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LIGHT STREAMED THROUGH the massive arched windows where Queen Samorn stood staring out at the grounds of her council chambers. Her hands tightened at the crowd of reporters clustered behind the force barriers, their camera drones hovering above them, clearly visible even at this distance. At least they could not see in through the security film on the windows of her office. This should never have been the remotest possibility of happening.
Trapped inside her own domain. Confined and watched.
Samorn had no issues with being the centre of attention—when she controlled the play. She spun, the red silk of her gown flaring out, and stalked back to her desk reference the fourth book and copy descriptions. She should have been the one in control of the narrative, not her councillors, and certainly not the fawning, greed obsessed reporters out there.
“Sword,” she flicked her finger back at the windows, “ensure you record the details of everyone out there. They will regret questioning me.”
As you wish, the indigo glowing Tavashan inclined their head.
Samorn drummed her fingers on her desk as she stared at her terminal display. The words blurred together, her mind unable to focus, her thoughts shifting to thoughts of her daughter. Isra wasn’t ready yet. No, refusing to returning the Seven Temples of the Eternities showed that. She clenched her hand. She had been right to order Isra to safety. Her child was still so young. Still so strong-headed and hadn’t weathered enough, not yet.
Your majesty, the Shield interrupted her. One of your royal physician’s is here to see you.
Samorn straightened, all emotions under control, just as she wrapped the visage of a calm and assured ruler around herself. No one but her Tavashan bodyguards would know anything was wrong. She waved at the door in acknowledgement.
One of the two large doors into her office swung open 4th book! and a woman with neat clothes and brown hair swept back into a tight bun hesitantly entered the room. Her heels clicked across the expanse of the marble floor to Samorn’s desk. The woman wiped her hands on her slim skirt before she bowed low.
“Greetings to your majesty.” The physician remained with their head bowed.
“Rise.”
The physician straightened up, her eyes darting up to meet hers before she averted them.
Samorn curbed the urge to tap her foot. “I assume my council sent you here. I have no need of your services, as I have told your previous colleagues.”
The Sword and Shield flanked her, the light from their plasma bodies spilling over her shoulders and gleaming on the silk of her gown.
“Forgive me, your majesty, for my intrusion. I would never wish to go against your commands or for what is the best for the Rhaslok Empire.”
Samorn arched a brow.
The physician licked her lips and glanced down at the marble floor before taking a deep breath. “I don’t mean to overstep my bounds, but I am your physician before I am the Councils. I know you have refused to undergo the tests that people have been demanding of you. How dare they subject you to such indignities?” She raised her head and glared out of the windows over Samorn’s shoulder.
Should we throw this one out, too? the Sword sent privately to her.
Samorn reclined in her chair with a faint shake of her head. “Your name?”
The woman blinked and pink flushed her cheeks. “Doctor Jocelyn Laxarn, your majesty.” She bowed again.
Ahh, she is Admiral Laxarn’s wife. He has always demonstrated loyalty to the Crown, the Shield sent.
Samorn gave no indication of listening to them. Her eyes remained fixed on the physician, studying her.
Admiral Laxarn is Commander Nightwyn’s superior, the Sword chimed in. There is a possibility that Jocelyn knows something more about Kara than she should, if her husband has been indiscreet.
“Doctor Laxarn, you are quite right. I have no need of these invasive and insulting tests. Yet if you understand this, why are you here?”
“I’m here to help,” Doctor Laxarn raised her chin. “You can rely on me. If there’s anything you need, I will assist you.” Her eyes darted to the doors. “I know the Council has all but confined your majesty to your chambers here at the council and aren’t letting you even return to the Onyx Palace.” She bit her lip and rubbed her palms on her thighs. “They are trying to cut you off in here. I’m worried that the Council might be fanning this unrest to take power from you, permanently,” Laxarn glared, her voice rising, “and that’s not right. You are our queen. It’s traitorous for them to even think of weakening your power.” She clamped her mouth shut, her eyes widening.
Samorn barely contained the burst of anger that surged within her. The Empire was hers, not the councillors, not the rabble outside—hers. She narrowed her eyes. This doctor was different from the others. “Continue.”
Laxarn eyes darted around the room. “Even if what the news is saying is right, if what the Council is investigating goes anywhere, what’s the big deal with you having optimised the royal family’s genetics? You’re the leader of our nation, and Princess Isra is our future. Shouldn’t you have that right?”
Samorn tipped her head to the side, assessing the woman standing in front of her. How interesting. It was rare for her to be surprised by anyone.
“Not that I’m saying you’ve ever done anything like it,” Doctor Laxarn rushed out. “But even if you had, you’re the queen. Who are we to question you? Even if those rumours of a bio-cyber are true.” She bit her lip again.
We detect no deceit from her, the Sword sent.
Samorn rose and glided to the group of plush couches arranged artfully around an ornate coffee-table. “Come, be seated.”
Doctor Laxarn stumbled as she rushed over and perched on the edge of a couch. “You honour me too much, your majesty.”
Samorn waved that off. “Now, why don’t you tell me what help you can provide?”
Doctor Laxarn nodded. “The Council won’t give up on the tests, but I can make sure that you remain in control of whatever the results would show.”
“Are you saying I have something to hide?” Samorn clasped her hands together and stared the younger woman down.
“No, no. Of course not! But this is still your genetic code we are discussing. It would be dangerous for you if it became public, even a small part of it. Your enemies could use it against you, or even Princess Isra. As your loyal subject, I could never countenance this. My husband has dedicated his life to serve you as the Admiral of your Jade Fleet. How could I do anything less than protect your person?”
The doors to her office opened with no warning and Speaker Badal strode in, a gaggle of aides following behind him.
The Sword and Shield swept forward, blocking Badal’s disrespectful approach.
“Out of the way, I am here on official business.” Badal glared at them and pulled his official robes of office closer to his body. Neither even twitched.
“What is with this most discourteous interruption, Badal?” Samorn turned an icy stare on him.
His jaw worked, but he briefly bowed. “My apologies, your majesty. The matter grows more urgent and unrest grows the longer you delay in cooperating with the needed tests.” He spread his hands. “The sooner you do, the sooner confidence in your reign can be restored. I’m sure you understand the gravity of the situation and wish nothing more than to reassure your populace.”
“Yes, you did a fine job of that during your little press conference.” Badal at least had the grace to flush, but he’d already done the damage. Doctor Laxarn was correct; the councillors had leapt on this situation and fanned the flames. If not for his statements, this would not have blown up.
“Your majesty, I am the Speaker of the Council. I can hardly remain silent on such an explosive accusation. If you would cooperate with your physicians,” he gestured to Doctor Laxarn—who had remained silent and wide-eyed through this all—before continuing, “this would be resolved very quickly.”
“You seem very focused on us.” Samorn cocked her head. “Have you stopped to think that the security stream from Gaklun Two may have been fabricated?”
Badal opened his mouth, but she held up her hand, her eyes hard. “Enough. I am your queen. Find out where it came from. You are dismissed.”