speak again until they reached the Guard Wing. "Go settle in. I'll notify you through your earpiece if you're needed."
"Yes, Commander," they both replied.
She paused as she passed the open door of the Captains’ Office. "Nick, have you got a minute?"
Nick looked up from the report he'd been reading. "Of course, Commander." Rising, he followed her into her office. She closed the door behind him.
Stephanie ran an agitated hand through her hair as she sat in one of the two chairs in front of her desk.
"What's wrong?" Sitting down he leaned forward taking her hands in his. "Ethan?"
"No," she told him. "There have been no updates, but it does relate to him."
"Okay." He knew she'd tell him when she was ready.
"I realize the meal tonight is supposed to be for the family, but..."
"But you would prefer I not be there," he finished for her.
"It's not that I prefer it, but when I... we announce our relationship, I want all my family there."
"Alright," Nick agreed.
"I want it to be remembered as a joyous occasion. But if Ethan's dead..." her voice broke and after taking a shuttering breath forced herself to finish. "If Ethan's dead then I'm going to have to lean on you, on all my Captains, because I'm not sure how I'm going to handle it."
"You will handle it as you handle everything," he gave her hands a reassuring squeeze. "With strength and grace. And every member of both Guards will be there to support you."
Stephanie didn't try to fight the tears that filled her eyes at his unquestioning support and understanding. This was Nick, her life mate, and he understood her better than anyone ever had. "What are we going to do, Nick, if... it will devastate Mom."
"Just like it did when she thought she'd lost you. But she didn't, Stephanie, and the ancestors willing, she hasn't lost Ethan either."
"This not knowing is killing me," she admitted.
"Which is why Jotham didn't want Jacinda informed," Nick told her.
"And he'll regret that," she told him.
"You think it was wrong of him?"
"You don't?" She pulled her hands from his.
"He is just trying to spare her from what you're going through right now," Nick said trying to soothe her.
"That might be what he thinks, but what he's actually doing is withholding important information from her about one of her children. Imagine how Jotham would react if someone didn't tell him when Barek was in danger."
Nick didn't have to imagine. He'd been there when Jotham had learned his son was alive and the High Admiral hadn't told him.
"I see you understand." She saw it in his expression. "Well, however Jotham reacted, my mother's reaction will be something for the history books. No one, King or not, keeps vital information from her when it comes to her children. Good or bad."
Nick thought about how Jacinda had been able to shove her way through his top guards to get to Stephanie when she'd been injured. She'd been fierce, driven, and unstoppable. She'd be no different with one of her sons. Jotham may have misjudged this time.
"Why didn't you tell Jotham this?" he asked
"Would any other commander?" she demanded, surging to her feet.
"Well no, but..." He watched her start to pace.
"We both know the fine line I have to walk with Jotham's and my relationship, Nick. The personal can't bleed into the professional and vice versa."
"But in this situation..."
"You mean the first one where there's a conflict because it's family?" She stopped pacing to ask him. "The one that will set the tone for how we handle it in the future?"
Nick was silent for a moment then sighed. "I see what you mean."
"Jotham is going to have to learn this lesson for himself. I just hope Mom will forgive me."
"She will." He rose and pulled her into his arms. "You're her daughter. She loves you."
"She does, but she will still be upset that I knew and didn't tell her." She wrapped her arms around his waist and leaned against him.
"She'll understand you were doing your job."
"Family always trumps job or duty," she whispered. "That's how my mom will see it."
Nick knew there was nothing he could say to that. Instead he kissed the top of her head.
"Well, I guess we should get back to work." She stepped away from him and moved around her desk. "The first trainees should arrive by the end of the week with the remainder arriving before classes begin. Peter Chamberlain and his family will be arriving in three days along with a contingency of House of Knowledge Royal Guards. They will all be staying in the Royal Wing. "
"Alright." Nick already knew this but let her talk.
"You need to be made aware that some of their Guard may patrol the walls along with ours," she told him as she sat down.
"What?!" He hadn't known that.
"Jotham gave his permission," Stephanie informed him.
"Chandra is going to be enraged," he told her.
"Which is why I'm going to go talk to him, to make sure he knows it's not a reflection on his or our Guards’ ability." She wasn't looking forward to it but it needed to be down.
"That's exactly how he'll see it." Nick nodded his agreement.
"He'll just have to get over it. Also, Director Metaxas and his wife will be arriving in a few days."
"Your aunt and uncle, Jacinda's sister?"
"Yes, and while they will be staying with Danton at his home, they will be in and out of the Palace a great deal. I've informed Archer that he and his men will have to cover security for them as well as Danton."
"I'll make sure my men are aware of it too."
"Good." She pushed back from her desk and stood. "Well, I suppose I should go break the good news to Chandra."
"I don't envy you that, Commander." Nick stood as she did, but stopped her before she could open the door. Wrapping his arms around her, he pulled her close. "I'm here for you, and will do whatever you need me to, no matter what we find out about Ethan."
"I know." Stretching up, she pressed her lips to his and whispered. "Thank you."
∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞
"You can't be serious," Chandra hissed quietly.
"I assure you I am, Captain," Stephanie told him.
"It's an insult to every guard in the House of Protection," Chandra told her.
"No, it's not." She tried to placate him. "Every Royal attending the Union will be bringing their own Guard with them. This is no different."
"It is because those Guards won't be on our walls!" Chandra nearly shouted.
Stephanie sighed. She'd hoped Chandra would react better but knew if it were reversed, she wouldn't.
"This is not a reflection of the King's confidence in you or your men, Chandra, but it's a known fact that we are stretched to the breaking point. Captain Chamberlain being here will assist us with that. The least we can do is make sure his family is as fully protected as possible. Especially as they are Queen Cassandra's family. If allowing a few of their Guard to walk our walls does that, then so be it."
Chandra's jaw clenched, but he managed to get out. "Yes, Commander."
"Good. I will make sure you can review their files and are personally introduced to the guards before any are allowed on our walls."
That seemed to appease Chandra somewhat, and his jaw unclenched. "Thank you, Commander."
Stephanie paused as she left Chandra's office. She needed some time and some space, and since it had taken her nearly thirty minutes to cross the Public Area, she knew she wouldn't find it that way. So she turned the other way and used one of the doors purposely not on any plans. It opened out into one of the lesser-used areas of the Public Gardens.
While she stepped over several plants and on to the empty path, the door closed seamlessly into the wall behind her. Pausing, she let herself take in the pure beauty surrounding her. Insects quietly buzzed from flower to flower while birds sang in the trees. Proof that the world was still the same as it had been when she woke up this morning. Would it still be that way when she went to bed tonight?
Ancestors, she hoped so.
Tipping her face up to the suns, she soaked up their warmth and let it comfort her. No matter what happened in the next few hours, they would go on. Maybe not as they had in the past, but go on they would. Just as they had after her father had died. Just as her parents had after their parents had passed on.
Life was a journey. It wasn't always pretty or easy, but one had to travel it until it was done... and hers wasn't. So it was time to get back to it.
As she moved along the winding paths, she took the time to either nod to or stop and speak with those she met. She knew she'd never get used to the awe she saw in some of their eyes, but there was nothing she could do about that, so she chose to ignore it.
When she finally reached the other side of the garden, and after making sure no one was watching, she moved through another hidden door. This one led to the open area where her quarters were. Once through, she lengthened her stride and headed for the door outside the Guard Wing.
∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞
The delicious family meal Safford had prepared on such short notice was tasteless on Stephanie's tongue. Still, she forced herself to choke it down and smile while she did it. Danton and Barek had arrived shortly before the meal, neither being informed of why they'd been told to appear. Looking at Danton, she could tell that while he was curious, he wasn't overly concerned. Barek was a different story. While he didn't say anything, his assessing gaze told Stephanie he knew something had happened. Just as the Torta was brought out and the boys started arguing about who got the first piece, Stephanie's comm went off.
After carefully wiping her mouth, Stephanie set down her napkin and rose. "Excuse me. I need to take this."
"I'll show you where my secure comm is," Jotham said rising with her, which had Barek's eyebrows shooting up. "We'll just be a moment, my love."
"Alright," Jacinda said, tipping her face up to meet his kiss. "I'll try and save you two a piece of Torta, but no promises."
"Hopefully we won't be long," Jotham murmured.
Stephanie said nothing, just let her gaze travel around the table. It came to rest on Kasmira and the boys happily eating their slices of Fudge Torta. Hopefully, they would remain that way.
Danton frowned as Jotham and Stephanie walked away. He'd caught how his sister's gaze had lingered on Kasmira and the boys and had caught the hint of sorrow that momentarily filled her expression before it was gone. He looked to Barek and could tell he'd seen it too. What the fuck was going on? This wasn't some regular comm. It somehow involved his family but how and why would Stephanie's gaze have lingered on Ethan's family?
∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞
Jotham entered the code that would allow Stephanie to use his comm then stepped back. This was something he was still getting used to; not being the first one contacted when it came to the security of the Royal Family. Before, William had always contacted Jotham directly when Barek was in danger because Barek had been in the Coalition and William was his second father. But now, with Barek out of the Coalition and the reinstated position of Commander, he would be treated just as every other King or Queen was. He wasn't sure he liked that.
Stephanie entered her code, the waiting transmission opened, and the High Commander's face filled the screen.
"Commander Michelakakis, the Guardian has arrived at Nuga and recovered Prince Ethan."
"Recovered?" Stephanie questioned barely keeping the quiver out of her voice.
"Yes, he and his detail are in medical and being examined as we speak, but I was assured there were no life-threatening injuries."
"Thank the Ancestors," Stephanie breathed before collecting herself to say. "Thank you, High Admiral."
"No thanks necessary, Commander. It was your brother and those he put in charge of repairing the mines of Nuga that deserve your thanks. It saved them and the vast majority of the population of Nuga. Otherwise..." He didn't have to finish for both Stephanie and Jotham to understand.
"Prince Ethan's family is going to want to see and speak with him, High Admiral. When will that be possible?" Stephanie asked.
"I'll contact the Guardian and give them your comm code, Commander. Prince Ethan will contact you as soon as he's able."
"Thank you, High Admiral."
"Commander. King Jotham." The High Admiral nodded his head slightly then ended the comm.
The band that had been tightening around Stephanie's chest ever since she'd learned of the attack disappeared with the knowledge that her brother was alive.
"This is wonderful news," Jotham said smiling. "Let’s go share it with the family."
And just that quickly, the band began tightening again. Jotham didn't seem to think he'd done anything wrong withholding this information from the family. He was about to discover his mistake. She just hoped he learned from it, and that her mother didn't stay angry at her for too long.